How Fabletics is Winning Retail with AI & Membership Models – Meera Bhatia

Monique Rodriguez’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and bold reinvention. She dedicated nearly a decade to healthcare as a registered nurse, but the loss of her son in 2013 shifted everything. In the wake of that tragedy, Monique found clarity—and the courage to follow a lifelong passion for beauty. With no formal business background, she launched Mielle Organics from her kitchen and built it into one of the fastest-growing textured haircare brands in the country.Now, Mielle Organics is not only a staple in major retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS, but also a study in authentic brand-building. Her approach is rooted in community, education, and transparency. As the CEO, she’s built trust by simply being herself—from going live every day during the pandemic to letting customers weigh in on packaging decisions. She’s also navigated the complex world of retail expansion by knowing when to say no and when to scale up.In 2021, Mielle took on private equity for the first time. Just 18 months later, she and her COO, who happens to be her husband, Melvon, sold the company to P&G — but not before making sure the deal would preserve the integrity of the brand. Monique still runs the company today, and she’s focused on building a legacy, not just a business. Monique  recently added “author” to her list of titles with a book that helps people find purpose in their own stories. She lives in Chicago with her family, where she balances leading a global brand with slow mornings, warm lemon water, and staying grounded in faith.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction  [07:52] Starting a business without experience or connections[08:34] Learning the business side and asking for help[09:20] The challenge of raising capital as a Black female founder[10:10] Bootstrapping Mielle before taking on funding[10:59] Why Monique turned down Walmart the first time[12:30] Building long-term sustainability, not short-term hype[13:00] How Mielle went viral with rosemary mint oil[13:44] Creating viral moments through authenticity[14:22] Building trust through storytelling and transparency[15:05] Turning customers into community[15:42] How Monique stayed present online without burning out[16:19] The power of community to support during backlash[18:52] The emotional link between beauty and customer loyalty[19:30] Building real connections at trade shows[20:02] Standing out in a crowded beauty industry[20:50] How community building helped attract investors[21:32] Education as a brand differentiator[22:10] Creating emotional experiences around products[23:02] Going big at trade shows to make a lasting impression[23:55] Using experience to fuel word-of-mouth marketing[25:10] Sharing behind-the-scenes with her community[27:20] Handling criticism and negativity online[28:13] Protecting mental health while being a public founder[31:12] The reality of criticism for successful female founders[31:58] Taking on private equity from Berkshire Partners[32:44] Why Monique wanted to maintain majority ownership[33:40] Finding the right kind of investor partnership[34:21] What to look for in a private equity deal[35:04] Planning for an eventual acquisition[35:40] How fast the P&G acquisition came together[37:06] Choosing the right partner over the highest bidder[39:30] Benefits of selling to a strategic like P&G[40:18] Brand globalization and new opportunities[40:50] Access to better ingredients and scientific resources[43:48] Balancing business and marriage[46:00] Monique’s slow morning routine[49:18] Key lessons around mindset, faith, and perseveranceResources Mentioned:The Glory in Your Story by Monique Rodriguez | Book or AudiobookMielle Organics | WebsiteP&G | WebsiteBerkshire Partners | WebsiteFollow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetspaceTikTok: @themakersmindsetwww.makersmindset.com 

Meera Bhatia’s career is a masterclass in transformation, bridging the worlds of technology and retail. She started at Microsoft, Expedia, and LinkedIn, where data and innovation were king. But instead of staying in the tech lane, she saw something others didn’t: the power of technology to reshape the retail landscape. Now, as the Chief Operating Officer of Fabletics and President of TechStyleOS, Meera is rewriting the rules of fashion commerce. She doesn’t just oversee growth, technology, and supply chain operations—she orchestrates them, weaving AI, data, and personalization into an omnichannel experience that keeps millions of members engaged. In an industry where trends come and go, she’s building a model designed to last. Her approach is simple but powerful: Meet the customers where they are, innovate fearlessly, and always stay ahead of the curve. Meera’s leadership includes roles at Stella & Dot and Savage x Fenty, where she merged consumer insights with digital strategy. She lives in Los Angeles, where she balances the intensity of scaling brands with embracing wellness and staying active.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[01:17] Meera’s transition from tech to retail[02:41] The role of technology in modern retail[04:03] Understanding customer needs through data[05:26] How Fabletics’ membership model drives engagement[06:48] Challenges and benefits of a subscription-based business[08:14] Why personalization is crucial in e-commerce[09:37] Leveraging AI for better customer experiences[11:02] How businesses can start small with AI[12:29] The importance of an omnichannel retail strategy[13:53] The role of physical stores in digital-first brands[15:21] How online presence boosts retail locations[16:44] Leadership strategies for collaboration and empowerment[18:07] The importance of assuming the best intent in teamwork[19:33] How to scale a brand while staying agile[21:09] Why hiring the right people is key to business success[22:46] Investing in the most critical areas of a business[24:13] How Meera stays resilient as a leader[25:38] Balancing work and wellness for long-term success[27:04] Why mindset is everything in businessResources Mentioned:Fabletics | WebsiteSavage x Fenty | WebsiteStella & Dot | WebsiteFollow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetspaceTikTok: @themakersmindsetwww.makersmindset.com 

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