The two-part series delves into the story of visionary entrepreneur, Orlena Nwonkah Blanchard, founder and CEO of Wondertree Skin, who continues to shape the industry and make an impact as a disruptor in the skincare industry. Orlena reflects on her journey from engineering to marketing, sharing pivotal moments like her inspiration from a Gap ad and her experience in Black media, where she was able to nurture her deep connection to her culture. But Orlena's story doesn't stop there. From her role in creating the Crown Act to launching her firm, Seven Elements Group, Orlena has been at the forefront of groundbreaking initiatives. She discusses the importance of inclusivity in narratives and content creation, drawing on her expertise as a marketing strategist. The conversation takes a personal turn as Orlena shares her health challenges and how they inspired her to create Wonder Tree Skin, a skincare line infused with the beneficial properties of moringa. Through her experiences and her personal wellness journey, Orlena found inspiration to develop a product that promotes both health and beauty for marginalized communities creating change and impact in our community. Stay tuned for part 2! Follow @WonderTreeSkin or visit https://wondertreeskin.com/ Tune in to learn more from Orlena and Kendra!

Join Melissa Hibbert, President of BrainTrust Founders Studio, in a captivating episode as she reflects on the evolution of her entrepreneurial journey and being at the top of her game. Melissa first appeared in season one episode 12, "Power To Change Perception," which aired on February 27, 2021. Looking forward, Melissa shares compelling insights from her transition from the beauty and film industries to launching Glam Agency and Shyft Beauty Consultancy , including her collaborations with industry icons like Dr. Dre and contributions to Cécred, Beyonce's haircare collection. In a candid conversation, Kendra and Melissa explore the vital importance of partnership and alignment in entrepreneurship. They share their experiences of recognizing strengths and weaknesses, highlighting the transformative power of collaboration and a shared vision. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, they uncover the essential keys to success in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. Melissa's unwavering passion for supporting founders and shaping the future of the industry shines through as she discusses pivotal decision-making moments and the pursuit of abundance. This episode truly celebrates Melissa’s new role as President of BrainTrust Founders Studio and offers invaluable insights and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike. Melissa’s word of 2024: Abundance Follow @MelissaHibbert or visit @btfoundersstudio Tune in to learn more from Melissa and Kendra!

In this special episode, “The Beauty of Success Books + Bubbles” book tour makes a stop at Kendra Scott in Alpharetta, Georgia, where Amanda Young, Marketing and Philanthropic Manager for Kendra Scott Southeast area, takes center stage. In a collaborative effort to champion entrepreneurship and foster community empowerment, Kendra Scott through their respective program - Kendra Gives Back - has teamed up with Kendra, to support the launch of her first book, The Beauty of Success, Start, Grow and Accelerate Your Brand. Proceeds from book tour events held in Kendra Scott stores will be donated to BrainTrust Founders Studio to underwrite resources for founders in the community. During the conversation, Amanda underscores the pivotal role of community involvement in shaping individual success stories. Drawing from her own remarkable journey, Amanda shares insights gained from her start in retail stores to her current leadership position. Throughout the conversation, she illuminates Kendra Scott's steadfast commitment to philanthropy and community engagement, showcasing the brand's innovative approaches and unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. Together, Amanda and Kendra explore the core values of service, connection, and entrepreneurship, providing listeners with a captivating glimpse into their shared vision for the future. Additionally, they offer a sneak peek into exciting upcoming brand launches and discuss strategies for reaching new audiences. Follow @KendraScott or visit https://www.kendrascott.com/ Tune in to learn more from Amanda and Kendra!

Dionne Phillips, Founder and CEO of D’Lashes by Dionne Phillips, returns to Business of the Beat for Part 2 of the Where Are They Now Series. Dionne first joined in Season One of Business of the Beat and is featured in Kendra’s new book, The Beauty of Success: Start, Grow and Accelerate Your Brand. Dionne shares her remarkable story of battling cancer while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Despite facing setbacks and legal issues, Dionne's unwavering positivity and resilience shine through as she discusses her experience over the last two years and the support she received from her community, including celebrity clients. Listen in as Kendra and Dionne delve into topics such as managing stress, health insurance issues, and the importance of financial protections for entrepreneurs. Discover how Dionne's journey has shaped her perspective on life, business, and the power of relationships. Throughout the episode, Dionne offers valuable advice for prioritizing health and pursuing goals in the face of adversity. Follow @DLashes or visit https://www.dlashes.com/ Tune in to learn more from Dionne and Kendra! #DLashes #SurvivingAndThriving #CommunitySupport #FinancialProtection #HealthPriorities

This week Arlan Hamilton, trailblazing investor, author, and founder at Backstage Capital and HireRunner.co joins Business of the Beat. Arlan reflects on her past struggles and triumphs while sharing the importance of self-care, particularly for black women navigating the demanding world of entrepreneurship. Both Kendra and Arlan candidly share their experiences, emphasizing the need for balance and healthy habits to sustain their high-performance levels in the entrepreneurial arena. They explore the concept of being "Olympic-level entrepreneurs" and their responsibility of paving the way for others in the industry. They discuss Arlan’s groundbreaking book, Your First Million: Why You Don’t Have To Be Born Into A Legacy Of Wealth To Leave One Behind, and its accessibility and practical advice, offering aspiring entrepreneurs invaluable guidance on their path to success. Arlan emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and resources to uplift others in their entrepreneurial journey. Join Arlan's upcoming event, Your First Million Live, happening in Los Angeles, CA April 9-12th, where current and future millionaires will converge to gain practical insights and tools for financial success. Follow @ArlanWasHere or visit https://www.yourfirstmillion.live/ to get your tickets. Tune in to learn more from Arlan and Kendra!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brianna Arps, the visionary founder and CEO of MOODEAUX, a fragrance label that's disrupting the industry with its authenticity and innovation. Made for the unapologetically outspoken rebel inside us all, MOODEAUX is grounded in the belief that self-expression is the best self-care. Ditching tradition and introducing a new standard of longer-lasting, skin-nurturing, earth-friendly scents, MOODEAUX is redefining the fragrance experience. In this episode, Brianna shares her remarkable journey from beauty editor to entrepreneur, revealing how a job loss sparked her entrepreneurial spirit and led to the creation of MOODEAUX. Delving into her deep fascination with fragrance and the scientific intricacies that drive her passion, Brianna reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, including the importance of self-belief and continuous learning. Together, they explore the significance of black representation in the fragrance industry and Brianna's role in founding Black in Fragrance, a support network for black perfumers. Brianna also discusses her recent accomplishment of being one of Beauty Matter Next 2023 grant recipients, highlighting her commitment to driving innovation and diversity in the beauty industry. Get ready to be inspired by Brianna's unwavering determination, creativity, and commitment to building a brand that celebrates diversity and authenticity in the world of beauty and fragrance. Follow @MOODEAUXOfficial or visit https://moodeaux.com/ Tune in to learn more from Brianna and Kendra! #BlackInFragrence, #MOODEAUX, #FragranceInnovation, #UnapologeticRebel, #BeautyEntrepreneur

Camille Bell, the visionary Co-Founder and CEO of Pound Cake, a multi-award-winning pro-Black, pro-fat, and pro-queer cosmetics company, takes us through the captivating journey of building this revolutionary beauty brand. Camille sheds light on the challenges she faced, addressing issues of representation and racism within the industry. Delving into Pound Cake's product development, she shares experiences with labs and the deliberate choices made to foster inclusivity. Camille discusses short-term plans, unveils upcoming product launches, and shares long-term aspirations of global expansion. Notable achievements include being a two-time Allure 'Best Of Beauty' winner and securing a remarkable $1 million grant from Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition competition in 2022. Join in this illuminating conversation as Pound Cake Cosmetics redefines beauty standards and paves the way for inclusivity. Follow @PoundCake or visit https://poundcakecosmetics.com Tune in to learn more from Camille and Kendra!

Amadou Doumbia, the visionary founder of Wuli Grooming, embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery, drawing inspiration from his rich multicultural background spanning West Africa, New York City, Asia, and Sydney, Australia. Confronted with the challenges of 2020 and furloughed from his hospitality job, he transcended the belief in individual success, opting for collaboration and seeking expertise beyond his own capabilities. Wuli Grooming, specializes in crafting natural, non-synthetic hair care solutions catering to diverse hair types. The brand's astute go-to-market strategy involved direct engagement with customers, initially targeting smaller markets and gradually ascending to premium events. Amadou's nerve-wracking decision to participate in Shark Tank showcased his confidence, grounded in a background in marketing and communications. Following the show's success, Wuli Grooming has flourished in the realm of direct-to-consumer sales. With ambitious plans for international expansion, the brand remains dedicated to embracing diverse hair textures and aspiring to inspire others in the dynamic beauty industry. The episode delves into Wuli Grooming's fascinating journey, accentuating collaborative efforts, triumphs over challenges, and the significance of celebrating small victories. It also highlights Amadou's confident rejection of a partnership offer on Shark Tank as a pivotal moment in the brand's trajectory and his recent accomplishment of being one of Beauty Matter Next 2023 grant recipients. Follow @WuliGrooming or visit https://www.wuligrooming.com Tune in to learn more from Amadou and Kendra!

Kyera Keenne, Founder of KyeraBrand - Makers of Look, Don’t Touch shares her journey from an executive assistant to embracing her love for music, overcoming discouragement about her singing voice, and discovering her passion for composing and songwriting. The episode details Kyera's personal hair journey, from societal pressures to embracing her natural texture and creating the "Look, Don't Touch" hair care line. The conversation also covers the development of her product and her book, Hair Symphony: The Step-By-Step Guide to Mastering Your Hair Type, emphasizing a holistic approach to hair care, mental health, and confidence. Kyera envisions a worldwide presence and expresses her purpose as an artist creating positive aesthetics. The overall theme revolves around empowerment through self-love, education, and alternative perspectives. Follow @LookDontTouch_Hair or visit https://kyera.world/ Tune in to learn more from Kyera and Kendra! #LookDontTouch

Leslie Roberson, Founder and CEO of the Black Beauty Collective, a beauty retailer that features exclusively black-owned brands, shares her diverse journey, including experiences as a veteran, HR manager, and model. The episode highlights Leslie's resilience in transitioning from the military to modeling and explores her entrepreneurial spirit inherited from her father. Addressing the lack of representation for black women founders in the beauty industry. Leslie emphasizes the importance of diversity and parallels her corporate advocacy in this space. The conversation covers challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs, especially in accessing capital, and Leslie shares her vision for supporting Black women founders in particular through the Black Beauty Collective, providing retail space, coaching and a path to scalability. Follow @blkbeautycollective or visit https://blkbeautycollective.com/ Tune in to learn more from Leslie and Kendra!

Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, the founder, CEO and mastermind of Chillhouse, a groundbreaking wellness spa, products and accessories. Whether visiting their flagship in SoHo or replicating spa-like experiences in your home, Chillhouse provides a modern-day affordable alternative to indulging in your own wellness. During this episode, Cyndi dives deep into her entrepreneurial journey as she draws inspiration from her upbringing in the spa industry, thanks to her mother's role as an esthetician, and identifies a crucial niche for an affordable and contemporary spa experience. Cyndi unveils the treasure trove of services offered at Chillhouse while underscoring the pivotal role of community and membership in weaving self-care seamlessly into people's lives. Cyndi illuminates the ever-evolving growth of Chillhouse's journey through the lens of community and membership, where her vision transcends traditional salon services, ultimately crafting an inclusive haven. Cyndi shares valuable insight and lessons into venturing into retail and their longstanding partnership with Target. Chillhouse is truly an enterprise that prioritizes community and the holistic spa experience above all else. Follow @ChillHouse or visit https://chillhouse.com/ Tune in to learn more from Cyndi and Kendra!

This week Ceci Kurzman, Founder of OurX, a personalized program for total hair and scalp wellness, discusses her global upbringing, passion for music, and journey into the entertainment industry where she worked with iconic artists - such as Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Sade. Ceci takes us through the birth of OurX emphasizing innovation, personalization, sustainability and above all else customer’s needs. She further shares her goal for OurX including breaking down systemic barriers, promoting diversity, and empowering Black-owned brands. Follow @OurXHair or visit https://www.ourx.co/ Tune in to learn more from Ceci and Kendra!

This week, Annagjid "Kee" Taylor, a celebrity hair stylist, salon owner, , and author of the children's book All Hair Is Good Hair, goes deep into her evolution from a young girl passionate about styling dolls' hair to a successful entrepreneur. Pivotal moments are reflected upon, including an act of kindness at a Beyonce concert that went viral, and the inspiration behind her children's book, which promotes self-love and natural hair acceptance. The conversation delves into Kee's entrepreneurial challenges and her surrender to divine guidance. She emphasizes the importance of supporting others and shares insights on perseverance, prayer, and dedication for business success. Follow @Deeper.Than.Hair or visit https://deeperthanhair.com/ Tune in to learn more from Annagjid and Kendra!

Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks, the Founder of Ashunta Sheriff Beauty, continues her journey from makeup artist to business executive in a special part two episode. Ashunta dives into the importance of mentorship – mentoring new artists and the role of having mentors as the foundation for expanded success. She shares how high-profile clients, like Rihanna, remind her of the importance of patience, trust, and professionalism in the makeup industry. Ashunta underscores the significance of relationships and kindness as key pillars for building Ashunta Sheriff Beauty including the mishaps and relaunching her namesake brand. Ashunta remains firmly grounded in supporting women-founded brands, collaboration over competition, and the need for more Black-owned products in the market. Follow @AshuntaSheriff or visit https://ashuntabeauty.com/ Tune in to learn more from Ashunta and Kendra!

This week, Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks, Founder of Ashunta Sheriff Beauty, takes us through a two-part series of her journey. Ashunta shares about her career rooted in artistry that goes beyond the palette to a diversified portfolio of products and services. She discusses pivotal experiences at MAC, emphasizing its role as a vital training ground for makeup artists and the moments that led to new opportunities and expansion as an artist and entrepreneur. Follow @AshuntaSheriff or visit https://ashuntabeauty.com/ Tune in to learn more from Ashunta and Kendra and don’t miss part two!

This week Sir John Barnett, Creative Director, Executive, and Global Makeup Artist joins us to kick off Season 4 of Business of the Beat. On this special 151st episode, Sir John discusses his journey, highlighting the shift from being a highly sought after celebrity makeup artist to a beauty industry leading executive as Kilian Paris' first makeup Creative Director. He is an advocate for inclusivity and representation in the beauty industry, emphasizing the importance of making people feel good inside and out through his belief that “beauty is a feeling”. Sir John is inspiring the next generation to celebrate individuality while challenging the beauty industry to look beyond the surface and all of its intersections. He also candidly shares his challenges, including the impact of social media and the need for balance. The episode wraps up with Sir John providing a sneak peak into his vision for bringing new innovative products to the market and encouraging listeners to reflect on their own personal well-being. A true visionary, Sir John is pushing boundaries and igniting a new era of beauty exploration. Follow @SirJohn or visit https://www.sirjohnofficial.com/ Tune in to learn more from Sir John and Kendra and don’t forget to order Kendra’s first book, The Beauty of Success: Start, Grow and Accelerate Your Brand to read Sir John’s forward.

This week Business of the Beat celebrates 150 episodes. In this special 150th episode, we hear from five amazing past guests, Nyakio Greico, founder of , Thirteen Lune, and Relevant: Your Skin Seen, Tai Beauchamp, founder of Brown Girl Jane and Morning Mindset, Angel Cornelius, founder and CEO of Maison 276, Ron Robinson, founder of BeautyStat Cosmetics, and Youmie Francois, founder and CEO of Flex-n-Fly. Each guest shares their expansive journey from when they were first on the podcast in seasons 1-2 to where they are now. For more stories from these guests and 12 other past podcast guests make sure to order Kendra’s new book, The Beauty of Success: Start, Grow and Accelerate Your Brand available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target and more. Follow @ThirteenLune, @ItsBrownGirlJane, @Maison276, @BeautyStat, and @FlexNFlyOfficial or visit https://thirteenlune.com/, https://browngirljane.com/, https://maison276.com/, https://beautystat.com/, and https://flexnfly.com/ Tune in to learn more from Nyakio, Tai, Angel, Ron, Youmie, and Kendra!

This week on Business of the Beat we are joined by Aishetu Fatima Dozie, founder and CEO of Bossy Cosmetics. Aishetu shares her background, born to Nigerian immigrant parents in Boston, and traces her academic and professional journey in finance, including roles at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Lehman Brothers. Aishetu discusses her burnout and transformative period of self-reflection, leading to her Aishetu 2.0 phase, where she redirected her focus toward passion and purpose. Aishetu shares her entrepreneurial journey with Bossy Cosmetics, emphasizing the intersection of beauty and ambition and the positive aspects of capitalism aligned with passion. Bossy Cosmetics, through its powerful product names to challenging stereotypes reminds listeners the the importance of language, reclaiming words, and challenging gender norms. Follow @BossyBeauty or visit https://bossybeauty.com/ Tune in to learn more from Aishetu and Kendra!

Welcome back to the second part of our episode with BrainTrust Founders Studio members Dianne Austin, Co-Founder & CEO, and Pamela Shaddock, Co-Founder and COO of Coils to Locs, as part three of our series on remarkable founders from the Build in Tulsa Ecosystem. In this episode, Dianne and Pamela discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in the beauty industry, while underscoring that there are positive shifts in awareness, community support, and institutional outreach. Pamela recounts a biased encounter in the hospital retail space, shedding light on persistent misunderstandings and biases they encounter while striving to educate and challenge stereotypes. The conversation touches on the founders' dedication to education in hair care, dispelling myths, and ongoing initiatives like workshops for cancer patients. Stay for the end for a glimpse on their international expansion and their defining moments. Follow @CoilsToLocsWigs or visit https://coilstolocsstore.com/ Tune in to learn more from Dianne, Pamela, and Kendra!

In this episode, we feature BrainTrust Founders Studio members Dianne Austin, Co-Founder & CEO, and Pamela Shaddock, Co-Founder and COO of Coils to Locs, as part three of our series on remarkable founders from the Build in Tulsa Ecosystem. They also participated in the “Spotlight on Tulsa: Roots of a Self-care Economy” survey that focused on 33 beauty and wellness entrepreneurs who are part of the Tulsa ecosystem. Dianne's journey into entrepreneurship was prompted by her experience as a breast cancer patient struggling to find suitable wigs, leading her to transition from a career in human resources to address the need for culturally resonant wigs in the medical hair loss industry. Pamela, an actress who had a unique experience with wigs that were not suited for her hair type while on set, played a pivotal role in helping Dianne navigate the process of finding and customizing appropriate wigs. The episode delves into the challenges they faced in medical spaces, emphasizing the lack of understanding from distributors and cancer center retailers. The sisters recognized a market gap for textured hair wigs and a lack of understanding of Black hair culture. The episode concludes by underscoring the need for awareness, education, and inclusivity in the wig industry, particularly within medical settings. Stay tuned for part two of this insightful conversation with Dianne and Pamela! Follow @CoilsToLocsWigs or visit https://coilstolocsstore.com/ Tune in to learn more from Dianne, Pamela, and Kendra!