As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tiffany Rose Dean.

Tiffany is no stranger to hard work and meeting success. Raised by enterprising parents, her mother was a celebrity designer for such notables as Oprah Winfrey, Patti Labelle and Madonna, and her father, a successful entrepreneur who expanded and runs the family business. It was no surprise when Tiffany followed in her family’s footsteps and became a celebrity fashion stylist and costume designer. 

In 2017, she left the glamorous fashion world and decided it was time to start her own company. With only $500, just enough to produce one product, Tiffany launched Hollywood Hair Bar with her now #1 regrowth product. 

In just a few years, she turned that one product into a full line of hair and skin products with a sales revenue of almost $50 million. Today, Hollywood Hair Bar is a bonafide brand that has seen massive success, gaining hundreds of thousands of followers across social media platforms and was even highlighted as the top Black-owned beauty brand on Snapchat and Yahoo Finance. 

The Dean legacy continues as Tiffany’s daughter, Milan, who is her biggest inspiration, is already developing a brand. 

Here’s what we found out about Tiffany’s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.

Can you share the journey that led you to become an entrepreneur and the inspiration behind starting your own business?

I come from an entrepreneurial household. My mother is a celebrity fashion designer, and my dad is a businessman who ran my mother’s business. We talked about business every single day growing up. My whole life encompasses business. I went through an amazing boot camp working for my mother and father starting at 13 years old. Being an entrepreneur is second nature to me and something that was always destined for my future.

As a woman in the business world, what challenges have you encountered, and what strategies have you used to overcome them?

The most significant challenges I have encountered are men in this industry who take advantage of a woman’s place and do not give me the ability to run my business and different areas of my business. For example, in the marketing world, my voice was taken away from my ads as well as my SMS and the messaging and voice of my brand as it was run by a marketing agency. I had to fight to get my brand’s voice back and go to a whole other team so I could run my business again. I have worked in a man’s world the entire time I have been in the e-commerce and online stores industry.

How do you effectively manage the demands of your professional life while maintaining a healthy personal life as an entrepreneur?

I am working on that right now. It’s one of the hardest things to do because I am a workaholic, and I work 24/7. I have a 16-year-old daughter who I feel has gotten the short end of the stick lately because I have been overwhelmed over the past five years with this business. I have tried my hardest to spend designated time with her. The main thing we do to spend quality time together is travel a lot; those are the quality moments we have as mother and daughter. I am a single mother, and it is really hard to juggle it all, but I have an amazing child who really understands, and she has an entrepreneurial mindset as well.

What networking strategies have proven most effective in building meaningful connections within your industry?

The primary networking strategy is showing up. Attending events and conferences is so important. You can meet so many great people and making time to network is crucial as a business owner. Always take advantage of those invites.

How do you seek out mentorship, and what role has it played in your entrepreneurial journey?

I seek out mentorship with mentors who have been super successful in my realm of business. It’s been really hard to find that. I’ve reached out to a few brand owners, and they’ve looked at me like I was crazy because they feel like I have surpassed them with the sales I have garnered through my ecommerce store, but they are in the retail world and have really big brands. Sometimes, it’s really funny because I have surpassed them in sales and reach just by staying online, but they actually know a lot more about the industry and business in different aspects like distribution than I do, so it’s funny when I ask them to mentor me when they also want me to be their mentor.

What strategies have you found most effective for selling your products and reaching your target audience?

The main thing I did was share for share engagements initially. So, before I ever paid for a media ad, I did share for share engagements where I had someone else share my post, and I shared theirs. We looked at that as free advertising, and I did that for about 15 months before ever doing a paid ad. What that did was it actually drove traffic to my website, with about 100,000 unique visits a month for those first 15 months. That was the secret to my sauce that no one else did. That is how we were able to go from making $50,000 a month to the first month with paid marketing making $1,000,000 and then consecutively doing $2,000,000-$3,000,000 a month for two years straight because of the work I put in the beginning and the strategy I had finding my consumer. For everyone who came to the site to make a purchase, we doubled down on that audience and found more people on Google and Facebook who fell in that category. That’s where my secret to my sauce was.

What marketing techniques have you employed to promote your products successfully, and how do you measure their effectiveness?

I’ve spent over $25,000,000 dollars on paid marketing, and I will say that at this point in the game in 2024, going into the fourth-quarter, the main thing that you really need to do is focus on organic reach. Paid marketing is now a very lucrative business for platforms, and it may not be as lucrative for the marketer because acquisition costs are skyrocketing, and it isn’t as easy to scale on these platforms now. We have doubled down on TikTok, and we’re going to take over that platform because it is organic. They’ve created that to really work for you and target people who have engaged with your shoppable pinned posts. Which are like your ads on TikTok. The retargeting is free and all based on creators to whom you give commission. Yes, you can run some ads, but TikTok is an amazing platform for growth without having to deal with the 2024 fourth-quarter paid marketing gain at this point.

I measure effectiveness through third-party metric analytic websites like Triple Whale and Northbeam.

Can you describe a significant setback or failure in your business and the steps you took to recover from it?

In the beginning, after two to three years after we scaled, I had a marketing agency that started stealing my data and pixel data. They were running ads with my marketing budget and not sharing the pixel data with me. I was not able to retarget any of the people who clicked or engaged with my ads. They actually took that data and launched two supplement brands on my marketing ad spend, and it was a horrific situation. It took me about a year and a half to unravel what they had done. I am still recovering from that, and the recouping will be on the TikTok platform. I am really excited because that is where we are right now. I am still healing from this experience because it really affected my business as well as my mojo. But I’m here getting my mojo back.

What key piece of advice would you offer to aspiring women entrepreneurs who are just starting their journeys?

Research, research, research! Make sure you know what you’re doing and that you have the best product in your category to become a leader in that category. Also, you should work on your mindset because if you don’t believe that you can achieve massive success, you won’t be able to. I would first say to work on yourself and your mindset and know that you can do it. Researching and analyzing to dig deep into what is winning right now is so important. Do not just fall into the trap of the normal things that everyone is doing. Or something that might have worked a few years ago. The paid media world and the online world change drastically, so you want to make sure you’re always aware of what is happening right now.

Is there a specific mantra or quote that resonates with you and guides your actions as an entrepreneur?

If you can believe it, you can achieve it, so let’s receive it!

As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Fey.

Tina Fey is a relationship expert at Hack Spirit, a wellness platform focused on mental health, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. She holds a Master’s degree in marital, family, and relationship counseling and is the author of ‘Breaking the Attachment’ — a book exploring how codependency can take control of happiness in relationships. 

As a female entrepreneur, Tina has carved out her niche by combining emotional wellness with personal growth. She has a passion for creating genuine connections, both in her business ventures and personal relationships, and actively encourages women to rely on the power of community and collaboration in their entrepreneurial journeys. Tina’s unique approach to online behavior and relationships has made her a trusted voice in wellness, growth, and mental health.

Here’s what we found out about Tina’s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what sparked the idea for your business?

I’ve always been interested in the emotional dynamics of relationships, both in personal and professional settings. When I realized just how many people struggle with attachment issues and emotional independence, I knew there was a space to help them. As a result, I became an entrepreneur and founded Love Connection because I saw how many people were struggling with emotional independence and unhealthy attachments in their relationships. I knew I could help them break free from these patterns. As the platform grew, I expanded my work by collaborating with Hack Spirit to extend my reach. What drives me is knowing that the work I do has the potential to transform lives.

As a woman navigating the business world, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

As a female entrepreneur, I’ve often encountered skepticism, especially when I first got involved in the business field. Instead of letting that stop me, I used it as motivation to prove the value of my work. One of the best ways to overcome this has been by building a network of other women who understand the same challenges I face. This community supports me and helps me stay staying resilient while growing my business.

How do you balance the demands of running a business with maintaining a healthy personal life?

For me, balance is not just to split my time equally on various things. Instead, balance to me is setting clear priorities. I make it a point to integrate self-care into my daily routine — whether it’s meditation, going offline for a few hours, or making time for my family. When I’m working, I give it my full attention, but when I step away, I make sure I’m truly present in my personal life. 

Which networking strategies have most effectively built meaningful connections within your industry?

Being authentic – as simple as that. I don’t view networking as a transactional process. To me, it’s a mindset of building genuine, long-term relationships. Listening to others, asking thoughtful questions and showing a real interest in what they do has opened so many doors for me. 

How do you approach mentorship, and how has it shaped your entrepreneurial path?

Mentorship has been crucial to my success. I’ve been fortunate to learn from some incredible mentors who’ve pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone. Now, I pay it forward by mentoring others (and it’s just as rewarding as being mentored).

What strategies have worked best for selling your products and reaching your ideal customers?

One of the most effective strategies has been building genuine relationships with my audience. Once people feel connected to the message, they’re much more likely to engage with my products or services.

For instance, I focus on creating content that resonates emotionally — whether it’s through blog posts, courses, or social media engagement. I focus on addressing the real-life issues my audience faces, and by doing that, I’ve built trust. 

Which marketing techniques have been most successful for your business, and how do you track their performance?

Content marketing indeed. I consistently offer practical advice through articles, newsletters, and social media, I’ve been able to grow a loyal following. For tracking performance, I use tools like Google Analytics and a few email marketing tools to measure engagement — click rates, sign-ups, and conversions.

Can you share a significant setback in your business journey and the steps you took to overcome it?

Perhaps not surprisingly, when I first launched Love Connection, the growth wasn’t as fast as I’d expected. I quickly realized that I needed to react, do something and as a result, I changed my marketing strategy to better reach my target audience. Instead of focusing solely on SEO and content, I began building direct relationships through email marketing and webinars. These personal connections with my audience has become a learning experience.

What’s the most important advice you’d give to women just starting their entrepreneurial journey?

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start. As women, we often feel like we need to have everything lined up before we take the leap, but business is all about learning and adapting. You’ll never have all the answers right away, and that’s okay. Take action, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward. Surround yourself with a supportive network, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Is there a mantra or quote that guides your actions and decision-making as an entrepreneur?

“Done is better than perfect.”

As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Leanne DiSanto.

Leanne DiSanto’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless drive to help others become their best selves. At LearningRx Irvine, she and her team are transforming lives through customized brain training programs, helping clients overcome learning struggles and reach their full potential.

Can you share the story behind your journey as an entrepreneur and what inspired you to start your own business?

I’ve always had a passion for understanding the mind/body connection and helping others reach their full potential. My journey as an entrepreneur started in the fitness industry when I owned a personal training studio, Fitness Patrol, in Corona Del Mar. Coaching clients through physical transformations was incredibly rewarding, but I wanted to dive deeper into how the brain plays a role in personal success. That’s what led me to LearningRx. At LearningRx Irvine, we uncover the root causes of learning struggles and create customized brain training programs that help people of all ages learn faster, easier, and perform better in life. It’s incredible to see how improving cognitive skills transforms not only academic performance but overall quality of life.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the business world, and how have you overcome them?

As a woman-owned business, I suppose that puts me in the minority, but I’ve always viewed challenges as opportunities to learn. Throughout my career, I’ve faced hurdles – from being widowed at 36 to running my own business now – but these experiences only strengthened my resilience. It’s all about mindset, this quote “So what? NOW what?” has helped me overcome obstacles without being deterred by setbacks. It reminds me that the past is in the past and I need to live in the present. Every challenge I’ve faced has contributed to my growth, both as an entrepreneur and a leader.

How do you balance your professional and personal life as an entrepreneur?

Balance is key, but it’s also a constant work in progress. I prioritize my time carefully, making sure I’m present for my clients, my team, and my personal life. I’ve found that maintaining this balance isn’t just about scheduling—it’s about intention. I focus on staying grounded and using my energy wisely, ensuring that I can give my best in both areas. At LearningRx Irvine, we emphasize life lessons like embracing failure, because without it, we don’t grow. That lesson applies to balancing life too. You have to be willing to make mistakes, learn, and keep improving.

What strategies have you found most effective for networking and building connections in your industry?

Networking has always been about building genuine relationships for me. Whether it’s attending industry events, volunteering for nonprofits, or engaging with other female entrepreneurs, I focus on finding common ground and offering value. It has to be a win, win… you need to give to receive, so it’s important to connect and really try to help the other person. I’ve also been fortunate to have lived in six different states and even overseas, which has given me a broad perspective and a diverse network. My experience as a speaker, podcast host, and my involvement in organizations like the Women’s Journey Foundation have all contributed to building meaningful connections in various industries.

How do you approach mentorship and seek guidance in your entrepreneurial journey?

I believe mentorship is a two-way street. I’ve learned from incredible mentors throughout my career, and I strive to pay that forward by mentoring others. Mentorship, for me, is about listening, understanding someone’s unique challenges, and helping them find their path. At LearningRx Irvine, we encourage clients to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, which is something I instill in those I mentor. There are no failures—just lessons to guide us forward.

Can you talk about a specific setback or failure you’ve experienced in your business and how you bounced back from it?

One of the biggest lessons we teach at LearningRx is that it’s okay to fail. In fact, it’s a necessary part of growth. Early in my career, I faced financial struggles and the pressures of running a business. I made mistakes, but I didn’t let those mistakes define me. Instead, I learned from them and adapted. In business, I always remind myself and my team that we either win or we learn—there’s no losing, just opportunities to improve and get stronger.

In what ways do you prioritize diversity and inclusion within your company or startup?

Diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA at LearningRx. We work with clients from all walks of life, and each person brings their unique strengths and challenges to the table. Our job is to meet them where they are and help them improve. Whether someone has ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or simply struggles in certain areas, our message is clear: “So what? Now what?” We don’t dwell on what’s behind us; we focus on where we can go from here. It’s that inclusive, forward-thinking mindset that drives our approach to brain training.

How do you stay motivated and resilient during tough times in your business?

Staying motivated during tough times comes down to remembering why I started. I’m passionate about helping people unlock their potential and watching their lives transform. There are days when it’s difficult, but I focus on the progress we’re making and the lives we’re changing. Resilience is something I’ve developed through personal challenges, like overcoming a collapsed lung at 16 and navigating life after losing my husband. Those experiences have taught me that even in the toughest times, you keep moving forward.

What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

My advice is simple: Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of the process. You’re going to make mistakes—expect it, and embrace it. What matters is how you bounce back and what you learn from those experiences. Also, stay true to yourself and your vision. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and who challenge you to grow. 

What is one quote you live by that has guided you in your entrepreneurial journey?

I have already said it a few times, so you see how I embrace “So what? Now what?” It’s a powerful reminder not to get caught up in setbacks or limitations. Whether it’s a challenge in business or life, I always ask, “How can we learn from this and move forward?” It’s about keeping your eyes on the future and constantly striving to improve.

Can you share a memorable success or milestone that you’ve achieved in your entrepreneurial career?

One of the most memorable milestones in my career has been the life-changing results we see at LearningRx Irvine. Watching clients both young and old (we serve all ages from 6-96) unlock their potential and achieve things they never thought possible – is incredible. From a business standpoint, becoming the owner of the LearningRx center in Irvine, the only brain training office of theirs in all of California, is an achievement! It is truly rewarding to help others be the best version of themselves. 

As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ewelina Aiossa.

Ewelina Aiossa is a force to be reckoned with in the beauty industry. With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years, she boasts a unique blend of “Big Beauty” pedigree and “Indie” ingenuity.

Ewelina’s expertise lies at the intersection of general management, marketing, and product development.  A self-proclaimed “skin science and innovation nerd,” she possesses a deep understanding of scientific research and a passion for translating that knowledge into cutting-edge products.

Her resume reflects a powerhouse combination of strategic vision and operational excellence. As an in-house marketing executive and leadership team member for multinational corporations like L’Oréal (Skinceuticals) and Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetics (Eau Thermale Avene, Glytone), she spearheaded successful initiatives for renowned brands.

Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her ventures beyond corporate walls. Ewelina co-founded Clinical Skin and established Topical Skin, a clean cosmeceutical brand leveraging oleosome technology. She is a recognized thought leader who frequently contributes to industry publications and presents at conferences.  Her visionary insights and unparalleled business acumen make her a highly sought-after consultant for startups, established companies, and organizations like Private Equity, CDMOs, and CROs.

Ewelina’s ability to predict industry trends earned her the moniker “CMO Psychic” from CMO.org.  Her expertise and vision continue to pave the way for a more innovative and impactful future for the beauty industry.

Can you share the story behind your journey as an entrepreneur and what inspired you to start your own business?

My profound passion for skincare, enriched by years of experience in the beauty industry, sparked my entrepreneurial drive. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed cosmetic chemists, dermatologists, scientists, skin health professionals, and industry leaders. These experiences, spanning multinational giants like L’Oreal, innovative indie brands, contract manufacturers, raw material suppliers, and R&D centers, have equipped me with invaluable insights.

Immersed in the dynamic professional beauty and aesthetic channels, I felt the urge to innovate the cosmeceutical landscape. Leveraging my brand incubation experience and well-established industry relationships, I envisioned a brand that bridges derm beauty with clean beauty. This science-backed skincare line would seamlessly integrate multitasking ingredients, botanicals from traditional Chinese medicine, potent antioxidants, and novel bioavailable compounds. The result would be derm-approved formulas designed with sensitive skin in mind, leveraging novel technologies, offered at accessible price points to empower individuals on their skincare journeys.

Fueled by an unwavering belief in the transformative potential of the beauty industry and my passion for skincare, I decided to embark on this entrepreneurial venture. Thus, Topical Skin was born, embodying a commitment to innovation, efficacy, and accessibility.

What are the unique selling points of the brand?

What sets Topical Skin apart is our unwavering commitment to creating skincare products that are not only effective but also “clean” and suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin. Our custom-developed formulas are meticulously crafted using Oleosome technology, a moisturizing powerhouse that supports skin barrier function. With clinically proven peptides and antioxidants, we seamlessly blend cutting-edge synthetic actives with natural ingredients to deliver unprecedented results.

At the perfect nexus between science and nature, our innovative formulations harness the most biologically active and scientifically proven ingredients in concentrations that support product efficacy. Our team, composed of passionate and highly trained chemists,  skincare experts, and product visionaries, collaborates to bring forth cosmetically elegant and result-oriented products. At our core, we believe that skincare is fundamentally about health and wellness, and should never compromise the well-being of our bodies or the environment.

In addition, science and aesthetic medicine are the cornerstones of Topical Skin. We don’t select ingredients for our products on a whim or based on fleeting trends. Aesthetic medicine has significantly influenced our organization’s identity, and every skincare product we develop is grounded in the most current research. Our knowledgeable formulators keep a close watch on scientific advancements, staying informed about the latest breakthroughs in aesthetic medicine, dermatology, and cosmetics.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the business world, and how have you overcome them?

Throughout my career, I’ve navigated a diverse landscape, transitioning from C-level roles at multinational companies to fractional positions for independent brands, and currently serving as a founder and general manager. Like many millennial professional women, I’ve faced the challenge of balancing a demanding career with the responsibilities of motherhood and family life. The high-pressure environment of corporate settings has only intensified this balancing act. Even in ideal circumstances, juggling the expectations of a high-demand role with family duties often feels like a delicate dance.

In the past, I contended with limited workplace flexibility, a lack of mentorship, and insufficient support systems—factors that can significantly hinder professional growth. These challenges were exacerbated by a workplace culture that didn’t support the multifaceted roles women play.

As a mom, my foremost responsibility will always be my family. However, I also have significant professional aspirations. Balancing these roles has required perseverance, adaptability, and a constant reevaluation of my priorities. Today, I’m incredibly fortunate to lead and collaborate with a talented, independent, and supportive team. Over time, I’ve learned to delegate effectively, empower team members to make decisions, support their growth, outsource to experts, and prioritize my most important tasks early in the day. Soft skills and active listening have proven invaluable. Running a business truly takes a village; it’s a collective effort.