<p>#267: Are you ready to build the brand of your dreams but not sure where to begin?</p><p>In this episode, I chat with Denise Vasi, model and founder of MAED Beauty, about the highs and challenges of launching a business, embracing pivots, and chasing big dreams.</p><p>From identifying overlooked gaps in the beauty industry to balancing entrepreneurship with self-care, Denise offers inspiring advice on going after what you want—fearlessly and unapologetically.</p><p>We Also Talk About…</p><ul><li>Denise’s career journey from modeling and acting to beauty brand founder</li><li>How to find market gaps and build a business</li><li>How to practice self-care as a business owner</li><li>Why clean beauty products matter</li><li>Ways to connect people with your brand</li><li>How to build the habit of finishing what you start</li><li>Returning to yourself after seasons of preparation and hustle</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Resources:</p><ul><li><a href="https://balancedles.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les</a></li><li>Check out<a href="http://maedbeauty.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> maedbeauty.com</a> for clean beauty products</li><li>Follow Denise on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/denisevasi/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Instagram</a></li><li>Follow Maed Beauty on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/maedbeauty/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Instagram</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:</p><ul><li>Watch on YouTube<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BalancedBlackGirl/videos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @BalancedBlackGirl</a></li><li><a href="https://shop.dearmedia.com/collections/balanced-black-girl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch</a></li><li>Follow on IG:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/balancedles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @balancedles</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/balancedblackgirlpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@balancedblackgirlpodcast</a></li><li>Follow on TikTok<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@balancedles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @balancedles</a></li><li>Visit our website at<a href="http://balancedblackgirl.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> balancedblackgirl.com</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Sponsors:</p><ul><li>Vionic Shoes | The Vionic Vitals collection has the best essential styles for everyday wear to get you ready for the season. Use code BALANCEDLES at checkout for 15% off your entire order at<a href="http://www.vionicshoes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.vionicshoes.com</a> when you log into your account. One-time use only.</li><li>Equip Health | Equip is a virtual evidence-based eating disorder treatment program that helps you heal your relationship with food and your body from the comfort of your own home. To learn more about Equip treatment visit<a href="http://equip.health/balancecblackgirl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> equip.health/balancecblackgirl.com</a></li><li>Ritual | Ritual Synbiotic+ has the prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics you need for better gut health. Get 25% OFF your first month at<a href="http://ritual.com/BALANCED" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> ritual.com/BALANCED</a></li><li>Masterclass | MasterClass is the only streaming platform where you can learn and grow with over 200+ of the world's best. Go to<a href="http://masterclass.com/BALANCED" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> masterclass.com/BALANCED</a> for the current offer.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Produced by <a href="http://dearmedia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dear Media. </a></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>