29. From nail art in Dalston to global beauty-tech icon | Sharmadean Reid MBE

How do you build a brand that not only speaks to a whole generation of women, but also transforms an entire industry? In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Sharmadean Reid MBE, the trailblazing entrepreneur behind brands such as WAH Nails, Beautystack and The Stack World. We discuss her experiences navigating the fashion and tech industries, how the pandemic changed her outlook on business, and the inspiration behind her new luxury beauty brand, 39 BC. Sharmadean Reid MBE is an entrepreneur, creative consultant and advocate for women’s empowerment. Her work focuses on women’s power, equity and ownership. Sharmadean launched WAH Nails in 2009 as a place for women to hang out, form friendships and build communities while getting creative nail designs. She also founded beauty booking system, Beautystack in 2017, as well as The Stack World in 2021. In recognition of her contributions, Sharmadean received an MBE in 2015 from Queen Elizabeth II. She published her first book, New Methods for Women in 2024, and is currently working on her second book, along with a scripted TV show about female founders. Timestamps 01:30 The birth of WAH Nails 05:54 From nail salon to global brand 10:09 The transition to tech and venture capital 12:08 Building Beautystack 20:10 Challenges and reflections during the pandemic 26:06 The pivot to The Stack World 30:38 Corporate anarchy and women's independence 36:31 Introducing 39 BC 49:25 Future projects and vision Links Check out The Stack World Read Sharmadean Reid’s book Subscribe to Shamadean Reid’s newsletter Follow Sharmadean Reid on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk