Podcast Summary: Living Your Legacy

Episode: Award-Winning Beauty Entrepreneur: The Art of Branding Your Purpose
Host: Rudy Mawer
Guest: Teresa Broadnax, CEO of House of Broadnax & HOB Brand LLC
Date: December 4, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Rudy Mawer sits down with Teresa Broadnax, a two-time Emmy and Guild Award-winning beauty entrepreneur, celebrity stylist, and CEO. Teresa shares her inspiring journey from being a teenage mom in Columbus, Ohio, to building a legacy in Hollywood and launching her own organic beauty brand. The discussion centers on overcoming obstacles, building a purposeful brand, the power of storytelling, and actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs—particularly those interested in branding and the entertainment industries.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Journey & Power of Storytelling

• Teresa’s Background: Teresa begins by discussing her origins as a teenage mom and business owner in Ohio, emphasizing how sharing her personal story gave hope to others facing setbacks.

  • Quote:

    "I realized by telling my story, it was also giving other people hope that just because you had a roadblock doesn't mean you can't continue on and build a legacy." – Teresa [00:00]

• Sharing one's story authentically empowers both the storyteller and others in similar situations.

2. Building a Brand During the Pandemic

• Teresa used the pandemic as an opportunity to scale her passion project—the HOB beauty brand—into a market-ready, plant-based and organic product line.

• She prioritized partnering with a U.S.-based organic lab, a decision rooted in both quality control and supporting domestic businesses.

  • Quote:

    "I found one... in the US because that was important to me to keep the product in the United States." – Teresa [02:41]

• The launch happened completely online, a strategic adaptation during lockdown.

• Teresa now focuses on helping other entrepreneurs clarify and communicate their brand purpose.

  • Tagline:

    "Have the pure audacity to show up. Build your brand with purpose, confidence, style, and balance." – Teresa [03:21]

3. Hollywood Career Highlights & Taking Risks

• Teresa details her move from Columbus, Ohio (where she owned a salon), to Los Angeles, searching for greater opportunities in beauty and media.

• Highlights include working in music videos, talk shows, and as a costume designer for "Young and the Restless" (earning her second Emmy).

  • Quote:

    "My very first Emmy was working for the Tyra Banks show... and then I ended up winning my second one for costume design for Young and Restless." – Teresa [05:09]

• Leaving a comfortable life in Ohio for unpredictable Hollywood was met with skepticism from her network.

  • Quote:

    "Never allow someone to make you dream small." – Teresa [06:52]

  • Quote:

    "They were basically saying I was set... Like, you're going to fail. You're crazy to leave all this and go out there." – Teresa [13:17]

  • Teresa’s strategic patience: She refused to upgrade her living situation in LA until she could buy a home, demonstrating vision and discipline. [12:33]

4. Lessons in Resilience, Mindset, and Mentorship

• The Importance of Audacity & Planning: Being bold about your ambitions and meticulously planning are critical.

  • Quote:

    "I keep a journal. I like to write things out. I like to give myself, like, goals and tasks... then I mark off as I get there." – Teresa [09:12]

• Overcoming Others' Opinions: Teresa emphasizes tuning out naysayers and not letting others define your path.

• Mentorship: She stresses the importance of mentors and coaches in different areas of life and business.

  • Quote:

    "You should have mentors. People who are where you want to be and get guidance and watch what they're doing—even on a small scale it can make a difference." – Teresa [10:45]

5. Branding, Teamwork, and Keys to Entrepreneurial Success

• Brand Visibility: Teresa advises entrepreneurs to be intentional and clear in their messaging.

  • Quote:

    "Sometimes people say, oh, I have a business, but then I go to their social media and I can't tell what they do..." – Teresa [02:56]

• Hollywood/Business Lessons: Success requires diligence, coachability, adaptability, and especially thick skin in “cutthroat” environments.

  • Quote:

    "You have to definitely have a thick skin... you have to be a likable person, a patient person. And just know you're going to be working with a certain level of people who are used to certain things a certain way." – Teresa [15:01]

• Teamwork matters: It's often not just about solo achievements but successful collaboration.

6. Legacy, Impact, and Changing Perceptions

• Teresa speaks candidly about refusing to let her teenage motherhood define her or limit her potential.

  • Quote:

    "I was told, like, you know, your life is over. You ruined your life. Like, it was the crazy things that people would tell me, and I'm just like, really? Because I have a child now, I ruined my life?" – Teresa [16:23]

• Parenting young made her mature quickly, become independent, and forge relentless focus.

  • Quote:

    "Very mature. And really just a very organized, focused person at a very young age. Which... has helped me throughout my life." – Teresa [17:04]

Memorable Quotes

• "Never allow someone to make you dream small." — Teresa [06:52]
• "You should have mentors. People who are where you want to be and get guidance and watch what they're doing." — Teresa [10:45]
• "Have the pure audacity to show up. Build your brand with purpose, confidence, style, and balance." — Teresa [03:21]
• "Sometimes people say, oh, I have a business, but then I go to their social media and I can't tell what they do..." — Teresa [02:56]
• "I was determined for [teenage motherhood] not to be a crutch." — Teresa [16:02]

Notable Timestamps

• [00:00] – Teresa introduces her story: overcoming stigma as a teenage mom
• [02:26] – Starting and launching HOB beauty brand during the pandemic
• [05:09] – Relocating to LA and career highlights in TV and film
• [06:52] – Facing doubters and life-changing risks
• [09:12] – The strategy of planning and journaling goals
• [10:45] – The value of mentorship and finding your network
• [12:33] – Sacrifices made (living minimally) to achieve long-term dreams
• [13:17] – Naysayers doubting her move to LA
• [15:01] – Branding, coachability, and Hollywood realities
• [16:02] – Audacity and resilience as a young parent
• [17:04] – The formative impact of early responsibility

Resources & Where to Find Teresa

• Instagram & Social: [@HouseOfBroadnax] – “That will lead you to anything else I have to do and am doing.” [17:39]

Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation is friendly, candid, and motivational—Teresa’s honesty about her struggles and triumphs sets an empowering tone. Rudy interjects with genuine curiosity and supportive commentary, keeping the energy positive and constructive.

Takeaways & Actionable Advice

• Embrace your story—your struggles can inspire others and clarify your purpose.
• Clearly articulate your brand; people should instantly understand what you do.
• Be bold, plan meticulously, and don’t shrink your dreams according to others’ doubts.
• Seek effective mentors and be diligent, coachable, and team-oriented.
• Don't mistake setbacks for the end—use them to build resilience and fuel your legacy.

This episode is a blueprint for anyone looking to overcome adversity, embrace their identity, and build a meaningful brand and career. Teresa Broadnax’s journey is a testament to relentless determination, audacity, and the art of turning purpose into legacy.