Hot Smart Rich with Maggie Sellers Reum

Who will reign supreme in beauty retail: Sephora or Olive Young? The hosts explore the fast-paced world of Korean beauty trends and discuss how AI can help schedule everything from workouts to dating. They tackle the rise of paid AI advisors and the implications of transparency in founder narratives. Polarizing content is seen as a way to build loyalty, while entertainment-driven branding is shifting the market. Plus, the future of celebrity-focused protein products looks bright!

Jaclyn Johnson is an entrepreneur and the founder of Create & Cultivate, which she sold for $22 million. She opens up about her unexpected emotional fallout after the sale and how her breast cancer diagnosis forced her to confront deeper life issues. Jaclyn shares her journey of reinvention at 40, moving to NYC, and adjusting her dating life post-divorce with the help of a coach. She also discusses her angel investing strategy, emphasizing the importance of founder quality and how money impacts relationships.

In this conversation, Steven Bartlett, a dynamic entrepreneur and podcaster, shares his recent engagement and challenges the idea that independence is the ultimate goal. He emphasizes the importance of partnerships in building a fulfilling life. Steven also discusses strategies like his quitting framework, which helps identify when to let go of endeavors. He explains the significance of emotional neutrality, the value of stacking small wins for success, and how vulnerability strengthens personal branding. Prepare for insightful ideas on relationships and creativity!

Nicole Wegman, founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, shares her journey from a $2,000 startup to a $100M luxury jewelry brand. She dives into the evolving trends of engagement rings, discussing the lab-grown vs. natural diamond debate and the pressure of 'engagement season' fueled by social media. Nicole shares insights on which ring styles hold their value, the truth about engagement ring costs, and how to communicate your preferences to a partner. She also reflects on the unspoken challenges of success and maintaining authenticity in business.

Michelle Battersby, a tech entrepreneur and women’s product builder, shares her journey as the President of Peanut while being 30 weeks pregnant. She discusses the pressures of tall poppy syndrome and how it impacts ambitious women in Australia. Michelle emphasizes that motherhood sharpens resilience rather than detracts from ambition. She challenges societal norms on women's bodies, advocating for breastfeeding visibility by bringing her baby on-air. With insights on navigating leadership and motherhood, she inspires women to embrace their multifaceted identities.

Lindsey Carter, founder and CEO of Set Active, discusses her journey of building an athleisure brand that cashed in $1M in just one hour. She opens up about facing public backlash, including a recent donation misstep, and how these challenges fueled her growth as a leader. Lindsey shares valuable lessons on accountability, the dynamics of entrepreneurship with friends, and the importance of staying authentic to build a loyal community. Her experience offers insights into navigating the highs and lows of a rapidly growing business.

Mari Fonseca, a former international model and founder of Gente, shares her inspiring journey from modeling to entrepreneurship. She breaks the stereotype of 'pretty, not smart,' discussing the challenges she faced as a female founder and the mindset shifts needed to build a brand during COVID. Mari highlights the intricacies of fundraising, the impact of celebrity endorsements like Hailey Bieber, and the significance of creating wellness rituals with her products. With a mix of humor and honesty, she reflects on her growth and the emotional highs and lows of building Gente.

Katie Sellers, a cultural analyst and recurring co-host, dives deep into the chaos of 2026 alongside host Maggie. They unravel why Black Friday disappointed despite record sales and how cultural relevancy trumps traditional launches. The duo explores the wild world of Gen Z micro-trends and the evolution of travel behavior, shedding light on how Booking.com transformed its marketing. Plus, they predict the rise of niche brands, the necessity of Gen Z entrepreneurship, and how authenticity in influence will drastically change in an AI-driven future.

In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Van Ness, Emmy-winning host of Queer Eye and founder of JVN Hair, shares his rollercoaster journey through the rise and fall of his beauty brand. He candidly reveals the shock of his company's bankruptcy and the health crisis that ensued. Jonathan reflects on his lessons learned about finance, resilience, and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of joy and self-acceptance. He also discusses reclaiming control of his business and the upcoming projects that keep him creatively fulfilled.

In a captivating conversation, Amy Peterson, founder of Skincare by Amy Peterson and creator of the Lenox & 16th skincare line, shares her journey from a life-altering accident to building a successful aesthetics empire. She discusses how empathy fuels her business model and the importance of authentic service. With no investors, she self-funded a million-dollar brand by prioritizing care over convenience. Amy also sheds light on natural beauty standards, effective skincare routines, and the secrets to balancing clinical work with entrepreneurship.