The Business of Beauty: How Shani Darden Built a Multi-Million Dollar Brand

Brigette Romanek is an acclaimed interior designer and the founder of Romanek Design Studio. In this episode, Brigette shares her journey from a self-taught design enthusiast to one of the most sought-after interior designers, working with A-list clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Christian Bale.Since launching her studio in 2018, Brigette has been consistently recognized on Architectural Digest’s AD100 and First Dibs 50 lists.  She was named an Elle Decor Titan in 2024. In this conversation, she opens up about building a successful creative business, trusting her instincts over formal training, balancing luxury with functionality, and staying resilient in an ever-evolving industry.Brigette is also the author of the bestselling book Livable Luxe, which showcases her signature design approach: beautiful, livable spaces that support and inspire. Whether you're an aspiring designer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves stunning interiors, this episode is packed with wisdom, creativity, and business-savvy insights you won’t want to miss.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[03:52] Exposure to global design through travel[05:36] Trusting instinct over formal training[06:01] Challenging traditional design rules[07:11] Blending luxury with functionality[08:52] Creating spaces that feel lived in[09:30] Making client visions a reality[10:21] Customizing designs for each project[11:19] Writing the book Livable Luxe[12:57] The power of storytelling in design[14:07] Walking as a form of creative reset[15:21] Finding inspiration in everyday life[16:43] Breaking from routine to spark ideas[17:15] Scaling a design studio without losing quality[18:45] Lessons learned from business growth[20:14] Building a strong team for success[21:31] The importance of setting clear boundaries[22:49] Navigating client expectations[23:16] Encouraging team input and creativity[24:42] Balancing leadership with artistic freedom[25:06] Creating a supportive studio culture[26:07] Learning from early business mistakes[28:28] Expanding into product lines[30:46] Bringing in experts to support business growth[31:55] The importance of delegation[34:00] Common challenges for new designers[35:23] How Brigette's biggest client collaborations happened[36:45] Working with high-profile clients[37:39] The creative freedom clients give her[38:47] Overcoming setbacks as an entrepreneur[39:35] Staying resilient in a competitive industry[40:36] The power of believing in yourself[42:03] Advice for self-taught designersResources Mentioned:Livable Luxe by Brigette Romanek | BookRomanek Design Studio | WebsiteFollow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetspaceTikTok: @themakersmindset

Shani Darden, the founder of Shani Darden Skincare, has built a name as Hollywood’s go-to skincare expert. She is trusted by stars like Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen, and Kelly Rowland for her results-driven approach. After training under a top dermatologist, she developed her own formulations, launching her flagship studio in Beverly Hills in 2019 and securing a coveted spot at Sephora in 2020. In this episode, Shani talks about how she went from mixing masks in her childhood home to creating one of the most sought-after skincare brands. She opens up about navigating the beauty industry, building a brand without a roadmap, and staying hands-on with clients while scaling a business. You’ll hear her insights on effective product development, the power of social media, and the strategies she learned over her career. Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[04:08] Creating Retinol Reform and entering the skincare industry[05:14] Transitioning from service-based work to product development[06:27] Challenges in launching a skincare brand[07:35] The importance of trial and error in product creation[08:42] How Sephora became a major retail partner[09:56] The role of packaging and refining the brand[10:45] Building a team that aligns with brand values[11:33] Why hiring slow is crucial for long-term success[12:18] Social media’s impact on personal branding[13:09] How client feedback shapes product development[14:21] The challenges of balancing retail deadlines with product quality[15:37] Tips for building an engaged online community[16:42] Overcoming self-consciousness in social media marketing[17:15] Experimenting with content strategies for better engagement[18:29] Finding balance between content creation and business operations[19:45] Adjusting to entrepreneurship and leadership roles[20:56] The importance of mentorship and learning from mistakes[21:33] Rapid-fire business and skincare advice[22:12] Common skincare mistakes and how to avoid themResources Mentioned:Retinol Reform | WebsiteSephora | WebsiteShani Darden Skincare | WebsiteFollow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetspaceTikTok: @themakersmindset

Season 3 of Makers Mindset is here, bringing even deeper insights, bold conversations, and actionable strategies for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders. Hosted by Nancy Twine, this season continues to explore the journeys of top founders, business leaders, and changemakers.Over the past two seasons, Makers Mindset has uncovered the pivotal moments, challenges, and mindset shifts that shape extraordinary careers. This season goes even further, offering real-world strategies, habits, and behind-the-scenes experiences that define lasting success.The first episode of Season 3 premieres on February 20th.Follow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetspaceTikTok: @themakersmindset

Powerhouse entrepreneur Anastasia Soare is the founder, CEO, and driving force behind Anastasia Beverly Hills — one of the fastest-growing brands in the beauty industry. After immigrating from Romania in 1989, she started her business as a one-woman operation and quickly created a revolutionary  technique now known as the Golden Ratio Eyebrow Shaping Method. She went on to build an empire — and she’s certainly raised a few eyebrows along the way. Anastasia is passionate about sharing her journey to inspire others, and believes that if she can do it, anyone can. Follow Anastasia Soare:Instagram: @anastasiasoareFollow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcastTikTok: @themakersmindset

Ginny Wright is an experienced leader with a robust background in luxury brand management. She’s held pivotal roles, including president of Kiehl's and global deputy GM at Ralph Lauren Fragrances, along with strategic positions at L'Oréal Luxe.  Known for her strategic and innovative approach to growth, Ginny has significantly boosted brand prestige and consumer engagement at the companies she's served. She always talks about owning your mistakes so that you can grow and ultimately thrive — and why she never backs down from a challenge. Follow Ginny Wright:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-wright-b0221b1Follow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcastTikTok: @themakersmindset

Alisa Carmichael is the proud mom of two growing boys and Investment Partner at VMG Partners. Like many investors, she got her start in investment banking before joining the ever-evolving world of private equity. Unlike many of her fellow investors, however, Alisa was a black woman who was grappling with imposter syndrome at every turn. Fast-forward to today and she’s not just embracing her role as mother, daughter, investor, mentor, and friend, but owning it. Her unrelenting focus on the BIPOC community inspired the firm’s formation of The Parity Collective: an initiative focused on investing in founders of color across the consumer industry.Follow Alisa Carmichael: Instagram: @alisacarmichaelhttps://www.vmgpartners.com/Follow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcastTikTok: @themakersmindset

Artemis Patrick is the President and CEO of Sephora North America. She’s responsible for growth strategies that make Sephora the the number-one prestige beauty omni-retailer. Artemis is also a member of Sephora’s Global Leadership Team (SLT) and Sephora America’s operating committee.Follow Artemis Patrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artemis-patrick-441ab5/Follow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcastTikTok: @themakersmindset

Vivian Tu is a former Wall Street trader, personal finance educator, public speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She’s the founder and CEO of Your Rich BFF, which helps make the rules of personal finance accessible to non-experts and marginalized communities. She and Nancy chat about “doing it scared," what needs to change to empower female founders and entrepreneurs, and making the leap to take your side hustle full time. Follow Vivian Tu:Instagram: @your.richbff https://www.yourrichbff.com/Follow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcastTikTok: @themakersmindset

Isabela Rangel Grutman is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and model. Born in Brazil, Isabela began modeling at 13, and at a young age learned a lot about work ethic and business partnerships. In 2022, she founded Rangel, a premium clothing line now available at major retailers like Revolve and ShopBop. She also founded Isa Grutman Jewelry, which just opened its first flagship store in Miami’s prestigious Design District. She and Nancy dive into the importance of setting a vision  and starting small.Follow Isabela Grutman:Instagram: @isabelagrutman @shoprangel @isagrutmanjewelrywww.shoprangel.comwww.isagrutman.comFollow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcastTikTok: @themakersmindset

Michelle Cordeiro Grant is a serial entrepreneur, brand builder and innovator.  After spending the tenure of her career at household names in the retail industry, she moved into the startup world. In 2016, she founded LIVELY, a Leisurée brand inspiring women to live passionately, purposefully and confidently. In three years, she grew the brand from concept to 5 stores, 165,000+ ambassadors, and $105M acquisition. In 2022, Michelle founded her next venture, GORGIE, an energy drink brand. Michelle and Nancy dive into the experience of selling a business, the power of collaboration, as well as diving into Michelle’s wellness journey. Follow Michelle: @the_michellegrantFollow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetpodcastTikTok: @themakersmindset