Ladies Who Launch

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  

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

You don’t need to be “techy” to thrive in the age of AI — you just need to know where to start.In this empowering Launch Box episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle Humes sits down with Chloe Watts, founder of ChloéDigital, to demystify AI and show how women can use it to save time, scale their businesses, and unlock creative freedom.From coding MySpace pages at 15 to “vibe coding” — where women can build websites and apps just by typing — Chloe’s journey proves that technology is no longer a barrier. It’s a bridge.They talk:💡 How AI can streamline your business and reduce burnout💻 The truth about “AI taking jobs” and why women should lean in✨ The new wave of female founders using AI to create changeWhether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or leader in corporate, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and ready to build the future on your own terms.FOLLOW CHLOEhttps://www.instagram.com/chloeadelia/https://www.instagram.com/chloedigital.ai/www.chloedigital.com FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeareladieswholaunchKey Talking PointsChloe Digital’s Tech Journey[00:00:12] – [00:02:59]Founding the Business & Empowering Women[00:05:01] – [00:07:26]Adapting to AI and Changing Client Demands[00:08:05] – [00:13:06]AI Fears vs. Empowerment[00:13:07] – [00:16:30]Practical AI Tips for Entrepreneurs[00:15:49] – [00:18:55]Human Element in AI[00:19:58] – [00:21:37]Vibe Coding: AI for Website & App Creation[00:21:46] – [00:25:14]AI Success Stories & Streamlining Workflows[00:28:05] – [00:29:55]Actionable Takeaways[00:38:57] – [00:46:49]ResourcesChatGPTClaudeReplitLovableThere's An AI For ThatGeminiPerplexity

Marisa Hordern turned a childhood love of crystals into MISSOMA, now one of the world’s leading jewellery brands. In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Marisa sits down with Rochelle Humes to reveal how she grew a global business from her kitchen table, navigated tough industry “wilderness years,” and stayed true to her creative vision.She shares the truth behind startup struggles, lessons on building a strong team culture, and the importance of trusting your instincts. From overcoming burnout to scaling with limited resources, Marisa’s journey is packed with practical advice and inspiring real talk for founders and creatives alike.If you’re curious how to launch and lead a brand on your own terms, this episode is full of actionable insights and motivation. Hit subscribe and join us for another empowering conversation!Key Talking Points00:12: Introduction & Marisa Hordern’s Beginnings05:35: School Years & Finding Purpose10:23: First Job & Corporate Life12:46: Launching MISSOMA23:40: Scaling Up & Raising Investment39:17: Burnout & Rebirth43:18: Digital & Influencer Shift51:42: Team Building & Culture52:53: Women’s Health & Advocacy01:00:25: Founder Evolution01:06:44: Rocket Round01:15:32: Final Advice & Lunch HabitsFOLLOW MARISAhttps://www.instagram.com/marisahordern/MISSOMA: https://www.instagram.com/missomalondon/ FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch✨ About Ladies Who Launch Hosted by Rochelle Humes, Ladies Who Launch dives into the untold stories of female founders, leaders, and changemakers redefining success in their own words. Expect real conversations, honest lessons, and plenty of inspiration to help you launch whatever’s next — in business and in life.🔗 Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Discover how Anastasia Soare turned one brilliant idea — the perfect brow — into a global beauty powerhouse.When Anastasia Soare arrived in America, she barely spoke English and had $200 to her name. Today, she’s the founder of Anastasia Beverly Hills, one of the most influential beauty brands on the planet.In this episode, Rochelle Humes uncovers the incredible journey behind the woman who redefined eyebrows and built a $3 billion business from the ground up. Anastasia opens up about her early days as an immigrant, the moment she spotted an untapped opportunity in the beauty industry, and the powerful lessons she learned about resilience, self-belief, and doing every job in your business.This is more than a beauty story — it’s a masterclass in building something iconic from nothing.Tune in for real talk, raw lessons, and inspiration to build your own version of success.Key Talking Points1. Early Life in Romania & Lessons in Resilience00:01:25 – 00:07:222. Immigrating & Adapting to Life in America00:11:08 – 00:15:323. Entering the Beauty Industry00:17:23 – 00:19:454. Eyebrow Technique & Business Foundation00:19:45 – 00:22:305. Starting and Growing Her Own Salon00:23:05 – 00:27:566. Press, Celebrities & Oprah Winfrey Moment00:30:01 – 00:33:017. Launching Products & Scaling00:33:21 – 00:43:058. Advice for Entrepreneurs00:53:31 – 00:54:39FOLLOW ANASTASIAhttps://www.instagram.com/anastasiasoare/https://raisingbrowsbook.com/ Anastasia Beverly Hills: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiabeverlyhills/ FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch

From Manchester market stalls to Head of Global Business at Meta, Nicola Mendelsohn joins Rochelle Humes to share her inspirational journey—rooted in family, entrepreneurial spirit, and a drive to break barriers. Nicola reveals how her upbringing shaped her career, how she built her confidence in male-dominated settings, and the lessons learned balancing motherhood with leadership.In this episode, Nicola demystifies how AI can help women build and grow their businesses, shares honest insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, and explains what makes a great leader. Packed with practical advice, candid stories, and future-facing tech tips, this is essential listening for female founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to level up their career.From championing women in business to the exciting future of AI at Meta, Nicola Mendelsohn’s perspective offers inspiration and actionable advice you don’t want to miss.Key Talking PointsFamily & Early Entrepreneurial Influence[00:00:59] – [00:04:13]Education, Breaking into Advertising[00:04:13] – [00:06:40]Career Growth & Mentorship at BBH[00:06:40] – [00:08:13]Motherhood & Work-Life Balance[00:08:13] – [00:13:53]Women in Business: Challenges & Support[00:13:53] – [00:19:18]Entrepreneurship, Curiosity & Networking[00:16:05] – [00:21:10]Celebrating Wins & Overcoming Barriers[00:21:10] – [00:23:55]AI: Myths, Opportunities, and Meta’s Tools[00:25:15] – [00:33:59]Tech’s Future for Founders[00:35:04] – [00:39:32]Leadership Style & Self-Care[00:39:32] – [00:45:21]Quickfire Advice & Tips for Launching[00:45:21] – [00:52:52]FOLLOW NICOLAhttps://www.instagram.com/nicolamen/ FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch

What does it really take to launch a fashion brand that stands out? Fisayo Longe, founder of KAI Collective, joins Rochelle Humes to share her remarkable journey from entrepreneurial beginnings in Nigeria to becoming one of London’s most innovative fashion voices.Fisayo talks openly about her culture-driven confidence, pivoting from accounting to style, and the product flops and viral moments that shaped her brand. She reveals the lessons she learned about asking the right questions, building community, and the importance of having a unique selling point. Rochelle and Fisayo discuss overcoming burnout, trusting your instincts, and how empowering women starts with telling bold stories.Packed with real talk, honest advice, and insider perspective, this episode is a must for anyone wanting to launch on their own terms—and build something unforgettable.FOLLOW FISAYOhttps://www.instagram.com/fisayolonge/https://www.tiktok.com/@fisayolongeKAI Collective: https://kaicollective.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kaicollective/ FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeareladieswholaunchKEY TALKING POINTS1. Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit[00:00:15] – [00:03:21]2. Academic Journey and Switch to Fashion[00:07:22] – [00:10:43]3. Starting the KAI Collective[00:11:02] – [00:14:38]4. Learning from Failure and Product Validation[00:14:47] – [00:19:44]5. Business Growth, the Gaia Dress, and Product Breakthroughs[00:22:38] – [00:25:38]6. Finding Hero Products & Listening to Your Audience[00:26:15] – [00:28:24]7. Empowerment, Community, and Brand Storytelling[00:30:49] – [00:33:54]8. From Founder-Led to Brand-Led[00:33:54] – [00:36:42]9. Direct-to-Consumer vs. Retail: Scaling Sustainably in Fashion[00:41:46] – [00:46:31]10. Leadership, Building Teams, and Company Culture[00:47:19] – [00:52:57]11. Burnout and High Achiever Mentality[00:54:53] – [01:02:22]12. What’s Next for KAI Collective[01:02:35] – [01:04:43]13. Rocket Round[01:04:51] – [01:15:08]

From collecting rose petals as a child to creating one of the UK’s most iconic skincare brands, Sarah Chapman's path is all about passion, innovation, and grit. In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle Humes chats with Sarah about her journey from experimenting with homemade face masks to delivering sought-after facials and developing her Skinesis range.Sarah reveals how moving around the world shaped her adaptable mindset, why she studied everything from makeup to cosmetic science, and how she accidentally launched her own clinic from her living room. She opens up about overcoming setbacks, sticking to her vision, and blending luxury with efficacy in her products.If you’re interested in launching your own business, love beauty, or want an inside look at what it really takes to succeed, you’ll find practical insights, honest advice, and inspiration in Sarah’s story. Don’t miss this episode about believing in yourself, redefining success, and building a brand that stands the test of time.FOLLOW SARAHhttps://www.instagram.com/sarahchapmanlondon/ FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch