Today we’d like to introduce you to Leilah Mundt.
Hi Leilah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I feel like I was born loving beauty products. Growing up in the Inland Empire of California, beauty offered an entire world beyond the cookie-cutter norms of my household. I’m half Iranian, and while my heritage suggests an upbringing rich in beauty cultures, I actually didn’t grow up around any Persian women. My American mom wore blue Maybelline Great Lash mascara, and that was it. I once discovered a bottle of Bain de Soleil Orange Gelée in her drawer, and it was the most exotic thing I’d ever seen. (Fun fact: my daughter’s middle name is Soleil!) From that moment, I was captivated by the possibilities of beauty.
While pursuing my Marketing Degree at FIDM, I supported myself by working with newly launched independent brands like Benefit and Stila. Although I enjoyed the artistry (and learned a lot along the way), my passion lay in the business side of things. After graduation, I found myself working really hard towards that carrot dangling at the top of the corporate ladder. That took over for a few years, but I realized it felt pointless. It felt directionless to me, and it was never going to be my end game. It was never going to feed my soul.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are things you endure when you feel you have no other choice, but the breaking point for me came while working for a women’s wellness company—owned and run by men. I had just become a mother, and the manager told me, “You’re gonna kiss your baby on the forehead at 7:00 am to say goodbye, and you’re not going to be there to put her to bed at night. That’s what this job is.”
Later, I was at a week-long training, and I had to pump in a broom closet, like sitting on a shop vac in the dark. Afterwards, the milk was in the fridge. Have you seen a breast milk bag?
There’s no mistaking what it is. It’s not a milk carton. The same manager grabbed one, waved it around, and said, “Look what I put in my coffee!” I couldn’t ignore the way I was being stripped of my humanity and my motherhood. I realized I wanted to build something where no one else would ever have to feel that way.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Crème Collective?
Crème Collective is a 360º sales, creative, marketing, and fulfillment agency specializing in beauty.
I founded Crème in the early 2000s because I knew in my gut that beauty was on the precipice of a massive paradigm shift. Traditional giants were losing ground to a wave of indie and founder-led beauty brands. We didn’t have a playbook to follow; Crème was born out of the need to innovate and adapt. Our mission from day one has been to foster, empower, and elevate beauty brands. However, in an industry that evolves rapidly, we find ourselves constantly reinventing our services to stay ahead.
I’m incredibly fortunate to lead a team of exceptional beauty experts. With a rare blend of patience and agility, they help brands navigate the complexities of an ever-changing market landscape. Our mission is to ensure that established brands remain vibrant and compelling while also laying the groundwork for the brands of tomorrow.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Running a business is a daily journey filled with uncertainty. I cringe when people label me as a fearless leader because it’s just not the truth. Not only are the livelihoods of my team and their families in my hands, I confront new challenges daily. I don’t claim to have all the answers.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty, I’ve learned to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. If I allowed myself to dwell on every hurdle, I’d never find peace of mind. As an entrepreneur, maintaining perspective and staying focused on the bigger picture is everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cremecollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cremecollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecremecollective/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilah-mundt-a7243326/
