Global beauty leader Wella Company hosted an inspiring discussion spotlighting anecdotes and wisdom from the unique journeys of several of the company’s brand founders. The panel discussion was held at the firm’s Calabasas, CA Office and Studio.
Stephanie Mehta, chief executive officer and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures (parent company of Fast Company and Inc.) facilitated the panel featuring the beauty company’s iconic female entrepreneurs. Sharing their wisdom and perspectives were Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, co-founder of the leading nail brand OPI; Nancy Twine, creator of the newest addition to the Wella Company family of brands, the clean beauty brand Briogeo; and Wella Company CEO Annie Young-Scrivner.
The live event covered topics including enabling women leaders to succeed, challenges unique to female entrepreneurs, learning from setbacks, building a high-performing company culture, and motivating teams with purpose. Each participant was propelled by a unique vision.
Mehta commented, “In what are still challenging times for women, it’s inspirational to hear these stories of obstacles overcome and dreams realized.”
Weiss-Fischmann advised attendees to blend imagination and discipline into their business plans. “Beauty is serious business,” she said. “What other business brings joy and delight to customers every day?” Remarking too she shared: “Nails are the smallest canvas on which you can create your own art, your personal expression.”
Briogeo founder and CEO Twine started her career in finance, but ultimately looked closer to home to create her dream: a line of all-natural, inclusive hair care products. “I was inspired by powerful women, including my mother, to create Briogeo,” she said. “I am happy to pass on some of that inspiration to other women.”
Eva Graham, founder of the hair thinning innovator Nioxin, had a last-minute conflict and was unable to attend. In advance of the event, she said, “When I founded Nioxin, there were no solutions for fine and thinning hair like mine, so I had to create them. I want other women to understand how important it is to trust your own knowledge and instincts when you build a business.” She also shared one of her favorite thoughts, “God never gives you a dream without giving you the ability to achieve it. Never give up.”
“Dreaming big and working hard are some of the secrets to success that fuel me,” said Wella Company CEO Young-Scrivner. “I’m proud to carry forward the legacy of industry legends and visionaries like Suzi, Nancy, and Eva.”
In the audience to learn about developing women leaders were nearly 200 business leaders, beauty influencers, business and beauty media, and up-and-coming female executives.