Épisodes

  • Building a Multimillion Dollar Fashion Startup as a Walking Red Flag Solo Female Founder: Kristine Locker on Reinventing Online Shopping and Betting Everything on What’s Next

    Building a Multimillion Dollar Fashion Startup as a Walking Red Flag Solo Female Founder: Kristine Locker on Reinventing Online Shopping and Betting Everything on What’s Next
    Feb 19 2025
    In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, I sit down with Kristine Locker—founder & CEO of Locker, the social shopping platform that’s redefining how we shop, save, and discover products online. From starting her career in real estate finance at Goldman Sachs to self-funding her startup for two years with $225,000 before landing a game-changing $1M angel investment, Kristine’s journey is proof that big risks lead to even bigger rewards.But building a multi-million dollar consumer startup isn’t just about great ideas—it’s about navigating investor rejection, learning from bad decisions (like an $8K influencer campaign gone wrong), and understanding what today’s consumers actually want.We also dive into the new wave of creator-led brands—like Parke, Dairy Boy, and Set Active—and the backlash some are facing for bootstrapping their businesses through supplier terms, the drop model, and negative cash conversion cycles. Kristine shares her perspective as a founder on how these strategies impact growth, customer loyalty, and whether this is the future of consumer brands.If you’ve ever had 100 open tabs while debating a purchase, returned a wishlist item you finally bought, or wondered why brands keep pushing affiliate links instead of listening to consumers, this episode is for you.Kristine and I get into the real talk about startup life, from fundraising challenges to the mental toll of being a founder, and why she’s betting everything on what’s next for Locker and social commerce.WHAT WE COVER:The Wishlist Struggle Is Real – Why we overthink purchases and how Locker is changing thatFrom Open Tabs to Millions – Kristine’s path from bootstrapping to landing a $1M angel investmentThe Influencer vs. Community Debate – Why Locker is built for real shoppers, not influencersHow Locker Grew to 200K Users With Zero Paid Ads – Kristine’s strategy for scaling without big marketing budgetsCreator-Led Brands Under Fire – The backlash against brands like Parke, Dairy Boy, and Set Active for their drop model and supplier-backed scaling strategiesRunning a Startup and Having a Life? – How Kristine balances marriage, career, and the pressure of building a billion-dollar businessLessons for Founders – The best (and worst) $8K Kristine ever spent on marketing, and why brand loyalty matters more than ever✨CONNECT WITH MAGGIE SELLERS✨ Instagram:⁠⁠@maggiesellers⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠@maggiesellers_YouTube:⁠⁠@hotsmartrich⁠⁠LinkedIn:⁠⁠Maggie Sellers⁠⁠✨CONNECT WITH KRISTINE LOCKER✨Instagram: ⁠⁠@kristinelockerShop With Kristine on Locker ✨READ THE NEWSLETTER✨HSR ICYMI⁠⁠ – Stay ahead with consumer startup trends, business news, and investing insights.✨SHOP HOT SMART RICH✨HSR Merch⁠⁠Shop My⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠✨ABOUT MAGGIE SELLERS✨Maggie Sellers is the founder of Hot Smart Rich, an investment and media company designed to empower women in business and entrepreneurship. A multi-hyphenate creator, investor, and entrepreneur, she’s redefined female empowerment with her sharp, candid insights into business, wealth-building, and startup investing. As a leading voice on TikTok and LinkedIn, Maggie’s content reaches over 180,000 ambitious women looking to elevate their careers, finances, and businesses.Maggie is also an angel investor in brands like Allara Health, Mixlab, and De Soi and a venture partner in HSR Ventures, where she backs the next generation of consumer startups. Forget outdated notions of female empowerment—Maggie is reshaping what it means to be a modern power player in business and investing.📢 This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC. Hot Smart Rich & HSR Ventures is an advisor to and investor in Locker.
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    40 min
  • Heartbreak & Healing: How To Heal From Your Breakup And Not Let Everything Else Fall Apart With Maggie Sellers (& Courtney Reum)

    Heartbreak & Healing: How To Heal From Your Breakup And Not Let Everything Else Fall Apart With Maggie Sellers (& Courtney Reum)
    Feb 12 2025
    Heartbreak & Healing: How To Heal From Your Breakup And Not Let Everything Else Fall Apart With Maggie Sellers & Courtney Reum | Hot Smart Rich PodcastIn this episode ofHot Smart Rich, I sit down with Courtney Reum—serial entrepreneur, co-founder of M13, investor, and best-selling author—who also happens to be my boyfriend. We’re diving deep into heartbreak, breakups, and healing, sharing our personal experiences and hard-earned lessons on love, self-growth, and moving forward.If you’ve ever felt lost after a relationship breakup, struggled to rebuild your confidence, or wondered how to navigate the healing process while balancing a demanding career, this episode is for you.What We Cover:💔 How to move on from heartbreak—without losing yourself or your momentum.🧠 The psychology of heartbreak—why it feels like physical pain and how to rewire your brain.💡 Breakup mistakes to avoid—the habits that keep you stuck and how to break free.👀 Rebuilding confidence after a breakup—how to focus on yourself, not your ex.⚡ The truth about manifesting your next relationship—and what actually works.❤️ Maggie’s perspective on navigating heartbreak, rebuilding confidence, and the mindset shifts that led to a healthy, fulfilling relationship as Courtney’s girlfriend.❤️ Courtney’s perspective on what makes a healthy relationship and how men process heartbreak differently.If you’re going through heartbreak, feeling stuck in past relationships, or wondering when you’ll be ready for a new relationship, this episode is packed with real talk, emotional support, and actionable steps to help you move forward.🎧 Tune in to Hot Smart Rich now!✨CONNECT WITH MAGGIE SELLERS✨📲 Instagram:⁠@maggiesellers⁠🎥 TikTok:⁠@maggiesellers_⁠ – Where Maggie Sellers’ TikTok content is breaking down business, investing, and modern female empowerment.📺 YouTube:⁠@hotsmartrich⁠ – Get insights on entrepreneurship, investing, and startup strategy.💼 LinkedIn:⁠Maggie Sellers⁠ – See what’s trending in venture capital and startup investing.✨CONNECT WITH COURTNEY REUM✨📲 Instagram:⁠@courtneyreum⁠💼 LinkedIn:⁠Courtney Reum⁠ – Follow his latest insights on startup investing and venture capital.✨READ THE NEWSLETTER✨📰⁠HSR ICYMI⁠ – Stay ahead with consumer startup trends, business news, and investing insights.✨SHOP HOT SMART RICH✨🛍⁠HSR Merch⁠ – Wear your ambition.🛍⁠Shop My⁠ – Discover Maggie Sellers’ top startup-backed finds.🛍⁠Amazon⁠ – Find must-have startup products curated by Maggie.✨ABOUT MAGGIE SELLERS✨Maggie Sellers is the founder of Hot Smart Rich, an investment and media company designed to empower women in business and entrepreneurship. A multi-hyphenate creator, investor, and entrepreneur, she’s redefined female empowerment with her sharp, candid insights into business, wealth-building, and startup investing. As a leading voice on TikTok and LinkedIn, Maggie’s content reaches over 180,000 ambitious women looking to elevate their careers, finances, and businesses.Maggie is also an angel investor in brands like Allara Health, Mixlab, and De Soi and a venture partner in HSR Ventures, where she backs the next generation of consumer startups. Forget outdated notions of female empowerment—Maggie is reshaping what it means to be a modern power player in business and investing.📢 This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC.
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    51 min
  • How To Start Angel Investing With Maggie Sellers

    How To Start Angel Investing With Maggie Sellers
    Feb 5 2025
    Angel Investing 101 With Maggie Sellers: How to Start, Find Deals & Build WealthCurious about angel investing but don’t know where to start? In this episode, Maggie Sellers breaks down how to invest in startups, even if it’s your first time and you don’t have a finance background. She covers the real risks and rewards, how to find great startups, and why owning equity is key to long-term wealth.✔ What is angel investing & how does it work✔ The biggest myths & mistakes first-time investors make✔ Due diligence tips before investing your own money✔ How to use personal funds wisely in early-stage investments✔ Angel investing vs. venture capital: Key differences✔ Why most startups fail – and how to pick the winners✔ How to get started, even if you don’t have millions by using the HSR 50/20/20/10 framework✔ Join a syndicate like HSR Ventures Investing in women-led startups & consumer brands⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERThis episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice of any kind. Investing in startups involves significant risk, and you may lose your entire investment.If you’re in the United States, seek legal advice and determine whether you qualify as an accredited investor under SEC guidelines:🔗 SEC Accredited Investor GuidelinesCONNECT WITH MAGGIEInstagram: @maggiesellersTikTok: @maggiesellers_LinkedIn: Maggie SellersYouTube: Hot Smart RichREAD THE NEWSLETTERHSR ICYMISHOP HSRHSR MerchAmazon StorefrontShopMy ProfileKEY TAKEAWAYS✔ Angel investing isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy – Anyone with a smart strategy can get started.✔ Due diligence is essential – Always research the founders, market, and risks.✔ It’s not about quick returns – Angel investments take years to mature.✔ Venture capital vs. angel investing – VCs invest others’ money, while angels invest their own money.✔ Invest in people, not just ideas – A great idea means nothing without a strong team to execute it.ABOUT MAGGIE SELLERSMaggie Sellers is revolutionizing modern female empowerment, leading the charge as a Los Angeles-based multi-hyphenate content creator, media entrepreneur, and angel investor, unapologetically blazing new trails.As the founder of Hot Smart Rich, a digital media company and investment platform, Maggie is on a mission to help women embrace their hottest, smartest, richest selves and know and build their worth. She is reshaping how early-stage consumer startups scale and how modern power players connect and collaborate. Known for shaping consumer brands and working alongside global superstars, Maggie seamlessly blends the intersection of entertainment, venture capital, and branding. She was one of the first to carve out a space where influence and investment collide, making her a sought-after syndicate lead and strategic advisor. Through HSR Ventures, she backs some of the fastest-growing consumer startups, including De Soi, Allara Health, Mixlab, and Upkeep Beauty, with equity stakes in 18+ brands. Maggie’s meteoric rise began on TikTok, where her candid, sharp-witted content struck a chord with over 200,000 ambitious Gen-Z and millennial women, rapidly expanding her influence as the blueprint for modern influence and angel investing. Her best friends and peers in the startup world include top founders and investors like Courtney Reum, further solidifying her reputation as a key connector in the industry. But Maggie’s vision extends beyond content—she’s redefining what it means to be a modern investor, operator, and entrepreneur. Whether she’s supporting the new launch of a brand, backing angel investments that fuel the next wave of disruptive startups, or building the Hot Smart Rich empire, Maggie Sellers is impossible to ignore.This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC.
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    35 min
  • The Truth about Becoming a Top Venture Capitalist and 45-Year-Old Professional Athlete with Courtney Reum (And What It’s Like Being His Girlfriend)

    The Truth about Becoming a Top Venture Capitalist and 45-Year-Old Professional Athlete with Courtney Reum (And What It’s Like Being His Girlfriend)
    Jan 29 2025
    Courtney Reum on Reinvention, Wealth, and Finding “The One” with girlfriend Maggie Sellers | Hot Smart Rich Podcast In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, I sit down with Courtney Reum—serial entrepreneur, co-founder of M13, the $1.5B venture capital powerhouse, best-selling author, philanthropist, and Harvard guest lecturer—who also happens to be my boyfriend. If you’ve searched for Courtney Reum’s net worth, his girlfriend, M13 investments, or his journey as a professional soccer player, you’re in the right place. From starting at Goldman Sachs, launching successful businesses to competing as a professional athlete in Europe, Courtney is one of the most intriguing entrepreneurs who has mastered the art of reinvention—a key trait for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders looking to stay ahead. What We Cover: 💡 How Courtney Reum knew he found “the one” (yes, it’s personal!) and insights into our relationship. 💰 His mindset on money, success, and wealth building—how he approaches venture capital, investing, and entrepreneurship. 🔄 Reinvention in business and life—why adaptability is key for founders and investors. ⏰ Time management for entrepreneurs—his practical playbook for how he balances being a startup founder, investor, and athlete. 🗳 Politics, leadership, and values—and how they shape the future of business and venture capital. 🌍 Lessons from competing as a professional soccer player in Europe—and what it taught him about resilience and personal growth. If you’re curious about Courtney Reum and Maggie Sellers’ relationship, how venture capitalists build wealth, or looking for entrepreneurial mindset strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real talk. ✨CONNECT WITH MAGGIE SELLERS✨ 📲 Instagram: @maggiesellers 🎥 TikTok: @maggiesellers_ – Where Maggie Sellers’ TikTok content is breaking down business, investing, and modern female empowerment. 📺 YouTube: @hotsmartrich – Get insights on entrepreneurship, investing, and startup strategy. 💼 LinkedIn: Maggie Sellers – See what’s trending in venture capital and startup investing. ✨CONNECT WITH COURTNEY REUM✨ 📲 Instagram: @courtneyreum 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Reum – Follow his latest insights on startup investing and venture capital. ✨READ THE NEWSLETTER✨ 📰 HSR ICYMI – Stay ahead with consumer startup trends, business news, and investing insights. ✨SHOP HOT SMART RICH✨ 🛍 HSR Merch – Wear your ambition. 🛍 Shop My – Discover Maggie Sellers’ top startup-backed finds. 🛍 Amazon – Find must-have startup products curated by Maggie. ✨ABOUT MAGGIE SELLERS✨ Maggie Sellers is the founder of Hot Smart Rich, an investment and media company designed to empower women in business and entrepreneurship. A multi-hyphenate creator, investor, and entrepreneur, she’s redefined female empowerment with her sharp, candid insights into business, wealth-building, and startup investing. As a leading voice on TikTok and LinkedIn, Maggie’s content reaches over 180,000 ambitious women looking to elevate their careers, finances, and businesses. Maggie is also an angel investor in brands like Allara Health, Mixlab, and De Soi and a venture partner in HSR Ventures, where she backs the next generation of consumer startups. Forget outdated notions of female empowerment—Maggie is reshaping what it means to be a modern power player in business and investing. 📢 This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC, with support from Megan Coyle and Connor McGlynn.
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    48 min
  • From Sibling Rivalry to Startup Success: How to Build a Successful Business with Family with Maggie & Katie Sellers

    From Sibling Rivalry to Startup Success: How to Build a Successful Business with Family with Maggie & Katie Sellers
    Jan 22 2025

    Ever wondered what it's like to work with your sister or how HSR runs as a business operation? In the second episode of Hot Smart Rich, you'll intimately meet Maggie's sister and co-founder, Katie Sellers, who joins for an unfiltered conversation. Together, they unpack the evolution of their sibling bond into their business partnership, from their early creative clashes to building a bold, bi-coastal media and investment platform. With candid stories about taking career risks, redefining traditional roles, and balancing creativity with execution, this episode dives deep into what it takes to grow a business, foster resilience, and work with family. As a bonus, they break down the business of Sabrina Carpenter, Celebrity Perfume Lines and more cultural moments shaping the last year of pop-culture.


    ✨CONNECT WITH HER✨:

    INSTAGRAM: ⁠@maggiesellers ⁠

    TIKTOK: ⁠@maggiesellers_ ⁠

    YOUTUBE: ⁠@hotsmartrich ⁠

    LINKEDIN: ⁠Maggie Sellers ⁠


    ✨CONNECT WITH KATIE✨:

    INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠@katiesellers_ ⁠⁠

    TIKTOK: ⁠⁠@katiesellers_ ⁠⁠

    YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠@hotsmartrich ⁠⁠

    LINKEDIN: ⁠⁠Katie Sellers ⁠


    ✨READ THE NEWSLETTER✨:

    ⁠HSR ICYMI ⁠


    ✨SHOP HSR✨:

    ⁠HSR MERCH⁠

    ⁠SHOP MY⁠

    ⁠AMAZON⁠


    ✨ ABOUT MAGGIE✨:

    Maggie Sellers is revolutionizing modern female empowerment, leading the charge as the Canadian-born, Los Angeles based multi-hyphenate creative entrepreneur and investor, unapologetically blazing new trails. The founder of Hot Smart Rich, a media and investment platform, Maggie is on a mission to help women embrace their hottest, smartest, richest selves. Known for shaping iconic consumer brands and global superstars, she seamlessly blends the worlds of entertainment, branding, and venture capital, and was the first to carve out a space where influence and investment collide. Maggie’s meteoric rise began on TikTok, where her candid, sharp-witted content struck a chord with over 180,000 ambitious Gen-Z and millennial women, rapidly expanding her influence as the blueprint for the future of influence. But Maggie’s vision extends beyond content. Hot Smart Rich is reshaping how modern power players connect and collaborate while her investment arm, HSR Ventures, backs some of the fastest growing consumer brands like Allara Health, De Soi, Mixlab with equity stakes in 18+ brands across the consumer ecosystem. Maggie’s influence goes far beyond the brands she builds and invests in. Forget outdated notions of female empowerment, she’s redefining what it means to be an empowered woman in today’s world. Maggie Sellers is setting a new standard—unapologetic and impossible to ignore.


    This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC, with support from Megan Coyle and Connor McGlynn.
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    34 min
  • Becoming Hot Smart Rich With Maggie Sellers

    Becoming Hot Smart Rich With Maggie Sellers
    Jan 9 2025

    Join Maggie Sellers for the long awaited debut episode of Hot Smart Rich as she shares her journey of launching this podcast after years of hesitation, anxiety, and growth. With her sister by her side, Maggie dives into personal challenges, her bold transition to entrepreneurship, and building a thriving community of 200,000 women. From personal holding companies to finding purpose, this episode is your entry into the world of Hot Smart Rich and will help you navigate overcoming your own fears, embrace your own vulnerability and take risks to change your life.


    ✨CONNECT WITH HER✨:

    INSTAGRAM: @maggiesellers

    TIKTOK: @maggiesellers_

    YOUTUBE: @hotsmartrich

    LINKEDIN: Maggie Sellers


    ✨READ THE NEWSLETTER✨:

    HSR ICYMI


    ✨SHOP HSR✨:

    HSR MERCH

    SHOP MY

    AMAZON


    ✨ ABOUT MAGGIE✨:

    Maggie Sellers is revolutionizing modern female empowerment, leading the charge as the Canadian-born, Los Angeles based multi-hyphenate creative entrepreneur and investor, unapologetically blazing new trails. The founder of Hot Smart Rich, a media and investment platform, Maggie is on a mission to help women embrace their hottest, smartest, richest selves. Known for shaping iconic consumer brands and global superstars, she seamlessly blends the worlds of entertainment, branding, and venture capital, and was the first to carve out a space where influence and investment collide. Maggie’s meteoric rise began on TikTok, where her candid, sharp-witted content struck a chord with over 180,000 ambitious Gen-Z and millennial women, rapidly expanding her influence as the blueprint for the future of influence. But Maggie’s vision extends beyond content. Hot Smart Rich is reshaping how modern power players connect and collaborate while her investment arm, HSR Ventures, backs some of the fastest growing consumer brands like Allara Health, De Soi, Mixlab with equity stakes in 18+ brands across the consumer ecosystem. Maggie’s influence goes far beyond the brands she builds and invests in. Forget outdated notions of female empowerment, she’s redefining what it means to be an empowered woman in today’s world. Maggie Sellers is setting a new standard—unapologetic and impossible to ignore.


    This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC, with support from Megan Coyle and Connor McGlynn.
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    16 min
  • Hot Smart Rich Trailer

    Hot Smart Rich Trailer
    Jan 7 2025

    Hot Smart Rich is your place to hear unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the future of culture, creators, startups and community. Hosted by Maggie Sellers, investor and media powerhouse, and guests breaking the mold, you’ll get the real deal as it relates to navigating the startup fast lane, leveling up your life or becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self. New episodes weekly on Wednesdays.

    ✨CONNECT WITH HER✨:

    INSTAGRAM: @maggiesellers

    TIKTOK: @maggiesellers_

    YOUTUBE: @hotsmartrich

    LINKEDIN: Maggie Sellers

    ✨READ THE NEWSLETTER✨:

    HSR ICYMI

    ✨SHOP HSR✨:

    HSR MERCH

    SHOP MY

    AMAZON:

    ✨ ABOUT MAGGIE✨:

    Maggie Sellers is revolutionizing modern female empowerment, leading the charge as the Canadian-born, Los Angeles based multi-hyphenate creative entrepreneur and investor, unapologetically blazing new trails. The founder of Hot Smart Rich, a media and investment platform, Maggie is on a mission to help women embrace their hottest, smartest, richest selves. Known for shaping iconic consumer brands and global superstars, she seamlessly blends the worlds of entertainment, branding, and venture capital, and was the first to carve out a space where influence and investment collide. Maggie’s meteoric rise began on TikTok, where her candid, sharp-witted content struck a chord with over 180,000 ambitious Gen-Z and millennial women, rapidly expanding her influence as the blueprint for the future of influence. But Maggie’s vision extends beyond content. Hot Smart Rich is reshaping how modern power players connect and collaborate while her investment arm, HSR Ventures, backs some of the fastest growing consumer brands like Allara Health, De Soi, Mixlab with equity stakes in 18+ brands across the consumer ecosystem. Maggie’s influence goes far beyond the brands she builds and invests in. Forget outdated notions of female empowerment, she’s redefining what it means to be an empowered woman in today’s world. Maggie Sellers is setting a new standard—unapologetic and impossible to ignore.

    This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC, with support from Megan Coyle and Connor McGlynn.
    Voir plus Voir moins
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