Ladies Who Launch

Millie Kendall OBE has spent more than 30 years shaping the British beauty industry. She launched Shu Uemura and Aveda in the UK, co-founded the iconic makeup brand Ruby & Millie with Ruby Hammer, and now leads the British Beauty Council as its founding CEO. In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, she shares the wisdom, mistakes and reinventions behind a career that has spanned the early days of modern beauty brands. Millie tells Rochelle why she helped launch brands that sold for hundreds of millions without ever owning a stake, why she turned down Victoria Beckham, how Boots backed Ruby & Millie with £7 million to launch the brand, and what it really felt like to walk away from a business with her name on it. In this episode, we cover: Why Millie says it's "invention, not reinvention" Launching Shu Uemura in London and turning a loss into a profit in three months The lesson of not taking equity in the brands she helped build Building Ruby & Millie, from Harvey Nichols and Selfridges to Boots The Victoria…

This week on Ladies Who Launch, we're doing something a little different. Instead of sitting down with an incredible woman, we're taking you behind the scenes of the biggest moment of Rochelle's business journey so far: the launch of her skincare brand, Eulah. Watch along as the Eulah launch campaign with Boots comes to life, from the campaign shoot to the launch event, and see what it really takes to build a brand from idea to shelf. The behind-the-scenes moments, the pressure, the people who made it happen, and the launch night that brought it all together. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind a brand launch, this is your front-row seat. Shop Eulah now: https://eulahskin.com/?utm_source=ladies_who_launch&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=eulah_launch We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Countdown To Launch 00:21 Nine Days Out 02:13 Podcast And Press Run 04:13 Launch Week Nerves 05:29 Launch Event Setup 07:30 Challenges Of Brand Building 09:27 Event Wrap And Website Rush 10:32 Eulah Launch Goes…

Rochelle sits down with Karlee Zhang, founder of Hello Klean, who opens up about her journey from self-funding an idea that nobody had believed in, to having half a million loyal worldwide customers and expanding into luxury retail spaces. Karlee unpacks the discovery that turned a plumbing issue into a beauty revelation, and the reality of bootstrapping until you find the right investors. From a sealed social strategy to navigating rapid growth, Karlee shares an insight into her honest founder lessons and top tips. In this episode we cover: The moment a plumbing problem became a beauty product The importance of educating consumers, and how Hello Klean earned trust with a free trial How to navigate retail launches and streamlining the consumer experience Building a social strategy that cuts through the noise Navigating rapid growth and defining your success If you’re an aspiring innovator with no clue where to start, this one’s for you! We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introducing Hello Klean 04:24…

Connie Nam founded Astrid & Miyu from her flat in Notting Hill in 2012, with a £500 website and a bold £2,000-a-month bet on PR she funded from her own savings. Since then, the brand has grown to 30+ international stores and a reported £50 million in turnover. In this episode, Connie breaks down how she built an entirely new jewellery category from scratch, why it took 11 years (not a viral moment) before she felt like she'd actually launched, and the naive assumptions that nearly sank her US and Middle East expansions. She also shares her honest take on why taking investment you don't need might be the biggest mistake a founder can make, and the line she now lives by when it comes to protecting company culture: it takes hundreds of people to build it, and only one to ruin it. In this episode we cover: The moment Astrid & Miyu really took off, and why brand awareness changed everything How to find people as passionate as you and filter out bad apples How to stand out in an overcrowded market The realities of…

Colette Laxton co-founded The INKEY List in 2018 to make skincare less confusing and has since sold over 90 million products worldwide. In this episode, she breaks down exactly how she split her first £300K starting budget between stock, marketing and running costs, including why most of her marketing spend went on one person: Caroline Hirons! We all know the success of The INKEY List but the growth came at a cost. Colette opens up about nearly going bankrupt, the burnout that put her in bed for two weeks straight, and the unpredictability of virality including how a product she never planned to sell became the number one body product on TikTok Shop. It's an honest look at what building a brand from nothing actually takes, budget breakdown included. In this episode, we cover: Leaving a decade-long career at Boots to join a scrappy startup Exactly how she split her first £300K investment Why most of her marketing budget went on: Caroline Hirons The Cult Beauty call on launch day that changed everything…

Everybody needs a life coach as their bestie, and in this week's episode of Ladies Who Launch, we’re welcoming back Dior Bediako to unpack the raw reality of running a business. We discuss the shocks of entrepreneurship, how to stop taking fails so personally, why being busy ≠ building, and why launching shouldn’t be your goal. Dior shares her tips on success with tangible weekly goals, structure and accountability that actually create momentum, how to know when to admit something isn't working, and her top advice to beat imposter syndrome without ever using your goals against yourself. Get Dior's design your future-self worksheet: https://pepperyourtalk.kit.com/736ece85c7 In this episode, we cover: Why launching isn't the goal, and the real shocks of running a business Busy vs building: why doing more ≠ more results How to build structure that sticks: tangible weekly goals, accountability and results over process The importance of knowing when to pivot Mindset resets: stop comparing, stop using goals…

The cat's finally out of the bag! After months of hiding logos, dodging your questions, and biting my tongue every time you asked what "Roch Builds a Brand" was really about… I can finally tell you. Welcome to Eulah! In this episode I'm telling you the full story: where the name came from, the Korean-inspired formulas the whole brand is built around, and how we've somehow managed to bring it to you for £8–£12 a product. We're launching with 12 products including a gua sha companion that I am OBSESSED with. This is the biggest launch I have ever done and I’m so excited to share it with you. Sign up at eulahskin.com to be the first to hear more, get early access to products, and find out how to meet Rochelle at launch. We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introducing Eulah 01:43 Eulah Brand Vision and Pricing 03:39 Where To Shop Eulah 06:14 The Meaning Behind The Brand Name 07:37 Join the Eulah Community 08:38 12 Products Sneak Peek 09:56 Road to Launch Plans 10:50 Expert Doctor Partnership 🔔 New episodes…

This week on Ladies Who Launch, we’re taking a break from regular scheduled programming to revisit some of the most iconic moments of honesty, vulnerability, and advice from previous powerhouse founders, including Emma Grede, Ella Mills, Sabrina Elba, Sam Faiers, Mona Kattan, Amy Liu, Perrie Sian, Conna Walker, Frankie James, Vivien Wong, Aimee Smale, Penelope Cheshire, Ama Hill, Jessica Sepel and Jo Malone. This mastermind compilation is your spark and start to finding your idea and taking the first leap to building the business of your dreams. It includes all of those golden nuggets of advice from our Ladies who’ve Launched; from how to take the first leap, and turn personal problems and passion into purpose-led businesses, to building resilience through startup struggles, influencer growth and unwavering self-belief. In this episode, we cover: Taking the leap & founding from a personal problem Turning your passion into a career Navigating early startup struggles The moment you truly ‘launch’ Embracing…

Have you ever experienced having to mix 3 different foundations just to find your shade? Well your problems have been sold because DCYPHER Beauty is the World’s first beauty tech brand creating formulations from scratch, one at a time, personalised in minutes. In this week's episode, Rochelle sits down with Ruth De Leo, skincare founder of DCYPHER and mentee of Charlotte Tilbury, to share how AI-powered shade-matching is solving the personalisation problem no beauty giant could crack. We discuss the real expectations vs reality of launching a brand, learning from the best brands in the industry, and the non-negotiables that keep DCYPHER running. Ruth gets honest about founder life, unexpected customer feedback, and the advice she wishes she never listened to. In this episode, we cover: Ruth’s beauty-industry background and discovering the gap in the market that sparked the brand. Charlotte Tilbury mentorship that impacted her career. How AI and personalisation formulas solved the universal shade-match…

Ever wondered how to launch a skincare brand? This week’s episode is with Fabienne Sebaoun, founder of Mimétique, who unpacks the raw reality of building a self-funded beauty brand from scratch. We then go into how Fabienne tapped into her science based roots to build a niche within an overcrowded space. From facing university as a mature student to navigating the chaos of a first launch, Fabienne shares the do's, don'ts, and business non-negotiables that shaped Mimétique into a brand built on storytelling and substance. In this episode, we cover: How Fabienne’s science-based background led her to launching building a niche in the crowded beauty space Lesson from building Mimétique completely self funded How storytelling and brand identity became her edge in an oversaturated market Do's and don'ts of launching a modern brand and managing the conflict that comes with it Fabienne’s top tip for solo founders If you’re an aspiring founder looking to launch in the beauty space, this one’s for you. We Are Ladies…

This week, we’re joined by Georgie Le Roux, founder and CEO of Gigi & Olive, the luxury bridal and personalised gifting brand that has grown through four major business pivots and over 85% year-on-year growth. In this episode, Georgie shares the behind-the-scenes reality of building a product based business from manually managing personalised orders in Google Sheets to scaling a luxury brand, navigating operational chaos, and the £30,000 Meta Ads mistake that nearly derailed Black Friday. We also dive into why profit matters more than revenue, how to know when it's time to pivot, building a community-first brand, and the founder lessons no one talks about. In this episode, we cover: The £30,000 Meta Ads horror story every founder should hear Why Gigi & Olive pivoted four times before finding its winning model The operational reality of running a personalised product business Why chasing revenue can be a dangerous growth strategy How customer obsession became Gigi & Olive's biggest competitive advantage The…

In this week's episode of Ladies Who Launch, Frankie James unpacks her founder story, from the uncertainty of figuring out a career path as a young adult to building Ideas Fest into a must-attend industry event. We get into turning setbacks into strategy, mastering assertive communication, navigating the grey area between business and friendship, and the financial tools every founder needs to know. In this episode, we cover: Frankie's founder journey from career uncertainty to building Ideas Fest How to turn setbacks into strategic opportunities Networking, rapport-building, and navigating the blurred lines between business and relationships Gaining the confidence to be assertive in the business world Financial support tools, top tips, and how to be a strong team player If you’ve ever wanted to start a business but don’t know where to begin, this one’s for you. We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Frankie James 02:33 Finding Your Path 12:44 Family Business Dynamics 15:31 An Intro To Ideas Fest 17:08…

In this week's episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle breaks down why the brands that win don't just sell products, they build worlds. This solo branding masterclass covers the full journey, from defining the consumer experience you want to create, to showing up consistently as the brand you've built, and learning when to ignore outside noise versus when a trend is actually worth your energy. Rochelle walks through finding your creative direction, choosing a brand colour that carries meaning, getting fonts and typography right, and the principle that anchors it all; branding for the customer you want, not the one you already have. In this episode, we cover: Building a world, not just a brand Showing up consistently as the brand you've created Ignoring outside noise and knowing when a trend is actually worth your energy How to find your creative and visual direction through brand colour, fonts, and typography Branding for the customer you want, not the one you already have If you’ve always dreamed of creating…

In this week's episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with communication expert Amira Quaye to unpack why so many women struggle to hold their own in high-stakes rooms. From being labelled "bossy" versus "headstrong" to the exhaustion of over-explaining and the quiet friction between male and female language. Amira breaks down how to unlearn old habits, reduce filler words, reframe your email language, and navigate difficult conversations without shrinking. Plus, her six fundamentals of communication for finding your voice in any environment. In this episode, we cover: Owning your voice in high-stakes rooms; why women get labelled "bossy", and how to hold your own without shrinking Unlearning old habits, over-explaining, filler words, and the tension between male vs female language Reframing your written communication by stripping apologetic language from emails and finding authority Navigating difficult conversations and managing the feelings that come with confrontation in both personal and…

Rochelle Humes sits down with JSHealth founder, Jessica Sepel, to unpack her experience of diet culture and how it failed an entire generation of women. She built JSHealth to offer women access to nutrition in a healthy way. From her first experience with nutrition to building a global, female-first supplement company without investment, Jessica shares the untold story behind the brand that put women's health first. This conversation covers the real work behind building a brand that puts quality first. We cover everything from ingredients, building a community of trusted women and what she’s learnt about leading a growing team. In this episode, we cover: Jessica's first experience with nutrition, how diet culture failed women and teenagers, and where JSHealth was rooted from Starting JSHealth as a first-to-market, female-first vitamin company, bootstrapped from day one with no investors Generating hype, protecting customer trust in an unregulated industry, and enforcing quality control from the start…

In this week's episode of Ladies Who Launch, Nicola Elliott, founder of NEOM, takes us behind the scenes of building a brand in a category that barely existed when she started. From the early days of product creation to scaling to 150 products, 150 employees, and £45M in annual turnover, Nicola gets into the mechanics of strategically building for long-term growth. We unpack the real decisions most founders agonise over: the benefits of taking investment versus staying self-funded, and the personal sacrifices that come as a direct consequence of business ambition. Beyond the numbers, this conversation digs into what makes NEOM genuinely stick, how Nicola has built a deep consumer-to-brand connection at scale, and perhaps more importantly, how she's designed the business around the life she actually wants to live. It's an honest, tactical conversation for founders who want to build something substantial without losing themselves in the process. In this episode, we cover: The journey of starting & building…

In this week's episode of Ladies Who Launch, Penelope Cheshire takes us back to where it all began: an £8,000 leap of faith funded by selling her partner's Rolex, and a belief that premium hair extensions didn't have to feel exclusive or unapproachable. What followed was a masterclass in retail grit, from cold-pitching salons and building a team from the ground up, to navigating investment rooms where beauty wasn't taken seriously, and a partnership with Molly-Mae that sent the business into a different stratosphere. Penelope gets refreshingly honest about what actually happens during and after an exit, why she's channeling everything she learned into her next venture Killer Brush, and the moments that shaped her as a founder along the way. In this episode, we cover: The build of Beauty Works from an £8,000 Rolex watch sale Business growth through hair salons Facing stereotypes against the beauty industry Behind the Molly-Mae partnership The story of the Beauty Works sell Launching her new business, Killa…

In this week's episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Hanushka Toni, to unpack her journey from law to launching Sellier, the luxury handbag brand that caught the attention of Flannels and the moment her Jane Birkin auction went viral. She also gets candid about building a business alongside family, the realities of entrepreneurship no one talks about, and her bold move into feminine hygiene with JUICE, breaking taboos in real time. In this episode, we cover: How Hanushka transitioned from Law to luxury retail Building luxury handbag retailer, Selier Behind the Jane Birkin auction Effectively growing a business through social media Benefits of the Sellier x Flannels partnership What people are getting wrong about entrepreneurship Introducing JUICE and taboos around feminine hygiene Whether you're a founder, a creator, or someone with a big idea and no idea where to start, this one is for you. We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introducing Hanushka 03:24 Building Sellier 09:10 Creating…

This week's episode of Ladies Who Launch is with Sophia & Cinzia, the powerhouse duo behind one of the UK's most-listened-to podcasts, The Girls Bathroom. From building a loyal online community from scratch to launching a sold-out live tour, this episode is a masterclass in building an audience through genuine connection and having fun while doing it. We get into the founding of their new venture rooms, what it really takes to build a team of women who are aligned with your vision, and because no Ladies Who Launch episode is complete without it, a Greek lunch moment that you absolutely need to hear. In this episode, we cover: How Sophia & Cinzia built their online following Launching The Girls Bathroom Building up to the live tour The realities behind launching rooms Why Sophia & Cinzia decided to build a team of women A Greek lunch moment Whether you're a founder, a creator, or someone with a big idea and no idea where to start, this one is for you. We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introducing…

From a viral TikTok moment to one of the UK's most beloved supermarket staples, this week on Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Vivien Wong, co-founder of Little Moons, to unpack the real story behind building an iconic brand from the ground up. Vivien gets refreshingly honest about starting before you're ready (the 80% rule), protecting product quality under explosive demand, and navigating the noise to find the advice that actually moves the needle. Together, we dig into the sibling dynamic that powers the business, the nostalgia-first brand identity that made mochi ice cream a cultural moment, and what it really looks like to bring in investment and external leadership without losing what made you special in the first place. This one is equal parts strategy and soul and a masterclass in building a brand people genuinely love. In this episode, we cover: Building a career and brand foundation from scratch Knowing which advice to take and which to ignore Creating the Little Moons brand identity…

The Space NK Miami trip went viral and this week we discussed everything that happened behind the scenes. In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Jini Sanassy, Head of PR at Space NK, to unpack the influencer marketing strategy that turned one brand trip into one of the most-talked-about campaigns of the year. From the first mood board to the final metric, Jini reveals exactly how Space NK built an experience rooted in community, inclusivity, and creator relationships that actually convert. In this episode, we cover: How Space NK planned and executed the viral Miami Summer Trip Building the perfect guestlist Selecting and integrating brand partnerships Myth-busting the influencer trip rumors Measurement and impact metrics We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 The Space NK Miami Trip That Went Viral 01:59 Setting Campaign Goals 03:26 Selecting The Guest List 07:41 Myth Busting The Trip 10:01 Partner Brands And Activations 17:00 Creative Freedom Vs KPIs 24:30 Measuring Success With EMV…

In this weeks episode of Ladies Who Launch, Frederika, founder of the Luxury Mum Guide, joins us to unpack the motherhood identity shift that no one prepares you for and how she turned that gap in support into the ultimate family travel guide for luxury-minded mums. From navigating who you are before and after kids, to curating the world's best family-friendly experiences, this is the blueprint for building a community born from lived experience. In this episode, we cover: Why Federika built the Luxury Mum Guide from scratch The support system mums actually need Who you are before kids vs. the woman you become after Curating the world's best family-friendly experiences for luxury-minded mums Where Federika is taking the Luxury Mum Guide next Why maternity fashion is broken and what needs to change We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Sunday Launch Intro 00:57 Using Motherhood To Fuel Ambition 02:29 Why The Mum Guide Was Needed 06:03 Identity Shift and Work 16:22 From Social Posts to Events 19:31…

Lucy Aylen built Never Fully Dressed into one of fashion's most coveted cult brands; without investors, without chasing trends, and without ever optimising for virality. In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Lucy shares the philosophy behind building slow, why she resisted the pressure to scale before she was ready, and how growing a fiercely loyal community from day one became the brand's greatest competitive advantage. From navigating the devastating business impact of COVID to knowing exactly when and how to grow a team, Lucy gives us the unfiltered blueprint for building a brand that lasts. In this episode, we cover: Why Lucy Said No To Virality The Power of Building Slow Growing the Never Fully Dressed Community When & How To Build Your Team Surviving COVID As A Fashion Brand Building Without Investment If you're a founder who's tired of being told you need to move faster, raise money, and go viral to win this one's for you. We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Lucy Aylen 02:51 Never Fully…

In this episode, Sarah Jossel, award-winning beauty editor, author, and presenter on This Morning, for an honest conversation about carving out a career in fashion and beauty when everyone's fighting for the same seat at the table. Sarah takes us from her early days breaking into the industry all the way to writing her book, Diary Of A Beauty Editor, and everything she learned (the hard way) in between. We get into what it really means to build authority and trust when the market is saturated, why authenticity is your most powerful career asset, and how to develop the editorial eye to know what's worth your time and what's just noise. We also go deep on beauty product red flags, the trends she's watching, and the questions every woman should be asking before she buys into the hype. In this episode, we cover: How Sarah broke into the fashion industry and navigated her way to the top Building credibility and authority in a saturated, competitive space Beauty product red flags and the trends shaping the…

Sedge Beswick was ASOS's first ever social media hire back when social wasn't a career. What followed was an accidental leap into agency life that became SEEN Connects, a powerhouse she built, scaled, and sold for £24 million. But, this is more than an exit story. Sedge gets radically honest about the parts that don't make the highlight reel, founder loneliness, cashflow problems, navigating private equity while pregnant, and why breaking hustle culture was one of her best business decisions. In this episode, we cover: How Sedge became ASOS's first social media hire before social was a career Landing big clients fast and managing the growth that followed Investment, cashflow, and the realities of founder finance Motherhood, setting boundaries as a founder, and breaking hustle culture What the £24M exit really felt like Owning and creating balance as a successful woman in business Redefining success, freedom, and what comes after selling This is a masterclass in building with intention, exiting with clarity,…

Josephine Philips is the founder of SOJO, the UK's first on-demand clothing alterations and repairs app. She started SOJO by manually cycling garments across London to validate the idea before raising £1.8M in pre-seed funding (backed by Depop's own founder), landed Forbes 30 Under 30, and opened a permanent concession in Selfridges. In this episode, Josephine gets brutally honest about the real journey: finding a tech co-founder early on,, the hiring mistakes that slowed her down, a six-week fundraising sprint that changed everything, and what it actually means to build with the end in mind. This is a masterclass in doing more with less, moving fast without breaking your team, and why representation in VC funding is still one of the most urgent conversations in entrepreneurship. What we cover: Finding a tech co-founder as a non-technical founder Navigating the fashion space outside of fast fashion Finding a niche in a typically crowded space The timings and strategy of raising investment The stats around…

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, we sit down with Georgie Coleridge Cole, Founder & CEO of SheerLuxe, the e-commerce and lifestyle powerhouse that redefined how women discover fashion, beauty, and culture online. Georgie opens up about the formative experiences that shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, how she stumbled into the world of e-commerce before it was cool, and the raw reality of building an incredible team from scratch while the industry was still figuring out what digital media even meant. What we cover: The honest story of building SheerLuxe and becoming an entrepreneur Discovering and navigating the world of e-commerce Business investment and financing. Why access to capital looks very different for women in business How to structure a strong team early and build a culture that scales Juggling life, business, and motherhood. The real, unfiltered version If you're a female founder navigating the chaos of building something bold, this one's for you. We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00…

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Bernicia Boateng, makeup artists to the stars to go behind the scenes of her incredible journey, from the makeup chair to founding Enoléh, the hair brand redefining what it means for Black women to feel seen, celebrated, and authentic in the beauty space. In this episode, we cover: The mission behind Bernicia's work and why authentic representation in skincare and makeup matters more now than ever before What self-belief actually looks like in practice The beauty and power of women wearing wigs and hair extensions, and why it's so much more than aesthetics The behind-the-scenes of building Enoléh, the team, the challenges, and the dream Whether you're a founder, a dreamer, or someone who's been holding back, this one is for you. We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Bernicia 02:05 From makeup to wider mission 06:22 Gaining confidence 11:25 Building repeat customers and loyalty 13:56 Why wigs matter 20:45 Building a fashion…

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, I’m pulling back the curtain on building my new skincare brand. This week, we dive deeper into product development; from formulation and testing to MOQs and what it really takes to get products onto retail shelves. I’m sharing the real journey with you: what I’m learning as I go, how I’m building the brand from the ground up, and the challenges that are keeping me up at night. Plus, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our next Ladies Who Launch live event. After how incredible and inspiring our last one was, I cannot wait to share another amazing lineup with you. In this episode, I cover: Where the products are right now. Development, testing, and what the process has been along the way The decisions around formulation that no one prepares you for How I’m thinking about quantities and what that means for the brand at this stage Selling into retailers and what it actually takes to get a brand onto shelves The next Ladies Who Launch line up Whether you're launching…

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Aila Morin, CMO of MERIT Beauty, the clean, minimalist brand that's redefining what "effortless" really means in beauty. This episode isn't just a brand story, it’s an original narrative of how to stay true to yourself while building a business with purpose and impact. Aila opens up about the why behind MERIT, the purpose that shaped every product decision, every campaign, and every community touchpoint from day one. What we cover: How MERIT built a narrative that resonates far beyond the product How new product development becomes a brand-building tool, not just a revenue play What real brand loyalty looks like and how to cultivate it without gimmicks How Aila stays focused in one of the most competitive industries The messy, real, unglamorous side of scaling a team and a brand Whether you're a founder in the thick of it or a marketer obsessed with building a brand, this episode will challenge the way you think about building something with real…

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Katherine Barlow, founder of Ru & Rocka, for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build a fashion brand from scratch. From the spark of an idea to building a team and letting others into her business, Katherine shares the real founder story behind one of the most original brands in the space today. We cover: How Ru & Rocka started and the moment it became real Being responsible with money and navigating small business finances How to build a brand that's truly original in a crowded market Building the Ru & Rocka team and knowing when to hire Building a true brand identity & DNA Launching in Selfridges Whether you're in the early stages of building your brand or scaling your team, this one is packed with lessons you won't want to miss. We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introducing Katherine Barlow 04:56 Instagram Side Hustle 07:16 Finance Lessons Learned 09:47 Building A Brand Solo 12:51 From The Studio to Ru &…

In this exclusive solo episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle shares something she's been quietly building behind the scenes, the launch of her very own skincare brand. This isn't a brand born from trend-chasing. It's rooted in a deeply personal vision for what Rochelle believes has been missing from the market all along: quality skincare at a price point that feels accessible. Rochelle opens up about her ambitions for the brand, her plan to build it at scale, and more importantly why she's decided to bring you along for the entire ride. We don't know exactly where this journey ends. But we're starting it right here, right now. Together. We Are Ladies Who Launch. 🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Managing business finances doesn't have to be overwhelming, it can actually be your most powerful tool for growth, if you invest in it from the start. In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, we sit down with Nicole Zalys also known as The London Accountant to demystify the day-to-day of running your business accounts and take the panic out of tax season. We are stripping away the heavy financial jargon to give you a foundational, empowering masterclass in money management. Whether you are a solo founder or scaling a growing team within a limited company, we break down the exact financial moves you need to make to protect your profit and scale with confidence. In this episode, we cover: The perks of registering as a limited company Expense pro’s and con’s Effective tax management How to save for tax How to price yourself effectively We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 04:53 Director Perks and Trivial Benefits of a Limited Company 10:02 Childcare Costs and Tax Free Scheme 15:00 Travel Overseas…

Stef Williams transitioned from a macro fitness influencer with over 2.2M followers to a serious tech founder building for a huge exit. She is the founder of WeGlow and SEFI, and reveals the unfiltered reality of scaling a digital empire while navigating severe endometriosis and pregnancy. In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, we dive deep into the build of Stef’s business, unpacking exactly how she evolved her relationship with social media to stay relevant in an ever-shifting digital landscape. What we cover: Staying relevant in the ever evolving world of social media Adapting to training and lifestyle with Endemetriosis The journey of how WeGlow started Stef’s evolving relationship with social media Building business for an exit Balancing pregnancy with career & business We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Stef Williams 02:01 Early Instagram Fitness Era 06:34 Branching Beyond Workouts 12:27 Endometriosis and Body Pressures 18:45 From Creator to Founder 23:53 Building Teams and Hiring…

In this episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Ama Hill, the founder of Plantmade, to finally share her side of the story. From rapid growth to going to business administration, this is the raw, unfiltered truth behind one of the most talked-about brand controversies in recent years. Ama opens up about what was really happening behind the scenes as Plantmade scaled, the cashflow pressures that many founders underestimate, and the exact moment she realised the business was in serious trouble. She breaks down the realities of administration, what actually happened when the new owner took over Plantmade, and how it feels to watch the company you built be run without you. This conversation goes beyond the headlines and social media speculation. It’s an honest look at the emotional, legal and financial realities of losing Plantmade and what it takes to rebuild your identity and confidence as a founder afterwards. We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 03:02 Rewinding to March…

In this week's Ladies Who Launch episode, Rochelle sits down with Hanan Eissa, the powerhouse Marketing Director behind some of the most iconic moments in hospitality history including launching Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal with Beyoncé, unveiling the hotel to the world. Together, they unpack what it really takes to build and launch a world-class destination brand that never blends into the noise. In this episode, we cover: • The behind-the-scenes of launching Atlantis with Beyoncé – from concept to global headlines • The exact principles behind marketing a world-class launch and how you can apply them to your own brand, product, or campaign • How to scale your brand Globally • Why having the right team is non-negotiable for high-stakes launches • How to get brand partnerships right and the common mistakes brands still make If you’re a founder, marketer, or brand leader looking to elevate your launch strategy, secure meaningful partnerships, and build campaigns that people actually talk about, this episode is…

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 startup How Sarah identified white space in the U.S. market for Korean skincare Taking the Leap: Leaving L’Oréal & Launching Glow Recipe Glow Recipe's Shark Tank Journey Going from DTC to Sephora Shelves Evolving the Glow Recipe Brand & Category Leadership If you’re curious about building a beauty, consumer or community-led brand, this…

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 profile The balance of sharing personal struggles while building an online profile and running a business Launching Djerf Avenue with a small team during the pandemic How to hire the right people who protect your culture Knowing when to step away and hire for the role of CEO The journey to launching Djerf Avenue in Selfridges If you are an aspiring founder or…

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 Frisby How Perrie achieved the "impossible" £1M…

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 ILIA The beginning of clean beauty and what it took to stand out in a new category The 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 back Navigating balance as a woman in business, leadership, and life If you’re a founder,…

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 essential Managing burnout and energy for founders & busy women Setting boundaries (without the guilt) in business and life Micro-habits and practical rituals to reset your mindset Building a…

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 education Why women feel uncomfortable talking about money and how to overcome it Three key things to create your own ‘business dashboard’ Simple habits to track finances and avoid common tax pitfalls How money is an amplifier of your values We Are Ladies Who Launch! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Rachel Harris: Breaking Financial Stereotypes 02:54 The Emotional Side of Finances 04:49 Empowering Women to Talk About Money 14:57…

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…

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 entrepreneurs This 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! CHAPTERS 00:00: Introduction 1:12: Starting My Little Coco 7:00:…

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…

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…

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…

In this powerful episode of Ladies Who Launch, Rochelle sits down with Bryony Basse (neé Deery), her Cloucha matcha co-founder, wellness expert, podcaster, and founder and creator of Pilates By Bryony — the global wellness platform transforming how women move, strengthen, and reconnect with themselves. Bryony shares her deeply personal story: • Growing up with instability and anxiety • Her life-changing accident which led her to Pilates • Navigating burnout in her corporate years • How Pilates became her anchor, and then her calling • Building a digital wellness brand with global impact • The discipline and mindset behind her success • The truth about wellness, routine, and inner work This episode is raw, grounding, and inspiring — the kind of conversation that reminds you it’s never too late to rebuild, reroute, or rise. 🎙️ Listen now on Ladies Who Launch — new episodes every week. Main Topics & Timestamps Early Entrepreneurship & Independence [00:00:56] Family Influence & Work Ethic [00:03:15] Discovering…

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 change Whether 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 CHLOE https://www.instagram.com/chloeadelia/ https://www.instagram.com/chloedigital.ai/ www.chloedigital.com FOLLOW US…

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 Points 00:12: Introduction & Marisa Hordern’s Beginnings 05:35: School Years & Finding Purpose 10:23: First Job & Corporate Life 12:46: Launching MISSOMA 23:40: Scaling Up &…