Makers Mindset
Dive into the enlightening stories of resilience and success from today's foremost female entrepreneurs and leaders with your host, Nancy Twine. Transitioning from a high-flying career at Goldman Sachs to founding a nine-figure beauty business, Nancy brings a wealth of experience and insight to each conversation. Makers Mindset is your invitation to the inner workings of female pioneers across sectors such as technology, beauty, fashion, healthcare, finance, and philanthropy. Every episode unlocks an intimate look at the personal journeys of female founders, executives, and changemakers. These are women reshaping the landscape of modern business and innovation, offering listeners a front-row...
S3 E5 · Thu, April 17, 2025
5 Things Every Founder MUST Know Before Pitching Investors with Cristina Nuñez of True Beauty Ventures
Cristina Nuñez didn’t just break into the beauty industry—she’s redefining who gets to shape it. She started her career in traditional finance and private equity, but craved something more personal and creative. So she rolled up her sleeves and jumped into roles that strategically built beauty brands, including Laura Geller and Clark’s Botanicals. Now, as co-founder and General Partner of True Beauty Ventures, Cristina is rewriting the VC playbook for the industry—one founder, one investment at a time. She’s not just writing checks for beauty startups; she’s building trust, offering strategy, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with brands like K18, Crown Affair, and Moon Juice. In a fundraising climate where doubt often outweighs belief, Cristina is proof that clarity, conviction, and heart still win. In this episode, she opens up about dealing with loss, pivoting with purpose, and what it really takes to be investment-ready in today’s beauty and wellness space. Whether you're a founder looking for funds right now or still in the visioning stage, this conversation will change how you think about scaling, pitching, and the power of leading with empathy. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [00:57] Cristina’s path from finance to beauty [02:56] Why she left investing to build brands [04:00] Personal turning point: her father's diagnosis [06:54] Launching True Beauty Ventures [08:49] Doubts from male investors and pushing through [10:54] The case for more diverse funders [11:47] What is venture capital? [12:56] How True Beauty Ventures is different [15:45] The five P’s of investment readiness [17:45] What do investors look for in founders? [20:47] Misconceptions about working with investors [22:47] How to build trust with VCs [24:44] Focus, prioritization, and saying no [26:45] How to get on an investor’s radar <span style="backgrou
S3 E4 · Thu, April 03, 2025
Faith, Fearlessness & a Multi-Million Dollar Vision: How She Did It — Monique Rodriguez, Founder & CEO of Mielle Organics
Monique Rodriguez’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and bold reinvention. She dedicated nearly a decade to healthcare as a registered nurse, but the loss of her son in 2013 shifted everything. In the wake of that tragedy, Monique found clarity—and the courage to follow a lifelong passion for beauty. With no formal business background, she launched Mielle Organics from her kitchen and built it into one of the fastest-growing textured haircare brands in the country. Now, Mielle Organics is not only a staple in major retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS, but also a study in authentic brand-building. Her approach is rooted in community, education, and transparency. As the CEO, she’s built trust by simply being herself—from going live every day during the pandemic to letting customers weigh in on packaging decisions. She’s also navigated the complex world of retail expansion by knowing when to say no and when to scale up. In 2021, Mielle took on private equity for the first time. Just 18 months later, she and her COO, who happens to be her husband, Melvon, sold the company to P&G — but not before making sure the deal would preserve the integrity of the brand. Monique still runs the company today, and she’s focused on building a legacy, not just a business. Monique recently added “author” to her list of titles with a book that helps people find purpose in their own stories. She lives in Chicago with her family, where she balances leading a global brand with slow mornings, warm lemon water, and staying grounded in faith. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [07:52] Starting a business without experience or connections [08:34] Learning the business side and asking for help [09:20] The challenge of raising capital as a Black female founder [10:10] Bootstrapping Mielle before taking on funding [10:59] Why Monique turned down Walmart the first time [12:30] Building long-term sustainability, not short-term hype [13:00] How Mielle went viral with rosemary mint oil [13:44] Creating viral moments through authenticity [14:22] Building trust through storytelling and transparency <sp
S3 E3 · Thu, March 20, 2025
How Fabletics is Winning Retail with AI & Membership Models – Meera Bhatia
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
S3 E2 · Thu, March 06, 2025
Brigette Romanek on Scaling a Creative Business, Celebrity Clients & her new Book Livable Luxury
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 <span style="backgrou
S3 E1 · Thu, February 20, 2025
The Business of Beauty: How Shani Darden Built a Multi-Million Dollar Brand
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
Trailer · Thu, February 13, 2025
Welcome Back to Makers Mindset: Season 3
Season 3 of Makers Mindset is here, bringing even deeper insights, bold conversations, and actionable strategies for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders. Hosted by Nancy Twine , this season continues to explore the journeys of top founders, business leaders, and changemakers. Over the past two seasons, Makers Mindset has uncovered the pivotal moments, challenges, and mindset shifts that shape extraordinary careers. This season goes even further, offering real-world strategies, habits, and behind-the-scenes experiences that define lasting success. The first episode of Season 3 premieres on February 20th . Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetspace TikTok: @themakersmindset
S2 E8 · Thu, December 05, 2024
In conversation with Anastasia Soare, Founder and CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills
Powerhouse entrepreneur Anastasia Soare is the founder, CEO, and driving force behind Anastasia Beverly Hills — one of the fastest-growing brands in the beauty industry. After immigrating from Romania in 1989, she started her business as a one-woman operation and quickly created a revolutionary technique now known as the Golden Ratio Eyebrow Shaping Method. She went on to build an empire — and she’s certainly raised a few eyebrows along the way. Anastasia is passionate about sharing her journey to inspire others, and believes that if she can do it, anyone can. Follow Anastasia Soare: Instagram: @anastasiasoare Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
S2 E7 · Thu, November 21, 2024
In conversation with Ginny Wright, CEO of Audemars Piguet, Americas
Ginny Wright is an experienced leader with a robust background in luxury brand management. She’s held pivotal roles, including president of Kiehl's and global deputy GM at Ralph Lauren Fragrances, along with strategic positions at L'Oréal Luxe. Known for her strategic and innovative approach to growth, Ginny has significantly boosted brand prestige and consumer engagement at the companies she's served. She always talks about owning your mistakes so that you can grow and ultimately thrive — and why she never backs down from a challenge. Follow Ginny Wright: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-wright-b0221b1 Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
S2 E6 · Thu, November 07, 2024
In conversation with Alisa Carmichael, Investment Partner at VMG Partners
Alisa Carmichael is the proud mom of two growing boys and Investment Partner at VMG Partners. Like many investors, she got her start in investment banking before joining the ever-evolving world of private equity. Unlike many of her fellow investors, however, Alisa was a black woman who was grappling with imposter syndrome at every turn. Fast-forward to today and she’s not just embracing her role as mother, daughter, investor, mentor, and friend, but owning it. Her unrelenting focus on the BIPOC community inspired the firm’s formation of The Parity Collective: an initiative focused on investing in founders of color across the consumer industry. Follow Alisa Carmichael: Instagram: @alisacarmichael https://www.vmgpartners.com/ Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
S2 E5 · Thu, October 24, 2024
In conversation with Artemis Patrick, President & CEO of Sephora North America
Artemis Patrick is the President and CEO of Sephora North America. She’s responsible for growth strategies that make Sephora the the number-one prestige beauty omni-retailer. Artemis is also a member of Sephora’s Global Leadership Team (SLT) and Sephora America’s operating committee. Follow Artemis Patrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artemis-patrick-441ab5/ Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
S2 E4 · Thu, October 10, 2024
In conversation with Vivian Tu, Personal Finance Educator and Founder & CEO of Your Rich BFF
Vivian Tu is a former Wall Street trader, personal finance educator, public speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She’s the founder and CEO of Your Rich BFF , which helps make the rules of personal finance accessible to non-experts and marginalized communities. She and Nancy chat about “doing it scared," what needs to change to empower female founders and entrepreneurs, and making the leap to take your side hustle full time. Follow Vivian Tu: Instagram: @your.richbff https://www.yourrichbff.com/ Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
S2 E3 · Thu, September 26, 2024
In conversation with Isabela Rangel Grutman, Founder of Rangel and Isa Grutman Jewelry
Isabela Rangel Grutman is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and model. Born in Brazil, Isabela began modeling at 13, and at a young age learned a lot about work ethic and business partnerships. In 2022, she founded Rangel , a premium clothing line now available at major retailers like Revolve and ShopBop. She also founded Isa Grutman Jewelry , which just opened its first flagship store in Miami’s prestigious Design District. She and Nancy dive into the importance of setting a vision and starting small. Follow Isabela Grutman: Instagram: @isabelagrutman @shoprangel @isagrutmanjewelry www.shoprangel.com www.isagrutman.com Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
S2 E2 · Thu, September 12, 2024
In conversation with Michelle Cordeiro Grant, Founder and CEO of GORGIE
Michelle Cordeiro Grant is a serial entrepreneur, brand builder and innovator. After spending the tenure of her career at household names in the retail industry, she moved into the startup world. In 2016, she founded LIVELY, a Leisurée brand inspiring women to live passionately, purposefully and confidently. In three years, she grew the brand from concept to 5 stores, 165,000+ ambassadors, and $105M acquisition. In 2022, Michelle founded her next venture, GORGIE, an energy drink brand. Michelle and Nancy dive into the experience of selling a business, the power of collaboration, as well as diving into Michelle’s wellness journey. Follow Michelle: @the_michellegrant Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
S2 E1 · Thu, August 29, 2024
In conversation with Hannah Bronfman, Founder of Pres10 Ventures
Hannah Bronfman is an angel investor, founder and influencer who is credited with bringing wellness to the forefront of the digital age. She and Nancy delve into evolving your business operations to break through revenue ceilings, what Hannah looks for in founders she invests in and much more. They also discuss how Hannah has used others' doubts to fuel her journey, and her tools for overcoming self doubt. Follow Hannah Bronfman: Instagram: @hannahbronfman Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
Trailer · Thu, August 22, 2024
Welcome Back to Makers Mindset: Season 2
Welcome back to Makers Mindset! This season, Nancy is joined by a diverse lineup of inspiring and engaging guests. Tune in to hear from entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders as they share valuable insights to help you thrive in both your business and personal life. Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
S1 E8 · Thu, June 20, 2024
In conversation with Nyakio Grieco, Co-Founder of Thirteen Lune and Founder of Relevant: Your Skin Seen
Nyakio Grieco has always been passionate about the power of the beauty industry as a vehicle for change. As the co-founder of Thirteen Lune, a retail platform dedicated to showcasing brands and products crafted by Black and Brown founders, Nyakio champions inclusivity and representation within the industry. In this episode, she delves into the challenges and triumphs of being a BIPOC founder in the beauty industry, highlighting the shifts she's witnessed as well as opportunities for growth. Drawing from her own experiences running her first brand for eighteen years, Nyakio reflects on the hurdles she faced with selling her first beauty brand and the many lessons learned along the way. She also underscores the significance of nurturing deep-seated relationships with the brands featured on Thirteen Lune, and why those relationships run so much deeper than retail. Follow Nyakio Grieco Instagram: @nyakio @thirteenlune @relevant.skin www. thirteenlune.com/ www.relevantskin.com Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
S1 E7 · Thu, June 06, 2024
In conversation with Whitney Casey, Co-Founder of Tally Health and Partner at L Catterton
Whitney Casey couldn’t have predicted her journey. Starting as one of the youngest anchors on CNN Headline News, Whitney’s path has been dynamic, and sometimes chaotic, to lead her where she is today. As both a co-founder and private equity investor, Whitney leverages the skills she’s developed over her career to bring unique perspectives to everything she does. She shares with Nancy the importance of seizing opportunity, even if it might not align with your plans or goals. Additionally, Nancy and Whitney discuss how Whitney's background as an entrepreneur influences the type of investor she is - and she shares some great tips for entrepreneurs looking to raise capital. Finally, as co-founder of Tally Health, Whitney has a passion for prioritizing self-care for longevity, and shares some important healthy habits that have been transformative for her wellbeing. Follow Whitney Casey: Instagram: @whitneycasey007 @tallyhealth Follow Nancy Twine: Instagram: @nancytwine www.nancytwine.com Follow Makers Mindset: Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcast TikTok: @themakersmindset
S1 E6 · Thu, May 23, 2024
In conversation with Anu Duggal, Founding Partner of Female Founders Fund
When Anu Duggal started her first business, a wine bar in Bombay, she was entering a sector that she had no experience in. But she didn’t let that stop her, in fact, she leveraged that inexperience to generate new insights and innovation. In the years that followed, she grew into an entrepreneurial powerhouse, launching the Female Founders Fund in 2014, investing in early stage female founders. Since then, Anu has appeared on Fortune’s “40 under 40” Crain’s “Notable Women in Tech” list and been included in Business Insider’s “Ultimate List of Female Startup Investors.” Explore more empowering resources
S1 E5 · Thu, May 09, 2024
In conversation with Sheena Zadeh, Founder of Kosas
Sheena Zadeh blended her background in science with a love of cosmetics to create Kosas Cosmetics, a brand that proudly states that it’s ‘makeup for skincare freaks.’ Sheena's journey has been a testament to adaptation, experimentation and a passion for what she does. Juggling roles as CEO and founder, she eventually opted to step back from the CEO position to focus on Kosas’s creative vision. She and Nancy dive into this decision, in addition to exploring the intricacies of building a successful brand and team, while emphasizing the importance of self-investment. Explore more empowering resources
S1 E4 · Thu, April 25, 2024
In conversation with Aurora James, Founder of Brother Vellies & The Fifteen Percent Pledge
Aurora James launched fashion and accessories line Brother Vellies in 2013, with a mission to preserve the heritage of African design and create lasting artisanal jobs. Today, her brand is handcrafted by artisans spanning the globe, bringing culture, sustainability and fashion together. She is also the founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a non-profit that encourages retailers to pledge at least 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Major retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom and Macy’s have all made the pledge. Nancy and Aurora discuss her unique journey of self discovery, her memoir, Wildflower , and the rituals that keep her grounded. Explore more empowering resources
S1 E3 · Thu, April 11, 2024
In conversation with Karissa Bodnar, Founder & CEO of Thrive Causemetics & Bigger Than Beauty Skincare
When Karissa Bodnar started Thrive Causemetics out of her one-bedroom apartment, she was determined to create a business that was mission-driven to its core. Inspired by the loss of a close friend to cancer, Karissa set out to craft a makeup brand committed to giving back. Today, Thrive Causemetics proudly supports over 500 giving partners and has contributed millions in fundings and products to charitable organizations. Join Karissa and Nancy as they discuss Karissa’s journey as a mission-driven founder and explore the evolution of her business into the impactful force it is today. Explore more empowering resources
S1 E2 · Thu, March 28, 2024
In conversation with Seema Bansal Chadha, Co-Founder of Venus et Fleur
Seema Bansal Chadha was inspired to start her category disrupting business, Venus et Fleur, after a Valentines Day gesture gone wrong. In this episode, she and host Nancy Twine dive into a conversation about starting and bootstrapping a business with your partner, knowing when to grow, and finding time for wellness. Explore more empowering resources
S1 E1 · Thu, March 14, 2024
In conversation with Jessica Cruel, Editor-in-Chief of Allure Magazine
Join host Nancy Twine in conversation with Jessica Cruel, Editor-in-Chief of Allure Magazine, for the inaugural episode of Makers Mindset. In this candid conversation, you’ll delve into Jessica's experiences combating imposter syndrome, managing her personal financial health, standing out in the competitive beauty space, and so much more. Explore more empowering resources
Trailer · Tue, March 05, 2024
Welcome to Makers Mindset
Welcome to Makers Mindset, a podcast that uncovers the inspiring journeys of female founders, executives, and changemakers. We delve into how these remarkable women navigate professional achievements and personal well-being. Join host Nancy Twine and an array of enlightening guests for this season's conversations. Find Makers Mindset on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube, starting March 14th. Learn how to empower your best you
loading...