Stripped Minds | Business, Leadership & Brand Strategy Unfiltered
Welcome to Stripped Minds, the podcast where bold thinkers get bare. Hosted by Sasha Fedunchak, brand strategist, founder, and unapologetic truth-teller, this show peels back the layers of business, leadership, and personal growth to explore what really drives success and what holds us back.
Each week, Sasha sits down with founders, creators, and thought leaders who aren’t afraid to get real about the messy, human side of building brands, leading teams, and living with purpose. From the psychology of influence and the evolution of modern leadership to motherhood, ambition, identity, and the performance culture we’re all trying to escape — nothing is off limits.
If you’re a visionary entrepreneur, creative leader, or curious mind who craves big talk over small talk, you’re in the right place. Because real power starts when we strip away the polish and get honest about what it actually takes to build something that lasts.
Stripped Minds | Business, Leadership & Brand Strategy Unfiltered
The Venomous Rise of Intoxicated Cosmetics: Rachel Sommers Ash’s Path to Product Perfection
In this episode of 'The Beauty of Influence,' Sasha interviews Rachel Sommers Ash, CEO and founder of Intoxicated Cosmetics. Rachel shares her unique path from aspiring to work in advertising to creating the first venom-based skincare brand in the beauty industry, driven by a personal journey of loss and self-discovery. The discussion covers the innovative ingredients used in her products, the challenges of launching and growing a business, and the balance between entrepreneurship and motherhood. Listeners are treated to insights into Rachel's fearless approach to branding, her dedication to research, and her relentless drive to succeed.
Connect with Rachel: @intoxicatedcosmetics
You can shop Intoxicated Cosmetics on their website, intoxicatedcosmetics.com, or online at the following retailers: E Cosmetics, Beauty Bridge, and Nordstrom.
Use the code “DARINGHAUS” for 30% off of your next purchase at IntoxicatedCosmetics.com
What You’ll Hear:
01:26 Rachel's Background and Journey
03:39 The Birth of Intoxicated Cosmetics
13:22 The Science Behind the Products
24:24 Entrepreneurial Fears and Vulnerability
27:50 Launching the Brand: Early Challenges and Strategies
31:24 Learning from Mistakes: Product Adjustments and Growth
34:11 The Drive to Succeed: Personal Determination and Resilience
39:46 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
50:46 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Free Resources:
- Is your business BUILT TO OWN? Take the free quiz and find out if you're building an asset, or just operating a 24/7 job. Plus, get actionable insights to start shifting from founder-operator to founder-owner.
- Market Your Reputation Masterclass: Learn how to leverage what OTHER people are saying about you to book your services and sell out your products.
- Understand, Control and Grow Cashflow Masterclass: Daring Haus CFO Mike (my hubby!) put together an easy-to-understand masterclass on cash - because really, we all need to know our numbers to grow our businesses.
Connect with Sasha:
- Hang out with Sasha on Instagram and TikTok
- Follow Daring Haus on Instagram and TikTok
- Work with Daring Haus: daringhaus.com
