The Power of Focus: How Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye Built Ami Colé
If you need inspiration to focus, this episode is it.
Today I’m sitting down with Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye, founder of cult favorite beauty brand Ami Colé, to break down the real, unfiltered journey of bringing a big idea to fruition. From growing up at her mother’s salon to working at beauty giants like Glossier and L’Oréal, Diarrha shares how purpose, identity, and intention shaped every step of her path. We talk about why the ability to focus is the most important skill you need, and how Diarrha is pushing the beauty industry to evolve by creating a brand that centers authenticity and celebrates all shades of beauty.
We Also Talk About…
Diarrha’s journey from working in corporate beauty to founding her own beauty brand.
The key strategies for transitioning from an direct-to-consumer business to expanding into retail stores like Sephora.
The best way to support your favorite indie brands.
Tips for time management as a founder: balancing your focus between product development, marketing, and operations.
The secrets to successful content creation that resonates with your audience and strengthens your brand’s identity.
Chapters:
00:00 Beauty Inspiration in Harlem
07:48 Founding Ami Colé
13:05 Dreaming of a Creative Venture
20:27 Journey to True Beauty Vision
25:14 Entrepreneurial Journey and Adaptation
27:58 Finding A Brand Identity
33:42 Versatile Beauty Essentials
40:21 Seeking Sephora Partnership Dreams
45:35 TikTok: The New Marketing Tool
50:01 Channel Conflict in Retail Strategy
56:57 Grateful Growth and Business Evolution
01:00:32 Balancing Boundaries and Public Life
Resources:
Follow Diarrha on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/diarrhaxo/?...)
Follow Ami Colé on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/byamicole/?...)
Visit https://www.amicole.com/ to order your favorite beauty products
[Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les](https://balancedles.substack.com/)
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