In this episode of No Stupid Questions, Rhea Cartwright is joined by Estée Lalonde - content creator turned entrepreneur and founder of the wellness brand MIRROR WATER. Estée shares the highs and lows of her journey, from the early days of YouTube to navigating the realities of fundraising, profitability, and brand identity.
She opens up about the evolution of content creation, the challenges of leadership, and why self-worth and support systems are essential when building both a business and a life in the public eye. This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal growth - told with Estée’s trademark honesty.
What you’ll learn:
The realities of transitioning from content creator to founder
Why brand building requires both vulnerability and structure
Insights into funding, profitability, and the business of beauty
How leadership and self-worth evolve in the creator economy
The importance of downtime, routines, and collaboration for creative health
Connect with Estée Lalonde and MIRROR WATER:
- Instagram: @esteelalonde
- Website: www.mirrorwater.earth
Follow Rhea on Instagram: @its_rhea
Georgie Coleridge Cole — founder and CEO of SheerLuxe — joins me to talk about building one of the UK’s most influential digital media brands.
We dive into the evolution of SheerLuxe from a shopping directory to a content powerhouse, the role of community in brand loyalty, and how Georgie is integrating AI without losing the human touch.
From leadership lessons to future-proofing a media business, this episode is packed with insight.
What You’ll Learn In This Episode:
- How AI is reshaping the future of digital media
- Why authenticity drives engagement (and growth)
- Georgie’s leadership style and how she builds trust
- Handling controversy and staying grounded
- Personal reflections on self-doubt and imposter syndrome
In this episode of No Stupid Questions, Rhea Cartwright sits down with April Gargiulo, the visionary founder of cult skincare brand Vintner’s Daughter. Known for its uncompromising commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Vintner’s Daughter has become a favourite in the beauty world with just three meticulously crafted products. April shares how her unique background in winemaking shaped her approach to skincare, focusing on sustainability, intentionality, and delivering transformational results.
They dive into the challenges of navigating the beauty industry, the importance of community and word-of-mouth in building a loyal customer base, and how Vintner’s Daughter thrives by embracing timeless values over fleeting trends.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, beauty enthusiast, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of an iconic brand, this conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Episode Highlights:
Connect with April Gargiulo:
Let’s Connect:
Follow Rhea on Instagram:
Subscribe to No Stupid Questions for more thought-provoking conversations.
In this inaugural episode of No Stupid Questions, Rhea Cartwright sits down with the phenomenal Candice Brathwaite - author, advocate, and all-round powerhouse. Known for her ability to blend sharp wit with deep insight, Candice shares her journey of personal growth, financial independence, and the realities of navigating success.
This conversation dives into the emotional rollercoaster of achieving success. Candice reflects on her experiences with overcoming debt, building community, and protecting her energy in challenging environments. Together, Rhea and Candice explore themes of resilience, manifestation, and the unshakable belief in one's own potential.
Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 - The Journey to Hyrox Training
07:15 - Manifestation: A Birthright and Personal Journey
13:18 - Navigating Success and the Fear of Change
19:06 - The Importance of Protecting Your Energy
27:08 - The Impact of Upbringing on Identity
37:38 - Navigating Success and Community Dynamics
44:14 - Building Genuine Community Connections
51:43 - Manifestation and Money Mindset
56:53 - The Journey to a Dream Collaboration
01:08:23 - The Reality of Book Earnings and Impact
01:14:05 - The Essence of Success
Books mentioned:
Manifesto by Candice Brathwaite
I Am Not Your Baby Mother by Candice Brathwaite
Follow Candice Brathwaite:
Let’s Connect:
Welcome to No Stupid Questions, the podcast where beauty, wellness, business, and finance collide for honest, no-nonsense conversations.
I’m Rhea Cartwright, a beauty expert with over a decade of experience as a former Head of Beauty Buying for a luxury department store and a beauty editor for leading publications.
I’ve spent my career uncovering what makes brands thrive, finding the best products (so you don’t have to), and asking the questions most people are too afraid to. Now, I’m bringing my curiosity and industry expertise straight to your headphones.
Each week, I’ll sit down with founders, experts, and insiders to talk about everything from how to build a business to mastering your finances—and of course, the latest beauty trends. We’ll dive into the big topics, the practical advice, and the juicy stories behind the success, failures, and lessons learned along the way.
If you’re a beauty lover, an entrepreneur in the making, or someone navigating life with big goals and even bigger questions, this podcast is for you.
Hit subscribe and join me for the first episode.
Because when it comes to learning, growing, and having a bit of fun, there are no stupid questions—only the ones you’ve been dying to ask.
