Hosted by three-time founder, bestselling author, and award-winning industry thought leader Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, Business of the Beat takes you inside the business of beauty and wellness—unpacking the real stories behind starting, growing and accelerating breakthrough brands.
Each episode features candid conversations with founders, senior executives, influencers, and operators who are shaping the future of the industry. From funding to failures, pivots to purpose, and hustle to harmony, you’ll get unfiltered insights and actionable strategies to grow and scale with intention.
Now in its fifth season with over 180 episodes, Business of the Beat is the go-to resource for all business leaders ready to turn passion into profit and ambition into impact.
Subscribe today—and unlock the beauty of your success.
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Hosted by three-time founder, bestselling author, and award-winning industry thought leader Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, Business of the Beat takes you inside the business of beauty and wellness—unpacking the real stories behind starting, growing and accelerating breakthrough brands.
Each episode features candid conversations with founders, senior executives, influencers, and operators who are shaping the future of the industry. From funding to failures, pivots to purpose, and hustle to harmony, you’ll get unfiltered insights and actionable strategies to grow and scale with intention.
Now in its fifth season with over 180 episodes, Business of the Beat is the go-to resource for all business leaders ready to turn passion into profit and ambition into impact.
Subscribe today—and unlock the beauty of your success.
Backstage at Essence: Big Wins, Hot Takes, and Cultural Accountability
Business of the Beat
21 minutes 4 seconds
3 months ago
Backstage at Essence: Big Wins, Hot Takes, and Cultural Accountability
In this fiery and heartfelt episode, co-hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson return from a whirlwind 10-day experience at the AMAC National Airport Conference and The ESSENCE Festival of Culture as Hyatt Regency New Orleans official beauty partners. From late-night Lauryn Hill debates to industry backlash around Target’s presence, they unpack it all—honestly and unapologetically.
Kendra and Leslie dive into the big wins, behind-the-scenes realities, and the economic and cultural dynamics shaping Essence Festival 2025. They also tackle deeper conversations around diaspora tensions, the DEI fallout impacting Black-owned platforms, and why cultural accountability and unity matter more now than ever.
Tune in for hot takes, some laughs, and a passionate reminder that we’re stronger together. Oh—and don’t miss their brand new segment: What’s the Big Win?
Business of the Beat
Hosted by three-time founder, bestselling author, and award-winning industry thought leader Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, Business of the Beat takes you inside the business of beauty and wellness—unpacking the real stories behind starting, growing and accelerating breakthrough brands.
Each episode features candid conversations with founders, senior executives, influencers, and operators who are shaping the future of the industry. From funding to failures, pivots to purpose, and hustle to harmony, you’ll get unfiltered insights and actionable strategies to grow and scale with intention.
Now in its fifth season with over 180 episodes, Business of the Beat is the go-to resource for all business leaders ready to turn passion into profit and ambition into impact.
Subscribe today—and unlock the beauty of your success.
