CYLS 152: Secrets to Beauty Startup Success with Jennifer Lambert

Description

Episode Summary

Jennifer takes listeners through the journey of transitioning from working as a corporate lawyer to founding a business she’s super passionate about. She talks about her process of getting out of her own way to start the business, and how important it was for her to have a solid business partner, a strong network of people and strong female role models leading the way.

Kevin Y. Brown

Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Jennifer Lambert

Jennifer Lambert is the co-founder and COO of Swivel Beauty, an app that connects women of color with hair stylists and hair stylists with clients seeking their services. The business empowers women of color by moving toward a world where it’s just as easy for women of color to find talented, affordable and skilled stylists as it is for women of any other ethnicity. She is also a Harvard-trained lawyer, specializing in general corporate mergers and acquisitions as well as cyber security law before leaving to start Swivel.

Insights From the Episode

Secrets behind asking for help
Strategies for growing your brand
Tips for vetting your partners
Tips for becoming the founder of a business
Strategies for navigating the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship
Strategies for pinning down your business priorities

Quotes From the Show

On working in corporate law: “I would be there five nights in a row until 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning and just be like what if I was doing something for myself?” - Jennifer Lambert, Create Your Life Series, #152
On the absence of beauty tech products geared toward women of color: “We saw this huge opportunity in the existing products that were out there.” - Jennifer Lambert, Create Your Life Series, #152
On staying motivated when Swivel first launched: “The soulessness of corporate law and the excitement and opportunity of starting a new venture: That alone was fuel to keep the fire going for a while.” - Jennifer Lambert, Create Your Life Series, #152
“I’m being more aware of wellness and making some time for myself each day.” - Jennifer Lambert, Create Your Life Series, #152
“The secret is you’re never really ready, you just have to do it.” - Jennifer Lambert, Create Your Life Series, #152
“I try to live in a way that I’m leaving positive residue on people.” - Jennifer Lambert, Create Your Life Series, #152

Resources Mentioned

Favorite Book