Ladies Who Launch

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

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

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

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 Plasik 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

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

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

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

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

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