There’s something so nostalgic when it comes to music. Hearing your favorite song, walking down the street, or perhaps a song at the cafe begins to play, reminding you of what once was. I had myself a 20k walk this Sunday, and let me tell you, plenty of movie moments to go along with it. The soundtrack to life is a sporadic one to day the least.
As we near the midpoint of the year, it causes me to pause and reflect. Moodboards every December are in. I took a look at mine this morning and asked myself- am I any closer to where I said I wanted to be? And if not, why?
I am the creator of my dream life. You are too. When that realization hits, it forces you to show up differently. Having an unwavering belief in oneself and the goals in one’s life is likely the hardest thing to do. Life is hard, people mess up, so for whatever external factors they don’t show up as their best selves. Therapy helps, friends help, slow days help. Yet at the end of the day we are all perfectly imperfect. If you are reading this, just know that you’re not alone in your musings.
Learn to let go of what doesn’t serve you in this moment, it’s going to lead you down a path that is closer to what you say you want in the world. I wholeheartedly believe that.
And without further ado, let’s get back to the yap chat and see what’s on the docket in today’s news.
Sometimes we need a gentle reminder that we can do hard things.
Business & Marketing News
Billion Dollar Bieber
Hailey Bieber just sold Rhode to e.l.f. Beauty in a deal worth $1B. She’s staying on as Chief Creative Officer, so no worries about the brand losing its vibe.
Kesha Launches an App
Kesha’s new app, Smash helps music creators connect and keep their rights. It's like LinkedIn for artists.
Sydney Sweeney Selling Bathwater??
The Euphoria star is launching a limited-edition soap made with her actual bathwater because, why not? Fans asked and she delivered.
Doechii x Samsung
The Grammy award-winning rapper teamed up with her crocodile, Coco for a new campaign to promote the Galaxy S25 Edge.
Culture & Lifestyle
The Labubu Trend
Wondering why everyone’s wearing gremlin doll keychains all of a sudden?
She’s in Her Ownership Era
Taylor Swift just bought back the masters to her first six albums, officially reclaiming full ownership of the music that launched her career.
Banksy Strikes Again
Elusive street artist Banksy just unveiled a new piece in Marseille, France. For context, his work has been known to double property values and has even led to entire walls being stolen for resale.
Tech & Leadership
Apple Announces iOS 26
They skipped over iOS 19 and went straight to 26, signaling a major rebrand for the tech giant.
Are Degrees Outdated?
25% of employers no longer prioritize college degrees and Gen Z workers are increasingly ditching college in favor of trade schools and skills training. What does this mean for the future of higher education?
The AI Existential Crisis
Google's new video generator is too realistic, people are freaking out.
Angeles Shih returns to the MHOB podcast for a deep dive into the evolution of her brand, International Party Girl. In this episode, we discuss Angeles's journey of self-discovery, the importance of community-driven marketing, and how personal experiences shape branding. The conversation also touches on navigating relationships, the role of data in marketing, and the empowering nature of fashion.
Key Takeaways:
Community is power and audience engagement drives authentic brand identity.
Fashion isn’t frivolous, it’s a power move.
Data is powerful when you know how to let it guide your strategy.
Growth looks good on you. Especially when you own the narrative.
Listen to the full episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
When e.l.f officially announced that it was buying Hailey Bieber’s skincare and makeup brand, Rhode, for $1 billion, a lot of people were shook. After all, the brand only launched in 2022, making this one of the fastest and most impressive exits in recent beauty history.
So how did Mrs. Bieber pull this off so quickly? The answer goes beyond her celebrity status. Hailey didn’t just slap her name on a product; she became the brand’s face and voice, sharing her real skincare routines and creating genuine trust with her audience. You can tell she put her all in it and she’s intimately involved with the development and marketing of her products. Rhode was never a side hustle or passion project. It was a serious business from day one.
The brand started small, with a tightly focused product line. Instead of overwhelming consumers with choice, they perfected a few hero products like the Peptide Glazing Fluid, building strong stories around each. That focus helped convert customers into true fans.
Then there was the lip phone case. Truly a brilliant piece of product innovation. Practical, minimalistic, and perfectly Instagrammable, it turned Rhode products into lifestyle staples and social media content gold. It’s a reminder that smart design and creativity can drive engagement and loyalty faster than flashy advertising.
What really set Rhode apart was its relationship with its community. This wasn’t a brand that just pushed products. It listened, engaged, and encouraged user-generated content, turning fans into ambassadors. Collaborations, like the Krispy Kreme lip treatment (a smart nod to the viral glazed donut lip trend), further boosted brand awareness with playful, on-point partnerships that felt authentic.
It’s clear that behind the scenes, Rhode was lean and profitable, built with clear goals and a savvy exit strategy. e.l.f got a brand that not only has buzz but also a solid foundation to grow globally, with Hailey staying involved as Chief Creative Officer and advisor to make sure the brand doesn’t lose its signature vibe.
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