Second Life

Nyakio Grieco is the founder and creator of Nyakio Beauty, an award-winning line of skincare products initially inspired by her own Kenyan heritage and family’s beauty recipes. Since its launch in 2002, Nyakio has expanded to include cultural traditions from 13 countries around the world that have been historically underrepresented in mainstream beauty and skincare. Today, the products are beloved and highly accessible via Target.com, but Grieco’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t easy. After much perseverance and many brand resets, her purpose became clear: “I’m here to help other women, young women who look like me, know that they can do this.” Hear how Grieco went from working in talent representation at some of the biggest agencies in Hollywood to navigating and pushing for meaningful change within the beauty world on this episode of Second Life.

Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan have been writing together since they founded their witty celebrity fashion blog, Go Fug Yourself, back in 2004 as a way to procrastinate from their day jobs. Today, not only are the “Fug Girls” pioneers in the space, but they’ve also received rave reviews as novelists with the best-selling The Royal We—loosely based on the courtship of Prince WIlliam and Kate Middleton—and the highly anticipated sequel, The Heir Affair, which just hit bookshelves on July 7. But before they were writing novels, the ladies were working as TV series recappers, writing about shows such as Judging Amy and Making the Band, before parlaying that experience into working in the world of reality TV. Hear how the pair pivoted from digital to print and ultimately found their stride in balancing the two on today’s episode of Second Life.

Aminatou Sow is the co-host of Call Your Girlfriend, the “podcast for long-distance besties everywhere,” alongside her Big Friend and collaborator, Ann Friedman. On July 14th, the pair released their first book together, Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close, which has already amassed praise by everyone from Hillary Clinton to Roxane Gay to Vogue. But before Aminatou was a literary thought leader and media legend, she had a previous life in tech where she worked for Google and co-founded the Tech LadyMafia, a network for women who work “in and around tech.” And before that? She worked at a social media agency as an analyst and at a think tank in DC. Hear how all her experience has converged into one impressive and admirable career path on this episode of Second Life. To order Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close, head to www.bigfriendship.com

Karen Young, Founder and CEO of Oui the People, is building an entirely new shaving experience for women and non-binary people. By creating a stainless-steel safety razor designed specifically for sensitive skin, luxurious personal-care products, and a brand that speaks to women intelligently and relatably, it’s no surprise that her products keep selling out time and again and have over 400 5-star reviews on the brand’s site. But there have been many twists and turns along the way. On this episode of Second Life, hear how Karen went from working as an account executive for brands like Dolce & Gabbana to founding her own home interiors line to managing packaging operations at Estee Lauder, before she turned the shaving industry on its head.

Lauren Chan started her career as a plus-size model alongside women like Ashley Graham and Candice Huffine at Ford Models. With a foot in the fashion industry’s door, she parlayed her career into writing and freelanced for publications such as Vogue and Interview before becoming a fashion features editor at Glamour, where she had her own column on size inclusivity. In her latest pivot, she’s taken body inclusivity activism to the next level by founding Henning, a high-end workwear brand for sizes 12 and up. Hear how Chan’s career in fashion led her to solve a problem she was experiencing firsthand in the latest episode of Second Life.

Brett Heyman is the founder of Edie Parker, the vintage-inspired acrylic handbag and accessories brand seen on virtually every red carpet ever. But just last year, Brett pivoted the brand in an unexpected way: into a cannabis accessories and private label flower company named Flower by Edie Parker. Find out how working in PR for brands like Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana led her to create an iconic brand of her own.

From signing on as Victoria’s Secret’s first Australian Angel to walking the Balenciaga runway while five months pregnant, Miranda Kerr cemented her status as an international supermodel years ago. On this episode of Second Life, hear how she used her experience in a surprising way: to found certified-organic skincare and beauty brand Kora Organics.

Alison Cayne is the founder of Haven’s Kitchen, a brand on a mission to make home cooking more enjoyable via a NY-based cooking school, café, event space, and line of all-natural refrigerated sauces available across the U.S. at grocers like Whole Foods. But before she set out to change the way people feel about cooking, she was busy raising five children. In this week’s episode, hear Cayne’s personal journey to finding professional alignment.

Shelley Gibbs Sanders worked in the jewelry industry for over 15 years designing for brands like House of Harlow 1960, A.L.C., and Rachel Zoe before she set out to create The Last Line, a direct-to-consumer brand that turned the traditional fine-jewelry model on its head. Find out how she finally took the leap to found her own game-changing brand on this week’s episode of Second Life.

Prolific makeup artist Gucci Westman has one of the most influential careers in the beauty world. She’s responsible for the makeup on countless magazine covers (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar) and in ad campaign and runway looks for the likes of Dior, Proenza Schouler, and Oscar de la Renta, and has a celebrity client list that spans the past two decades. Now, she’s the founder and creative director of Westman Atelier, a line of clean, high-performance, and luxurious beauty products. Hear how she made the leap, plus incredible behind-the-scenes stories from her famed career, on this episode of Second Life.

Joy Cho is the founder of Oh Joy!, a design studio, lifestyle brand, and creative hub where she brings her signature aesthetic to the masses. Oh Joy! has licensed product lines in home décor, kids apparel, pet products, and so much more at retailers including Target, Anthropologie, Calpak, and Petco. As if that weren’t enough, Joy has also authored three books for adults, and most recently, a three-part book series for children. On this episode of Second Life, hear how Joy leveraged her education in graphic design and killer marketing skills to accomplish it all.

Multicultural beauty brand Carol’s Daughter has retained a cult-like following since the ’90s, with brand evangelists including Halle Berry, Jada Pinkett Smith, and yes, Oprah. But when founder Lisa Price started dabbling in aromatherapy oils out of her Brooklyn apartment, her days looked quite different. She worked as a production coordinator on television programs like The Cosby Show, and it wasn’t until Price’s mother, Carol, pushed her to sell her products at a local flea market that her hobby became something much more. Tune in to hear what Price finds particularly valuable about her early career in television production and how she built her company from the ground up.

Catherine McCord, founder of healthy-eating destination Weelicious.com, author of three cookbooks, and co-founder of the family-friendly food-delivery service One Potato, has built a healthy-living empire. Not exactly the career path you might expect from a former Calvin Klein and Victoria's Secret runway model. Find out how McCord made the pivot and the best skills she’s using from her modeling days on this episode of Second Life.

Sali Christeson, the founder and CEO of the brand revolutionizing women's workwear, Argent, is creating professional, practical and vibrant pieces to equip women with the confidence they need to shatter the glass ceiling. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Christeson used her past career as a finance and tech exec as a tool to pivot into creating a brand that provides a solution for women around the world.

Designer, artist, best-selling author and founder of bohemian-inspired design blog and online shop Jungalow, Justina Blakeney, is known for her unique style which is full of color, patterns and plants. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Blakeney manifested a career in the belief of the importance of creative self expression.

After numerous years working in the beauty industry at multinational beauty businesses, including L'Oreal and Benefit Cosmetics, Sharon Chuter started her own beauty brand, UOMA Beauty, dedicated to re-writing the rules of inclusivity, representation, and diversity within the industry. On this live episode of Second Life, find out how Chuter's past career experiences and forward-thinking has pushed the beauty industry forward.

Influencer, entrepreneur, author, and designer, Danielle Bernstein, has established herself as an influential voice in the fashion/blogger community by transitioning her street style blog into a burgeoning business. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Bernstein has grown her brand beyond fashion, all on her own terms.

Cook, writer, and author Alison Roman is renowned for her best-selling cookbooks, column in The New York Times, and internet-famous recipes like #TheStew, #TheCookies, #TheDip. Prior to becoming the internet’s favorite culinary celebrity, however, she worked in pastry in L.A., SF, and NYC (where she helped Christina Tosi open the Milk Bar empire). On this episode of Second Life, find out how Roman transitioned into a career of recipe writing and culinary acclaim.

As one of the most iconic supermodels of this generation, KarolÍna Kurková has made a name for herself in the fashion industry. However, what most people don't know is Kurková's other passion lies within holistic health and wellness. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Kurková found inspiration in her passion to create an extremely successful wellness brand.

Entrepreneur, social media influencer, body positivity advocate and animal activist, Katie Sturino has created a career dedicated to empowering women to find confidence and feel comfortable in their own skin. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Sturino found her voice in the industry and realized it was a time to make a change.

While Kristen Bell is renowned for her lead acting roles in critically-acclaimed series including Veronica Mars and The Good Place and box office hits like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and the Frozen franchise, she has a passion beyond the film screen. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Kristen Bell has established not one, but two companies devoted to giving back.

Nicole Gibbons, founder of first-ever direct-to-consumer paint brand, Clare, is completely disrupting the paint industry. On this episode of Second Life, find out how this former Global PR Director turned interior designer has built a company that has fulfilled its mission to uncomplicate the paint shopping experience.

Kat Von D is a true creative icon. From tattoo artist and beauty mogul to designer and activist, Von D has utilized her artistry to start multiple, wildly successful empires. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Von D has managed to build authentic creative businesses, while staying true to her vision and voice.

Inspired to create pajamas that are both comfortable enough for a night in, but also chic enough to wear out, co-founder, Asya Varetsa, has built a successful nightwear brand with no fashion design experience whatsoever. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Varetsa applied her past experience of being a fashion market editor at ELLE to design fashion's favorite pajamas, Sleeper.

Hillary Peterson, the founder and CEO of trustworthy skincare line True Botanicals, has set out to transform skincare by formulating clean, organic products without harmful toxins. On this episode of Second Life, find out how why Peterson was forced to take a look into her own beauty regimen and decided to ultimately change the course of skincare by solving a problem.

Reese Witherspoon is without a doubt an iconic female of our generation. From actress and producer to entrepreneur and activist, Witherspoon has paved her way through Hollywood. On this episode of Second Life, find how out Witherspoon has transitioned her wildly successful acting career into a platform dedicated to rewriting the narrative for women.

Tina Craig, globally known as Bag Snob, is a creative force in the industry paving her own career path, while remaining fearless every step of the way. On this episode of Second Life, find out how exactly Bag Snob emerged nearly 15 years ago and how today Craig has evolved her brand into multiple successful companies.

Holly Thaggard, the founder of beloved skincare brand Supergoop!, has built a company with the mission to reduce the epidemic of skin cancer by shattering sunscreen stereotypes. Previously beginning her career as an elementary teacher, find out how Haggard thought of the idea to start a SPF brand on this episode of Second Life.

Ariane Goldman, CEO and Founder of both Twobirds New York and HATCH, is disrupting the industry by providing solutions for the voids in women's wardrobe. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Ariane transitioned from her eight-year career at American Express into marrying her creativity and strong business foundation to build two successful companies.

Style icon and entrepreneurial trendsetter, Nicole Richie has built a burgeoning business empire over the past decade. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Nicole transitioned from her career in entertainment, originally starring on A Simple Life, into creating a multi-faceted fashion brand—all on her own terms.

Entrepreneur, journalist, author, photographer, and activist, Amanda de Cadenet, is known as one of the most influential creatives in the industry. From TV host to noteable photographer to CEO, find out how Amanda de Cadenet evolved through various careers ultimately leading her to create the platform, Girlgaze, on this episode of Second Life.

Iconic supermodel, Cindy Crawford, is widely known for being one of the original models who pivoted from being not just a model, but also a true star and style icon. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Cindy combined her years of modeling experience with her business savvy to expand her career beyond modeling throughout the decades.

Sallie Krawcheck, the CEO and founder of digital-first, mission-driven investment platform for women, Ellevest, is redefining what it means to be a successful woman on Wall Street (hint: it's not easy). On this episode of Second Life, find out how Sallie implemented her years of experience on Wall Street into a career dedicated to empowering women financially.

Jessica Koslow, the chef and owner of renowned Los Angeles cafe, Sqirl, went from being the digital producer at Fox to one of the most innovative chefs in the culinary scene. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Jessica transitioned her hobby into a fulfilling career.

Rachel Zoe is an absolute powerhouse. Her online style destination, The Zoe Report, reaches over 14 million monthly users worldwide. Her ready-to-wear and accessory line, Rachel Zoe Collection, is carried at retailers such as Net-a-Porter, Shopbop, and Revolve. Zoe is also the founder and chief curator of the luxury fashion, beauty, and lifestyle subscription service Box of Style, and she's authored two books. Find out how her first life as a stylist has informed it all.

Rea Ann Silva went from being a professional makeup artist to becoming the founder and CEO of Beautyblender. On this episode of Second Life, find out how she changed the way millions of people apply their makeup.

Before Cindy Capobianco founded Lord Jones, the CBD brand that has taken the cannabis industry by storm, she worked as a fashion editor and in PR and marketing. Find out how she made the major pivot in this episode of Second Life.

The Shade Room has over 16 million followers and counting, but before Angelica Nwandu founded it, she was on her way to becoming an accountant. Listen to the story of how she made the switch.

It's hard to sum up Kelly Oxford's career without resorting to a list. She's a New York Times best-selling author, screenwriter, sexual assault activist, social media sensation, and mom of three. Oxford wasn't always career-focused, though. In episode five of our podcast, Second Life, she explains what it was like to go from stay-at-home mom to social media star and breadwinner in a matter of tweets. Originally broadcast on March 19, 2018.

Emily Henderson is proof that when you're passionate about something, you can turn it into a thriving career—no matter what you studied in college or where you started out. “I learned on the job and I think it’s a very good way to start and build your career," she tells Hillary Kerr. Find out how Henderson went from being a prop stylist to running a design blog and getting her own show on HGTV without any traditional design or business education. Originally broadcast on August 27, 2018.

There are two ways to tell Mandy Moore’s career story. While we’re familiar with the highlight reel—Moore was a breakout singer at just 15 and is a Golden Globe nominee—the real story is far more complex. In this episode of Second Life, Moore opens up about self-doubt and setbacks and how they helped shape the woman and actor she is today. Originally broadcast on May 21, 2018.

Tyler Haney knows activewear. She was raised in Boulder, Colorado—a town known for its outdoor activities—and grew up running track and field. With a few courses in business and design under her belt paired with the desire to create a sporty uniform for recreational activity, Haney eventually became the CEO and founder of her own brand, Outdoor Voices. However, her journey was filled with challenges and missteps that she looks back on as lessons learned. Originally broadcast on November 26th, 2018.

Before Christina Tosi started Milk Bar—the trendy bakery known for its covetable, playful desserts—she was studying math and Italian in college with dreams of becoming a mathematician, a UN translator, or a perhaps a truck driver (yes, really). "I like to be uncomfortable," the entrepreneur tells Hillary Kerr on this episode of Second Life. Drawn to restaurant life with a passion for baking, Tosi moved on from her mathematical endeavors to pursue cooking at culinary school and (with a lot of hard work) went on to found her very own wildly successful bakery. Here's how she made it happen. Originally broadcast on November 19, 2018.

Eva Chen's résumé reads like the front row of a well-stocked magazine stand. She's held jobs at publications like Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Teen Vogue, and Lucky (where she was editor in chief, no less). Although landing a job as editor in chief of a major publication sounds like the peak of one's career, Chen was just getting started. Now, she's catapulted to director of fashion partnerships for Instagram, has written her first book (a children's story called Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes), and is trying her hand at design with the launch of a capsule collection with Janie and Jack in conjunction with her book. Originally broadcast on November 5, 2018.

Lauren Conrad ended up on one of the world's first major reality TV shows at the tender age of 17. Since then, she's grown into the cunning, experienced entrepreneur you know today. According to her, she wouldn't be where she is now—a New York Times best-selling author eight times over, designer of her own fashion line LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, and philanthropist behind the non-profit The Little Market—without the mistakes she made along the way. Originally broadcast on June 25, 2018.

Emma Grede is the CEO and co-founder of Good American, the hugely successful, size-inclusive fashion brand that she started with none other than Khloé Kardashian. But starting this business wasn't the first time Grede struck out on her own. She'd long been making a name for herself in the fashion and entertainment industries on the business side of things and had already checked starting a company off her list. "I am a person who can sell anything, and I think I just had that naturally," she tells Hillary Kerr on today's episode of Second Life. Originally broadcast on September 24, 2018.

If anyone has mastered the art of the hustle, it's Ellen Bennett. The entrepreneurial powerhouse behind Hedley & Bennett, a Los Angeles–based chef wear and handcrafted apron company, started her own business at age 24 while working as a line cook at not one but two prestigious restaurants in L.A. "I was permanently running on adrenaline, and I loved it," she tells Hillary Kerr. Now, she's outfitting top chefs around the world, including the likes of Martha Stewart, Jamie Oliver, Jon Shook, and Vinny Dotolo. Originally broadcast on September 10, 2018.

There was a time when Aurora James never thought she'd have a seat at the proverbial table. Now, after dipping her toes in multiple industries, she's at the helm of the sustainable fashion company Brother Vellies and is proof that if you have a goal, you can make it happen, even if that means finding a new way of getting there. "I always knew that I wanted to work in fashion. I just knew that fashion wasn't working for me in a way that I needed it to," she tells us. Originally broadcast on August 8, 2018.

In an updated and extended interview from our very first episode, Hillary sits down with Jen Atkin, celebrity stylist and founder of cult haircare line Ouai. Dubbed the "most influential hairstylist in the world" by The New York Times, Atkin counts Bella Hadid, Chrissy Teigen, and Kendall Jenner as clients. Here, she gets candid about the power of social media, reflects on her journey from salon apprentice to CEO of a thriving business, and explains why mental toughness is the most underrated quality. This extended episode has an additional 20 minutes of previously unreleased audio from when it first aired on February 19, 2018.

Anine Bing launched her successful clothing and accessories line in 2012, but her days once revolved around modeling, music, and blogging. Listen to the story of her career pivots on this week's episode.