Rhode to $1B: How Hailey Bieber built a billion dollar brand in 3 years
From glazed donut skin to a billion dollar exit - Hailey Bieber’s Rhode just sold to E.l.f. in one of the biggest beauty acquisitions of the decade. But how did a minimalist skincare brand with fewer than 10 products pull off a $1B valuation in just three years?
In this episode, we dive into the strategy behind Rhode’s rise: the power of personal brand, community-first marketing, and the genius of scarcity. We also zoom out to look at what this deal says about the beauty industry today - from the crumbling lipstick index to the resurgence of consumer brand acquisitions, and why Gen Z is still buying lip gloss in a cost of living crisis.
Find us on Instagram or TikTok, and if you haven’t already, hit follow in your podcast app (it really helps our small business grow).
We hope you're So Invested.
--------
35:08
Emma Grede's career advice that we're actually listening to
Emma Grede is the business woman behind some of the world's most successful retail companies including Good American and Skims, and a powerhouse that has carved out a career that’s bold, intentional, and unconventional.
In her recent interview on The Diary of a CEO, Emma shared refreshing insights on climbing the ranks, redefining success, and building systems that actually work for you. We couldn’t stop talking about it in our group chat, so we thought we'd bring the discussion to the episode instead! Today, we break down our five biggest takeaways from her conversation, and how you can apply them to your own career journey.
Find us on Instagram or TikTok, and if you haven’t already, hit follow in your podcast app (it really helps our small business grow).
We hope you're So Invested.
--------
28:06
Why the smartest brands are betting big on women’s sports
From packed stadiums to record-breaking broadcast deals, women's sport is finally having its moment - but is it just a moment, or the beginning of a permanent power shift?
In this episode, we dive into the booming business of women’s sport: why audiences are showing up in droves, how brands are catching on, and what it all means for the future of media, money, and representation. We unpack the ripple effects of the Matildas’ World Cup run, the WNBA's glow-up, and the growing investment case for women’s leagues around the world.
If you loved this episode, share it with a friend or slide into our DMs with your take on the women’s sport boom.
Missing Perspectives article on Ilona Maher here.
Find us on Instagram or TikTok, and if you haven’t already, hit follow in your podcast app (it really helps our small business grow).
We hope you're So Invested.
--------
29:50
Is splitting the bill keeping us from real connection?
Splitting a bill is an inevitable occurrence when out socialising, so why can it feel so awkward and transactional?
In this episode, we dive into Christabel Mintah-Galloway's thought provoking post titled Is splitting the lunch bill down to the cent keeping us from real connection? We unpack how our own money stories - from childhood influences to cultural cues - and explore how they shape the way we navigate shared costs. We also reflect on how the rise of social media has raised the stakes of socialising, and why creating low pressure environments might be the key to feel truly connected again.
If you loved this episode, share it with a friend or slide into our DMs with your take on splitting the bill.
Find us on Instagram or TikTok, and if you haven’t already, hit follow in your podcast app (it really helps our small business grow).
We hope you're So Invested.
--------
26:14
Anna Wintour: The business brain behind the Met Gala
Every year, the Met Gala dominates headlines with extravagant looks and celebrity selfies. But behind the velvet ropes and tailored suits is one of the most powerful - and profitable - marketing machines in the world, masterminded by none other than Anna Wintour.
In this episode, we explore how the Met Gala became fashion’s Super Bowl, why designers spend millions to show up, and how the exclusivity of the guest list translates to massive media value. We also dig into how Wintour has cleverly brought in tech sponsors like Amazon and TikTok, and what that says about the future of retail and the shifting landscape of influence. This isn’t just about fashion — it’s about power, prestige, and the campaigns money can’t buy.
If you loved this episode, share it with a friend or slide into our DMs with your take on the Met machine.
Find us on Instagram or TikTok, and if you haven’t already, hit follow in your podcast app (it really helps our small business grow).
We hope you're So Invested.
The weekly money conversation that’s been missing from your group chat.
Smart, unfiltered chats about money, business, and building a life you’re invested in.