Nancy Twine has built one of the most respected clean haircare brands in the world—but in this candid AMA, she peels back the curtain on what it really took to get there.

In this special solo finale of Makers Mindset Season 3, Nancy answers burning questions from her audience about entrepreneurship, life, love, mindset, and building a company from zero to a nine-figure exit. From bootstrapping Briogeo in a saturated industry to becoming the then-youngest Black woman to launch a product line at Sephora, her journey is as bold as it is intentional.

She shares her no-budget PR strategies, the mindset shift that changed everything, and why hiring for values—not just resumes—can make or break your culture. Plus, she opens up about dating while building an empire, how she created a life of freedom, and the biggest decision that skyrocketed her brand’s growth.

This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at the personal playbook of a founder who’s done it all—and is now paying it forward.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[00:37] Nancy’s background and Briogeo journey

[01:00] How to market a first-of-its-kind product without a budget

[01:29] DIY press strategy for early brands

[01:54] Cold DM tips for reaching editors

[02:15] Low-cost influencer seeding advice

[02:35] What Nancy would do differently if starting today

[02:56] Why personal branding matters from day one

[03:16] What she would do the same if starting today

[03:39] Why hiring a social media manager early matters

[04:06] The early decision that had biggest brand impact

[04:25] How Sephora shaped Briogeo’s growth

[04:50] How to make your first sale without inventory

[05:11] Pre-order and waitlist strategies

[05:33] Using prototypes and content to drive pre-sales

[05:50] Using Kickstarter as a model for pre-orders

[06:05] Best ways to track performance when you don’t have a team

[06:26] Basic metrics every founder should track

[06:47] Profitability doesn’t need to happen immediately

[07:05] Why tracking repeat orders matters

[07:19] What is EMV and how to use it

[07:37] The importance of reading your reviews

[07:53] How Nancy designed her lifestyle over time

[08:17] Building a team helped her find more balance

[08:35] Why priorities shape your lifestyle

[08:53] Hobbies and passions Nancy makes time for now

[09:13] What she says no to in order to stay focused

[09:27] Nancy’s dating journey as a successful woman

[09:43] Advice for women balancing dating and ambition

[10:00] Why priorities should drive your dating decisions

[10:19] Making time to date like anything else

[10:36] Friends with careers, families, and healthy relationships

[10:54] What Nancy wishes she knew when building a brand

[11:30] When to hire support in your business

[11:52] Hire for values, not just skills

[12:10] Why defining your company culture early matters

[12:32] How the wrong hire can impact the whole team

[12:50] One mindset shift that changed everything

[13:06] How Nancy reframes hard things

[13:42] Why doing the hard thing creates the results you want

Follow Nancy Twine:

Instagram: @nancytwine

www.nancytwine.com

Follow Makers Mindset:

Instagram: @makersmindsetspace

TikTok: @themakersmindset

Susan Yara’s journey to redefining skincare didn’t start in a lab—it started in front of a camera. From reporting news in the Bronx to becoming a trusted beauty voice on YouTube, Susan built a community before she ever built a brand. With her platform Mixed Makeup, she offered something rare: expert-backed, educational content for women who were underserved by the beauty industry’s hype-driven approach.

But Susan wasn’t just creating content. In 2019, she co-founded Naturium Skincare. Just four years later, she made headlines when she sold her company to e.l.f. Beauty for $355 million—and became one of the first content creators to successfully scale and exit a skincare brand.

In this episode, Nancy and Susan go deep on the realities of building a digital-first beauty brand: funding operations before revenue, pivoting from an influencer to a founder mindset, and how it’s so important to build authentic relationships with your community and retail partners. Susan shares the failures that shaped her, the influencer marketing tactics that actually work, and how she’s balancing life as a founder, mom, and now solo parent.

This is a story of vision, resilience, and reinvention. It’s proof that you don’t need to start with a perfect plan—you just need to start with purpose.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[03:12] Joining Forbes and building their first video network

[04:55] Learning the power of early digital media

[06:03] Getting into beauty and lifestyle content

[07:24] Launching Mixed Makeup to serve older audiences

[08:30] Early challenges funding high-quality content

[09:45] Lessons from Susan’s failed first business

[11:15] Trying to bootstrap her own skincare brand

[12:20] How COVID shut down her original plan

[14:42] Joining Naturium and shaping brand direction

[15:55] Why Susan moved away from “clean” marketing

[17:02] Creating formulas that simplify skincare routines

[18:08] Transitioning from influencer to business operator

[19:20] Why pricing strategy matters for repeat customers

[20:22] The shift in influencer strategy that changed everything

[21:30] How nano influencers built authentic community

[22:40] Using whitelisting to amplify UGC as ads

[23:50] What brands get wrong about influencer selection

[25:02] The power of founder-creator relationships

[26:05] Getting into Target and making it work

[27:15] Building a bold pitch retailers can’t ignore

[28:30] Launching Naturium body washes with intention

[29:45] Hiring a CMO who can become your future CEO

[30:58] The expanded role of modern CMOs

[32:00] What to look for when hiring key leaders

[33:12] Why Susan sold Naturium to e.l.f. Beauty

[34:25] Balancing work and motherhood during scale

[35:40] How moving to Miami created work-life structure

[36:45] Advice for founders scaling fast or slow

[38:00] The real reason behind building a brand

Resources Mentioned:

Naturium | Website

e.l.f Beauty | Website

Mixed Makeup | YouTube Channel

Follow Susan on Instagram and X, and check out her YouTube Channel.

Follow Nancy Twine:

Instagram: @nancytwine

www.nancytwine.com

Follow Makers Mindset:

Instagram: @makersmindsetspace

TikTok: @themakersmindset

Amy Liu’s journey to redefining clean beauty started in her own skin. As someone with eczema, she knew firsthand the struggle of finding beauty products that were both safe and effective. The industry was full of promises, but few products delivered results without irritation.

After years of working behind the scenes at Smashbox, Kate Somerville, and Josie Maran Cosmetics, Amy found herself at a crossroads. She had built brands for others, but what about a brand built for people like her? People who wanted beauty without compromise? At 40, she took the leap and launched Tower 28, the first and only beauty brand 100% compliant with the National Eczema Association’s ingredient guidelines.

In this episode, Nancy and Amy unpack the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—overcoming the fear of failure, scaling a business while staying true to her mission, and bringing her husband on board as CFO. Recognized as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for Greater Los Angeles and one of Goldman Sachs’ most exceptional entrepreneurs, Amy has proven that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of integrity.

This is a conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of collaboration over competition. Above all, it’s a story about turning a personal struggle into a movement that’s changing the face of beauty.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[04:26] Struggling with eczema and the need for safe beauty products

[05:52] Discovering the flaws in clean beauty

[07:38] Why it took her so long to start her own business

[08:54] Getting her first investment and launching Tower 28

[10:42] Why launching at 40 was the right decision

[11:58] The myth of overnight success and why experience matters

[13:21] The role of a CEO and why she chose to stay in the position

[14:47] Challenges of balancing leadership with business growth

[16:32] Bringing her husband in as CFO and working with a spouse

[18:15] Breaking through the crowded beauty market

[19:44] The philosophy behind Tower 28’s product development

[21:18] Why sensitive skin testing sets Tower 28 apart

[22:53] Expanding at Sephora and becoming a top-performing brand

[24:36] When to raise money and how to choose the right investors

[26:24] Private equity, beauty playbooks, and scaling successfully

[28:10] The challenges of hiring and building the right team

[30:28] Leadership lessons and learning from mistakes

[32:42] Creating Clean Beauty Summer School and supporting founders

[34:20] The importance of representation in the beauty industry

[36:08] Why collaboration is more powerful than competition

[38:35] Advice for struggling entrepreneurs in a competitive market

Resources Mentioned:

Tower 28 | Website

National Eczema Association | Website

Sephora Clean | Website

Goop Clean | Website

Credo Clean | Website

Clean Beauty Summer School | Website

Follow Nancy Twine:

Instagram: @nancytwine

www.nancytwine.com

Follow Makers Mindset:

Instagram: @makersmindsetspace

TikTok: @themakersmindset

Meera Bhatia’s career is a masterclass in transformation, bridging the worlds of technology and retail. She started at Microsoft, Expedia, and LinkedIn, where data and innovation were king. But instead of staying in the tech lane, she saw something others didn’t: the power of technology to reshape the retail landscape.

Now, as the Chief Operating Officer of Fabletics and President of TechStyleOS, Meera is rewriting the rules of fashion commerce. She doesn’t just oversee growth, technology, and supply chain operations—she orchestrates them, weaving AI, data, and personalization into an omnichannel experience that keeps millions of members engaged. In an industry where trends come and go, she’s building a model designed to last. Her approach is simple but powerful: Meet the customers where they are, innovate fearlessly, and always stay ahead of the curve.

Meera’s leadership includes roles at Stella & Dot and Savage x Fenty, where she merged consumer insights with digital strategy. She lives in Los Angeles, where she balances the intensity of scaling brands with embracing wellness and staying active.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[01:17] Meera’s transition from tech to retail

[02:41] The role of technology in modern retail

[04:03] Understanding customer needs through data

[05:26] How Fabletics’ membership model drives engagement

[06:48] Challenges and benefits of a subscription-based business

[08:14] Why personalization is crucial in e-commerce

[09:37] Leveraging AI for better customer experiences

[11:02] How businesses can start small with AI

[12:29] The importance of an omnichannel retail strategy

[13:53] The role of physical stores in digital-first brands

[15:21] How online presence boosts retail locations

[16:44] Leadership strategies for collaboration and empowerment

[18:07] The importance of assuming the best intent in teamwork

[19:33] How to scale a brand while staying agile

[21:09] Why hiring the right people is key to business success

[22:46] Investing in the most critical areas of a business

[24:13] How Meera stays resilient as a leader

[25:38] Balancing work and wellness for long-term success

[27:04] Why mindset is everything in business

Resources Mentioned:

Fabletics | Website

Savage x Fenty | Website

Stella & Dot | Website

Follow Nancy Twine:

Instagram: @nancytwine

www.nancytwine.com

Follow Makers Mindset:

Instagram: @makersmindsetspace

TikTok: @themakersmindset

www.makersmindset.com

Brigette Romanek is an acclaimed interior designer and the founder of Romanek Design Studio. In this episode, Brigette shares her journey from a self-taught design enthusiast to one of the most sought-after interior designers, working with A-list clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Christian Bale.

Since launching her studio in 2018, Brigette has been consistently recognized on Architectural Digest’s AD100 and First Dibs 50 lists. She was named an Elle Decor Titan in 2024. In this conversation, she opens up about building a successful creative business, trusting her instincts over formal training, balancing luxury with functionality, and staying resilient in an ever-evolving industry.

Brigette is also the author of the bestselling book Livable Luxe, which showcases her signature design approach: beautiful, livable spaces that support and inspire. Whether you're an aspiring designer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves stunning interiors, this episode is packed with wisdom, creativity, and business-savvy insights you won’t want to miss.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[03:52] Exposure to global design through travel

[05:36] Trusting instinct over formal training

[06:01] Challenging traditional design rules

[07:11] Blending luxury with functionality

[08:52] Creating spaces that feel lived in

[09:30] Making client visions a reality

[10:21] Customizing designs for each project

[11:19] Writing the book Livable Luxe

[12:57] The power of storytelling in design

[14:07] Walking as a form of creative reset

[15:21] Finding inspiration in everyday life

[16:43] Breaking from routine to spark ideas

[17:15] Scaling a design studio without losing quality

[18:45] Lessons learned from business growth

[20:14] Building a strong team for success

[21:31] The importance of setting clear boundaries

[22:49] Navigating client expectations

[23:16] Encouraging team input and creativity

[24:42] Balancing leadership with artistic freedom

[25:06] Creating a supportive studio culture

[26:07] Learning from early business mistakes

[28:28] Expanding into product lines

[30:46] Bringing in experts to support business growth

[31:55] The importance of delegation

[34:00] Common challenges for new designers

[35:23] How Brigette's biggest client collaborations happened

[36:45] Working with high-profile clients

[37:39] The creative freedom clients give her

[38:47] Overcoming setbacks as an entrepreneur

[39:35] Staying resilient in a competitive industry

[40:36] The power of believing in yourself

[42:03] Advice for self-taught designers

Resources Mentioned:

Livable Luxe by Brigette Romanek | Book

Romanek Design Studio | Website

Follow Nancy Twine:

Instagram: @nancytwine

www.nancytwine.com

Follow Makers Mindset:

Instagram: @makersmindsetspace

TikTok: @themakersmindset

Shani Darden, the founder of Shani Darden Skincare, has built a name as Hollywood’s go-to skincare expert. She is trusted by stars like Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen, and Kelly Rowland for her results-driven approach. After training under a top dermatologist, she developed her own formulations, launching her flagship studio in Beverly Hills in 2019 and securing a coveted spot at Sephora in 2020.

In this episode, Shani talks about how she went from mixing masks in her childhood home to creating one of the most sought-after skincare brands. She opens up about navigating the beauty industry, building a brand without a roadmap, and staying hands-on with clients while scaling a business. You’ll hear her insights on effective product development, the power of social media, and the strategies she learned over her career.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[04:08] Creating Retinol Reform and entering the skincare industry

[05:14] Transitioning from service-based work to product development

[06:27] Challenges in launching a skincare brand

[07:35] The importance of trial and error in product creation

[08:42] How Sephora became a major retail partner

[09:56] The role of packaging and refining the brand

[10:45] Building a team that aligns with brand values

[11:33] Why hiring slow is crucial for long-term success

[12:18] Social media’s impact on personal branding

[13:09] How client feedback shapes product development

[14:21] The challenges of balancing retail deadlines with product quality

[15:37] Tips for building an engaged online community

[16:42] Overcoming self-consciousness in social media marketing

[17:15] Experimenting with content strategies for better engagement

[18:29] Finding balance between content creation and business operations

[19:45] Adjusting to entrepreneurship and leadership roles

[20:56] The importance of mentorship and learning from mistakes

[21:33] Rapid-fire business and skincare advice

[22:12] Common skincare mistakes and how to avoid them

Resources Mentioned:

Retinol Reform | Website

Sephora | Website

Shani Darden Skincare | Website

Follow Nancy Twine:

Instagram: @nancytwine

www.nancytwine.com

Follow Makers Mindset:

Instagram: @makersmindsetspace

TikTok: @themakersmindset