Ladies Who Launch

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, I’m pulling back the curtain on building my new skincare brand. This week, we dive deeper into product development; from formulation and testing to MOQs and what it really takes to get products onto retail shelves.I’m sharing the real journey with you: what I’m learning as I go, how I’m building the brand from the ground up, and the challenges that are keeping me up at night.Plus, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our next Ladies Who Launch live event. After how incredible and inspiring our last one was, I cannot wait to share another amazing lineup with you.In this episode, I cover:Where the products are right now. Development, testing, and what the process has been along the wayThe decisions around formulation that no one prepares you forHow I’m thinking about quantities and what that means for the brand at this stageSelling into retailers and what it actually takes to get a brand onto shelvesThe next Ladies Who Launch line upWhether you're launching your first product or scaling an existing beauty business, this conversation is here to share and support.🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Aila Morin, CMO of MERIT Beauty, the clean, minimalist brand that's redefining what "effortless" really means in beauty. This episode isn't just a brand story, it’s an original narrative of how to stay true to yourself while building a business with purpose and impact. Aila opens up about the why behind MERIT, the purpose that shaped every product decision, every campaign, and every community touchpoint from day one. What we cover: How MERIT built a narrative that resonates far beyond the productHow new product development becomes a brand-building tool, not just a revenue playWhat real brand loyalty looks like and how to cultivate it without gimmicksHow Aila stays focused in one of the most competitive industriesThe messy, real, unglamorous side of scaling a team and a brand Whether you're a founder in the thick of it or a marketer obsessed with building a brand, this episode will challenge the way you think about building something with real meaning & clarity.We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction04:57 Designing Brand DNA07:53 The Five Minute Morning12:49 The No-Hero Product Strategy18:26 Building Hype Around Brand & Product24:26 Scaling Profitably To $200M29:41 Multichannel Brand Building32:25 Creative A North Star38:31 Anti Advice And Comparison41:53 Work Identity Boundaries45:18 Mentors And Leadership Energy47:00 One Tip For Founders🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW AILAInstagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/ailamorin/MERIT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merit/MERIT TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meritFOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Katherine Barlow, founder of Ru & Rocka, for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build a fashion brand from scratch.From the spark of an idea to building a team and letting others into her business, Katherine shares the real founder story behind one of the most original brands in the space today.We cover:How Ru & Rocka started and the moment it became realBeing responsible with money and navigating small business financesHow to build a brand that's truly original in a crowded marketBuilding the Ru & Rocka team and knowing when to hireBuilding a true brand identity & DNALaunching in Selfridges  Whether you're in the early stages of building your brand or scaling your team, this one is packed with lessons you won't want to miss.We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introducing Katherine Barlow04:56 Instagram Side Hustle07:16 Finance Lessons Learned09:47 Building A Brand Solo12:51 From The Studio to Ru & Rocka30:11 Scaling Without Fear32:37 Brand DNA Matters33:41 When Big Brands Copy38:32 Building Thick Skin In Business 40:52 Launching In Selfridges 46:57 Scrappy Startup Lessons48:12 What’s Next For Ru & Rocka 58:09 Final Advice For Business Owners🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW KATHERINEInstagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/kb.barlow/Ru & Rocka: https://www.instagram.com/ruandrocka/FOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive solo episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle shares something she's been quietly building behind the scenes, the launch of her very own skincare brand.This isn't a brand born from trend-chasing. It's rooted in a deeply personal vision for what Rochelle believes has been missing from the market all along: quality skincare at a price point that feels accessible.Rochelle opens up about her ambitions for the brand, her plan to build it at scale, and more importantly why she's decided to bring you along for the entire ride.We don't know exactly where this journey ends. But we're starting it right here, right now. Together.We Are Ladies Who Launch. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Managing business finances doesn't have to be overwhelming, it can actually be your most powerful tool for growth, if you invest in it from the start. In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, we sit down with Nicole Zalys also known as The London Accountant to demystify the day-to-day of running your business accounts and take the panic out of tax season.We are stripping away the heavy financial jargon to give you a foundational, empowering masterclass in money management. Whether you are a solo founder or scaling a growing team within a limited company, we break down the exact financial moves you need to make to protect your profit and scale with confidence.In this episode, we cover: The perks of registering as a limited companyExpense pro’s and con’sEffective tax management How to save for taxHow to price yourself effectively We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction04:53 Director Perks and Trivial Benefits of a Limited Company10:02 Childcare Costs and Tax Free Scheme15:00 Travel Overseas and Client Entertainment18:01 Clothing Expenses and Case Law22:45 Business Entertainment And Promotions24:24 Wealth Building Basics27:44 Common Tax Mistakes30:50 Pricing Your Time34:25 Travel And Company Cars36:18 Final Limited Company TipsIf you want to build a sustainable, profitable business and take control of your financial narrative, this episode is for you.🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW NICOLEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelondonaccountant_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelondonaccountantFOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stef Williams transitioned from a macro fitness influencer with over 2.2M followers to a serious tech founder building for a huge exit. She is the founder of WeGlow and SEFI, and reveals the unfiltered reality of scaling a digital empire while navigating severe endometriosis and pregnancy.In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, we dive deep into the build of Stef’s business, unpacking exactly how she evolved her relationship with social media to stay relevant in an ever-shifting digital landscape. What we cover:Staying relevant in the ever evolving world of social mediaAdapting to training and lifestyle with Endemetriosis The journey of how WeGlow started Stef’s evolving relationship with social media Building business for an exit Balancing pregnancy with career & business We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Stef Williams02:01 Early Instagram Fitness Era06:34 Branching Beyond Workouts12:27 Endometriosis and Body Pressures18:45 From Creator to Founder23:53 Building Teams and Hiring Lessons30:17 Product Business Hard Lessons38:09 Why Subscription Business Models Win43:43 WeGlow Vision and Women’s Health45:15 Cycle Syncing Workouts51:29 Building A Brand Beyond You55:47 Pregnancy Pressures01:10:59 Trust Your Gut When Hiring01:13:37 Dream Collabs And Mentors01:19:16 Stef’s Dream LunchWhether you are a marketer trying to understand community-led growth or a founder designing a business to sell, Stef shares the realities of what it’s like to build at scale. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW STEFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stef.williams/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stefanie_williamsFOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Ama Hill, the founder of Plantmade, to finally share her side of the story. From rapid growth to going to business administration, this is the raw, unfiltered truth behind one of the most talked-about brand controversies in recent years.Ama opens up about what was really happening behind the scenes as Plantmade scaled, the cashflow pressures that many founders underestimate, and the exact moment she realised the business was in serious trouble. She breaks down the realities of administration, what actually happened when the new owner took over Plantmade, and how it feels to watch the company you built be run without you.This conversation goes beyond the headlines and social media speculation. It’s an honest look at the emotional, legal and financial realities of losing Plantmade and what it takes to rebuild your identity and confidence as a founder afterwards.We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction03:02 Rewinding to March pressure05:44 Administration day 09:13 How the debt started15:35 Falling into the scale trap25:38 Failed promises and roles of the restructure 32:21 Choosing administrators and buyers38:52 The uncertainty post business sale40:29 Relaunch red flags43:03 Contracts, equity and legal49:58 Communication failures 52:57 Juggling a wedding and business breakdown58:36 Responding to ownership claims01:02:31 Moving on to what’s next01:09:36 Founder advice and self trust01:14:35 Lessons from Plantmade🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW AMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaa__official/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amaamoagyeiFOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Ladies Who Launch episode, Rochelle sits down with Hanan Eissa, the powerhouse Marketing Director behind some of the most iconic moments in hospitality history including launching Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal with Beyoncé, unveiling the hotel to the world.Together, they unpack what it really takes to build and launch a world-class destination brand that never blends into the noise.In this episode, we cover: • The behind-the-scenes of launching Atlantis with Beyoncé – from concept to global headlines • The exact principles behind marketing a world-class launch and how you can apply them to your own brand, product, or campaign • How to scale your brand Globally • Why having the right team is non-negotiable for high-stakes launches • How to get brand partnerships right and the common mistakes brands still makeIf you’re a founder, marketer, or brand leader looking to elevate your launch strategy, secure meaningful partnerships, and build campaigns that people actually talk about, this episode is your new masterclass.We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction 06:56 Inside Atlantis The Royal Launch10:25 The Moment Beyonce Said Yes15:16 How To Create A Global Story17:42 Marketing Principles for Startups20:10 Creating An Authentic Brand 23:15 Launch Lessons Learned30:32 Enjoy Success Milestones36:58 How To Pitch Like An Underdog39:50 What’s Next For Atlantis🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW HANAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hananeissa?igsh=OWw0azBvazhsdWt0LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hananeissa/FOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glow Recipe co-founder, Sarah Lee, joins Ladies Who Launch to share how she built a $300M beauty brand by rewriting the rules of Korean skincare. From landing her dream first job at L’Oréal and moving to NYC, to navigating intense work culture and building the foundations of her career, Sarah breaks down the pivotal experiences that prepared her to become a founder. Inside the episode, Sarah opens up about the exact path to starting Glow Recipe, their journey on Shark Tank, finding the right Co-Founder and how they set out to change the global narrative around K-beauty.In this episode, we cover: Key insights from working inside a legacy beauty giant (L’Oreal) to building a startupHow Sarah identified white space in the U.S. market for Korean skincareTaking the Leap: Leaving L’Oréal & Launching Glow RecipeGlow Recipe's Shark Tank JourneyGoing from DTC to Sephora ShelvesEvolving the Glow Recipe Brand & Category LeadershipIf you’re curious about building a beauty, consumer or community-led brand, this conversation is packed with honest and relatable formulas and behind-the-scenes insight that you can adopt and feed into your strategy.We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Meet Sarah Lee: Glow Recipe Co-Founder & Co CEO03:17 From Watermelon Rind to Watermelon Glow: Ingredient Inspiration05:27 Landing the Dream Job at L’Oréal Korea & Learning the Beauty Business16:56 Finding her Co-Founder & Spotting the K-Beauty Gap in the US Market22:22 Quitting L’Oréal & Taking The Leap29:42 The Shark Tank Experience41:05 Choosing Mentorship vs. Money45:44 Dealing with Sell Out Product47:07 The Glow Recipe Partnership with Sephora54:18 Reacting to Viral Product Moments01:00:37 How the Co-CEO System Works01:06:15 $300M Business & What’s Next01:17:31 Founder Advice & How to Build Good Company Culture🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW GLOW RECIPEInstagram: ​​www.instagram.com/sarah_glowGlow Recipe Instagram: www.instagram.com/glowrecipeGlow Recipe TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@glowrecipeFOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Matilda Djerf go from posting outfit photos in her bedroom to launching a global fashion brand in Selfridges? In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, she sits down with Rochelle Humes to reveal the reality behind the "influencer to founder" pipeline.They pull back the curtain on the reality of the "influencer to founder" pipeline. Matilda opens up about the early days of building her profile online, the vulnerability of sharing personal struggles with millions of followers, and exactly how she launched Djerf Avenue with a lean team during a global pandemic.In this episode, we cover:How Matilda recognised the opportunity to build an online profileThe balance of sharing personal struggles while building an online profile and running a businessLaunching Djerf Avenue with a small team during the pandemicHow to hire the right people who protect your cultureKnowing when to step away and hire for the role of CEOThe journey to launching Djerf Avenue in SelfridgesIf you are an aspiring founder or content creator, this conversation is a masterclass in staying true to your vision while scaling a business.We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Matilda Djerf06:49 Early Influences and Aspirations13:59 Discovering Social Media16:21 Building an Online Presence20:58 Transitioning to a Full-Time Influencer30:14 Founding a Business30:47 The Birth of Djerf Avenue34:46 The Big Idea: Starting Our Own Brand44:35 Navigating a New Business in the Pandemic48:28 Building a Strong Team52:58 Hiring a CEO58:03 Entering Retail: The Selfridges Launch01:02:24 Balancing Personal and Professional Life01:04:00 The Importance of Authenticity and Brand DNA01:09:07 Future Plans and Exciting Collaborations01:12:09 Rocket Round: Insights and Reflections🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW MATILDA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matildadjerf/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matildadjerfDJerf Avenue: https://www.instagram.com/djerfavenue/FOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, we celebrate one of the most incredible "glow-up" stories in the influencer industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse brand founder, Perrie Sian reveals the blueprint behind her success. This conversation isn't just about making money; it's about dreaming big, showing up relentlessly, and proving that where you start doesn't dictate where you finish.Perrie opens up about the transformative power of consistency and how she turned a passion for fashion into a multi-million pound empire. She shares the pivotal moments of her career from landing her first game-changing brand collaboration to the exact mindset that helped her sell out collections in minutes.In this episode, we cover:The incredible journey from humble beginnings to industry icon.Why showing up every day is the secret to building an empire.Perrie’s secrets to connecting deeply with millions of people.Finding the right Co-Founder in Adam FrisbyHow Perrie achieved the "impossible" £1M revenue in 20 minutes.How to turn self-doubt into fuel for your ambition.Learning to accept compliments and enjoy the journey.If you’ve ever felt like you’re "faking it" despite your hard work, or you want to know what it really takes to scale a personal brand to 7 figures, this conversation is for you.We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Perrie Sian06:17 Career Beginnings and Retail Experience09:23 Transition to Content Creation12:40 Rise to Social Media Fame16:24 Navigating Influencer Life31:23 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome33:02 The Journey to Founding a Brand37:12 The Challenges of Launching a Fashion Brand 38:44 Running reasn with Adam Frisby45:05 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth59:07 Perrie Sian’s Primark Partnership01:03:28 Redefining Success and Personal Growth01:15:55 The Dream Collaboration and Future Plans01:18:13 Mentorship and Inspiration from Taylor Swift01:24:53 Perrie’s Lunch Hour and Daily Routine🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW PERRIEInstagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/perriesian/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perriesianreasn: https://www.instagram.com/reasn/FOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When is the bravest move as a founder to step back instead of push harder? In this episode, ILIA cosmetics founder, Sasha Plavsic, shares how letting go of the CEO role became the key to truly scaling the brand and what that decision revealed about growth, control, and identity as a founder.We go behind the scenes of ILIA’s journey from early experiments in “clean beauty” to becoming one of the most recognisable brands in the category. Sasha opens up about the unglamorous realities of building a beauty business, the emotional cost of growth, and what it actually looks like to hand over the reins to someone else.In this episode, we cover:How Sasha’s formative years shaped the vision for ILIAThe beginning of clean beauty and what it took to stand out in a new categoryThe realities of scaling a beauty brand Raising money as a female founder Why Sasha decided to bring in a CEO, and how she knew it was time to step backNavigating balance as a woman in business, leadership, and lifeIf you’re a founder, entrepreneur or brand builder who’s ever wondered whether holding on is secretly holding you back, this conversation is for you.We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Sasha Plasic and ILIA Beauty05:17 School Years and Early Career Aspirations11:24 The Birth of ILIA Beauty19:14 Early Business Challenges and Breakthroughs26:10 Scaling Challenges and Operational Growth32:49 Balancing Personal Life and Business35:24 Selling ILIA Beauty37:03 Bringing In a CEO44:16 Future Plans and Product Development46:31 Rapid Fire Questions56:11 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW SASHAInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/sashaplavsic/https://www.instagram.com/iliabeauty/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iliabeauty?lang=en-GBFOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Rochelle Humes sits down with mindset coach Izzy Utterson for a much-needed conversation about the person behind the performance, especially for founders, business owners, and women constantly on the go. Together, we break down why self-care is so often put on the back burner, the myths around what self-care “should” actually look like, and the trap of chasing productivity at the expense of your well-being.Izzy shares actionable tips for building sustainable habits that nourish your body and mind. We dive deep into setting boundaries, protecting your energy, and how to find time in your day for you. We also chat about digital boundaries, the power of positive self-talk, and why progress starts with tiny, realistic steps. In this episode, we cover:Why “self-care isn’t just a face mask” and what’s actually essentialManaging burnout and energy for founders & busy womenSetting boundaries (without the guilt) in business and lifeMicro-habits and practical rituals to reset your mindsetBuilding a Positive Self-Concept and Protecting Your EnergyBook recommendations including “The Mountain Is You” and “Atomic Habits”Morning and evening routines that really workWhether you’re feeling burned out or just want to find practical ways to fill up your cup, this episode is packed with wisdom, helpful hacks, and accessible tips. Get ready to rethink your approach to self-care and pick up some small but mighty changes you can make today.We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:05 The Importance of Self-Care for Founders03:21 The Evolution of Self-Care and Modern Challenges09:30 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception12:02 Practical Tips for Maintaining Mental Health16:54 Setting Boundaries and Digital Detox33:21 Digital Boundaries and Dopamine Hits34:04 Top Three Priorities for Women This Year38:50 Practical Tips for Habit Formation45:05 The Power of Books and Journaling50:49 Manifesting and Positive Mindset54:36 Nourishing Your Body and Morning Rituals58:44 Small Changes for Big Impact🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW IZZYInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/izzyutterson/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@izzyuttersonFOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Rochelle Humes, sits down with Rachel Harris, the accountant who’s changing the narrative around finances and business for women. Together, they dive deep into Rachel’s journey from growing up with financial scarcity to championing practical financial education, especially for women and small business owners.This conversation covers everything from the emotional baggage we bring to money, why financial literacy should be on the national curriculum, practical habits for business success, and the nitty-gritty of tax. In this episode, we cover:The power of financial educationWhy women feel uncomfortable talking about money and how to overcome itThree key things to create your own ‘business dashboard’ Simple habits to track finances and avoid common tax pitfallsHow money is an amplifier of your valuesWe Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction 01:12 Rachel Harris: Breaking Financial Stereotypes02:54 The Emotional Side of Finances04:49 Empowering Women to Talk About Money14:57 Practical Financial Tips for Entrepreneurs23:05 Delegation and Quality of Life29:36 Creating Financial Processes30:30 Common Financial Mistakes for Female Entrepreneurs30:56 The Importance of Tax Planning33:41 Monthly Financial Check-ins37:57 HMRC and Self-Employment Tax Essentials43:01 Actionable Financial Takeaways55:21 Final Thoughts and EncouragementWhether you're a creative dreading the numbers, a woman with big dreams, or just want to get smarter about your finances, this episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable takeaways, and honest advice about building real confidence—financially and beyond.🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW RACHELInstagram: www.instagram.com/accountant_she/?hl=enTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@accountant_sheJoin Rachel's Insider List: https://accountantshe.myflodesk.com/lwlFOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Rochelle as she sits down with model, entrepreneur, and founder of Saltair, Iskra Lawrence, for an inspiring and empowering conversation. In this episode, Iskra Lawrence opens up about her journey from growing up in Kidderminster and her early entrepreneurial spirit to breaking barriers in the modeling industry. She shares personal stories of overcoming body image struggles, dealing with rejection, and finding her mission to create change in the world of fashion and beauty.Discover how Iskra turned internet trolling into a viral moment of empowerment, and how becoming a mother transformed her approach to business and self-care. We discuss real-life lessons about resilience, taking risks, building boundaries, and the realities of launching a successful brand. Plus, Iskra reveals the inspiration behind creating Saltair, a body care brand that champions inclusivity and daily moments of luxury.In this episode, we cover: • Early Life and Family Influences • Body Image and Industry Standards • Motherhood and Career Balance • The Vision and Growth of Saltaire • Empowering Customers and Authentic MarketingWe Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction01:02 Early Life and Family Influences02:38 Entrepreneurial Beginnings10:58 Body Image and Model Industry Standards13:19 Turning Point and Self-Empowerment19:19 Experience in Social Media26:57 Motherhood and Career Balance39:51 The Brand Incubator Experience41:48 The Vision and Growth of Saltair43:06 Product Development and Market Success47:38 Empowering Customers and Authentic Marketing53:51 Quickfire Round and Final Thoughts01:02:53 The Power of Pivoting and Future Plans🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW ISKRAInstagram: www.instagram.com/iskra/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@iskraSaltair: www.instagram.com/saltair/FOLLOW USInstagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to my first solo episode as I reflect on my entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned from building my brand My Little Coco, and the creation of this incredible empowering podcast community. In this episode, I share behind-the-scenes insights about starting and running a business, real talk on overcoming failures, how to build and grow the right team, setting boundaries, and managing the ups and downs of balancing motherhood and my career.In this episode, I cover: • Realities and behind the scenes of building of My Little Coco • Launching, growing and building the Ladies Who Launch community  • How and when to build a team in business • Finding the right partnerships  • Work-life balance and mum guilt • Key lesson and advice for upcoming entrepreneursThis episode is perfect for anyone interested in starting a business, business growth, mindset shifts, personal development, and authentic career stories.We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS00:00: Introduction1:12: Starting My Little Coco7:00: Trademark Issues & Rebranding11:06: Building with a Small Team & Unique Business Structure13:41: Why I Started the Podcast & The Power of Female Community16:06: Self-Funding, Authenticity, and Evolving the Podcast21:11: Reflections & Wins of 202524:30: Key Lessons & Advice for 202629:09: Advice on Building the Right Team and Taking Feedback32:24: Setting Boundaries & Protecting Your Energy36:24: What’s Next for 2026: Vision Board & Live Events38:44: Time Management41:51: Finding the Right Business Partner43:48: Dealing with Setbacks45:12: Juggling Work and Family/Mum Guilt52:48: Favourite Salad Order54:08: Final Advice: Taking Risks & Launching Your Ideas57:21: Closing & Motivation for 2026🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you turn a childhood tradition into a 31-million-unit global phenomenon?In this inspiring episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle Humes sits down with Christa Pitts, co-founder of The Elf on the Shelf — a brand that transformed Christmas for families around the world. Christa opens up about the real startup story behind one of the most iconic holiday brands:• How a family tradition became a bestselling product• Why every major publisher rejected their book (including being told it was “destined for the damaged goods bin”)• The scrappy, bootstrapped tactics that got their first 5,000 units made• How a single paparazzi photo and an appearance on the TODAY Show changed everything• The power of patience, storytelling, and word-of-mouth marketing• Managing cashflow, saying “no” to the wrong partners, and building slow, sustainable growth• How a small family business built its own production company, sold a Christmas special to CBS, and secured a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade• The mindset every founder needs: grit, resilience, and the courage to keep going when no one believes in your ideaIf you’ve ever wondered how global brands are built from nothing, or you need a reminder to stay persistent, this episode will light a fire under you.🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.Key talking points00:00 — Meet Christa Pitts: Co-founder of The Elf on the Shelf  02:15 — The family tradition that sparked a global brand  05:42 — Every publisher said no (and why they kept going)  09:18 — Bootstrapping: the first 5,000 units  12:27 — Taking on debt and betting on themselves  15:50 — The moment everything changed: TODAY Show exposure  18:30 — From small business to global phenomenon  21:14 — Building a brand through storytelling  24:40 — Managing growth and protecting the mission  27:55 — Launching a production company and TV special  31:10 — Breaking into retail and surviving scaling challenges  34:42 — Leadership, doubt, and building confidence  38:55 — Advice for women building brands  42:10 — Slow growth, grit, and long-term success  45:02 — Christa’s advice for corporate women climbing the ladderFOLLOW THE ELF ON THE SHELFhttps://www.instagram.com/elfontheshelf/tiktok.com/@elfontheshelfwww.youtube.com/@ElfOnTheShelfelfontheshelf.com FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, we sit down with Olivia Ferdi, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of TRIP, the CBD brand that transformed an entire category and became one of the fastest-growing wellness businesses in the UK.Olivia shares the powerful, unexpected journey that took her from a traditional career path, in law, to launching a company now stocked in major retailers and loved by millions. She opens up about navigating burnout, discovering CBD through a deeply personal experience, and realising there was a massive gap in the market for functional, mood-balancing products that actually fit into everyone’s lives.We dive into: • The moment that sparked the idea for TRIP • How Olivia developed emotional resilience as a founder • Why calm and clarity are superpowers in business • The reality of fundraising and being underestimated • What women need to know about leading with both softness and strength • Building a company with your partner (and doing it well) • How she handles pressure, imposter syndrome and visibility • The habits and mindsets that helped TRIP scale • Advice for aspiring founders and corporate women wanting to grow into leadershipThis conversation blends mindset, strategy, wellness, and candid founder truths. Perfect for women building businesses, exploring entrepreneurship, or climbing the corporate ladder.🎙️ Listen now on Ladies Who Launch. New episodes every week.Key Talking Points00:00 – Olivia Ferdi: TRIP co-founder and her mission  02:14 – Growing up, identity and early career expectations  05:02 – The personal crisis that led to TRIP08:30 – Creating TRIP: spotting the gap in wellness  11:56 – Stigma, legality, and building trust in a taboo industry  15:42 – Emotional resilience: why calm is a superpower  19:20 – Working with your partner: boundaries, roles & reality  23:18 – Fundraising as a woman: being underestimated  27:33 – Scaling TRIP: community, brand and consistent execution  31:55 – Handling pressure & imposter syndrome  35:40 – CBD education: what people still misunderstand  39:12 – How Olivia leads with softness and strength  42:55 – Advice for aspiring founders   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle Humes down with Susan Yara — journalist, beauty editor, YouTube creator, and founder of Naturium, acquired for $355 million — to unpack the extraordinary journey behind one of the most influential women in modern beauty.Susan opens up about her upbringing in rural New Mexico, how being “the good kid” shaped her self-worth, and what it really took to break away from expectations to build a life on her own terms. From studying journalism to becoming one of the original beauty creators on YouTube, Susan shares the lessons, mistakes, and mindset shifts that helped her evolve through multiple career chapters.We dive into:• How Susan navigated identity, family pressure, and ambition• The shift from traditional media to online video and influence• Why transparency and accountability matter in beauty• The reality of pitching, building, and scaling a brand• The mindset that led to Naturium's $355M acquisition• Motherhood, burnout, and choosing yourself• Why women should “live in the cringe” and take up more space• Her advice for aspiring founders and creators feeling stuck or scared to startThis episode is filled with honesty, depth, and the kind of perspective you only get from a woman who’s lived multiple lives — and reinvented herself every time.Perfect for: aspiring female founders, corporate women contemplating a pivot, content creators, beauty lovers, and anyone who needs permission to be bold, imperfect, and unapologetically ambitious.KEY TOPICS AND TIMECODESEarly Life & Family Values: 00:02:06 - 00:05:09Work Ethic & Parenting Philosophy: 00:05:09 - 00:07:12Education & Journalism Career: [00:07:51 - 00:11:16Digital Media & Beauty Industry Insights: 00:12:03 - 00:18:41Honest Content & Community Trust: 00:18:41 - 00:24:55Naturium: Launch & Growth Story: 00:26:02 - 00:42:30Brand Acquisition & Leadership: 00:42:57 - 00:47:42Accessible Skincare Philosophy: 00:48:13 - 00:51:24Founder Role Evolution: 00:51:45 - 00:55:27Success, Self-Care & Advice: 00:56:03 FOLLOW SUSANhttps://www.instagram.com/susanyara/https://www.instagram.com/naturium/https://www.instagram.com/mixedmakeup/ www.naturium.com FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Bryony Basse (neé Deery), her Cloucha matcha co-founder, wellness expert, podcaster, and founder and creator of Pilates By Bryony — the global wellness platform transforming how women move, strengthen, and reconnect with themselves.Bryony shares her deeply personal story:• Growing up with instability and anxiety• Her life-changing accident which led her to Pilates• Navigating burnout in her corporate years• How Pilates became her anchor, and then her calling• Building a digital wellness brand with global impact• The discipline and mindset behind her success• The truth about wellness, routine, and inner workThis episode is raw, grounding, and inspiring — the kind of conversation that reminds you it’s never too late to rebuild, reroute, or rise.🎙️ Listen now on Ladies Who Launch — new episodes every week.Main Topics & TimestampsEarly Entrepreneurship & Independence [00:00:56] Family Influence & Work Ethic [00:03:15] Discovering Pilates & Turning Point [00:12:13] Building the Business from Scratch [00:19:01] Breakthrough Moment: January Challenge [00:24:39]Transition to the App Model [00:30:43]Brand, Community, and Team Building [00:34:26] Future Vision & Wellness Expansion [00:56:13] FOLLOW BRYONYhttps://www.instagram.com/bryonydeery/https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemat.podcast/https://www.instagram.com/pilatesbybryony/https://www.pilatesbybryony.com/ podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-mat/id1747375211 FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunchwww.weareladieswholaunch.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.