“Losing” Taught Me Everything: What You Can Learn From This Founder’s Failure | Aspire

What really happens when you follow your dream — and it doesn’t work out the way you planned? In this powerful conversation, Emma sits down with Diarrha N’Diaye, founder of the beloved beauty brand Ami Colé, to talk about the courage it takes to build, the heartbreak of closing your company, and the lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear. Diarrha opens up about: -Why she decided to close Ami Colé, even after major success -The emotional toll of letting go of a dream -Hard truths about investors, retail, and the beauty industry -The power of community, resilience, and redefining success If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, struggled with failure, or wondered how to keep going when things fall apart — this episode is for you. #aspirewithemmagrede #femalefounders #amicole #womeninbusiness #failuretosuccess #lifelessons #business #businessadvice #startup #dreambig _____ SUBSCRIBE @emmagrede _____ ABOUT ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE Build the life of your dreams and learn from the world’s most successful people. Emma Grede, one of America’s richest self-made women - wants you to make the most of your life. On ‘Aspire with Emma Grede', learn through thought-provoking conversations with some of the most successful and smartest minds on the planet, including goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, investor, philanthropist and former chair of Starbucks, Mellody Hobson, podcast host Jay Shetty, billionaire entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban, and public luminaries like Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Each episode will unpack their habits, philosophy and strategies, covering career advice, well-being, psychology and of course how to win in business. The show offers personal stories, data-driven advice, real-world strategies, and the experience you need, to turn your dreams into reality. LISTEN TO ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE link.pscrb.fm/f0281/Aspire_YT ABOUT EMMA GREDE Emma Grede is a founding partner and chief product officer of SKIMS and CEO of Good American. She also made history as the first Black woman to serve as an investor on Shark Tank. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:20 Emma's mentorship 00:03:12 What is the legacy of Ami Cole? 00:08:57 How Diarrha's mother inspired Ami Cole 00:12:39 Journey from a dream to a business 00:16:06 Black-owned business 00:20:48 "Rocket ship" growth with no guardrails 00:29:36 Ad Break 00:31:39 Hindsight: the importance of "testing and learning" 00:35:51 Is Sephora still a "game changer" for beauty brands? 00:38:42 Why Emma didn't invest in Ami Cole 00:40:22 Dealing with investors and the importance of track record 00:46:09 When Diarrha knew Ami Cole wasn't working 00:50:45 What would Diarrha do differently? 00:56:04 Ad Break 00:58:20 The importance of time and money 01:03:47 Diarrha's biggest mistakes 01:07:49 The challenges of being a mom and an entrepreneur 01:17:03 Ad Break 01:18:45 Being comfortable with (and not afraid of) success 01:23:20 Was Ami Cole a success or a failure? 01:27:52 Diarrha's "hardest day" at Ami Cole 01:33:00 Diarrha's next chapter 01:41:39 Rapid Fire Questions