Podcast Summary: "The Professional Is Personal with Lili Reinhart"
From the Ground Up is a compelling podcast hosted by Diana Ransom and Christine Lagorio-Chafkin of Inc. Magazine, focusing on the journeys of successful founders. In the episode titled "The Professional Is Personal with Lili Reinhart," released on July 28, 2025, actress and entrepreneur Lili Reinhart delves into her multifaceted career, her passion project—Personal Day skincare company—and the intertwining of mental health with entrepreneurship.
Introduction to Lili Reinhart and Personal Day
The episode opens with an introduction to Lili Reinhart, highlighting her transition from a renowned actress to a committed entrepreneur. Host Diana Ransom sets the stage by emphasizing the personal roots of Personal Day, a skincare line inspired by Reinhart's lifelong battle with acne.
Quote:
"I've been struggling with acne since I was 12 years old... So this is a personal project." — Lili Reinhart [00:30]
Inspiration Behind Personal Day
Reinhart shares the deeply personal motivation behind launching Personal Day, which goes beyond creating another skincare brand in a saturated market. Her experiences with acne, especially during her rise to fame in Riverdale, fueled her desire to create products that are both effective and harmless to sensitive skin.
Key Points:
- Personal Day was launched in October following years of meticulous planning.
- Initial branding focused on acne care but expanded to inclusive skincare.
- Recognition of a market gap for products free from acne-triggering ingredients.
Quote:
"There was actually a big gap in the market when it comes to skincare that doesn't have any triggering ingredients in it." — Lili Reinhart [04:45]
Building a Dedicated Team
Transitioning from acting to entrepreneurship posed unique challenges for Reinhart, particularly in assembling a team knowledgeable in skincare science. Her collaboration with esthetician Sarah Ford and CEO Sheila ensured that Personal Day's products are both clinically effective and market-ready.
Key Points:
- Initial attempts to build the brand failed due to a lack of meaningful purpose.
- Partnership with skincare professionals was pivotal.
- Emphasis on a scrappy, grassroots approach due to limited funding.
Quote:
"I had to find people who were willing to be scrappy with me." — Lili Reinhart [06:30]
Product Line Highlights
Personal Day's product offerings are meticulously crafted to cater to acne-prone individuals while remaining inclusive for all skin types. Reinhart discusses standout products, such as the moisturizer enriched with mevalonic acid and the antibacterial hypochlorous acid spray.
Key Points:
- Use of mevalonic acid for molecular skin repair.
- Products are affordable, priced under $40 to ensure accessibility.
- Introduction of an ingredient checker tool on the website to promote informed skincare choices.
Quote:
"Just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's good. So check your ingredients." — Lili Reinhart [09:38]
Strategic Social Media Engagement
Despite her discomfort with the influencer role, Reinhart leverages social media platforms like TikTok to organically grow Personal Day's audience. Her unconventional use of ASMR videos became a viral sensation, demonstrating the power of authenticity and experimentation in digital marketing.
Key Points:
- Initial reluctance to embrace the "influencer" label.
- Success through low-effort, authentic content such as ASMR.
- Focused investment in platforms that yielded the highest engagement.
Quote:
"It was like my most watched TikTok video, which is kind of sad, but so I started doing ASMR and sort of bringing that into my socials because it felt really easy for me." — Lili Reinhart [11:22]
Integrating Mental Health into Business
Reinhart emphasizes the importance of mental health, both personally and within the brand ethos of Personal Day. By involving mental health professionals and fostering a supportive community, Personal Day strives to alleviate the psychological burden of acne.
Key Points:
- Board includes mental health expert Dr. Courtney Tracy.
- Aim to create a "big sister" vibe through social media and branding.
- Plans to expand mental health initiatives as the company grows.
Quote:
"We want to make acne not as miserable as it is because it fucking sucks." — Lili Reinhart [15:58]
Balancing Acting and Entrepreneurship
Transitioning from a long-term role in Riverdale to pursuing indie film projects and running a business has been both challenging and fulfilling for Reinhart. She discusses the difficulties of maintaining relevance post-series and her commitment to meaningful, passion-driven projects despite industry pressures.
Key Points:
- Shift from mainstream acting to indie films offers creative satisfaction.
- Balancing multiple ventures requires selectivity and patience.
- Upcoming projects in Toronto and the horror genre signal diverse interests.
Quote:
"I want to do this until the day I die. So I really just am not in a rush." — Lili Reinhart [22:01]
Future of Personal Day
Looking ahead, Reinhart outlines Personal Day's vision to expand its product line while maintaining inclusivity and efficacy. The brand aims to introduce new products thoughtfully, ensuring each addition meets their high standards without overwhelming the market.
Key Points:
- Expansion plans include broader skincare solutions beyond acne.
- Commitment to product excellence over rapid growth.
- Strategy prioritizes equality and inclusivity in future releases.
Quote:
"We are also not rushing anything to market with those as well because we want to get it right." — Lili Reinhart [27:08]
Conclusion
Lili Reinhart's journey from actress to entrepreneur embodies the essence of building a brand "from the ground up." Her dedication to creating Personal Day not only addresses a personal struggle but also fosters a community centered around authentic skincare and mental well-being. This episode offers invaluable insights into the intersection of personal passion and professional endeavor, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- "I've been struggling with acne since I was 12 years old..." — Lili Reinhart [00:30]
- "There was actually a big gap in the market when it comes to skincare that doesn't have any triggering ingredients in it." — Lili Reinhart [04:45]
- "I had to find people who were willing to be scrappy with me." — Lili Reinhart [06:30]
- "Just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's good. So check your ingredients." — Lili Reinhart [09:38]
- "It was like my most watched TikTok video... I started doing ASMR..." — Lili Reinhart [11:22]
- "We want to make acne not as miserable as it is because it fucking sucks." — Lili Reinhart [15:58]
- "I want to do this until the day I die. So I really just am not in a rush." — Lili Reinhart [22:01]
- "We are also not rushing anything to market with those as well because we want to get it right." — Lili Reinhart [27:08]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Lili Reinhart's interview on From the Ground Up, providing listeners with a detailed understanding of her entrepreneurial journey, the foundation of Personal Day, and the delicate balance between her acting career and business ventures.