In this powerhouse episode of grownwoman, Shannon sits down with Carolyn Aronson - mother, mogul, and founder of the iconic It’s a 10 Haircare. From foster care in New Jersey to global domination in the beauty industry, Carolyn’s story is one of unmatched grit, purpose, and divine alignment.
She opens up about the roots she didn’t know she had, the parents who raised her with love and intellect, and how her Puerto Rican heritage came full circle in her life and mission.
Together, Shannon and Carolyn explore the power of being raised by people who saw your spark before the world did. How financial literacy and self-education can build the foundation for an empire. What the beauty industry was desperately missing, and how one bottle changed the game.
Lessons from failure, divorce, reinvention, and starting over (again and again). What it truly means to become a grown ass woman and live untouchably.
If you’ve ever doubted your worth, your power, or your place at the table, this conversation will remind you: you’re the only one that can do what you do.
Let this be your permission to dream bigger, pivot louder, and take your damn seat at the table.
KEY POINTS
00:00 - Foster Care to Fortune 500 - The Making of Beauty Mogul Carolyn Aronson
03:01 - Carolyn’s early life and adoption by an American family in Michigan
10:22 - Pursuing a career as a hairdresser & stylist
14:32 - Going to the salon as therapy for women (and men)
15:49 - What about THAT stressful moment? The jump!
17:00 - On being a grownwoman business owner
21:31 - Beauty industry: From failure to a launchpad for success
25:05 - Carolyn on having those doubtful moments
27:22 - Taking risks, giving back, and the purpose of it all
29:55 - Harnessing your talent, creativity, and what makes you you
33:37 - Just start, try
35:36 - Ask all of the questions, and find your people
37:35 - Solve a problem for someone
38:43 - Being obliviously confident
41:26 - Do you want to live your dream life?
44:15 - Latinas & Power
46:00 - Continued service and coming into the light
48:53 - Becoming and being untouchable
50:38 - We all have gifts to give, so find yours
QUOTES
“If you love to create, then bring something to market because you, too, can live the dream.” – Carolyn Aronson
“We have to put ourselves there. Instead of cultural barriers being barriers, they should be our superpower.” – Carolyn Aronson
“A grown woman to me is becoming untouchable. We start off as pleasers, accepting things we shouldn't, then we migrate into understanding more about ourselves.” – Carolyn Aronson
GUEST RESOURCES
Carolyn Aronson
IG | itsa10ceo
RESOURCES
Shannon Allen
Grown Website | https://www.grown.org/
IG | @swalkerwil
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grownwoman is produced by EPYC Media Network