141: How to Build a Successful Brand from Scratch with Annie Lawless

This holiday episode is part aesthetic audit, part emotional clean out and part unfiltered group chat with my friend—and yours—Dr. Miguel Mascaró.We’re unpacking the ghosts of aesthetic past, present, and future, what beauty trends are quietly dying, what we’ve misunderstood about peptides, and why “branding facelifts” (yes, those) are everywhere. We get honest about practitioners photoshopping their own faces, the pressure to look perfect and how to stop hyper-fixating on appearance in a world that profits from insecurity.We also zoom out: what we’re leaving behind in 2025 for the sake of mental health, how meditation and emotional minimalism help us drop unnecessary emotional baggage and the internal pressure we’re all navigating heading into a new year.Plus:Holiday icksUnpopular beauty opinionsTrends we hope never come backA game of Naughty or NecessaryMiguel judges my beauty routineThe most transformative wellness tip shared on the podcast this yearAnd a few business truths you might not hear anywhere elseConsider this your permission slip to let go of bad habits, outdated trends, and anything that no longer serves you in 2025.This episode is brought to you by:Go to ProLonLife.com/BLONDE for 15% off plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-day program.Visit quo.com/BLONDE for 20% off 6 months. Go to fromourplace.com/BLONDE and use code BLONDE for 10% off sitewide. Get $10 off your first month’s subscription and enjoy free shipping when you visit Nutrafol.com and use promo code BLONDE.Get an extra $100 site credit when you sell for the first time on TheRealReal.com/well.Plan your next trip at Aruba.com.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

24 Dec 51min

Charlotte Palermino is a licensed esthetician, co-founder of Dieux Skin, writer and self proclaimed skincare freak. She joins the show for an honest, no-nonsense conversation around beauty standards, treatments, what actually matters in skincare and what absolutely doesn’t. We get into the first skincare brand she ever fell in love with, the beauty products she thinks are totally overrated and the weirdest treatment she’s ever tried. Charlotte shares her go-to approach for treating hyperpigmentation, her laser recommendations, the number one thing everyone should be doing for better skin and why so many of us still get duped by clever marketing. We also unpack the realities of perioral dermatitis, why lawsuits ironically protect the beauty industry, how U.S. and EU regulations really differ and why Europe is often idealized for all the wrong reasons. Plus: the percentages that actually matter when reading ingredient lists, the future of skincare through her skeptical lens and the affordable brands she genuinely recommends.This episode is brought to you by:Go to justthrivehealth.com and use code WELL for 20% off your first 90 day bottle of Just Thrive probiotic. Visit OSEAMalibu.com and use code BLONDE for 10% off your first order sitewide. Try LMNT and get a free sample pack when you go to DrinkLMNT.com/WELL.Visit fatty15.com/WELL and use code WELL at checkout for an additional 15% off their Starter Kit.Go to fromourplace.com/BLONDE and use code BLONDE for 10% off sitewide. Get up to 25% off your order at Bakedbymelissa.com/BLONDE.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

17 Dec 54min

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz is a physician, bestselling author and one of the most respected voices in microbiome science. He joins the show for a deep dive into the powerful connection between gut health and inflammation. We break down how the gut impacts every system in the body, why chronic low-grade inflammation is so common, and the surprising signs you may have it even if you feel “fine.” Dr. B shares the number one food for lowering inflammation, why you can’t have a healthy microbiome and inflammatory conditions at the same time, and how to start transforming your gut barrier in just 3–5 days.We also dive into the downstream effects of living in negativity and reactivity, the health issues tied to the Western diet, and how restrictive eating can backfire on your microbiome. Dr. B offers evidence-based tools to improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and support overall wellbeing — including non-food lifestyle practices, his essential supplement stack, and the truth about glyphosate and antibiotics.We also explore why you feel better abroad, the gut barrier’s circadian rhythm, the 7-day outdoor challenge, the 10-minute habit that makes you happier and sleep better and his most unpopular health stance.This is a concise, practical, science-driven guide to what actually works for gut health and inflammation! Follow Dr. B @theguthealthmd and pre-order his newest book: https://a.co/d/j2qOcAA This episode is brought to you by:Go to armra.com/WELL or enter WELL to get 30% off your first subscription order.Head to boncharge.com and your 25% off code will be automatically added to your order.Go to ro.co/BLONDE to see if your insurance covers GLP-1s for free.Get 25% off your first month at Ritual.com/BLONDE. Go to Quince.com/blonde for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order.Get 61% off your first order at everdaydose.com/WELL or use code WELL at checkout. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10 Dec 1h 4min

Maggie Sellers Reum is an investor, founder and host of Hot Smart Rich. She joins the show to break down what it really means to be hot, smart, and rich financially, emotionally, and energetically. We explore the difference between being rich in time vs. rich in cash, how women can finally get a seat at the economic decision table, and the practical steps to building generational wealth through conscious spending, angel investing, and smart diversification.Maggie shares her journey from the corporate world to working with Post Malone, the surprising lessons that shaped her career, and how she learned to stop molding herself into a version she didn’t recognize. We talk capitalism reimagined, cost-per-wear vs ROI, getting equity in companies, and the biggest money splurge she doesn’t regret.We also dive into the emotional side of success: how to find your passion, when to leave the wrong relationship, becoming securely attached, reframing anxiety as a source of wisdom, and the small habits that create compounding interest in every area of life.This episode is a masterclass in money, mindset, confidence, and creating a life that feels truly rich.Follow Maggie @maggiesellersreumThis episode is brought to you by:Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code WELL for 20% off.Head to boncharge.com and your 25% off code will be automatically added to your order.Visit quo.com/BLONDE for 20% off 6 months. Go to justthrivehealth.com and use code WELL for 20% off your first 90 day bottle of Just Thrive probiotic. Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/BLONDE or use code BLONDE at checkout.Visit fatty15.com/WELL and use code WELL at checkout for an additional 15% off their Starter Kit.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3 Dec 1h 5min

This week I’m joined by Sheena Zadeh, founder of Kosas, to talk about the real story behind building a massive beauty brand while trusting your intuition through every twist. She opens up about young marriage and divorce, losing her home in a fire, and deprogramming the belief that women are only valuable if they’re partnered. We also explore how confidence, self-knowledge, and true self-possession come from surviving what was meant to break you. We get into the reality of growing a brand (yes, even when you see celebrities using your products), her beauty philosophy and current trends she’s loving, unhinged beauty purchases, thoughts on aging, and the gifts that come from hardship as we navigate our 30s, step into our 40s, and fully own who we are.This episode is brought to you by:Go to ProLonLife.com/BLONDE for 15% off plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-day program.Get up to 25% off your order at Bakedbymelissa.com/BLONDE.Go to fromourplace.com/BLONDE and use code BLONDE for 10% off sitewide. From Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, get 40% off at cozyearth.com with code WELL.Visit YourReformer.com to shop their Black Friday sale now until December 4th and save. Get $10 off your first month’s subscription and enjoy free shipping when you visit Nutrafol.com and use promo code BLONDE.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

26 Nov 51min

This week I’m joined by Andy and Katie Mant — founders, innovators, and the couple behind some of the most forward-thinking light therapy and bio-resonance tools in beauty and wellness today. We get into how their products were born from a quest for that elusive pre-wedding glow, the science of circadian lighting, and the real difference between red vs. near-infrared vs. far-infrared wavelengths. We break down the irradiance you actually need for results (and whether at-home devices can deliver), how long to use light therapy for maximum impact, and the ideal order of skincare + red light for skin benefits. We also explore how beauty practices sync with your circadian rhythm, whether blue light is dehydrating your skin (and affecting your thyroid), and the surprising effects of your phone’s light on your face. Plus: how to use a PEMF mat for grounding or energizing, how frequency-based therapies are finally entering mainstream medicine, why red light can deliver visible results fast, and the most underrated tools and habits they swear by.Save 15% off my favorite Red Light Face Mask by using code BLONDE at www.boncharge.com.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

24 Nov 41min

Sal Di Stefano is a renowned fitness expert, author, and co-host of the hit podcast “Mind Pump”. He joins the show to break down the simple, sustainable principles that make strength training the most effective path to long-term health, confidence, and consistency.We cover: Why it’s hard to “overdo” strength training—and the power of feeling strong Why quick fixes backfire and how to avoid the obsession trap How to get back on track without shame Negative motivation vs. real, lasting change The honest postpartum bounce-back reality Fitting fitness into a busy life (yes, even with 2 days a week) Fueling properly and overcoming the fear of losing progress Breaking up with restrictive dieting + when data doesn’t match real life The most effective form of cardio How to avoid hyper-palatable foods Reverse dieting basics + breakfast protein tips Sal’s most overrated and underrated exercisesFollow Sal at @mindpumpdistefano on Instagram.This episode is brought to you by:Save 15% off my favorite Red Light Face Mask by using code BLONDE at www.boncharge.com.Go to justthrivehealth.com and use code WELL for 20% off your first 90 day bottle of Just Thrive probiotic. Visit OSEAMalibu.com and use code BLONDE for 10% off your first order sitewide. Use code WELL at cozyearth.com for up to 40% off. Visit fatty15.com/WELL and use code WELL at checkout for an additional 15% off their Starter Kit.Go to fromourplace.com/BLONDE and use code BLONDE for 10% off sitewide. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 Nov 1h

In this solo episode, I’m covering everything from overrated beauty trends to the wellness habits that actually make a difference. I share the product I’ve been gatekeeping, the beauty brands I’m currently loving, and how my AM and PM skincare routines have evolved as I’ve started aging—publicly. We get into how my perception of beauty has shifted, thoughts on constant innovation in skincare, and why sometimes doing less for your skin and wellness actually works better. I also talk about the supplements I take, how I stay flexible without slipping into over-optimization, and what it really means to hear your intuitive voice. Plus: the real purpose of meditation, navigating people’s opinions about not having kids, balancing an active social life as an introvert, and a few honest updates from the chair (you’ll know what I mean)!This episode is brought to you by:Go to armra.com/WELL or enter WELL to get 30% off your first subscription order.Visit quo.com/BLONDE for 20% off 6 months. Get 40% off your first month at Ritual.com/BLONDE.Try LMNT and get a free sample pack when you go to DrinkLMNT.com/WELL.Get $10 off your first month’s subscription and enjoy free shipping when you visit Nutrafol.com and use promo code BLONDE.Visit fatty15.com/WELL and use code WELL at checkout for an additional 15% off their Starter Kit.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 Nov 57min