Founders in Focus
Real-world insights from four founders
Introducing Bernstein Private Wealth Management’s Founders in Focus, an exclusive roundtable discussion featuring four trailblazing women entrepreneurs who share their journeys and strategies for success. In this intimate, candid conversation, you'll hear about the power of community and the role of trusted advisors in driving growth and building lasting legacies.
Founders in Focus is a four-episode series that delves into actionable advice and real-world experiences. Each episode captures meaningful exchanges about navigating challenges, leading with purpose, and the importance of solidarity and mentorship. Tune in to be inspired, learn, and connect with a community of visionary women redefining success in entrepreneurship.
Community and mentorship
Four inspiring women entrepreneurs—Tai Beauchamp, Charlotte Cho, Suelyn Farel, and Marcia O’Connor—explore the power of community and peer networks in fostering success. They share personal anecdotes about balancing life’s demands, the importance of collaboration over competition, and how building relationships and creating supportive spaces can serve as a form of modern mentorship.
As an entrepreneur, ultimately you're able to realize what your gift is and make it work for others.
Meet Tai Beauchamp—Tai Life Media
Tai Beauchamp is an award-winning TV host, producer, and serial entrepreneur renowned for empowering women through media and wellness initiatives. She began her career as a beauty and fashion editor at esteemed publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, O, The Oprah Magazine, and Seventeen, where she made history as the magazine’ s youngest and first African American Beauty and Fitness Director. In 2006, Tai founded Tai Life Media, LLC, a consulting company that collaborates with global brands to develop lifestyle and wellness content. In 2020, she co-founded BROWN GIRL Jane, a plant-based wellness and beauty brand focusing on women of color, where she serves as Chief Brand Officer, overseeing brand identity, marketing, partnerships, and product development. Additionally, Tai hosts “Morning Mindset with Tai” a daily Instagram Live series aimed at uplifting viewers’ hearts, minds, and spirits.
Hire for your weaknesses
Founders who leverage others’ strengths often find greater success and peace of mind in their entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, our four founders share personal stories about the importance of asking for help, building a strong support team, and ensuring the well-being of their employees. Discover how recognizing and addressing your weaknesses can lead to a more effective and balanced business.
To have someone in my corner—the smartest, best cheerleader—supporting me in every facet of my life. It's really powerful.
Meet Charlotte Cho—SOKO Glam
Charlotte Cho is a Korean American esthetician, author, and entrepreneur, best known for co-founding Soko Glam, an online marketplace specializing in Korean beauty products. Born in California, she moved to South Korea in 2008 to work with Samsung, where she became immersed in the country’s skincare culture. In 2012, alongside her husband, David K. Cho, she launched Soko Glam to introduce Korean beauty practices to the US market. Charlotte has also authored “The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin” and founded the skincare line Then I Met You, emphasizing a “skin-first” philosophy.
When everybody asks me what I'd like to do in retirement, I say, well, I don't think I'm ever going to retire.
Meet Suelyn Farel—Julien Farel Salon & Spa
Suelyn Farel is the CEO and Co-founder of the Julien Farel Group, a New York City-based beauty and wellness company. Before joining forces with her husband, renowned hairstylist Julien Farel, in 2007, Suelyn successfully launched and managed three other companies. Under her leadership, the Julien Farel Group has expanded its flagship location at the Loews Regency Hotel in New York City into a 10,000-square-foot Salon & Spa and has developed an international hair care line. Notably, since 2007, the company has been the official hairstylist for players at the US Open Tennis Tournament.
My aha moment was, my son was six. I was making dinner. I was very busy in business development. And he looked up and said, 'Mom, can I see you more?'
Meet Marcia O'Connor—The O'Connor Group
Marcia Zaruba O’Connor is the CEO and Founder of The O’Connor Group, a leading firm specializing in outsourced Human Resources and Talent Acquisition solutions. Established in 2007, the company has expanded into a nationwide network of over 75 employees, serving sectors such as Professional Services, Life Sciences, Information Technology, and Manufacturing. In 2023, Marcia launched Shadow Her, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, advocacy, and educational resources. The program focuses on key business areas, including marketing, finance, human resources, operations, sales, strategy, and personal development, aiming to help women break barriers and achieve unprecedented success in their ventures.
Featured Content
Prioritizing what truly matters can be eye-opening for anyone—but it’s especially vital for business owners contemplating an exit strategy. Because an entrepreneur who sees how a transaction fulfills his top goals is much likelier to consummate the deal. What really matters to you?
Bernstein’s history, experience, and capabilities uniquely position us to support owners of closely held businesses across different stages of their company’s lifecycle.
Looking to launch your dream business? Discover the pitfalls—and potential—of using retirement assets to fund it.