Behind Her Empire

Jenny Lei is the founder of Freja, the cult-favorite vegan handbag brand that you've probably seen on Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker, and all over your feed.But here's what you might not know. Jenny started Freja with no fashion background, no design experience, and no investors. She funded it herself with money she made from a dropshipping business she built after Googling "how to make money fast online" because she had to pay for her life living in NYC. She launched a work bag brand out of her New Jersey apartment in February 2020, weeks before the entire world stopped going to the office. She signed up two thousand people to an email list, sent her launch email, and didn't get a single sale. And she was doing all of it on a visa, with a clock ticking on whether she'd even get to stay in the country. Today, Freja is a multi-million dollar brand and one of the most talked-about names in the space.In this episode, Jenny gets really honest about the slow years nobody talks about, why she believes growing too fast can actually be a curse, and the moment she broke down crying in an airport because she'd been holding the entire business together by herself, with no systems underneath her. We talk about the difference between selling products and creating a brand, how intuition is built through failure, and learning to separate who you are from the company you create. She also opens up about burnout, the systems and team she built behind Freja, and what it was like to step into the spotlight after years of hiding. If you're in one of those quiet, slow seasons right now — doing everything right, waiting for it to pay off — this is the conversation you need to hear.In this episode, we’ll talk to Jenny about:* Why growth should be measured by learning, not just revenue. [02:37]* The downside of growing too fast without understanding why it worked. [03:58]* Growing up with curiosity and the freedom to explore new interests. [04:05]* Navigating identity after moving between China and the United States. [06:00]* How a vegan Instagram account became an early entrepreneurial venture. [06:58]* Separating personal identity from the business you build. [09:08]* Why the business should work for you—not the other way around. [10:00]* From Cornell graduate to Googling how to make money online. [13:55]* Learning the fundamentals of online selling through dropshipping. [15:22]* The difference between selling products and building a brand. [17:05]* Creating Freja after failing to find the perfect work bag. [19:25]* Using naive optimism to design a product without a fashion background. [20:25]* Launching just before the pandemic and facing an immediate setback. [24:25]* Why volume, consistency, and paid ads fueled early growth. [26:02]* The gradual rise of Freja and the success of the Chrystie collection. [27:58]* Reaching a turning point and finally viewing the company as a real business. [29:07]* Burnout, team growth, and learning how to build systems at scale. [31:17]* The marketing channels that mattered most from startup to scale. [35:23]* Stepping into the founder spotlight and sharing the story behind the brand. [37:48]* How journaling became the most impactful business tool. [42:33]* Using ChatGPT and the Socratic method for better decision-making. [44:12]* Moving to London, evolving as a designer, and reimagining the future of Freja. [45:51]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Jenny:* Website: https://frejanyc.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frejanyc/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyyleiii/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by my co-founder of Beeya Wellness, Kaya Purohit, and together we're sitting down with Dr. Tanda Cook and Dr. Katie Collier. If you've been around the show, you already know them. This is their fourth time on the podcast, and there's a reason we keep bringing them back. They're naturopathic doctors who work with women every single day on the stuff most doctors miss. The fatigue that won't quit. The brain fog. The weird rashes. The gut that's been off for years. And the lab work that keeps coming back "normal" while you feel anything but. They have this gift for taking what feels confusing in your body and making it actually make sense.In this episode, we're talking about autoimmune. Because 80% of autoimmune cases belong to women, and what Tanda and Katie share is genuinely hopeful. They break down what's really happening when your body feels off, the early signals that are easy to miss, why so many women spend years bouncing between doctors before anyone connects the dots, and the simple, doable things that actually move the needle. So if you've ever felt like something is off and you just want someone to explain it in a way that feels human, this conversation is for you. This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Dr. Tanda:* Website: https://drtandacook.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtandacook/Follow Dr. Katie:* Website: https://drkatiecollier.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkatiecollier/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, we’re re-airing one of our top episodes with Monique Rodriguez, the founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, an all natural hair care and beauty brand. Monique created Mielle Organics’ first product in her kitchen. Now, the brand has products in over 85 countries – and still pursues the same vision it did from when it operated out of Monique’s kitchen, with the same values.Monique worked as a registered nurse for almost a decade. She pursued nursing initially to please her mother and secure a financially stable career. As a wife and mother of two girls, it was a big risk to leave her stable career path to pursue her passion. Yet she always had a love of beauty and haircare, and once she saw the engagement of her online community with the products she was creating in the kitchen, she decided to bet on herself and launch her own product, and that’s when Mielle Organics was born.In 2021, Monique became the first Black woman to raise a non-controlling nine-figure investment, over $100M, in a deal with Berkshire Partners. In 2023, Monique made history again when Mielle Organics was acquired by Procter & Gamble in an unprecedented acquisition, the largest exit ever for a Black Female beauty founder, in which she will continue to serve as CEO of the company. As part of her deal with P&G, she also established Mielle Cares, the non-profit arm of her company, with a $10M donation that was matched by P&G. In this week’s episode we discuss the many business ventures Monique tried that didn’t work out, why she decided to pursue her nursing career and the biggest skills she learned there that have propelled her when starting her own business. We also chat about her process of building a passionate community through social media, how that helped her create product market fit for her product, and the steps she took to find a chemist to work on her first batch that ended up selling out. Monique also ends on sharing insights on manifesting success, the exact steps she took to bring her ideas to life, her advice on navigating challenging situations both personally and professionally, and so much more. In this episode, we'll talk to Monique about:* Confronting fears and building self-belief. [04:06]* Strong women in Monique's upbringing. [07:27]* Leaving her comfort zone. [20:09]* High-risk pregnancy experience in 2013. [22:49]* Funding Mielle's early stages. [31:35]* Starting Mielle at home and the initial orders. [35:24]* Driving Mielle Organics' launch success.[36:41]* Leaving nursing job to focus on Mielle. [37:54]* Manifestation steps and vision importance. [40:41]* Bringing in private equity, alignment with Berkshire. [55:31]* Timeline of P&G acquisition. [58:05]* Journaling and gratitude cultivation. [01:00:26]* Business sale impact on Monique's life. [01:02:33]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIREFollow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Monique:* Website: https://mielleorganics.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mielleorganics/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exquisitemo/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, we’re re-airing one of our top episodes with Joanna Griffiths, the Founder and President of Knix, the innovative direct-to-consumer intimates and apparel brand.The idea for Knix started after she had a conversation with her mom about what women’s bodies undergo as they age especially when it came to post-pregnancy leaks. After doing research on her end and speaking to more women, she realized there was a massive gap in the market. So in 2013, she launched a Kickstarter campaign that placed Knix on the map not only for its intimates but for talking openly about the reality of women’s bodies. A decade later, the womenswear brand has expanded into a variety of categories, including bras, activewear, shapewear, swim, loungewear, and more. Joanna has built Knix into one of the fastest-growing intimate apparel brands globally. In 2022, Joanna decided to sell 80% of her business for $320 million, making it one of the largest exits by a female founder in Canada and one of the most significant sales of a brand by a female founder in US history. In this week’s episode, Joanna talks to us about her incredible journey building Knix, what she learned in her career in media & entertainment, and how it actually helped her disrupt the intimates industry despite having no background. She shares how she pivoted early on from wholesale even though they were doing incredibly well, how they ended up launching as a direct-to-consumer company, and why it was one of the boldest decisions she made. Joanna also opens up about how she dealt with depression even when she had major success with the brand, and the steps she took to manage this difficult time. We talk about how she dealt with difficult investors who didn’t believe she could run a high-growth company being a mom of three, what she did to prove those naysayers wrong, and so much more.  In this episode, we’ll talk to Joanna about:* Being vulnerable and open on social media. [03:21]* The reality in entrepreneurship. [05:22]* Joanna’s coping mechanisms as a founder. [08:57]* Creating momentum in the early stages. [13:25]* Working in a record label, getting an MBA, and shifting passions. [16:49]* The genesis of the Knix idea and testing their first product. [18:38]* The manufacturing processes. [23:14]* Launching Knix on Kickstarter. [25:42]* Joanna’s depression despite the business doing well. [32:38]* Joanna’s fundraising journey. [39:31]* Building confidence and managing negativity. [45:29]* Joanna’s behind-the-scenes in managing her business and motherhood. [46:47]* Selling the company and buying a house for their nanny. [48:37]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Joanna:* Website: https://knix.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knix/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannaknix/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton is the Founder and CEO of Chillhouse, a cult wellness destination that evolved into a category-defining, design-led nail care brand.But the version of Cyndi you see today is not how this story begins. It begins with dropping out of college twice, working nightlife to stay financially stable, starting over in her mid-twenties with unpaid internships, and quietly questioning whether she was actually “good” at anything.When she opened Chillhouse, it wasn’t instant success. It was long hours, tight margins, staffing challenges, seasonality, expansion risks, and the constant pressure of making payroll. She had to learn how to raise money, survive volatility, and pivot when the original business model was not scalable. The breakthrough came when she listened to her customers and launched salon-quality press-on nails, a move that completely transformed the trajectory of the company.In this episode, Cyndi shares what it really takes to rebuild confidence when you feel behind. We talk about the unglamorous realities of running a service-based business, why shiny opportunities can become expensive distractions, how motherhood reshaped the way she leads, and what shifted when Chillhouse entered a new chapter through its acquisition by KISS Beauty Group.If you have ever questioned your path or wondered whether you are capable of building something bigger than you imagined, this conversation is for you.In this episode, we’ll talk to Cyndi about:* Why becoming obsessed is what makes you “good” at something. [01:50]* Growing up around small business hustle — but craving financial stability. [03:41]* Rejecting the traditional 9–5 and carving her own path. [08:14]* Starting over at 25 and taking an unpaid internship to rebuild. [10:57]* Blogging before influencing was mainstream and monetizing early. [15:07]* The desire to build something physical and the birth of Chillhouse. [17:43]* Why the original business model had to evolve. [22:37]* Raising money for the flagship store. [27:49]* Challenging moments Cyndi experienced in the business. [28:31]* The hard lesson of expansion and chasing shiny opportunities. [32:33]* Letting customer behavior guide the pivot to nail care. [34:45]* Testing products before discovering the breakout opportunity. [36:57]* Launching press-ons and creating instant brand recognition. [40:14]* From viral growth to legacy credibility: why today’s virality starts with product performance. [44:27]* Motherhood, infrastructure, and building real support systems. [47:14]* Why exiting her business wasn’t the goal, but the right partnership changed everything. [54:07]* Moving from survival mode to structured, strategic growth. [56:46]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Cyndi: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndiramirez/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chillhouse/* Website: https://chillhouse.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luna Aziz is the founder and CEO of Legendairy Milk, a wellness brand known for its lactation support and holistic products for women navigating motherhood and beyond.But Legendairy Milk didn’t start as a business. It started with Luna as a new mom struggling with chronic low milk supply and asking one question no one could answer: why? So she did the unglamorous work herself. She researched what women across cultures had used for centuries, ground herbs in her kitchen with a coffee grinder, filled capsules by hand using a pill machine from eBay, and tested everything on herself. With just $750 and a newborn, she opened a tiny Etsy shop, expecting maybe one order a month, until a single Facebook post brought in 50 orders overnight and she turned her hobby into a business then.In this episode, Luna shares how curiosity became her unfair advantage, taking her from postpartum survival mode to building a multimillion-dollar, education-first brand now sold at Target, Walmart, and Amazon. We talk about bootstrapping, finding the right manufacturing partners, growing without outside capital, and the burnout that taught her to build a team and protect her health. If you’re waiting to feel ready before you start, Luna’s story is a powerful reminder that curiosity and resourcefulness matter far more than having it all figured out.In this episode, we’ll talk to Luna about:* How her own health struggles sparked curiosity around holistic healing. [02:06]* Luna’s “why” — creating wellness solutions born from lived experience. [04:57]* Luna’s upbringing, cultural influences, and early relationship with wellness. [05:33]* Who Luna was before motherhood and building her brand. [08:14]* Navigating motherhood and the wake-up call that shifted her priorities. [11:37]* The moment Luna realized she wanted to create something of her own. [17:44]* Her experience working in tech and questioning the traditional office path. [21:39]* Navigating motherhood, finances, and building a business from scratch. [24:11]* Finding the right manufacturer and business partner. [26:50]* Working with her husband and him transitioning to Legendairy Milk full-time. [29:18]* How Luna approached growth without chasing traditional startup pressure. [30:48]* How Luna sustained her brand’s position in the market while navigating growth. [33:09]* The process behind ideating and launching the products. [36:40]* The lessons Luna learned about burnout and delegating to grow her brand. [40:30]* Luna’s passion for her brand is deeply personal, fueled by the support of her community. [44:50]* How three years of effort led to Target placement and a major business milestone. [47:12]* Experiencing the gap in postpartum care. [50:05]* Expanding presence in Target, Walmart, and Amazon to reach moms everywhere. [52:39]* Luna’s cautious approach to risk has shaped her business decisions. [55:36]* Advice for women building businesses while caring for themselves. [58:25]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Luna:* Website: https://www.legendairymilk.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendairymilk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, we’re re-airing one of our top episodes with Miranda Kerr, a globally recognized model and the founder & CEO of KORA Organics, a skincare brand known for its commitment to clean, certified organic products.For Miranda, the journey to founding KORA Organics wasn’t just about beauty — it was about healing. After her mother’s cancer diagnosis, she began questioning everything she put in and on her body, eventually realizing there was a gap in the market for truly clean, certified organic skincare that actually worked. Fueled by a personal mission and a vision for something better, she launched KORA Organics in 2009. Today, it’s a global brand available in over 30 countries, but Miranda’s approach remains deeply personal: leading with intention, staying hands-on with every product, and reminding people that real beauty begins with how we care for ourselves from the inside out.In this episode, Miranda shares the pivotal experiences that shaped her — from growing up in a wellness-focused family to how personal loss at a young age taught her resilience, gratitude, and emotional strength. She reflects on lessons from her early modeling career — handling rejection, building confidence, and trusting her inner voice — and how those experiences prepared her for entrepreneurship. Miranda takes us behind the scenes of launching KORA in the U.S., navigating a highly competitive market, and balancing the emotional highs and lows of building a global brand while raising a family. She also shares how mindfulness, presence, and self-care have been foundational to her success — and why prioritizing inner wellbeing remains at the core of her life and business, and so much more. In this episode, we’ll talk to Miranda about:* Miranda’s family approach to wellness. [03:22]* Her mother’s cancer diagnosis. [05:26]* Losing her boyfriend & shifting her life perspective. [11:11]* The importance of expressing love and gratitude daily. [14:32]* Miranda’s early modeling career. [17:45]* Navigating impostor syndrome & building confidence. [20:46]* Lessons in resilience and learning to handle rejection. [23:50]* Miranda’s skincare learnings from her modeling career. [27:45]* Myths around certified organic products. [31:31]* The passion behind building KORA Organics. [32:45] * Launching KORA in the U.S. [36:36]* The challenges of entering the U.S. market. [40:33]* Managing emotional resilience as an entrepreneur. [44:56]* Managing motherhood with entrepreneurship. [47:24]* A behind-the-scenes look at Miranda’s life as a mom. [48:18]* Balancing her yin and yang energy in daily life. [52:24]* The power of mindfulness and being present. [54:04]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Miranda: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirandakerr/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koraorganics/* Website: https://koraorganics.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m so excited to share this week’s episode with you. I joined my friend Carly on her podcast, Care Less with Carly, and wanted to share our conversation here. We talk about the moment I realized my “perfect on paper” finance career wasn’t right for me, and how I navigated the messy, scary transition into entrepreneurship. We also get into my relationship with burnout and perfectionism, how Behind Her Empire truly began, and the early steps that eventually led to building my business beeya. If you’ve ever felt torn between stability and a deeper calling, this episode is for you. That uncomfortable feeling is often the sign that something bigger is ahead. I hope it reminds you that you don’t need every step figured out to begin, and that trusting yourself can be the most powerful choice. I hope you enjoy this one! In this episode, we’ll talk about:* Discovering Yasmin’s early career path and what drew her into finance. [02:15]* Feeling out of place in the corporate world and the moment she knew banking wasn’t for her. [05:51]* Signs of burnout and the pressure to constantly prove herself. [06:44]* Transitioning out of finance and exploring new paths in tech and startups. [08:19]* Why learning from others became Yasmin’s source of clarity and inspiration. [10:10]* Launching Behind Her Empire during the pandemic. [10:33]* Yasmin’s support pillars early on. [15:09]* Facing the fear of judgment and posting publicly for the first time. [16:00]* Why most people aren’t actually paying attention and why that’s freeing. [18:41]* Strengthening the muscle of not caring what others think. [22:05]* How building the podcast helped Yasmin develop boundaries and confidence. [22:33]* Traits shared by the world’s most accomplished women. [23:27]* Learning to enjoy the journey rather than chase the destination. [25:16]* Starting beeya: Yasmin’s health struggles and how her business idea was born. [27:31]* Honoring wellness: why sleep, food, and movement matter. [31:51]* Advice for listeners stuck between a safe career and their creative calling. [33:23]* What Yasmin is dreaming about next and what she hopes to inspire in others. [34:19]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Carly:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlylynn/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carelesswithcarly/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Missy Tannen is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Boll & Branch, the luxury bedding brand that made organic, ethically made sheets a household staple.Missy’s path to entrepreneurship began far from business. After eight years as a third-grade teacher, she stepped away to raise her three daughters, never imagining she would one day build one of the most successful bedding brands in the country. What started as a simple search for better sheets led Missy and her husband, Scott, to uncover an industry lacking transparency. Determined to do better, they learned everything from cotton to supply chains from scratch and launched Boll & Branch in 2014 with a mission to create beautiful, responsibly made bedding at an honest price. What began at their kitchen table has since grown into a $200 million brand, sold at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, with stores expanding nationwide.In this week’s episode, Missy shares her transformation from teacher to entrepreneur, the pivotal moments that shaped Boll & Branch’s early years, and how one unexpected newspaper story changed everything. We get into the scrappy stuff—wiring their savings to a factory they had never visited, making tech packs in PowerPoint, washing fabric samples in her laundry room, and missing a holiday launch after a production disaster. Missy reflects on building their supply chain from the ground up, facing zero-sales days before the brand took off overnight, and learning to balance growth, motherhood, and self-doubt while staying true to her purpose. This conversation is your reminder that you do not need experience or a roadmap to build something extraordinary, only grit, heart, and the courage to keep going.*Note from Yasmin: After five amazing years of weekly episodes, I’m shifting Behind Her Empire to an every-other-week schedule. This new rhythm gives me a bit more space to focus on building my own empire and to bring you even deeper, more intentional episodes. I’m so grateful to have you on this journey and can’t wait to keep sharing powerful stories every other week.In this episode, we’ll talk to Missy about:* Missy’s upbringing and early teaching career. [03:31]* How the idea for Boll & Branch came about. [07:30]* Sourcing ethical cotton and building fair trade supply chains. [15:48]* The process of finding the right partners. [18:22]* The process behind their first PO. [22:44]* Navigating early challenges with her husband and co-founder. [24:24]* The Wall Street Journal feature that changed everything. [33:25]* Balancing rapid growth with personal values. [39:36]* The evolution of Boll & Branch and leading with authenticity. [46:31]* Managing moments of overwhelm while building a business. [49:31]* Overcoming perfectionism in leadership. [53:50]* Navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship. [59:18]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Missy: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bollandbranch/* Website: https://www.bollandbranch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kim Vaccarella is the founder and CEO of Bogg Bag, the durable, washable, and colorful tote designed to carry it all with ease, from beach days to everyday adventures.Kim’s journey to building Bogg Bag was anything but linear. A mom of two with a full-time job, she sketched the idea for a sturdier beach tote after one too many sandy, soggy days at the shore. Turning that sketch into reality meant dipping into her children’s college savings, navigating failed prototypes, and surviving a shipment disaster that nearly sank the company. She pitched the concept to investors, auditioned for Shark Tank four times, and kept going even when the odds looked impossible. For nearly a decade, Kim built Bogg slowly and steadily on the side, determined to protect her vision and move at her own pace. That persistence paid off. Today, Bogg Bag is a thriving $100 million brand carried in major retailers like Nordstrom, Target, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, with millions of bags in the hands of customers across the country.In this week’s episode, Kim gets super detailed about the many ups and downs on bringing this business to life - from the risks she took to place her first big order, the moments she nearly walked away, and the lessons she learned about patience, resilience, and staying true to her path. We talk about the turning points that defined her journey—from manufacturing challenges and early rejections to grassroots growth and viral moments, and the leap of faith she took when she left her 26-year career to focus on Bogg full time. Kim also shares why she ultimately turned down a massive nine figure acquisition offer and what it means to build a business on your own timeline. If you’ve ever doubted your pace or questioned your path, Kim’s story proves that slow growth can be just as powerful.In this episode, we’ll talk to Kim about:* Why slow and steady growth builds sustainable businesses. [02:27]* Kim’s early drive for financial independence. [07:31]* How a beach day sparked the idea for Bogg Bag. [10:14]* Early prototypes and industry rejections. [17:16]* Selling the first 300 bags. [19:22]* Funding the first batches through savings and family support. [20:50]* Manufacturing disaster and Hurricane Sandy. [23:11] * Factory challenges and key lessons. [29:15]* Finding the right long-term manufacturing partner. [32:57]* Auditioning for Shark Tank four times. [36:09]* Raising her first $120K from trusted connections. [37:15]* Leaving her 26-year career. [41:20]* The million-dollar sales milestone and early COVID pivots. [42:12]* Going viral with Peloton moms. [44:25]* Why Kim turned down a $100M acquisition deal. [53:18]* Navigating imitators and fierce competition. [59:25]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Kim: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boggbags/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimvaccarella/* Website: https://boggbag.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Meyer is the founder and creative director of Jennifer Meyer Jewelry, a fine jewelry brand handmade in Los Angeles. Jennifer’s story starts early. At six, she was discovering her love for jewelry while creating pieces with her grandmother. Fast forward: she hustled her way into getting a job at Glamour magazine, then worked in fashion and PR with Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani. In 2005, she finally followed her passion she felt for years and launched her brand at her kitchen table, teaching herself everything from molds to pricing. Her big break came when Jennifer Aniston wore the leaf necklace in The Break-Up, and suddenly her pieces were on the shelves at Barneys and Net-a-Porter. Nearly two decades later, Jennifer Meyer Jewelry has become a Hollywood staple, worn by everyone from Reese Witherspoon and Taylor Swift to Selena Gomez and so many more.In today’s episode, Jennifer gets real about what it took to build from zero. We talk about how her upbringing & working at a young age shaped her resilience, the scrappy hustle that got her first big break at Glamour, and the leap from side passion to a real business. She shares the chaos of those early orders, the moment Jennifer Aniston put her work on the map, and what it was like to scale while raising her daughter. We dig into money lessons from her dad, why she chose slow and steady growth, and how to bet on yourself when there’s no roadmap. Jennifer also opens up about navigating comparison, leaning into social and how it’s impacted her business, and redefining what success means to her over the years. If you’ve ever felt “not enough,” this conversation will remind you that passion, persistence, and kindness can take you farther than you think.In this episode, we’ll talk to Jennifer about:* Why staying focused and trusting your passion has guided her career. [02:46]* Early work experiences and family influences that shaped her values. [05:26]* Building work ethic and discipline from a young age. [09:06]* From Glamour to Ralph Lauren and the lessons she carried forward. [12:05]* The pivotal decision to pursue jewelry design full-time. [20:04]* Confronting fear and taking the leap into entrepreneurship. [22:59]* Scrappy beginnings and the early challenges of launching her brand. [26:40]* How Jennifer Aniston wearing her jewelry became a breakthrough moment. [29:00]* Landing Barneys at the same time and learning how to manage momentum. [32:26]* Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship from the very start. [39:29]* Why investing in yourself is always worth it. [45:07]* The importance of leading with kindness and authenticity. [47:44]* How her definition of success has evolved over the years. [49:36]* Navigating emotional challenges and the resilience it takes to keep going. [51:35]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Jennifer: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmeyerjewelry/* Website: https://jennifermeyer.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joan Nguyen is the co-founder and CEO of Bumo, a platform revolutionizing childcare with flexible, on-demand options for families.Raised by Vietnamese refugee parents who taught her that education was both a privilege and a pathway, Joan’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 20 years old when she founded MeriEducation with $3,000 in savings, eventually growing it into an Inc. 5000 company. Years later, as a working mother, she teamed up with Chriselle Lim to launch Bumo in 2019. From pitching over 200 investors with repeated rejections, to losing her home in the LA wildfires, to pivoting the company into a virtual school in just eleven days during the pandemic, Joan has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Today, Bumo has raised over $10 million and built a nationwide marketplace connecting families with thousands of licensed childcare providers.In this week’s episode, Joan opens up about the pivots that shaped her journey. She shares what it was like navigating survival mode versus thriving mode as a founder, building a supportive community, and finally breaking through with investors. We talk about the challenges of fundraising and adapting quickly during the pandemic to save her business. Joan also shares the lessons she’s learned about resilience, setting boundaries as a parent and leader, and the power of asking for help. If you’ve ever faced setbacks that felt impossible to overcome, this conversation is proof that your hardest seasons can set the stage for your biggest breakthroughs.In this episode, we’ll talk to Joan about:* The power of pivots and why Joan always leads with serving her community. [02:21]* How every job and connection came full circle in her entrepreneurial journey. [04:34]* Lessons in resilience and perspective from her refugee parents. [07:35]* Surviving vs. thriving: the mindset shift as a founder. [09:51]* Losing her home, kids’ school, and 300 daycares in the LA fires. [11:29]* Running a fashion line and tutoring before choosing education. [13:50]* From “glorified intern” to co-founder & CEO of Bumo. [18:57]* Pitching 200+ investors and the early rejections. [23:31]* Building community with the Bumo Digest parenting newsletter. [25:35]* Landing her first lead investor (& literally breaking open doors). [28:16]* Pivoting during the pandemic and launching a virtual school. [30:45]* Why 2022–2023 were some of Bumo’s hardest years. [33:40]* The traction and proof points that led to raising $10M. [40:26]* How Joan has evolved as a leader. [41:28]* The power of focus, hiring right, and clear communication. [51:18]* Setting boundaries as a founder and parent. [47:08]* Why asking for help can change everything. [51:07]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Joan: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumoparent/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joan.bumo/* Website: https://wp.bumo.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melinda Maria Spigel is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Melinda Maria Jewelry, a leading e-commerce jewelry brand. From a young age, Melinda was drawn to creativity and jewelry, spending hours sketching and experimenting with designs. What began as a childhood passion quickly evolved into something bigger when, at 23, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. She started selling her handmade pieces out of a Starbucks, sometimes making $1,000 a day, until her bold, statement designs began catching the eyes of stylists and celebrities. That early momentum would eventually grow into a namesake brand worn by icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift, and featured in major retailers around the world.In this week’s episode, Melinda opens up about the real journey behind the brand: how she overcame fear of judgment, why authenticity is her biggest competitive edge, and what it really took to build a company from scratch while raising three kids. We talk about the hustle of her early days, the grassroots strategies that got her into celebrity hands, the lessons she learned navigating challenges during key growth stages, and how passion continues to fuel her resilience and long-term success. Melinda’s story is a masterclass in resilience, resourcefulness, and creativity, and a reminder that true success isn’t about a perfect path but about showing up with courage, again and again.In this episode, we’ll talk to Melinda about:* Why authenticity is the foundation of brand-building. [03:03]* Melinda’s relationship with creativity growing up. [07:16]* Discovering her passion for jewelry at a young age. [09:00]* Hustle and scrappiness in the early days. [11:47]* Driving growth through community engagement. [13:46]* Navigating challenges during key growth stages. [19:08]* Lessons on fulfillment and growth. [28:07]* Finding the right manufacturer and why it matters. [38:10]* Content creation and showing up authentically online. [41:32]* Taking time for family and returning full-time. [45:01]* How passion sustains resilience and long-term success. [53:55]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Melinda: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melindamaria_jewely/* Website: https://www.melindamaria.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.