September 19, 2024 • 42 mins
I’m back with a super special guest! I have Kelly Mondora, founder of Ilios Lighting, on the podcast this week. Ilios is the first and ONLY make up mirror able to mimic perfect, natural daylight. The company has quickly gained attention from major celebrities and is now available in over 250 stores globally!
Kelly shares the inspiring story of her journey from a data entry clerk in the professional lighting industry, to becoming president of that very same company, to then founding Ilios Lighting.
Here’s a quick look:
- What inspired Ilios?
- How do you create a product from a concept? Kelly shares the steps she took from idea > product > launch.
- We talk about dealing with imposter syndrome and constantly putting yourself out there
- Exciting new campaigns and product launches for 2024!
- #BrightenTheFight, an upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with a limited edition product launch, where 100% of those proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
- Kelly shares her personal ties to breast cancer and why this campaign is so important to her.
- Kelly also teases a new product launch set for October 9th, showcasing the continuous innovation behind Ilios Lighting.
- Kelly shares her advice for anyone wanting to pursue their own dreams or ideas.
It was an absolute pleasure interviewing Kelly, and I hope you all feel inspired as much as I did after listening. I can’t wait to see what Kelly and her team do next!
Keep up with Ilios Lighting @ilioslighting on TikTok, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook, or https://www.ilioslighting.co/.
Connect with me:
https://in-between.co
@in.betweenpod on Instagram
@elizabethcheney_ on Instagram
@theinbetweenpodcast on TikTok
The In-Between Podcast on YouTube
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Elizabeth (00:06):
Hey, Hey, Hey, everyone.
Welcome back to another episodeof The In Between.
I'm your host Elizabeth Cheneyand I have a special guest for
y'all this week.
I have Kelly Mondori here on thepodcast today.
Kelly is the founder of IliosLighting.
What's that you ask?
Well, it's the first and onlymakeup mirror that mimics.
(00:26):
Perfect natural daylight.
Yes.
You know how we love the selfiesoutside.
Imagine getting your makeup doneoutside, but inside we love
that.
So launched in 2021, it hasquickly grown.
it's gained the attention of thelikes of, I don't know, Kim
Kardashian.
Bella Hadid, Tati Westbrook,Patrick Starr.
It's in over 250 storesglobally.
(00:47):
I mean, it's so bad ass.
It's so cool.
I know you've heard of NeimanMarcus, Bloomingdale's, target.
com, and that's just naming afew.
So I'm so excited to have Kellyon the podcast today.
She's going to talk about herstory and what makes her company
unique.
We're also going to talk about,uh, the holiday season, you
know, maybe some new productscoming up and then most
importantly, a very specialcampaign, hashtag.
(01:09):
Brighten the fight.
Um, that is supporting a cause.
It's super important to Kelly'sheart.
I think a lot of us have ties toit, but breast cancer awareness.
So on that note, I'm going toquit talking and I'm going to
give it to Kelly.
Kelly, welcome to the podcast.
Kelly (01:22):
Hi, Elizabeth.
Thanks for having me.
It's so nice to meet you.
Elizabeth (01:25):
Well, uh, I'm really excited.
I'm so glad Brooke put us incontact to each other.
And, my first question is, Youwere in the professional
lighting industry before thisever happened, right?
Kelly (01:37):
I was actually, um, when I was 23, just like literally
out of college, newly married, Itook a job as a data entry clerk
for a photo lighting company.
They're actually one of thelargest in the world now.
And, uh, yeah, I, I worked therefor 20 years and work my way up
from the bottom and I eventuallybecame president and a
shareholder.
No,
Elizabeth (01:59):
is started from the bottom.
Now we're here.
Oh my gosh.
I was going to say like, I takeit.
You're not doing data entryanymore.
That's so impressive.
Oh my gosh.
Okay.
Well, that's so cool.
So when, how did you get theinspiration for Ilios?
Kelly (02:16):
It was like, I always love lighting.
I loved doing that.
I loved working withphotographers and videographers.
And at that time, my kids weregoing into high school and I
traveled a lot.
So I kind of hit the point whereI'm like, I just want to do
something different.
And, you know, you know, Whenthey hit high school, you've got
like college visits and allthose exciting things.
And it's such an important time.
(02:36):
So I think my husband thought Iwas crazy, but I decided to sell
my shares and I'm like, I wantto do something new.
So I made this whole crazy lifechange.
Oh yeah.
Elizabeth (02:45):
Oh my, wow.
Kelly (02:46):
the
Elizabeth (02:46):
Okay.
Okay.
Kelly (02:47):
job I basically knew out of college.
And I loved it.
And I was just like, it just, I,it felt right.
Um, and I took that a couple ofyears and I spent that time with
my kids and it was amazing, butit was fun.
It's funny because probably twoweeks after I made and went
through that whole big decision,my daughter was getting into
makeup and she was watching allthe famous YouTubers.
So she was coming to me with alot of questions of mom, should
(03:09):
I get a ring light?
You know, what kind of makeupmirror?
And so that moment, it's justthe lights kind of went off and
I'm like, Oh my goodness,nobody's ever made a makeup
mirror and a ring light.
It's like a necessity withsomething that is so amazing,
especially in today's digitalworld.
And then, um, as I get older, myeyes becomes very hard for me to
see.
(03:29):
And I knew like, if I couldcombine a magnified mirror with
the light of a ring light, thiscould be really cool.
Elizabeth (03:35):
Uh, yeah.
Sign, sign me up and likeeverybody behind me because we
are all, yes, absolutely.
When I was just talking aboutyou and your product to some of
my girlfriends, they were likeGoogle's Ilios lighting very
quickly because that is such aneed.
Like absolutely.
We, we look great outside if Icould do my makeup outside, I
would.
So for you to create somethinglike that is so incredible.
So I want to pause real quick.
(03:56):
So you did not leave yourcompany to start Ilios.
It was just kind of a aligningof the timeline of your life, so
to speak.
It, it could just kind of,
Kelly (04:05):
didn't know what I wanted to do.
I knew I wanted something alittle bit more my baby, you
know, I had so much fun in thephoto industry and love what I
did, but I wanted like a newchallenge.
And I just, I didn't know whatthat was.
And so I'm like, you know, youmight as well take the leap.
You have to do it eventually.
I'm going to do it now andfigure out that next chapter.
Elizabeth (04:22):
That is, that is very like, okay, excuse me, but very
badass, uh, for, cause that wassuch a comfort zone.
You were in such a position ofpower, sure, yes, but it's what
you know, you've worked reallyhard to grow that career and
then you decide, you know, I'mready for a change.
I love that.
That is so inspiring just alone.
So, What exactly, so when youworked in lighting, did you ever
(04:46):
do, I'm assuming you weren't aphotographer or anything like
that, but were you ever like onsets and things like that too?
Kelly (04:51):
That, that became my love.
Like, even though I'm not aphotographer, I think that was
kind of a benefit because itallowed me to look at things
very holistically.
And one of the things I did inmy old company that I loved is I
would spend time with some ofthe most famous photographers
and videographers, and I'd sitdown with them and I'd say, tell
me about what you do, bring meinto your world, what works for
(05:11):
you, what doesn't work for you,what could make things better?
And it really allowed, um, youknow, that company, and it's
what I'm doing also with Elios.
To make things that filled voidsthat people really needed.
And I became very passionateabout it.
So product development andlighting for me, it's just,
everybody's got their thing.
That's my thing.
Elizabeth (05:31):
I love that.
And I also love that you saidyou saw a knee that you wanted
to fill.
Um, I think that's reallybeautiful.
So, I guess you didn't think youwere going to be an entrepreneur
your whole life.
Was that like the first thing?
Kelly (05:44):
No, I, I am kind of embarrassed.
I'm not super book smart.
Like growing up, I was neverlike super smart, whatever, but
I've always been a hard workerand I think, you know, I think
part of entrepreneurship is justlike, it's like a weeble wobble.
It's the best way to describeit.
Like being able to get back upwhen you're pushed down and
learn new things.
And for me, I love thechallenge.
Like even till this day, youknow, when you stop learning,
(06:06):
that's not a good thing.
So I love, I love going outthere and learning new things.
And I think that's part of theentrepreneurial spirit.
Elizabeth (06:13):
absolutely.
And I feel very aligned to thatstatement.
Um, the more you go at it, theless imposter syndrome and I
don't know.
You have to have confidence likemy whole my big pillar is self
love because I went through myown mental health battles and I
Picked myself up through thehelp of therapy and things like
that And I realized the power ofself love like if you love
yourself enough to get help loveyourself to push forward and
(06:36):
that has only Benefited meexponentially in this whole
process Pursuit that I'm doingmyself.
So I think that's beautiful.
Um, that's a great outlook foranyone who wants to be an
entrepreneur.
It's not always easy.
It's not always linear, but youjust got to bet on you and it
sounds like you did that.
And I think that's beautiful.
Um, so it makes sense to me thatwith your expertise that you
(06:58):
would create a showstoppermirror because it sounds like
you're very, you're veryinvolved, yes, but you're very
intentional with everything thatyou're doing.
I can tell, I can see the heartand the energy behind that.
when you talked about the ideathat there wasn't, there was
something missing like in themarket for your daughter, was
the idea to also bring thisprofessional grade product to
(07:18):
consumers?
Kelly (07:19):
Yes.
So after I had the initial idea,I like literally was like, okay,
what do I do now?
So I bought every makeup mirrorout there and I have this, my
little nerdy device.
So I would sit there and I wouldtest it.
And that was kind of my firststep.
And then I put a little call outon our Facebook local mark, like
our community page.
And I'm like, Hey, I'd love totalk to any makeup artists out
(07:42):
there.
So I'd bring makeup artists andI would say, bring me into your
world.
Tell me what you, and so Istarted to do that with everyday
users.
and that kind of, broughteverything together to say,
okay, you know, make it mirrors,do it.
Use old technology and they'renot big enough and they're not
bright enough and there were alot of needs not being met by
(08:03):
makeup artists and I wassurprised that a lot of makeup
artist lights weren't evenutilizing the professional photo
and video quality lighting.
So at that time I just I knewI'm like this is something that
can truly be unique anddifferent like we can be the
first ones to ever utilize thattechnology and put it into a
makeup mirror that simulatesputting your makeup on outdoors.
Elizabeth (08:22):
I love that.
And I'm assuming professionalgrade product, like products,
equipment, that's going to bemuch higher price tag.
So you made it also, I feel likeaccessible for the consumer.
Um, that's, that's incredible.
So you launched in 2021.
How long did it take you to getto that point?
Kelly (08:41):
It took me It took me a few years.
you know, part of that, I was, Iwas enjoying time with my kids
and everybody thinks you justmake a product and then you go,
it's, it's really hard.
Elizabeth (08:50):
right?
Kelly (08:51):
We had COVID, you know, so you had that come along too
because we launched in 2021.
and so, I mean, it took years,but everything that we did was
designed from the ground up.
So it's, you know, drawingsketches and putting your ideas
on paper and then working withan industrial design engineer.
And it morphed like the veryfirst one.
That we designed, it looked likea Hershey kiss and had a speaker
(09:14):
in it.
It was absolutely awful.
Elizabeth (09:16):
I love it.
Kelly (09:17):
I thought it was, you know, I was like, Oh, this is
the best thing.
So it's kind of an evolution.
And I think with productdevelopment, you kind of get to
that point where you're like,okay, we're here.
And a lot of times people willjust.
Keep making changes to it andnever launch.
So I think it's finding thatbalance of making something that
you're really proud of andputting it out into market, but
also not nitpicking so much thatyou're holding yourself back.
(09:39):
Sometimes you just have to pulloff the Band Aid and go.
Elizabeth (09:41):
That's beautifully said.
I know I struggled with that.
So there's a fine line betweenbeing like a perfectionist and
like knowing that what you haveis good and just trusting that
and going because you can alwaysalter here and there a little
bit, this and this, that andthat.
Um, so you did your marketresearch by trying all the
different products.
You are engaging with yourcommunity, trying to just get a
(10:03):
pulse on, you know, what's goingon.
It took you a few years to get alaunch with a product.
I know you worked with some.
Very, uh, very well knownprofessionals in the photography
and makeup space.
So what was that like?
When were they brought in on, onthe, the
Kelly (10:17):
amazing.
Um, so Jerry, Gionis is, he'sone of the top wedding and
portrait fashion photographersworldwide.
He's probably the biggestlighting guru that I knew.
And I worked with him with aproduct back in my photo days.
Elizabeth (10:30):
Hmm.
Kelly (10:31):
So I brought this product to him cause I knew he'd be
picky.
And it was so funny because Iwas like, okay, he's going to
rip me apart if he doesn't likethis.
And he's going to look at thisfrom a professional standpoint.
And so I bring it to him andhe's Australian and he's so
funny.
He's like, Oh, Kelly, Kelly,this, Oh, Kelly, this is really
nice.
You know, he got really excited.
And he's like, this is ourlighting because we worked on a
(10:53):
wand style.
LED was one of the most.
And so he recognized the factthat, oh, my goodness, this
thing is really something trulyspecial.
So he came on board, um, andshot so many of our beautiful
images and videos and everythingthat you see.
And then I also wanted to kindof take things up a level and
reach out to people.
Like a really, really wellknown, person in the space and
(11:17):
just say, okay, I know myfriends in my community are all
going to tell me they love it,but I need like a real deal.
And so I discovered, um, MarioDedivanovic, Makeup by Mario.
And
Elizabeth (11:27):
yes, yes.
Kelly (11:27):
I sent him an email and I'm like, Hey, I come from the
photo industry.
I developed something that Ithink is really great.
And it incorporates lightingthat I don't even think you've
seen in your life as a makeupartist.
Can I show it to you?
And
Elizabeth (11:39):
Just like that.
You just said like a, like acold outreach kind of
Kelly (11:42):
It's a code outreach and, and It was amazing.
And I created a video to showhim.
I'm like, time is money andhere's the product.
And here's me.
And I'm thinking, Oh, likethere's no way that, and he
responded back and he's like,I'd love to see it.
And I'm like, Oh my goodness.
Yeah,
Elizabeth (11:58):
that, when you got that response, did you freak
out?
Kelly (12:01):
I was like, Oh, you know, the funny thing was like, I was
like, Oh my God, I got to get aprototype, like ASAP.
So that was really, you know, itwas amazing.
And, you know, he, he helped mea lot through the project and,
you know, we were communicatinga lot because again, we're, you
know, during the midst of COVIDand the design process of, of
all of this, and, and he wasabsolutely wonderful at bringing
(12:23):
me into the world of makeup and,and he helped bring me down to
earth where, you know, I referto so many technical terms and
he would be like, Kelly, nobodytalks like that.
Like that, like, you know, andso it was great, wonderful,
wonderful person and just a lotof fun working with him on that
product.
Elizabeth (12:40):
That is so cool.
I just want to give you realquick credit.
Like putting yourself out thereis so, I mean, I'm learning the
more I do it, the easier itgets, but to get to that
threshold is a little unnervingfor lack of better words.
And.
I'm not saying that it was oneand like he was the first person
you ever reach out to but toblind reach out like that.
(13:00):
So you bet you have theconfidentiality.
I'm just gonna put it out therebecause what's the worst case?
He ignores me.
That's just what happens.
But then you get Mario, makeupby Mario to be like, hey, this
is amazing.
I mean, oh my god, that is socool, Kelly.
Like, man, that must felt sofulfilling.
So, uh, I have to ask, do you,do you still struggle or did you
(13:22):
struggle with imposter syndrome?
Do you still struggle with it?
And all of this, because what Isee is a, a incredible bad ass
woman who bet on herself andcreated a product that obviously
was needed.
And now she has seen beautifulsuccess from that.
Kelly (13:39):
You know what?
I struggle.
I think everybody does.
I mean, self confidence it'shard.
Like there are days and, and I.
And I think sometimes peopledon't talk about this enough.
Like when you start a businessfor every one fabulous day, you
have, you're going to have sixthat are just, they're awful.
Elizabeth (13:55):
Amen.
Amen.
Kelly (13:57):
you know what?
I think that you have tocelebrate the victories and then
don't let You know, cause thereare some things that, you know,
during a business, when you'relaunching, it's like, why did I
do that?
You know, what was my thinking?
And I think you just have tokind of like regroup and say,
okay, everybody makes mistakes.
How do you make it better?
How do you move on?
How do you do this?
But it's, I mean, it's hard.
(14:18):
It's, it is.
It's very, very difficult.
And I think as women, we tend toput more pressure on ourselves
sometimes.
Yeah.
Elizabeth (14:26):
but comparing myself to other people, it's not that I
am, um, It's not about keepingup, but it's like, okay, when
you're having those six daysthat aren't the best days, it's
cause that is the truest thingI've ever heard.
My might be like 10 bad days forone, but that's okay.
That's okay.
Um, But it's, it's the constanteffort of, of just pushing
through, pushing through.
(14:47):
But I, it's not that I'mcomparing myself per se, but
it's like, am I doing enough?
Oh, this person's posting allthe time or this person's doing
that.
And it's just quieting the noiseand just, Believing in yourself,
believing in the path, but it's,it's hard and I, for at least
for me, I have to constantlylike work at it because it
doesn't, it's something thatdoesn't take much, but because
(15:08):
you're doing something a littledifferent, right, you're kind of
off the beaten path, you don'thave any like safety posts or
guardrails to guide you along.
You're kind of doing ityourself.
So it's like, Oh, I don't wantto use that as my pulse, but I
can't help but compare myself tothem because like, I don't have
nothing else to compare to.
Kelly (15:24):
Well, and when you have those bad days, you're always
looking at everything else likethe, the glasses, you know, full
on the other side where it'slike, oh, you know, and it is
it's it is it's it's I thinkpeople struggle with it.
If they don't admit it, thenthey're heroes.
Because I think we all do.
Or the.
Elizabeth (15:39):
that they're heroes.
I was like, get out of my diary.
That's what I write.
Like today, tomorrow's going tobe a better day.
I'm going to do it right.
Um, no, that's incredible.
so I know you have severaldifferent products.
I'm just curious when you, so,cause like the full mirror was
like the first product.
So.
With your launch, where did theother different products come?
(16:00):
Cause I mean, like the compactone, there's like the wall one.
I guess they're just differentversions of your product.
But I am, I am just curious whenyou have an idea, all those
little popcorns come at the sametime or how?
Kelly (16:12):
The second one we launched was the rechargeable
mirror, and that's the one thatcan either go on the wall, on a
table, or on a suction cup.
And I, when I would travel, Iwould bring my beauty ring,
that's our first one,everywhere, because I'm
obsessed.
Like, I'm the crazy travelerthat brings it everywhere.
But, when I would dointernational trips, and I was
like, how much can I get in acarry on?
I don't have that much.
I did not like that I couldn'tbring my mirror with me.
(16:34):
And so that's where therechargeable came in.
I'm like, I need to createsomething that people can use at
home and also be able to attachto like the, um, the mirror in
the hotels to give you goodlighting.
So that's where that one camefrom.
and then the compact mirror wasjust all compact mirrors are too
small.
Like when you open them
Elizabeth (16:51):
they are.
Thank you.
Kelly (16:53):
My eyes are not like, what am I looking at?
I can see half an eye or likepart of my nose.
And so for that one, it waslike, okay, we need to make it
bigger, brighter, and we need ashut off timer in it.
Cause I would close it and throwit in my purse.
And then I'd get up the nextmorning and it would be dead.
And so that those were kind ofthe things
Elizabeth (17:12):
So smart.
So smart.
So it took you a few years toget to this point, but now here
you are.
So 2021 massive growth.
You're in over 250 storesglobally, which I mean, Kelly,
that is so badass.
Cause like when I was searchingyou and to see like, I mean,
maybe it's just me, but I mean,I'm sure you feel the same way,
(17:32):
but to see your product come upand it's like Neiman Marcus,
Boomingdale's, like all thesehigh end, well named stores,
like that's incredible.
And then you've also gained theattention of huge name
celebrities.
So my question is, how does itfeel to not only see a dream
realized, but to see it and howfast it's grown to see the
notoriety you've gained?
Kelly (17:53):
I mean, it's crazy.
It's just it's you know For me,it's always like goals and then
you're trying to check it offand move to the next one But
there are times like I Iremember when it first started
out every time a notification onmy phone and I would just like
Looking anxiously like, Oh, Igot an order.
Ooh, oh my goodness.
Another influencer posted.
Oh my goodness.
And to be where, um, you know,we're at now and to all the
(18:16):
retailers, it's, it's justsurreal.
And, and I love the retailers.
You know, a lot of people asklike, why do you choose
retailers?
Isn't that, I love the retailersbecause I actually personally go
into a lot of these stores and Itravel around and I go in and I
meet the people and I meet thewonderful salespeople, but
that's like the only chance thatI get to meet To come out of my
shell sometimes in the corporateday to day and to interact with
(18:39):
customers, to interact with, youknow, the staff at the stores.
And I think that's healthy for abrand because it gives me the
ability to be able to see what'snew in the beauty space, see
what's new in makeup and maybehelp embrace ideas on, on
different things.
Elizabeth (18:54):
That is so cool.
That's, that's very, very smart.
Very impressed.
Again, you know, you have a, Ican, I, I'm sensing it like you
are very driven and you arevery, I can, you have big
picture, like, I feel like youcan find all the little holes in
the needs and you're good atfilling those.
I, I'm, I'm curious how,'causeyou were, you said president of,
at your previous company whereyou got your start.
(19:15):
So you have, I'm as, I'm gonnaassume as the president, you've
got really good leadershipexperience.
So how does that play into.
Betting on yourself andcontinuing to put yourself out
there cause I'm sure that'shelped grow as quick as it's
grown as to the capacity it has.
Kelly (19:31):
It does, but it's also a team.
You know, you have to, you can'tdo everything alone.
When you start a business, it'svery lonely because at the
beginning, it's usually justyou.
Um, so I think the other elementof that is, building a team and,
and, you know, that, that canhelp get you to those levels not
everybody can be good ateverything.
You have to surround yourselfwith people that fill in your
voids.
(19:51):
Um, and so I think that's,that's definitely important for
any entrepreneur.
Elizabeth (19:55):
Absolutely.
So does your daughter think it'spretty, pretty incredible that
her mother created thisincredible product just cause
she was getting into makeup?
Kelly (20:04):
Oh, yes.
She was always the one.
She's like, Mom, I just watchedMikaela Nagori's TikTok.
Your mirror is in there.
Mom, Bella Hadid posted aselfie.
Like,
Elizabeth (20:12):
that's going to be so cool.
Kelly (20:13):
she thinks it's pretty cool.
And she's actually a model in alot of the stuff that we shoot.
So a lot of people know
Elizabeth (20:18):
Oh, that's gotta be cool.
I did it to be able to like workwith your daughter with it.
Kelly (20:22):
Yes, yes.
It's a lot of fun.
Elizabeth (20:23):
That's so incredible.
You know, I feel like no one'spath is ever linear and it's
just, it, it seems like you weremade for this.
Like, that's what's sointeresting.
I feel like you've been a CEO ofthis company for decades cause
you're so confident in the wayyou talk and the way you carry
yourself.
So you're, you're pretty epicfounder, Kelly, pretty epic
founder if I say so myself.
So um, overall.
(20:45):
You've been doing the work,you've been taking the pivots,
six days back for one amazingday forward as you do in this
crazy pursuit.
So we've seen the evolution ofIlios, let's talk about what's
next because I mean, It soundslike you have such a robust,
well to do company, but I knowyou have so many exciting things
coming.
specifically, since I know we'regetting close to October, which
(21:07):
is Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth, um, I know that you have
a very special campaign that isin ties to breast cancer
awareness.
And I know you have personalties to breast cancer, is that
correct?
Um, Do you want to, do you feelcomfortable sharing a little bit
more about that?
And then we can really get intothe campaign.
Kelly (21:27):
Yeah, I yeah, absolutely.
my, my grandmother, my motherand my aunt Diane are all breast
cancer survivors.
So, you know, although mygrandmother has passed, you
know, they I'm so proud thatthey're all survivors, but you
know when my mom got Breastcancer, it was just, it was my
mom.
It was very, I think it just,it, was very hard on, on, even
(21:49):
me thinking, oh my goodness,what's gonna happen?
And I couldn't imagine, youknow, being on this planet
without her, and so, you know, Iworry about my own risk with
breast cancer, and I've, youknow, had some scares on
different things, and, you know,I'm one of those people that are
very hard when to get themammograms with the dentists,
breast tissue and all of thatother good stuff.
So for me, I'm really passionateabout awareness and making sure
(22:13):
people are going in and gettingtheir annual checkups.
And, and yeah, it's just, it'skind of a, I don't talk about
personal things, but it's, it'svery special to me.
So we wanted to do something forthe month of October and our
compact mirror has been sopopular that we are doing a pink
version and we're doing, uh,it's so cute.
It's pink and it's got like alittle cute golden bag and it's
(22:36):
just a gold logo.
It's absolutely adorable.
Um, but we're doing a hundredpercent of the net proceeds are
going to the breast cancer,research, foundation and we
want, we're hoping to be able todonate over 50,
Elizabeth (22:48):
That is incredible.
I just got goosebumps.
I don't know if you can seethem, but I just got goosebumps.
That is so cool.
And I also think it's reallyexciting to roll out like a
special product launch forsomething like it just makes
everything even more special.
so you said, a hundred percentof the proceeds are going to
towards breast cancer researchfoundation.
Wow.
That's amazing.
Kelly (23:08):
Thank you.
Thank
Elizabeth (23:10):
That is like putting money where your, or putting
your mouth where money is.
What's the phrase?
Your mouth where your money is?
I think I just butchered that.
But you know what I'm saying.
Um, it's, you know, the older Iget, the more people I, I talk
to that do have some, you know,strong ties to something like
that.
And it's really sad,heartbreaking that, you know, It
affects so many people, um, butI think it's beautiful that you
(23:33):
are using your passion, yourproduct, your heart to benefit
something.
I mean, a hundred percent,that's, that's really
incredible.
so I just, I'm just giving youmy own personal take on that.
Like, I think that's reallyspecial and it's a cute launch,
a cute product.
I can't wait.
Um, so cute.
So that starts in October,October 1st.
Kelly (23:51):
October and we even the, it's a limited edition, the
inside of the box, we reachedout to our customer base and we
gave people the ability to beable to honor a fighter or
survivor or someone that waslost.
And so on the inside, when youopen it up, there's names of
women all on the inside.
And we're really, it's, yeah,it's really neat.
Elizabeth (24:09):
That's incredible.
Wow.
Kelly (24:10):
Yeah.
Elizabeth (24:11):
that's beautiful.
I only have words for that.
That's so special andthoughtful.
I can't imagine what thosepeople are going to feel like
when they see that.
That's beautiful, Kelly.
man.
Okay.
Well, that, I don't even,anything else that you want to
share about this?
Like, that's just, that is so,like I said, intentional
earlier.
I know we live in a capitalisticsociety.
I see quotations.
(24:32):
We literally live in acapitalistic society.
Don't know why I did quotationsfor that.
Um, and it's just, it's reallyis beautiful and it is inspiring
if I'm going to be honest to seea founder.
Yes, I created product.
That's great.
I love the clout.
I love the notoriety, and Ibelieve in my product and I
believe in my product so muchthat I want to, I want to use it
(24:53):
to benefit something completelyseparate from myself
wholeheartedly.
A hundred percent.
No questions asked.
that is very commendable.
And I just want to say like, youknow, my hat's off to you for
that, because it's nice to see,because I feel like we don't see
it too, too often.
Um, so I, I, as a person, notthat my opinion matters that
much, but I appreciate that as aconsumer.
it, because it also makes yourbrand more real, you know, more
(25:17):
honest, more relatable in a waytoo.
Because like I said, so manypeople have been affected by
cancer to some degree, I feellike.
Kelly (25:24):
Yeah, it's, it's, it's scary.
Elizabeth (25:27):
Yeah.
so.
We talked about the campaign.
I know the holiday season'scoming up, which is honestly
insane.
I can't believe it's August.
No, it's not even August.
It's September.
See?
Oh my gosh, I don't even havethe month right.
So, do you have anythingexciting coming up for the
holidays?
What's going on?
Kelly (25:42):
We do.
We actually have a new productlaunching October 9th.
I'm so excited.
We've been working on this thingfor two years and I,
Elizabeth (25:49):
in addition to the, the campaign?
Kelly (25:50):
yes.
So we, we have, it's like, yes,we're, we're doing them back to
back.
Like we were really passionateabout starting the campaign on
October 1st.
Cause you know, we felt thetiming and everything of that,
but yeah, we have anotherproduct we've been working on.
It is probably the most advancedcircuitry.
There goes the tech nerd in me
Elizabeth (26:08):
I was like, what does that mean exactly?
Really?
Kelly (26:11):
just, I'm so excited.
So it is launching, October 9thand I guess the only thing I
could say about it, it is a lotdifferent than other things in
our product.
Um, it's just very sexy andsleek.
So it's very unique.
Elizabeth (26:25):
Hmm.
I, and it's a, okay.
I'm not allowed to guess, am I?
I,
Kelly (26:29):
Sure.
Elizabeth (26:31):
I, I, you said sexy and sleek.
Is it weird the first thing Ithought of was like some type of
sex toy?
Or is that I'm
Kelly (26:40):
Oh, that's so next year.
No, I'm just kidding.
No, it's It's, it's along thelines of a mirror, but it is,
it's just, it's really differentand it's, it's just, it's, it's,
yeah.
It's sleek.
Sleek and sexy.
Elizabeth (26:54):
Okay.
Um, so October 9th, in additionto, hashtag brighten the fight.
So basically any clips promos,I'm going to make sure I put the
hashtag to get the brandawareness out there, the
rollout.
And I am so intrigued to knowwhat this is.
Sexy, sleek, cause you're, causeyou lit up when you started
talking about it.
So I am like, I have to knowwhat this is.
Kelly (27:16):
Everybody I showed it to, they like, they like light up.
So it is just, we're very, I'mso excited for this launch.
I think it's gonna be a lot offun.
Elizabeth (27:22):
you're like a pioneer, like in the consumer
mirror light space.
which again, didn't realizethere was such a need, but after
seeing your products and seeingthe difference, cause I think
that's so beneficial, like onyour website, how you show what
different lights will presentand then your light, and it's
like, Oh my God.
different, like, I don't evenfeel like I'm duped, my
(27:43):
goodness.
So, that's, that's really,really cool.
you know, I want to say onething.
You, you mentioned earlier thatyou, you know, growing up you
didn't think you were reallybook smart, but you were very
driven.
And, has that given you any morekind of imposter syndrome or
challenges?
Because I mean, for you to be adata entry, what'd you say?
Clerk specialist person, likeyou're just plugging in info to
(28:03):
then be the president to thenroll out your own product, your
own company.
It's grown to the mammoth thatit has.
I mean, I think that is soincredible.
so maybe not imposter syndrome.
You can speak to that, but just.
How does it feel now lookingback on everything, you know,
your career, your past and whereyou are today?
How, how does it feel?
Kelly (28:25):
I mean, I think I'm I'm it's funny because I guess I
don't think about that kind ofstuff.
Sometimes I'm so thankful forall the experiences that I've
have.
I've had, you know, I'm sothankful to my original company
for letting me grow within thatcompany and they every time, you
know, Back, I'm 23 years oldand, they would say, we need
(28:45):
somebody to do this.
I'd raise my hand, I'll do it,I'll go, I'll do this.
And so, back then I, I probably,didn't realize how much I was
learning and then it just kindof, you know, hit me like a,
Think of bricks and it's like,Oh my goodness.
I, you know, I, I know a lot.
but yeah, I just, I don't know.
I mean, I'm, I'm, I'm happy.
I love it.
I'm very passionate about it.
(29:06):
I can't imagine doing anythingdifferent.
And for me, I just hope that, Ican help inspire other women to
go after their dreams and, takethe leap because, half the time,
again, it's just, it's justdoing it, ripping off the band
aid and going and, uh, Yeah, Ithink sometimes people don't
give themselves enough credit.
They get nervous and they'relike, Oh, I can't do it cause
I'm not smart enough or I'm notthis or that.
(29:28):
It's like if you have tenacityand spirit and you believe in
yourself, like just do it.
You'll figure it out.
Elizabeth (29:35):
Snaps Kelly.
I literally, on my whiteboard, Ihave a quote that says leap and
the net will appear.
Kelly (29:41):
Aw.
I
Elizabeth (29:43):
mean, sometimes it's easier said than done.
Sometimes I'm like, where is thenet?
Cause I don't feel it, but itis.
Um,
Kelly (29:50):
I love that.
Elizabeth (29:51):
and it really has helped guide me, especially when
I first rolled out the podcastand I was like, So intimidated
talking by my, like my firstepisode was eight minutes long
and I'm terrified, but nowlooking back on it, I'm like,
I'm so glad I did that.
Like consistently, constantlyputting myself out there and I
am now creating the life Idreamed of.
I mean, I'm not quite there yet,but it's, it's to be on that
(30:14):
path.
I'm now at the place where it'sexciting to know that I'm doing
this for myself.
Do I know where it's going?
No.
I mean, of course I have ideas,but like we're on the uncharted
path, right?
I'm sure you can relate to thatand it's just.
Believing on yourself, becausewhy not you?
Right.
Anytime I doubt, I ask myself,why not me?
Kelly (30:32):
you have a great personality too.
You come across just, it'sgreat.
Yeah.
Elizabeth (30:37):
I feel very like, I feel very kindred to you as
well.
I may be a little loud, formertheater kid, but you have such a
light energy, very, very bright,very positive, very driven.
And I, find that inspiring.
I know other people will find itinspiring, and I am always here
for any conversation aroundbetting on yourself, cause I
think that's the mostintimidating thing you can do,
(30:59):
and, just to circle it back tolike my whole little pillar
about self, my whole little, mybig pillar about self love, that
is the ultimate form of selflove, to believe in yourself
enough to do something that youwant to do, even though you're
terrified.
Kelly (31:13):
I love it.
Very well said.
Love it.
Elizabeth (31:16):
Well, Kelly, I, I can't wait to see what happens
with, well, I can't wait for thecampaign.
I can't wait for this new sexy,sleek product.
I'm like, LOLing at me callingit a sex toy.
But like you said, next year'slaunch, we'll call goop.
We'll call Gwyneth, be like, HeyGwyneth.
Uh, but that's so exciting.
So I'm going to let you tee upyour social where everyone can
find you, everything like that.
(31:38):
but I do want to ask what aresome last, or not even last, but
do you have any advice to anyonelistening?
Maybe they have a product ideabecause that's how you started.
You didn't have a prototype whenyou reached out to make up with
Mario.
So if anyone has an idea, butthey're terrified because where
do you start?
Anything like that?
What do you say?
Kelly (31:58):
would say, network with your community, believe in
yourself and research.
Like we are so fortunate to,have the amount of information
at our fingertips.
And a lot of it is just dig in,research, figure it out, find
it, talk to different people.
you know, I think that's alwaysthe best way to go into it.
And you'll be surprised.
There are so many wonderfulpeople out there.
(32:19):
Like I have a mentor from mylocal community.
and you can find people outthere that will help you and,
kind of, um, You know, whetherit's just running an idea or
different things.
I have like a marketing mentorand a business mentor and, you
know, finding those people.
And then I think, once you getto that level at sharing your
experiences, what you've donewrong and what you've done right
(32:40):
with others too.
So you're always kind ofconstantly, giving back and
helping others through some ofthose challenges as well.
Elizabeth (32:47):
So do you coach other entrepreneurs or aspiring
entrepreneurs and things likethat?
Kelly (32:52):
I try to, I work a lot.
Like I, I even work with thelocal high schools and the DECA
teams and I go in and I talk to.
Elizabeth (32:58):
that.
Kelly (32:59):
I go in and talk to some of the local kids that are
thinking about going intobusiness.
And I'm, I'm probably more knownfor giving the real, like, I'm
not going to, you know, unicornsand rain, like I'm just going to
pull everything together andlike tell you everything, like
the hard, the good, the bad, therewarding and, and, and all of
that.
So, yeah, I'm, I want tocontinue to do that more.
Elizabeth (33:19):
I think that's really important too.
Cause like how we talked aboutearlier about like comparing
yourself, you know, they alwayssay social media is the
highlight reel.
It, you don't often see thestruggle, like the come up, you,
you just see the outcome.
You know, you don't necessarilylike an overnight success
typically takes 10 years.
You know, that's a joke that Iwill say with some of my
friends.
Well, you know, the overnightsuccess took 12 years to get
(33:40):
there.
Like, that's just how it is.
But it's, I think what makes orbreaks is you have to just
believe in yourself enough tojust keep going.
and because you seem like such apositive person in such a
beautiful light, I can't thinkof a better person to give that
message because it's also like,You know, because sometimes the
hard, hard truth when it's justlike, like, okay, I didn't ask
(34:01):
for you to be a jerk.
I just needed you to boost myconfidence a little bit.
My gosh,
Kelly (34:06):
my goodness.
Elizabeth (34:07):
you know, you know who I'm talking about.
I'm not talking about a specificperson, but the type of thing.
So, no, I think that's, that'sreally special.
then one thing I also want topoint out, or not point out, but
one thing I want to say, and I'mcurious what your thoughts are
on this.
One thing I've learned is as wewalk this unbeaten path, this
unknown path, and there's speedbumps and pivots and this and
(34:27):
this and that and that.
You don't know how it's going towork out, but things keep
working out because when you'reon your path, you meet people
like I'm googling podcasting.
Well, I'm going to find peoplein podcasting, to connect with
them.
And then boom, you make thisconnection.
They introduce you to thisperson, introduce you to that
person.
Then before you realize you'reinterviewing Kelly Mondora on
your podcast, and it's like,wow, this is so cool.
(34:48):
So do you have anything to sayto that?
It seems a little bit kind oflike that's how your path was.
You have this inspiration.
You also have this incrediblebackground in this industry.
And then you basically took yourintelligence, your expertise and
we're like, well, I see a hole.
I'm going to fill it because whosays I can't.
but the more steps you walked,even though you weren't sure
where you were going, did youfeel that?
(35:08):
Did you, did it feel like thatto you were?
Yeah.
You know, things just happenbecause you're asking the
questions, you're finding theright groups, you're Googling
the right things.
Kelly (35:17):
think that's important.
I think just always having youreyes open and just thinking and,
and, you know, whether it'scoming across, a very impressive
person that, you hold onto theirinformation and maybe one day
you have a position for them andyou hire them, you know, just
those types of things.
I think you always just kind ofhave to keep your mind open and,
um, you know, just be open toadvice opportunities, you know,
(35:38):
um, you know, we, we, we, Again,we're, we're all good at some
stuff and bad at other stuff.
So I think, you know, networkingand being open to that, it's,
it's definitely important.
Elizabeth (35:49):
Absolutely.
So, final question.
Well, actually, I'm going togive you, I'm going to give you
a real big final question andthen I'm going to give you like
a fun little final question.
My big final question is, I knowwe talked about what's next,
immediately next, but where doyou see Ilios in the next like
five, ten years?
Kelly (36:06):
I would love to just kind of keep expanding into lighting.
Um, maybe do some more expansioninto beauty.
Um, I see it outside of justmakeup mirrors.
And that's really kind of myfocus.
Um, and you know, expanding moreinto the beauty space.
Obviously I want to expand moreon an international level as
(36:28):
well.
And yeah, we've always got somefun stuff cooking.
Elizabeth (36:31):
Ooh, I love that.
How does, I'm curious, how doesthat work?
Like, are you, when you'recoming up with different
products, are you looking likefive, six years down the line?
This is, I'm just curious.
How does, how does that work?
Product launches.
Kelly (36:43):
I always have, it's always like the here and now.
So it, I always have my ideaboard where it's like, these are
the products, but I, I try tolook at things at least five
years in advance to say, okay,if we do, and sometimes you
might get there in five years,sometimes you might get there
sooner.
Sometimes it might be longer tosay, okay, well, I want to
achieve this in this category.
(37:03):
Okay.
Then let's figure out, you know,another area that we want to go
into.
What are our goals in that area?
Um, you know, how does thatalign with our current brand
now?
And it's always evolving.
So I think you don'tnecessarily, you know, keep it
in concrete.
This is what we're doing, butit's just kind of that idea.
And then you just kind of letthat path kind of ebb and flow
depending on how it works out.
Elizabeth (37:25):
Whenever you have your masterclass on how to
launch a product, start abusiness.
Will you please give me a calljust so I can take it?
Thank you.
Please and thanks.
I'm serious.
I'm just picturing you on themasterclass promos I always get.
It's like, have you ever won aLacha product?
Kelly Mondura.
Like, seriously.
I'm so well spoken.
(37:46):
Hey, put that idea down.
Seriously, though.
As the whole time you'retalking, I was like, you are so
intelligent.
Like you are, I don't know whatyou think, what you're saying
about books, but you are sosmart.
I would definitely take a classfrom you.
Um, so I mean that, but my lastfun question.
So what are you currently inbetween and it can be literally
(38:08):
silly.
It could be stupid.
It could be, it could beserious.
It could be small.
It's whatever you interpret.
Kelly (38:15):
In between.
Oh, I'm going to take itpersonal.
Elizabeth (38:19):
Ooh, even that's my favorite.
Kelly (38:23):
I am in between, and I think it had, and I don't know
why my mind went to this first.
I'm at that stage.
I'm an empty nester.
I am in between the stage of,of, of your kids graduating and
getting ready to graduate highschool.
My kids graduating from highschool and getting ready to
graduate college and start thatjourney.
So I kind of like I'm in betweenthis.
(38:45):
Where I've like, you know, mybabies don't, you know, need me
as much anymore and I'm watchingthem become these young adults
and it's, it's very rewarding,but it's just kind of like
watching somebody else's, youknow, path and watching your
kids become adults and do whatthey love.
And I love this time.
It's, it's kind of exciting.
So, yeah, so it's just, I'm inbetween
Elizabeth (39:05):
Aw, I bet you inspire them all the time, too, to see
you kind of leading the chargeand, I don't know, just, I think
there's just something somagical about any person that
bets on themself to follow theirdream.
So, I, I'm sure that plays intotheir life so, so strongly, too,
to see you
Kelly (39:20):
where my, my son is the techie one and my daughter,
although quiet and sweet, Ithink she's our little, our
little quiet entrepreneur, maybeone day.
Yeah.
Elizabeth (39:28):
she'll be taking a note from mom's book.
Oh,
Kelly (39:30):
Yeah, I don't know.
Elizabeth (39:32):
So as I've mentioned, Elias products are in so many
incredible stores,Bloomingdale's and Neiman
Marcus.
I mean, seriously, I was likejaw dropped and I was going
through your website.
where can everyone find you ifyou want to give your websites
any kind of social handles,anything like that?
Kelly (39:48):
Our website is elioslighting.
co and then we're atelioslighting on Instagram,
Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Elizabeth (39:57):
Perfect.
Well, then I'll make sure that Ilink all of that in the show
notes.
I'll also tag everybody or tageverybody, tag everything in the
episode clips, this episode willalso be on YouTube.
and we're going to get thisready for your hashtag Brighten
the fight.
So I can't wait to see that.
Cause I, I just can't.
It's the little compact mirror.
because like you hit it on thehead.
They are so small.
That's why I never use onebecause like.
(40:21):
That's what it's like, right?
Kelly (40:22):
Oh, look
Elizabeth (40:23):
gracious.
So well Kelly, this has beenwonderful.
I can't thank you enough forcoming on the podcast and
sharing your story.
You are inspiring.
You have a beautiful soul andyou have an incredible product.
So I, I'm, I feel really blessedto be able to met you and your
journey and I can't wait to seewhere it goes.
Kelly (40:41):
Thank you so much.
Elizabeth (40:45):
Woo wee, man, that was a wonderful episode if I say
so myself, I hope you allenjoyed it just as much as I
did.
Big thanks to Kelly Mondora forcoming on the podcast, the in
between this week.
As I mentioned, you can find herproducts in so many stores I'm
sure you recognize.
And be sure to check out her newspecial product launch for the
(41:06):
hashtag Brighten the Fightcampaign.
Remember a hundred percent ofthe proceeds benefit the Breast
Cancer Research Foundation.
So it all goes to a great cause.
Cheers to wonderful founders,creators, and anyone following a
dream.
You know that speaks to my heartand soul, so, uh, I hope today's
episode left you inspired.
(41:27):
I know I've been a little MIAthe past few weeks.
Do not worry.
We're going to catch up on allthe things next week on an all
new in between.
we are going to get back to ourregular scheduled programming, I
assure you, everyone, I assureyou, you know, you can always
keep up with me on Instagram atElizabeth Cheney underscore and
at in dot between pod.
Yes, that's two separateaccounts.
(41:47):
You can follow me on tick tockand YouTube at the in between
podcast and then my website indash between.
co you can find all myinformation, catch up on all the
episodes and things like that.
Welcome to my world.
So I'm going to go.
I will see you All on a newepisode of the in between next
week.
And until then, I am your host,Elizabeth Cheney.
(42:08):
Bye bye.
Hey, Hey, Hey, everyone.
Welcome back to another episodeof The In Between.
I'm your host Elizabeth Cheneyand I have a special guest for
y'all this week.
I have Kelly Mondori here on thepodcast today.
Kelly is the founder of IliosLighting.
What's that you ask?
Well, it's the first and onlymakeup mirror that mimics.
(00:26):
Perfect natural daylight.
Yes.
You know how we love the selfiesoutside.
Imagine getting your makeup doneoutside, but inside we love
that.
So launched in 2021, it hasquickly grown.
it's gained the attention of thelikes of, I don't know, Kim
Kardashian.
Bella Hadid, Tati Westbrook,Patrick Starr.
It's in over 250 storesglobally.
(00:47):
I mean, it's so bad ass.
It's so cool.
I know you've heard of NeimanMarcus, Bloomingdale's, target.
com, and that's just naming afew.
So I'm so excited to have Kellyon the podcast today.
She's going to talk about herstory and what makes her company
unique.
We're also going to talk about,uh, the holiday season, you
know, maybe some new productscoming up and then most
importantly, a very specialcampaign, hashtag.
(01:09):
Brighten the fight.
Um, that is supporting a cause.
It's super important to Kelly'sheart.
I think a lot of us have ties toit, but breast cancer awareness.
So on that note, I'm going toquit talking and I'm going to
give it to Kelly.
Kelly, welcome to the podcast.
Kelly (01:22):
Hi, Elizabeth.
Thanks for having me.
It's so nice to meet you.
Elizabeth (01:25):
Well, uh, I'm really excited.
I'm so glad Brooke put us incontact to each other.
And, my first question is, Youwere in the professional
lighting industry before thisever happened, right?
Kelly (01:37):
I was actually, um, when I was 23, just like literally
out of college, newly married, Itook a job as a data entry clerk
for a photo lighting company.
They're actually one of thelargest in the world now.
And, uh, yeah, I, I worked therefor 20 years and work my way up
from the bottom and I eventuallybecame president and a
shareholder.
No,
Elizabeth (01:59):
is started from the bottom.
Now we're here.
Oh my gosh.
I was going to say like, I takeit.
You're not doing data entryanymore.
That's so impressive.
Oh my gosh.
Okay.
Well, that's so cool.
So when, how did you get theinspiration for Ilios?
Kelly (02:16):
It was like, I always love lighting.
I loved doing that.
I loved working withphotographers and videographers.
And at that time, my kids weregoing into high school and I
traveled a lot.
So I kind of hit the point whereI'm like, I just want to do
something different.
And, you know, you know, Whenthey hit high school, you've got
like college visits and allthose exciting things.
And it's such an important time.
(02:36):
So I think my husband thought Iwas crazy, but I decided to sell
my shares and I'm like, I wantto do something new.
So I made this whole crazy lifechange.
Oh yeah.
Elizabeth (02:45):
Oh my, wow.
Kelly (02:46):
the
Elizabeth (02:46):
Okay.
Okay.
Kelly (02:47):
job I basically knew out of college.
And I loved it.
And I was just like, it just, I,it felt right.
Um, and I took that a couple ofyears and I spent that time with
my kids and it was amazing, butit was fun.
It's funny because probably twoweeks after I made and went
through that whole big decision,my daughter was getting into
makeup and she was watching allthe famous YouTubers.
So she was coming to me with alot of questions of mom, should
(03:09):
I get a ring light?
You know, what kind of makeupmirror?
And so that moment, it's justthe lights kind of went off and
I'm like, Oh my goodness,nobody's ever made a makeup
mirror and a ring light.
It's like a necessity withsomething that is so amazing,
especially in today's digitalworld.
And then, um, as I get older, myeyes becomes very hard for me to
see.
(03:29):
And I knew like, if I couldcombine a magnified mirror with
the light of a ring light, thiscould be really cool.
Elizabeth (03:35):
Uh, yeah.
Sign, sign me up and likeeverybody behind me because we
are all, yes, absolutely.
When I was just talking aboutyou and your product to some of
my girlfriends, they were likeGoogle's Ilios lighting very
quickly because that is such aneed.
Like absolutely.
We, we look great outside if Icould do my makeup outside, I
would.
So for you to create somethinglike that is so incredible.
So I want to pause real quick.
(03:56):
So you did not leave yourcompany to start Ilios.
It was just kind of a aligningof the timeline of your life, so
to speak.
It, it could just kind of,
Kelly (04:05):
didn't know what I wanted to do.
I knew I wanted something alittle bit more my baby, you
know, I had so much fun in thephoto industry and love what I
did, but I wanted like a newchallenge.
And I just, I didn't know whatthat was.
And so I'm like, you know, youmight as well take the leap.
You have to do it eventually.
I'm going to do it now andfigure out that next chapter.
Elizabeth (04:22):
That is, that is very like, okay, excuse me, but very
badass, uh, for, cause that wassuch a comfort zone.
You were in such a position ofpower, sure, yes, but it's what
you know, you've worked reallyhard to grow that career and
then you decide, you know, I'mready for a change.
I love that.
That is so inspiring just alone.
So, What exactly, so when youworked in lighting, did you ever
(04:46):
do, I'm assuming you weren't aphotographer or anything like
that, but were you ever like onsets and things like that too?
Kelly (04:51):
That, that became my love.
Like, even though I'm not aphotographer, I think that was
kind of a benefit because itallowed me to look at things
very holistically.
And one of the things I did inmy old company that I loved is I
would spend time with some ofthe most famous photographers
and videographers, and I'd sitdown with them and I'd say, tell
me about what you do, bring meinto your world, what works for
(05:11):
you, what doesn't work for you,what could make things better?
And it really allowed, um, youknow, that company, and it's
what I'm doing also with Elios.
To make things that filled voidsthat people really needed.
And I became very passionateabout it.
So product development andlighting for me, it's just,
everybody's got their thing.
That's my thing.
Elizabeth (05:31):
I love that.
And I also love that you saidyou saw a knee that you wanted
to fill.
Um, I think that's reallybeautiful.
So, I guess you didn't think youwere going to be an entrepreneur
your whole life.
Was that like the first thing?
Kelly (05:44):
No, I, I am kind of embarrassed.
I'm not super book smart.
Like growing up, I was neverlike super smart, whatever, but
I've always been a hard workerand I think, you know, I think
part of entrepreneurship is justlike, it's like a weeble wobble.
It's the best way to describeit.
Like being able to get back upwhen you're pushed down and
learn new things.
And for me, I love thechallenge.
Like even till this day, youknow, when you stop learning,
(06:06):
that's not a good thing.
So I love, I love going outthere and learning new things.
And I think that's part of theentrepreneurial spirit.
Elizabeth (06:13):
absolutely.
And I feel very aligned to thatstatement.
Um, the more you go at it, theless imposter syndrome and I
don't know.
You have to have confidence likemy whole my big pillar is self
love because I went through myown mental health battles and I
Picked myself up through thehelp of therapy and things like
that And I realized the power ofself love like if you love
yourself enough to get help loveyourself to push forward and
(06:36):
that has only Benefited meexponentially in this whole
process Pursuit that I'm doingmyself.
So I think that's beautiful.
Um, that's a great outlook foranyone who wants to be an
entrepreneur.
It's not always easy.
It's not always linear, but youjust got to bet on you and it
sounds like you did that.
And I think that's beautiful.
Um, so it makes sense to me thatwith your expertise that you
(06:58):
would create a showstoppermirror because it sounds like
you're very, you're veryinvolved, yes, but you're very
intentional with everything thatyou're doing.
I can tell, I can see the heartand the energy behind that.
when you talked about the ideathat there wasn't, there was
something missing like in themarket for your daughter, was
the idea to also bring thisprofessional grade product to
(07:18):
consumers?
Kelly (07:19):
Yes.
So after I had the initial idea,I like literally was like, okay,
what do I do now?
So I bought every makeup mirrorout there and I have this, my
little nerdy device.
So I would sit there and I wouldtest it.
And that was kind of my firststep.
And then I put a little call outon our Facebook local mark, like
our community page.
And I'm like, Hey, I'd love totalk to any makeup artists out
(07:42):
there.
So I'd bring makeup artists andI would say, bring me into your
world.
Tell me what you, and so Istarted to do that with everyday
users.
and that kind of, broughteverything together to say,
okay, you know, make it mirrors,do it.
Use old technology and they'renot big enough and they're not
bright enough and there were alot of needs not being met by
(08:03):
makeup artists and I wassurprised that a lot of makeup
artist lights weren't evenutilizing the professional photo
and video quality lighting.
So at that time I just I knewI'm like this is something that
can truly be unique anddifferent like we can be the
first ones to ever utilize thattechnology and put it into a
makeup mirror that simulatesputting your makeup on outdoors.
Elizabeth (08:22):
I love that.
And I'm assuming professionalgrade product, like products,
equipment, that's going to bemuch higher price tag.
So you made it also, I feel likeaccessible for the consumer.
Um, that's, that's incredible.
So you launched in 2021.
How long did it take you to getto that point?
Kelly (08:41):
It took me It took me a few years.
you know, part of that, I was, Iwas enjoying time with my kids
and everybody thinks you justmake a product and then you go,
it's, it's really hard.
Elizabeth (08:50):
right?
Kelly (08:51):
We had COVID, you know, so you had that come along too
because we launched in 2021.
and so, I mean, it took years,but everything that we did was
designed from the ground up.
So it's, you know, drawingsketches and putting your ideas
on paper and then working withan industrial design engineer.
And it morphed like the veryfirst one.
That we designed, it looked likea Hershey kiss and had a speaker
(09:14):
in it.
It was absolutely awful.
Elizabeth (09:16):
I love it.
Kelly (09:17):
I thought it was, you know, I was like, Oh, this is
the best thing.
So it's kind of an evolution.
And I think with productdevelopment, you kind of get to
that point where you're like,okay, we're here.
And a lot of times people willjust.
Keep making changes to it andnever launch.
So I think it's finding thatbalance of making something that
you're really proud of andputting it out into market, but
also not nitpicking so much thatyou're holding yourself back.
(09:39):
Sometimes you just have to pulloff the Band Aid and go.
Elizabeth (09:41):
That's beautifully said.
I know I struggled with that.
So there's a fine line betweenbeing like a perfectionist and
like knowing that what you haveis good and just trusting that
and going because you can alwaysalter here and there a little
bit, this and this, that andthat.
Um, so you did your marketresearch by trying all the
different products.
You are engaging with yourcommunity, trying to just get a
(10:03):
pulse on, you know, what's goingon.
It took you a few years to get alaunch with a product.
I know you worked with some.
Very, uh, very well knownprofessionals in the photography
and makeup space.
So what was that like?
When were they brought in on, onthe, the
Kelly (10:17):
amazing.
Um, so Jerry, Gionis is, he'sone of the top wedding and
portrait fashion photographersworldwide.
He's probably the biggestlighting guru that I knew.
And I worked with him with aproduct back in my photo days.
Elizabeth (10:30):
Hmm.
Kelly (10:31):
So I brought this product to him cause I knew he'd be
picky.
And it was so funny because Iwas like, okay, he's going to
rip me apart if he doesn't likethis.
And he's going to look at thisfrom a professional standpoint.
And so I bring it to him andhe's Australian and he's so
funny.
He's like, Oh, Kelly, Kelly,this, Oh, Kelly, this is really
nice.
You know, he got really excited.
And he's like, this is ourlighting because we worked on a
(10:53):
wand style.
LED was one of the most.
And so he recognized the factthat, oh, my goodness, this
thing is really something trulyspecial.
So he came on board, um, andshot so many of our beautiful
images and videos and everythingthat you see.
And then I also wanted to kindof take things up a level and
reach out to people.
Like a really, really wellknown, person in the space and
(11:17):
just say, okay, I know myfriends in my community are all
going to tell me they love it,but I need like a real deal.
And so I discovered, um, MarioDedivanovic, Makeup by Mario.
And
Elizabeth (11:27):
yes, yes.
Kelly (11:27):
I sent him an email and I'm like, Hey, I come from the
photo industry.
I developed something that Ithink is really great.
And it incorporates lightingthat I don't even think you've
seen in your life as a makeupartist.
Can I show it to you?
And
Elizabeth (11:39):
Just like that.
You just said like a, like acold outreach kind of
Kelly (11:42):
It's a code outreach and, and It was amazing.
And I created a video to showhim.
I'm like, time is money andhere's the product.
And here's me.
And I'm thinking, Oh, likethere's no way that, and he
responded back and he's like,I'd love to see it.
And I'm like, Oh my goodness.
Yeah,
Elizabeth (11:58):
that, when you got that response, did you freak
out?
Kelly (12:01):
I was like, Oh, you know, the funny thing was like, I was
like, Oh my God, I got to get aprototype, like ASAP.
So that was really, you know, itwas amazing.
And, you know, he, he helped mea lot through the project and,
you know, we were communicatinga lot because again, we're, you
know, during the midst of COVIDand the design process of, of
all of this, and, and he wasabsolutely wonderful at bringing
(12:23):
me into the world of makeup and,and he helped bring me down to
earth where, you know, I referto so many technical terms and
he would be like, Kelly, nobodytalks like that.
Like that, like, you know, andso it was great, wonderful,
wonderful person and just a lotof fun working with him on that
product.
Elizabeth (12:40):
That is so cool.
I just want to give you realquick credit.
Like putting yourself out thereis so, I mean, I'm learning the
more I do it, the easier itgets, but to get to that
threshold is a little unnervingfor lack of better words.
And.
I'm not saying that it was oneand like he was the first person
you ever reach out to but toblind reach out like that.
(13:00):
So you bet you have theconfidentiality.
I'm just gonna put it out therebecause what's the worst case?
He ignores me.
That's just what happens.
But then you get Mario, makeupby Mario to be like, hey, this
is amazing.
I mean, oh my god, that is socool, Kelly.
Like, man, that must felt sofulfilling.
So, uh, I have to ask, do you,do you still struggle or did you
(13:22):
struggle with imposter syndrome?
Do you still struggle with it?
And all of this, because what Isee is a, a incredible bad ass
woman who bet on herself andcreated a product that obviously
was needed.
And now she has seen beautifulsuccess from that.
Kelly (13:39):
You know what?
I struggle.
I think everybody does.
I mean, self confidence it'shard.
Like there are days and, and I.
And I think sometimes peopledon't talk about this enough.
Like when you start a businessfor every one fabulous day, you
have, you're going to have sixthat are just, they're awful.
Elizabeth (13:55):
Amen.
Amen.
Kelly (13:57):
you know what?
I think that you have tocelebrate the victories and then
don't let You know, cause thereare some things that, you know,
during a business, when you'relaunching, it's like, why did I
do that?
You know, what was my thinking?
And I think you just have tokind of like regroup and say,
okay, everybody makes mistakes.
How do you make it better?
How do you move on?
How do you do this?
But it's, I mean, it's hard.
(14:18):
It's, it is.
It's very, very difficult.
And I think as women, we tend toput more pressure on ourselves
sometimes.
Yeah.
Elizabeth (14:26):
but comparing myself to other people, it's not that I
am, um, It's not about keepingup, but it's like, okay, when
you're having those six daysthat aren't the best days, it's
cause that is the truest thingI've ever heard.
My might be like 10 bad days forone, but that's okay.
That's okay.
Um, But it's, it's the constanteffort of, of just pushing
through, pushing through.
(14:47):
But I, it's not that I'mcomparing myself per se, but
it's like, am I doing enough?
Oh, this person's posting allthe time or this person's doing
that.
And it's just quieting the noiseand just, Believing in yourself,
believing in the path, but it's,it's hard and I, for at least
for me, I have to constantlylike work at it because it
doesn't, it's something thatdoesn't take much, but because
(15:08):
you're doing something a littledifferent, right, you're kind of
off the beaten path, you don'thave any like safety posts or
guardrails to guide you along.
You're kind of doing ityourself.
So it's like, Oh, I don't wantto use that as my pulse, but I
can't help but compare myself tothem because like, I don't have
nothing else to compare to.
Kelly (15:24):
Well, and when you have those bad days, you're always
looking at everything else likethe, the glasses, you know, full
on the other side where it'slike, oh, you know, and it is
it's it is it's it's I thinkpeople struggle with it.
If they don't admit it, thenthey're heroes.
Because I think we all do.
Or the.
Elizabeth (15:39):
that they're heroes.
I was like, get out of my diary.
That's what I write.
Like today, tomorrow's going tobe a better day.
I'm going to do it right.
Um, no, that's incredible.
so I know you have severaldifferent products.
I'm just curious when you, so,cause like the full mirror was
like the first product.
So.
With your launch, where did theother different products come?
(16:00):
Cause I mean, like the compactone, there's like the wall one.
I guess they're just differentversions of your product.
But I am, I am just curious whenyou have an idea, all those
little popcorns come at the sametime or how?
Kelly (16:12):
The second one we launched was the rechargeable
mirror, and that's the one thatcan either go on the wall, on a
table, or on a suction cup.
And I, when I would travel, Iwould bring my beauty ring,
that's our first one,everywhere, because I'm
obsessed.
Like, I'm the crazy travelerthat brings it everywhere.
But, when I would dointernational trips, and I was
like, how much can I get in acarry on?
I don't have that much.
I did not like that I couldn'tbring my mirror with me.
(16:34):
And so that's where therechargeable came in.
I'm like, I need to createsomething that people can use at
home and also be able to attachto like the, um, the mirror in
the hotels to give you goodlighting.
So that's where that one camefrom.
and then the compact mirror wasjust all compact mirrors are too
small.
Like when you open them
Elizabeth (16:51):
they are.
Thank you.
Kelly (16:53):
My eyes are not like, what am I looking at?
I can see half an eye or likepart of my nose.
And so for that one, it waslike, okay, we need to make it
bigger, brighter, and we need ashut off timer in it.
Cause I would close it and throwit in my purse.
And then I'd get up the nextmorning and it would be dead.
And so that those were kind ofthe things
Elizabeth (17:12):
So smart.
So smart.
So it took you a few years toget to this point, but now here
you are.
So 2021 massive growth.
You're in over 250 storesglobally, which I mean, Kelly,
that is so badass.
Cause like when I was searchingyou and to see like, I mean,
maybe it's just me, but I mean,I'm sure you feel the same way,
(17:32):
but to see your product come upand it's like Neiman Marcus,
Boomingdale's, like all thesehigh end, well named stores,
like that's incredible.
And then you've also gained theattention of huge name
celebrities.
So my question is, how does itfeel to not only see a dream
realized, but to see it and howfast it's grown to see the
notoriety you've gained?
Kelly (17:53):
I mean, it's crazy.
It's just it's you know For me,it's always like goals and then
you're trying to check it offand move to the next one But
there are times like I Iremember when it first started
out every time a notification onmy phone and I would just like
Looking anxiously like, Oh, Igot an order.
Ooh, oh my goodness.
Another influencer posted.
Oh my goodness.
And to be where, um, you know,we're at now and to all the
(18:16):
retailers, it's, it's justsurreal.
And, and I love the retailers.
You know, a lot of people asklike, why do you choose
retailers?
Isn't that, I love the retailersbecause I actually personally go
into a lot of these stores and Itravel around and I go in and I
meet the people and I meet thewonderful salespeople, but
that's like the only chance thatI get to meet To come out of my
shell sometimes in the corporateday to day and to interact with
(18:39):
customers, to interact with, youknow, the staff at the stores.
And I think that's healthy for abrand because it gives me the
ability to be able to see what'snew in the beauty space, see
what's new in makeup and maybehelp embrace ideas on, on
different things.
Elizabeth (18:54):
That is so cool.
That's, that's very, very smart.
Very impressed.
Again, you know, you have a, Ican, I, I'm sensing it like you
are very driven and you arevery, I can, you have big
picture, like, I feel like youcan find all the little holes in
the needs and you're good atfilling those.
I, I'm, I'm curious how,'causeyou were, you said president of,
at your previous company whereyou got your start.
(19:15):
So you have, I'm as, I'm gonnaassume as the president, you've
got really good leadershipexperience.
So how does that play into.
Betting on yourself andcontinuing to put yourself out
there cause I'm sure that'shelped grow as quick as it's
grown as to the capacity it has.
Kelly (19:31):
It does, but it's also a team.
You know, you have to, you can'tdo everything alone.
When you start a business, it'svery lonely because at the
beginning, it's usually justyou.
Um, so I think the other elementof that is, building a team and,
and, you know, that, that canhelp get you to those levels not
everybody can be good ateverything.
You have to surround yourselfwith people that fill in your
voids.
(19:51):
Um, and so I think that's,that's definitely important for
any entrepreneur.
Elizabeth (19:55):
Absolutely.
So does your daughter think it'spretty, pretty incredible that
her mother created thisincredible product just cause
she was getting into makeup?
Kelly (20:04):
Oh, yes.
She was always the one.
She's like, Mom, I just watchedMikaela Nagori's TikTok.
Your mirror is in there.
Mom, Bella Hadid posted aselfie.
Like,
Elizabeth (20:12):
that's going to be so cool.
Kelly (20:13):
she thinks it's pretty cool.
And she's actually a model in alot of the stuff that we shoot.
So a lot of people know
Elizabeth (20:18):
Oh, that's gotta be cool.
I did it to be able to like workwith your daughter with it.
Kelly (20:22):
Yes, yes.
It's a lot of fun.
Elizabeth (20:23):
That's so incredible.
You know, I feel like no one'spath is ever linear and it's
just, it, it seems like you weremade for this.
Like, that's what's sointeresting.
I feel like you've been a CEO ofthis company for decades cause
you're so confident in the wayyou talk and the way you carry
yourself.
So you're, you're pretty epicfounder, Kelly, pretty epic
founder if I say so myself.
So um, overall.
(20:45):
You've been doing the work,you've been taking the pivots,
six days back for one amazingday forward as you do in this
crazy pursuit.
So we've seen the evolution ofIlios, let's talk about what's
next because I mean, It soundslike you have such a robust,
well to do company, but I knowyou have so many exciting things
coming.
specifically, since I know we'regetting close to October, which
(21:07):
is Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth, um, I know that you have
a very special campaign that isin ties to breast cancer
awareness.
And I know you have personalties to breast cancer, is that
correct?
Um, Do you want to, do you feelcomfortable sharing a little bit
more about that?
And then we can really get intothe campaign.
Kelly (21:27):
Yeah, I yeah, absolutely.
my, my grandmother, my motherand my aunt Diane are all breast
cancer survivors.
So, you know, although mygrandmother has passed, you
know, they I'm so proud thatthey're all survivors, but you
know when my mom got Breastcancer, it was just, it was my
mom.
It was very, I think it just,it, was very hard on, on, even
(21:49):
me thinking, oh my goodness,what's gonna happen?
And I couldn't imagine, youknow, being on this planet
without her, and so, you know, Iworry about my own risk with
breast cancer, and I've, youknow, had some scares on
different things, and, you know,I'm one of those people that are
very hard when to get themammograms with the dentists,
breast tissue and all of thatother good stuff.
So for me, I'm really passionateabout awareness and making sure
(22:13):
people are going in and gettingtheir annual checkups.
And, and yeah, it's just, it'skind of a, I don't talk about
personal things, but it's, it'svery special to me.
So we wanted to do something forthe month of October and our
compact mirror has been sopopular that we are doing a pink
version and we're doing, uh,it's so cute.
It's pink and it's got like alittle cute golden bag and it's
(22:36):
just a gold logo.
It's absolutely adorable.
Um, but we're doing a hundredpercent of the net proceeds are
going to the breast cancer,research, foundation and we
want, we're hoping to be able todonate over 50,
Elizabeth (22:48):
That is incredible.
I just got goosebumps.
I don't know if you can seethem, but I just got goosebumps.
That is so cool.
And I also think it's reallyexciting to roll out like a
special product launch forsomething like it just makes
everything even more special.
so you said, a hundred percentof the proceeds are going to
towards breast cancer researchfoundation.
Wow.
That's amazing.
Kelly (23:08):
Thank you.
Thank
Elizabeth (23:10):
That is like putting money where your, or putting
your mouth where money is.
What's the phrase?
Your mouth where your money is?
I think I just butchered that.
But you know what I'm saying.
Um, it's, you know, the older Iget, the more people I, I talk
to that do have some, you know,strong ties to something like
that.
And it's really sad,heartbreaking that, you know, It
affects so many people, um, butI think it's beautiful that you
(23:33):
are using your passion, yourproduct, your heart to benefit
something.
I mean, a hundred percent,that's, that's really
incredible.
so I just, I'm just giving youmy own personal take on that.
Like, I think that's reallyspecial and it's a cute launch,
a cute product.
I can't wait.
Um, so cute.
So that starts in October,October 1st.
Kelly (23:51):
October and we even the, it's a limited edition, the
inside of the box, we reachedout to our customer base and we
gave people the ability to beable to honor a fighter or
survivor or someone that waslost.
And so on the inside, when youopen it up, there's names of
women all on the inside.
And we're really, it's, yeah,it's really neat.
Elizabeth (24:09):
That's incredible.
Wow.
Kelly (24:10):
Yeah.
Elizabeth (24:11):
that's beautiful.
I only have words for that.
That's so special andthoughtful.
I can't imagine what thosepeople are going to feel like
when they see that.
That's beautiful, Kelly.
man.
Okay.
Well, that, I don't even,anything else that you want to
share about this?
Like, that's just, that is so,like I said, intentional
earlier.
I know we live in a capitalisticsociety.
I see quotations.
(24:32):
We literally live in acapitalistic society.
Don't know why I did quotationsfor that.
Um, and it's just, it's reallyis beautiful and it is inspiring
if I'm going to be honest to seea founder.
Yes, I created product.
That's great.
I love the clout.
I love the notoriety, and Ibelieve in my product and I
believe in my product so muchthat I want to, I want to use it
(24:53):
to benefit something completelyseparate from myself
wholeheartedly.
A hundred percent.
No questions asked.
that is very commendable.
And I just want to say like, youknow, my hat's off to you for
that, because it's nice to see,because I feel like we don't see
it too, too often.
Um, so I, I, as a person, notthat my opinion matters that
much, but I appreciate that as aconsumer.
it, because it also makes yourbrand more real, you know, more
(25:17):
honest, more relatable in a waytoo.
Because like I said, so manypeople have been affected by
cancer to some degree, I feellike.
Kelly (25:24):
Yeah, it's, it's, it's scary.
Elizabeth (25:27):
Yeah.
so.
We talked about the campaign.
I know the holiday season'scoming up, which is honestly
insane.
I can't believe it's August.
No, it's not even August.
It's September.
See?
Oh my gosh, I don't even havethe month right.
So, do you have anythingexciting coming up for the
holidays?
What's going on?
Kelly (25:42):
We do.
We actually have a new productlaunching October 9th.
I'm so excited.
We've been working on this thingfor two years and I,
Elizabeth (25:49):
in addition to the, the campaign?
Kelly (25:50):
yes.
So we, we have, it's like, yes,we're, we're doing them back to
back.
Like we were really passionateabout starting the campaign on
October 1st.
Cause you know, we felt thetiming and everything of that,
but yeah, we have anotherproduct we've been working on.
It is probably the most advancedcircuitry.
There goes the tech nerd in me
Elizabeth (26:08):
I was like, what does that mean exactly?
Really?
Kelly (26:11):
just, I'm so excited.
So it is launching, October 9thand I guess the only thing I
could say about it, it is a lotdifferent than other things in
our product.
Um, it's just very sexy andsleek.
So it's very unique.
Elizabeth (26:25):
Hmm.
I, and it's a, okay.
I'm not allowed to guess, am I?
I,
Kelly (26:29):
Sure.
Elizabeth (26:31):
I, I, you said sexy and sleek.
Is it weird the first thing Ithought of was like some type of
sex toy?
Or is that I'm
Kelly (26:40):
Oh, that's so next year.
No, I'm just kidding.
No, it's It's, it's along thelines of a mirror, but it is,
it's just, it's really differentand it's, it's just, it's, it's,
yeah.
It's sleek.
Sleek and sexy.
Elizabeth (26:54):
Okay.
Um, so October 9th, in additionto, hashtag brighten the fight.
So basically any clips promos,I'm going to make sure I put the
hashtag to get the brandawareness out there, the
rollout.
And I am so intrigued to knowwhat this is.
Sexy, sleek, cause you're, causeyou lit up when you started
talking about it.
So I am like, I have to knowwhat this is.
Kelly (27:16):
Everybody I showed it to, they like, they like light up.
So it is just, we're very, I'mso excited for this launch.
I think it's gonna be a lot offun.
Elizabeth (27:22):
you're like a pioneer, like in the consumer
mirror light space.
which again, didn't realizethere was such a need, but after
seeing your products and seeingthe difference, cause I think
that's so beneficial, like onyour website, how you show what
different lights will presentand then your light, and it's
like, Oh my God.
different, like, I don't evenfeel like I'm duped, my
(27:43):
goodness.
So, that's, that's really,really cool.
you know, I want to say onething.
You, you mentioned earlier thatyou, you know, growing up you
didn't think you were reallybook smart, but you were very
driven.
And, has that given you any morekind of imposter syndrome or
challenges?
Because I mean, for you to be adata entry, what'd you say?
Clerk specialist person, likeyou're just plugging in info to
(28:03):
then be the president to thenroll out your own product, your
own company.
It's grown to the mammoth thatit has.
I mean, I think that is soincredible.
so maybe not imposter syndrome.
You can speak to that, but just.
How does it feel now lookingback on everything, you know,
your career, your past and whereyou are today?
How, how does it feel?
Kelly (28:25):
I mean, I think I'm I'm it's funny because I guess I
don't think about that kind ofstuff.
Sometimes I'm so thankful forall the experiences that I've
have.
I've had, you know, I'm sothankful to my original company
for letting me grow within thatcompany and they every time, you
know, Back, I'm 23 years oldand, they would say, we need
(28:45):
somebody to do this.
I'd raise my hand, I'll do it,I'll go, I'll do this.
And so, back then I, I probably,didn't realize how much I was
learning and then it just kindof, you know, hit me like a,
Think of bricks and it's like,Oh my goodness.
I, you know, I, I know a lot.
but yeah, I just, I don't know.
I mean, I'm, I'm, I'm happy.
I love it.
I'm very passionate about it.
(29:06):
I can't imagine doing anythingdifferent.
And for me, I just hope that, Ican help inspire other women to
go after their dreams and, takethe leap because, half the time,
again, it's just, it's justdoing it, ripping off the band
aid and going and, uh, Yeah, Ithink sometimes people don't
give themselves enough credit.
They get nervous and they'relike, Oh, I can't do it cause
I'm not smart enough or I'm notthis or that.
(29:28):
It's like if you have tenacityand spirit and you believe in
yourself, like just do it.
You'll figure it out.
Elizabeth (29:35):
Snaps Kelly.
I literally, on my whiteboard, Ihave a quote that says leap and
the net will appear.
Kelly (29:41):
Aw.
I
Elizabeth (29:43):
mean, sometimes it's easier said than done.
Sometimes I'm like, where is thenet?
Cause I don't feel it, but itis.
Um,
Kelly (29:50):
I love that.
Elizabeth (29:51):
and it really has helped guide me, especially when
I first rolled out the podcastand I was like, So intimidated
talking by my, like my firstepisode was eight minutes long
and I'm terrified, but nowlooking back on it, I'm like,
I'm so glad I did that.
Like consistently, constantlyputting myself out there and I
am now creating the life Idreamed of.
I mean, I'm not quite there yet,but it's, it's to be on that
(30:14):
path.
I'm now at the place where it'sexciting to know that I'm doing
this for myself.
Do I know where it's going?
No.
I mean, of course I have ideas,but like we're on the uncharted
path, right?
I'm sure you can relate to thatand it's just.
Believing on yourself, becausewhy not you?
Right.
Anytime I doubt, I ask myself,why not me?
Kelly (30:32):
you have a great personality too.
You come across just, it'sgreat.
Yeah.
Elizabeth (30:37):
I feel very like, I feel very kindred to you as
well.
I may be a little loud, formertheater kid, but you have such a
light energy, very, very bright,very positive, very driven.
And I, find that inspiring.
I know other people will find itinspiring, and I am always here
for any conversation aroundbetting on yourself, cause I
think that's the mostintimidating thing you can do,
(30:59):
and, just to circle it back tolike my whole little pillar
about self, my whole little, mybig pillar about self love, that
is the ultimate form of selflove, to believe in yourself
enough to do something that youwant to do, even though you're
terrified.
Kelly (31:13):
I love it.
Very well said.
Love it.
Elizabeth (31:16):
Well, Kelly, I, I can't wait to see what happens
with, well, I can't wait for thecampaign.
I can't wait for this new sexy,sleek product.
I'm like, LOLing at me callingit a sex toy.
But like you said, next year'slaunch, we'll call goop.
We'll call Gwyneth, be like, HeyGwyneth.
Uh, but that's so exciting.
So I'm going to let you tee upyour social where everyone can
find you, everything like that.
(31:38):
but I do want to ask what aresome last, or not even last, but
do you have any advice to anyonelistening?
Maybe they have a product ideabecause that's how you started.
You didn't have a prototype whenyou reached out to make up with
Mario.
So if anyone has an idea, butthey're terrified because where
do you start?
Anything like that?
What do you say?
Kelly (31:58):
would say, network with your community, believe in
yourself and research.
Like we are so fortunate to,have the amount of information
at our fingertips.
And a lot of it is just dig in,research, figure it out, find
it, talk to different people.
you know, I think that's alwaysthe best way to go into it.
And you'll be surprised.
There are so many wonderfulpeople out there.
(32:19):
Like I have a mentor from mylocal community.
and you can find people outthere that will help you and,
kind of, um, You know, whetherit's just running an idea or
different things.
I have like a marketing mentorand a business mentor and, you
know, finding those people.
And then I think, once you getto that level at sharing your
experiences, what you've donewrong and what you've done right
(32:40):
with others too.
So you're always kind ofconstantly, giving back and
helping others through some ofthose challenges as well.
Elizabeth (32:47):
So do you coach other entrepreneurs or aspiring
entrepreneurs and things likethat?
Kelly (32:52):
I try to, I work a lot.
Like I, I even work with thelocal high schools and the DECA
teams and I go in and I talk to.
Elizabeth (32:58):
that.
Kelly (32:59):
I go in and talk to some of the local kids that are
thinking about going intobusiness.
And I'm, I'm probably more knownfor giving the real, like, I'm
not going to, you know, unicornsand rain, like I'm just going to
pull everything together andlike tell you everything, like
the hard, the good, the bad, therewarding and, and, and all of
that.
So, yeah, I'm, I want tocontinue to do that more.
Elizabeth (33:19):
I think that's really important too.
Cause like how we talked aboutearlier about like comparing
yourself, you know, they alwayssay social media is the
highlight reel.
It, you don't often see thestruggle, like the come up, you,
you just see the outcome.
You know, you don't necessarilylike an overnight success
typically takes 10 years.
You know, that's a joke that Iwill say with some of my
friends.
Well, you know, the overnightsuccess took 12 years to get
(33:40):
there.
Like, that's just how it is.
But it's, I think what makes orbreaks is you have to just
believe in yourself enough tojust keep going.
and because you seem like such apositive person in such a
beautiful light, I can't thinkof a better person to give that
message because it's also like,You know, because sometimes the
hard, hard truth when it's justlike, like, okay, I didn't ask
(34:01):
for you to be a jerk.
I just needed you to boost myconfidence a little bit.
My gosh,
Kelly (34:06):
my goodness.
Elizabeth (34:07):
you know, you know who I'm talking about.
I'm not talking about a specificperson, but the type of thing.
So, no, I think that's, that'sreally special.
then one thing I also want topoint out, or not point out, but
one thing I want to say, and I'mcurious what your thoughts are
on this.
One thing I've learned is as wewalk this unbeaten path, this
unknown path, and there's speedbumps and pivots and this and
(34:27):
this and that and that.
You don't know how it's going towork out, but things keep
working out because when you'reon your path, you meet people
like I'm googling podcasting.
Well, I'm going to find peoplein podcasting, to connect with
them.
And then boom, you make thisconnection.
They introduce you to thisperson, introduce you to that
person.
Then before you realize you'reinterviewing Kelly Mondora on
your podcast, and it's like,wow, this is so cool.
(34:48):
So do you have anything to sayto that?
It seems a little bit kind oflike that's how your path was.
You have this inspiration.
You also have this incrediblebackground in this industry.
And then you basically took yourintelligence, your expertise and
we're like, well, I see a hole.
I'm going to fill it because whosays I can't.
but the more steps you walked,even though you weren't sure
where you were going, did youfeel that?
(35:08):
Did you, did it feel like thatto you were?
Yeah.
You know, things just happenbecause you're asking the
questions, you're finding theright groups, you're Googling
the right things.
Kelly (35:17):
think that's important.
I think just always having youreyes open and just thinking and,
and, you know, whether it'scoming across, a very impressive
person that, you hold onto theirinformation and maybe one day
you have a position for them andyou hire them, you know, just
those types of things.
I think you always just kind ofhave to keep your mind open and,
um, you know, just be open toadvice opportunities, you know,
(35:38):
um, you know, we, we, we, Again,we're, we're all good at some
stuff and bad at other stuff.
So I think, you know, networkingand being open to that, it's,
it's definitely important.
Elizabeth (35:49):
Absolutely.
So, final question.
Well, actually, I'm going togive you, I'm going to give you
a real big final question andthen I'm going to give you like
a fun little final question.
My big final question is, I knowwe talked about what's next,
immediately next, but where doyou see Ilios in the next like
five, ten years?
Kelly (36:06):
I would love to just kind of keep expanding into lighting.
Um, maybe do some more expansioninto beauty.
Um, I see it outside of justmakeup mirrors.
And that's really kind of myfocus.
Um, and you know, expanding moreinto the beauty space.
Obviously I want to expand moreon an international level as
(36:28):
well.
And yeah, we've always got somefun stuff cooking.
Elizabeth (36:31):
Ooh, I love that.
How does, I'm curious, how doesthat work?
Like, are you, when you'recoming up with different
products, are you looking likefive, six years down the line?
This is, I'm just curious.
How does, how does that work?
Product launches.
Kelly (36:43):
I always have, it's always like the here and now.
So it, I always have my ideaboard where it's like, these are
the products, but I, I try tolook at things at least five
years in advance to say, okay,if we do, and sometimes you
might get there in five years,sometimes you might get there
sooner.
Sometimes it might be longer tosay, okay, well, I want to
achieve this in this category.
(37:03):
Okay.
Then let's figure out, you know,another area that we want to go
into.
What are our goals in that area?
Um, you know, how does thatalign with our current brand
now?
And it's always evolving.
So I think you don'tnecessarily, you know, keep it
in concrete.
This is what we're doing, butit's just kind of that idea.
And then you just kind of letthat path kind of ebb and flow
depending on how it works out.
Elizabeth (37:25):
Whenever you have your masterclass on how to
launch a product, start abusiness.
Will you please give me a calljust so I can take it?
Thank you.
Please and thanks.
I'm serious.
I'm just picturing you on themasterclass promos I always get.
It's like, have you ever won aLacha product?
Kelly Mondura.
Like, seriously.
I'm so well spoken.
(37:46):
Hey, put that idea down.
Seriously, though.
As the whole time you'retalking, I was like, you are so
intelligent.
Like you are, I don't know whatyou think, what you're saying
about books, but you are sosmart.
I would definitely take a classfrom you.
Um, so I mean that, but my lastfun question.
So what are you currently inbetween and it can be literally
(38:08):
silly.
It could be stupid.
It could be, it could beserious.
It could be small.
It's whatever you interpret.
Kelly (38:15):
In between.
Oh, I'm going to take itpersonal.
Elizabeth (38:19):
Ooh, even that's my favorite.
Kelly (38:23):
I am in between, and I think it had, and I don't know
why my mind went to this first.
I'm at that stage.
I'm an empty nester.
I am in between the stage of,of, of your kids graduating and
getting ready to graduate highschool.
My kids graduating from highschool and getting ready to
graduate college and start thatjourney.
So I kind of like I'm in betweenthis.
(38:45):
Where I've like, you know, mybabies don't, you know, need me
as much anymore and I'm watchingthem become these young adults
and it's, it's very rewarding,but it's just kind of like
watching somebody else's, youknow, path and watching your
kids become adults and do whatthey love.
And I love this time.
It's, it's kind of exciting.
So, yeah, so it's just, I'm inbetween
Elizabeth (39:05):
Aw, I bet you inspire them all the time, too, to see
you kind of leading the chargeand, I don't know, just, I think
there's just something somagical about any person that
bets on themself to follow theirdream.
So, I, I'm sure that plays intotheir life so, so strongly, too,
to see you
Kelly (39:20):
where my, my son is the techie one and my daughter,
although quiet and sweet, Ithink she's our little, our
little quiet entrepreneur, maybeone day.
Yeah.
Elizabeth (39:28):
she'll be taking a note from mom's book.
Oh,
Kelly (39:30):
Yeah, I don't know.
Elizabeth (39:32):
So as I've mentioned, Elias products are in so many
incredible stores,Bloomingdale's and Neiman
Marcus.
I mean, seriously, I was likejaw dropped and I was going
through your website.
where can everyone find you ifyou want to give your websites
any kind of social handles,anything like that?
Kelly (39:48):
Our website is elioslighting.
co and then we're atelioslighting on Instagram,
Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Elizabeth (39:57):
Perfect.
Well, then I'll make sure that Ilink all of that in the show
notes.
I'll also tag everybody or tageverybody, tag everything in the
episode clips, this episode willalso be on YouTube.
and we're going to get thisready for your hashtag Brighten
the fight.
So I can't wait to see that.
Cause I, I just can't.
It's the little compact mirror.
because like you hit it on thehead.
They are so small.
That's why I never use onebecause like.
(40:21):
That's what it's like, right?
Kelly (40:22):
Oh, look
Elizabeth (40:23):
gracious.
So well Kelly, this has beenwonderful.
I can't thank you enough forcoming on the podcast and
sharing your story.
You are inspiring.
You have a beautiful soul andyou have an incredible product.
So I, I'm, I feel really blessedto be able to met you and your
journey and I can't wait to seewhere it goes.
Kelly (40:41):
Thank you so much.
Elizabeth (40:45):
Woo wee, man, that was a wonderful episode if I say
so myself, I hope you allenjoyed it just as much as I
did.
Big thanks to Kelly Mondora forcoming on the podcast, the in
between this week.
As I mentioned, you can find herproducts in so many stores I'm
sure you recognize.
And be sure to check out her newspecial product launch for the
(41:06):
hashtag Brighten the Fightcampaign.
Remember a hundred percent ofthe proceeds benefit the Breast
Cancer Research Foundation.
So it all goes to a great cause.
Cheers to wonderful founders,creators, and anyone following a
dream.
You know that speaks to my heartand soul, so, uh, I hope today's
episode left you inspired.
(41:27):
I know I've been a little MIAthe past few weeks.
Do not worry.
We're going to catch up on allthe things next week on an all
new in between.
we are going to get back to ourregular scheduled programming, I
assure you, everyone, I assureyou, you know, you can always
keep up with me on Instagram atElizabeth Cheney underscore and
at in dot between pod.
Yes, that's two separateaccounts.
(41:47):
You can follow me on tick tockand YouTube at the in between
podcast and then my website indash between.
co you can find all myinformation, catch up on all the
episodes and things like that.
Welcome to my world.
So I'm going to go.
I will see you All on a newepisode of the in between next
week.
And until then, I am your host,Elizabeth Cheney.
(42:08):
Bye bye.
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