Behind Her Empire

It’s time we dive into the world of histamines and how they can impact women’s health. We’ll be unraveling the mystery behind those weird, often undiagnosed symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, digestive issues, skin rashes, brain fog, joint pain, unexplained anxiety, and even heart palpitations. These symptoms often get brushed off or mistaken for something else, making it tricky to connect the dots with histamine intolerance or MCAS. So, let’s dive in and start making sense of it all…In this episode you’ll learn: * How to navigate life with a highly sensitive body* Why functional medicine isn’t always the answer* How to detox without overwhelming your body* Supplements to take for histamine balance* The crucial role hormones play* And more…Michelle Shapiro is an integrative Registered Dietitian based in New Jersey, with over 8 years of experience and a proven track record of helping more than 1,000 clients, specializing in histamine issues, anxiety reversal, healing chronic gut problems, and promoting weight loss with a body-neutral perspective. In her virtual private practice, she works one-on-one with clients, using humor, compassion, and a nuanced approach to empower them with self-awareness and healing—even when functional medicine hasn’t provided the solution.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Michelle: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleshapirord* Website: ttps://michelleshapirord.com

Dianna Cohen is the founder of Crown Affair, a luxury clean haircare brand that’s changing the way we approach haircare by focusing on ritual, mindfulness, and self-care.Dianna’s journey to creating Crown Affair started in 2018 with a simple Google Doc. What began as a way to help a few friends with their hair routines has evolved into a brand loved by many—and it all started with the power of consistency. Dianna’s career trajectory is anything but ordinary and traditional. She worked behind the scenes with startups like Away, The Wing, and Outdoor Voices, and in 2020, just as the world went into lockdown, she launched her own brand. Her entrepreneurial path is one of resilience, creativity, and taking bold risks.In this week’s episode, Dianna opens up about the challenges she faced, such as fundraising in an ever-changing landscape and building a business from the ground up during a global pandemic. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster of being a first-time founder, navigating self-doubt, and the importance of self-love and compassion. She also dives into how the idea for Crown Affair started years before she took the leap and how she came up with the unique idea to really differentiate herself in a crowded beauty market. Dianna reflects on how she’s balanced masculine and feminine energies in her leadership style, how remote work has shaped her role as a founder, and the importance of creating a supportive, creative company culture. We talk about the moment she knew it was time to take the leap and launch Crown Affair, the lessons learned from trusting the process, and so much more.In this episode, we’ll talk to Dianna about:* Consistency and giving yourself grace is the key to success. [02:47]* Embracing feminine energy for sustainable business approach. [04:20]* Learning from past work experiences is crucial for growth. [11:06]* Working for others provides valuable lessons before starting your own business. [15:27]* The inspiration behind Crown Affair. [20:53]* Fundraising requires finding partners who align with your vision. [26:52]* Launching Crown Affair right before the pandemic. [32:18]* Supportive company culture fosters employee satisfaction. [36:34]* The business strategy during the COVID pandemic. [40:58]* Gwyneth Paltrow investing in Crown Affair. [42:21]* Self-love can transform leadership dynamics. [47:06]* Building a supportive team for growth. [47:45]* Balancing masculine and feminine energies is key in leadership. [51:07]* Remote work culture enhances empathy and leadership skills. [55:60]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Dianna: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crownaffair* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannacohen* Website: https://www.crownaffair.com

Aliett Buttelman is the co-founder of Fazit, a beauty brand revolutionizing skincare and makeup with effortless, innovative patches.Aliett’s journey wasn’t without its struggles. Before building Fazit, she faced rejection and setbacks that taught her invaluable lessons in resilience. From a career in modeling to consulting for beauty brands, she encountered her fair share of doubt. But in those moments of adversity, she found the strength to push forward. Alongside her co-founder, Nina, Aliett built Fazit from the ground up, creating products like acne patches and glitter freckles. Their breakthrough moment came when Taylor Swift was spotted wearing their Glitter Freckles—sending sales and web traffic skyrocketing by over 3,500% and generating seven figures in just 48 hours.In this week’s episode, Aliett shares her entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on her path from fear and rejection to building Fazit. She discusses the lessons learned from her first skincare venture and the advantages of forging a non-traditional career path. Aliett opens up about the challenges of fundraising, the value of resourcefulness, and the sacrifices made to build a brand without a “formal” corporate background. She also highlights how manifestation and social media played a crucial role in scaling Fazit.Aliett dives into the emotional experience of seeing Taylor Swift wear their Glitter Freckles, breaking down the exact steps they took to get their product into her hands—and how that moment changed everything. She also discusses the importance of community engagement, product development, and staying true to your vision, even when the road ahead feels uncertain—and so much more.In this episode, we’ll talk to Aliett about:* The benefits of not “picking a lane” in life. [03:15]* Fear can be a powerful motivator to create opportunities. [05:35]* Aliett’s evolving relationship with fear and rejection. [07:15]* The creativity, resilience, and risks behind building a brand. [09:44]* The power of cold emailing for entrepreneurs. [13:40]* Sacrifices involved in self-funding a business. [17:49]* The inspiration behind Fazit’s makeup patches. [20:29]* Overcoming fundraising challenges with persistence. [25:45]* Growing organically through social media. [30:13]* Fazit’s glitter freckles: the top-selling product. [34:54]* Rebranding Fazit and preparing for Coachella. [37:12]* How Aliett got Fazit glitter freckles to Taylor Swift. [39:19]* Navigating rapid growth with strategic planning. [48:00]* Manifesting success through ambitious goal-setting. [51:44]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Aliett: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fazitbeauty* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliettbutts* Website: https://fazitbeauty.com/

“The Class” is more than just a workout—it’s a powerful journey that goes beyond breaking a sweat to help you release blocks, tap into your true potential, and connect with yourself and others. In this interview, creator Taryn Toomey reveals why her renowned transformative experience has become a favorite among fitness enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and celebrities alike.In this episode you’ll learn: * What makes “The Class” different from other workouts* How meditation enhances intuition* The lasting effects of somatic therapy* Techniques for releasing energetic blocks from the body* The role of music in the healing process* And more…Taryn Toomey is the Founder of The Class, a fitness method and “practice of self study” that incorporates cardio, meditation, and therapeutic yelling (Jennifer Aniston, Christy Turlington, and Gisele Bündchen are fans). Taryn's approach combines elements of strength training, breathwork, and emotional expression to create a workout experience that not only reshapes the body but also frees the mind. With her extensive background in wellness, yoga, and emotional healing, Toomey is a true pioneer in the wellness space, empowering people to reconnect with their inner selves through movement.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Taryn: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taryntoomey* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theclass* Website: https://www.theclass.com

Keida Dervishi is the co-founder of Soulmate Customs, a personalized gift brand that turns cherished memories into custom embroidered and engraved gifts.Keida launched Soulmate Customs in 2021 after creating a personalized embroidered sweatshirt for her mother’s birthday, inspiring a business focused on meaningful gifts. Before this, she explored various side hustles on Etsy and Depop, but none took off. Everything changed when she shifted her focus to custom embroidery and posted a TikTok video of her first order, which went viral with 3.7 million views and brought in over 1,400 orders in a month. In just 11 months, Soulmate Customs surpassed $1 million in sales. Today, the business is family-run and has reached over 1.3 billion people across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.In this week’s episode, we talk to Keida about her unexpected journey from aspiring singer and actress to entrepreneur. She opens up about the struggles of her first Etsy business which took off but then closed down—an experience that taught her that having a great product isn’t enough without strong marketing. But instead of giving up, Keida took those lessons and doubled down on learning, eventually launching Soulmate Customs. She gets real about the hustle—teaching herself embroidery through YouTube, staying scrappy with her resources, and leaning on her family to help grow the business. She also breaks down the power of social media, explaining how consistency in content creation—not perfection—was key to her viral success. We dive into the pressures of scaling, adapting to social media trends, and the mindset shifts needed to push through challenges, and so much more. In this episode, we’ll talk to Keida about:* From singing and acting to entrepreneurship during COVID. [04:16]* Choosing passion over college. [09:56]* Starting her first Etsy shop. [11:52]* Overcoming Etsy shop closure due to copyright issues. [13:53]* Finding her next steps after the setback. [16:13]* Soulmate Customs began as a gift for her mom. [18:36]* The importance of scrappiness in business. [21:27]* Consistency matters more than perfection in content creation. [23:48]* Her mom's influence on doubling down on social media. [24:19]* First order and marketing success. [28:08]* Consistency and authenticity are the key in content creation. [34:24]* Emotional selling connects with customers. [35:17]* Purpose fuels passion and commitment. [46:20]* The biggest challenges for Soulmate Customs. [54:50]* Keida’s struggle with hiring. [55:50]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Keida: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulmatecustomss* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keida02* Website: https://soulmatecustoms.com

In this week’s episode, we’re re-airing one of our top episodes with Jamie O’Banion, the founder and CEO of BeautyBio, a clean skincare and tool brand that leads with transparency and efficacy.Jamie’s passion for science came at a young age as she watched her father, a cosmetic chemist, in his lab developing products and eventually joined him after college. Ten years later, having witnessed brands using minimal concentrations of active ingredients to cut costs and make false clinical claims, Jamie knew she had to address this issue in the industry. That's when the idea for BeautyBio was born. The aim was to provide clients with what they were paying for and help them understand the ingredients behind the products.She debuted on HSN that same year and sold out on the first day. Five years later, she launched one of the brand's flagship products, GloPRO, an at-home micro-needling device that generated $4 million in sales within its first 24 hours and has since surpassed the $100 million mark. Fast forward to 2023, BeautyBio is available in over 1,700 stores, including Ulta, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and more.In this episode, we’ll talk to Jamie about:* The concept of “breadcrumbs” in life and how everything happens for a reason. [03:13]*Growing up with a family of six has influenced the woman Jamie is today. [06:39]*Managing the challenges of motherhood. [15:06]*Jamie’s upbringing and what sparked her interest in science. [22:03]*The importance of team and how they’ve been integral in her journey. [26:42]*Dealing with challenging experiences as an entrepreneur. [29:28]*Co-founding Organicare with her physician father in 2008. [33:09]*Adapting to consumer demand without compromising business ethos. [37:38]*Pivoting from selling ingredients to launching BeautyBio. [43:14]*Future plans for BeautyBio post-acquisition. [49:09]In this week’s episode, Jamie guides us through the various "breadcrumbs" of life and how every individual experience she had before launching her business led her to exactly where she is today. We dive into her upbringing as one of six children, how she stumbled into entrepreneurship, why her initial business idea failed, and how she quickly pivoted to what eventually became BeautyBio. We talk about all the challenging experiences in her over ten year journey running the business, how they ended up selling the business last year, and so much more. This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Jamie:* Website: https://beautybio.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybio* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieobanion

Say goodbye to painful periods and hello to healthier hormones! I’m so excited to share this week’s episode with you. My dear friend Kat Schneider, founder of Ritual, just launched a brand-new podcast with Dear Media called For The Real Body Builders, and I had the honor of being a guest on their very first episode alongside hormone expert Alisa Vitti. We discuss everything from seed cycling to the stigma surrounding periods, sharing practical tips that could transform your relationship with your body.Don’t miss out on insights that could save you years of pain and discomfort. Trust us, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Hit play, get inspired, and be sure to subscribe to For The Real Bodybuilders for more health-forward discussions like this!In this episode you’ll learn: * Life-changing hacks for better periods* What causes period pain* How seed cycling can support you* The truth about alcohol and caffeine* And more…This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Alisa:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisa.vitti* Website: https://floliving.com/Follow Ritual:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritual* Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ritualvitamins * Episode link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/periods-dont-have-to-suck/id1785058196?i=1000683057228

Rosa Li is the founder and CEO of wildwonder, a beverage brand revolutionizing gut health with the world’s first prebiotic and probiotic sparkling drink. Growing up in Beijing, Rosa spent countless hours with her grandmother, learning about the healing power of traditional herbs and remedies. These early lessons in food as medicine planted the seeds for Rosa’s passion for wellness. However, it wasn’t until years later, while building a successful career in finance, that she realized the importance of prioritizing her own well-being. The high-pressure environment took a toll on her health, and she struggled with gut issues and fatigue. Determined to make a change, Rosa returned to her roots and began experimenting with herbal remedies in her kitchen and that’s when the first version wildwonder was born.  In this episode, Rosa shares her inspiring journey—from growing up in Beijing with her grandmother to navigating cultural shocks after moving to Indiana at 12, which shaped her belief in representation in business. She recounts her career transitions, from finance and startups to launching Rosali Tea, which she later pivoted to wildwonder. Rosa opens up about feeling lost in her career, creating her first product in her kitchen, and how COVID forced her to rethink her business after losing all purchase orders—a challenge she calls a blessing in disguise. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her Shark Tank experience, why she initially turned them down, and how it impacted her brand’s success, and so much more.In this episode, we’ll talk to Rosa about:* How perfectionism delays product launches. [03:07]* Rosa’s upbringing in Beijing and her grandmother’s influence. [05:24]* How her culture impacted her personal identity. [08:00]* Rosa’s career in finance and business school journey. [12:53]* Career transitions can be challenging but rewarding. [18:15]* Rosa’s struggles after business school and feeling “lost”. [20:26]* Launching Rosali Tea and going full-time. [22:15]* From Rosali Tea to founding wildwonder. [25:42]* Rosa’s first purchase order story and the challenges she faced. [31:43]* Persistence is key in overcoming rejection. [36:15]* How COVID-19 reshaped business strategies. [40:48]* Adapting to market changes is essential for survival. [45:00]* Rosa’s Shark Tank experience. [46:12]* The influence of packaging on consumer preferences. [47:39]* How she sold out on Amazon. [49:45]* Understanding your finances is key to building a sustainable, successful business. [52:52]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Rosa: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkwildwonder* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosalisays* Website: https://drinkwildwonder.com

Laura Modi is the co-founder and CEO of Bobbie, the first woman-owned organic infant formula brand in the U.S.Before starting Bobbie, Laura spent over a decade at Google and Airbnb, earning a reputation for taking risks and thinking big. Growing up in Ireland, entrepreneurship surrounded her, but becoming a mom sparked her passion. Struggling to find a formula she trusted for her daughter, Laura saw a gap in the U.S. market. While pregnant with her second child, she left her tech career to launch Bobbie, the first FDA-approved organic, European-style infant formula in the U.S. Since its January 2021 launch, Bobbie has nourished over 4.5% of U.S. babies and is set to serve even more in the years ahead.In this episode, Laura shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family in Dublin to working at Google, joining Airbnb in its early days, and eventually moving to the U.S. She discusses lessons learned from working with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, finding the courage to bet on herself, and how motherhood inspired her to create Bobbie. Laura also addresses the stigma around formula feeding in the U.S. and the emotional challenges many mothers face when feeding doesn’t go as planned.We discuss the challenges of launching a product in a highly regulated industry, including navigating FDA roadblocks, rebounding after their pilot launch was shut down, and fundraising while visibly pregnant. She shares the value of vulnerability in leadership, the discipline required to succeed as an entrepreneur, and the importance of continuous learning as a CEO. She also discusses the misconceptions about entrepreneurship, the need for innovation in stagnant industries, the power of community and support systems in navigating the ups and downs of business, and so much more.In this episode, we’ll talk to Laura about:* Entrepreneurial upbringing shaped Laura's mindset. [03:29]* Transitioning from Google to Airbnb. [08:20]* Success requires betting on yourself. [11:27]* How motherhood reshaped Laura's career. [18:13]* Feeding challenges can be emotionally taxing for new mothers. [22:52]* Formula feeding stigma in the U.S. [27:24]* Bobbie’s early beginnings. [29:20]* The inspiration behind Bobbie. [31:37]* Launching a pilot program and biggest learnings. [35:00]* Resilience drives success amid challenges. [39:52]* Fundraising while pregnant. [42:40]* Education is vital for marketing Bobbie. [45:54]* The importance of curiosity as a CEO. [47:24]* Designing the world you want. [53:43]* Misconceptions about entrepreneurship. [55:02]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Laura: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraclairemodi* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbie* Website: https://www.hibobbie.com/