Makers Mindset

Welcome to Makers Mindset, a podcast that uncovers the inspiring journeys of female founders, executives, and changemakers. We delve into how these remarkable women navigate professional achievements and personal well-being. Join host Nancy Twine and an array of enlightening guests for this season's conversations.

Find Makers Mindset on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube, starting March 14th.

Learn how to empower your best you

When Karissa Bodnar started Thrive Causemetics out of her one-bedroom apartment, she was determined to create a business that was mission-driven to its core. Inspired by the loss of a close friend to cancer, Karissa set out to craft a makeup brand committed to giving back. Today, Thrive Causemetics proudly supports over 500 giving partners and has contributed millions in fundings and products to charitable organizations. Join Karissa and Nancy as they discuss Karissa’s journey as a mission-driven founder and explore the evolution of her business into the impactful force it is today.

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Aurora James launched fashion and accessories line Brother Vellies in 2013, with a mission to preserve the heritage of African design and create lasting artisanal jobs. Today, her brand is handcrafted by artisans spanning the globe, bringing culture, sustainability and fashion together. She is also the founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a non-profit that encourages retailers to pledge at least 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Major retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom and Macy’s have all made the pledge. Nancy and Aurora discuss her unique journey of self discovery, her memoir, Wildflower, and the rituals that keep her grounded.

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Sheena Zadeh blended her background in science with a love of cosmetics to create Kosas Cosmetics, a brand that proudly states that it’s ‘makeup for skincare freaks.’ Sheena's journey has been a testament to adaptation, experimentation and a passion for what she does. Juggling roles as CEO and founder, she eventually opted to step back from the CEO position to focus on Kosas’s creative vision. She and Nancy dive into this decision, in addition to exploring the intricacies of building a successful brand and team, while emphasizing the importance of self-investment.

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When Anu Duggal started her first business, a wine bar in Bombay, she was entering a sector that she had no experience in. But she didn’t let that stop her, in fact, she leveraged that inexperience to generate new insights and innovation. In the years that followed, she grew into an entrepreneurial powerhouse, launching the Female Founders Fund in 2014, investing in early stage female founders. Since then, Anu has appeared on Fortune’s “40 under 40” Crain’s “Notable Women in Tech” list and been included in Business Insider’s “Ultimate List of Female Startup Investors.”

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