Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Patrick Ta built one of the most successful beauty brands in the world after dropping out of high school, filing for bankruptcy at 21, and spending years building his career one client at a time.
What started with a makeup kit and a dream eventually led to working with some of the biggest names in the world, launching Patrick Ta Beauty, and becoming one of the most influential makeup artists of his generation.
But this conversation isn't just about success.
In this episode, Patrick sits down with Emma for a candid conversation about the recent controversy surrounding his Transition Blush launch, the criticism that followed, and what accountability looks like when your name is on the brand. Together, they unpack creator credit, intention versus impact, reputation, and the challenges that come with building in public.
Patrick shares:
• How bankruptcy shaped his ambition and work ethic
• Why makeup was the first thing that gave him confidence
• The journey from celebrity makeup artist to beauty founder
• What he's learned building Patrick Ta Beauty into a leading beauty brand
• How he thinks about accountability, influence, and creator credit
• The responsibility that comes with having your name on the product
• What this experience taught him about leadership and integrity
What's a belief about success you've been carrying that might be costing you more than it's giving you? Drop it in the comments. And subscribe to Aspire with Emma Grede so you don't miss what's next - youtube.com/@EmmaGrede?sub_confirmation=1
#PatrickTa #PatrickTaBeauty #MakeupArtist #BeautyBusiness #Sephora #Rihanna #BeautyBrand #Entrepreneurship #FromNothing #EmmaGrede #AspirePodcast #MakeupMogul #BeautyFounder #BlushLover #BrandBuilding
0:00 Introduction
2:28 High school dropout and bankruptcy
5:21 Makeup gave him confidence
9:10 The power of social media
12:10 Working with Rihanna
13:32 Launching Patrick Ta Beauty
18:45 Ad Break
21:48 Structuring the first deal
23:55 Staying number one
28:12 Scaling the team and taking PE
34:09 All eggs in the Sephora basket
36:32 Ad Break
40:16 What Sephora really taught him
41:36 The Transition Blush controversy
45:33 Owning the impact
49:47 Setting the record straight
52:30 Ad Break
54:25 Taking full responsibility
1:01:06 The next chapter
1:04:25 Rapid Fire
_____
Emma's book START WITH YOURSELF is out now, grab your copy at emmagrede.com or wherever books are sold.
_____
ABOUT ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE
Build the life of your dreams and learn from the world's most successful people.
Emma Grede, one of America's richest self-made women, wants you to make the most of your life. On 'Aspire with Emma Grede', learn through thought-provoking conversations with some of the most successful and smartest minds on the planet, including goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, investor, philanthropist and former chair of Starbucks, Mellody Hobson, podcast host Jay Shetty, billionaire entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban, rapper and cultural icon Cardi B, fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons, actress and entrepreneur Issa Rae, bestselling author and motivational powerhouse Mel Robbins, and public luminaries like Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Charlamagne Tha God, Jessica Alba, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Each episode will unpack their habits, philosophy, and strategies, covering career advice, well-being, psychology, and, of course, how to win in business. The show offers personal stories, data-driven advice, real-world strategies, and the experience you need to turn your dreams into reality.
LISTEN TO ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE
link.pscrb.fm/f0281/Aspire_YT
_______
ABOUT EMMA GREDE
Emma Grede is a founding partner and chief product officer of SKIMS and CEO of Good American. She also made history as the first Black woman to serve as an investor on Shark Tank. Learn more at: emmagrede.com
Patrick Ta built one of the most successful beauty brands in the world after dropping out of high school, filing for bankruptcy at 21, and spending years building his career one client at a time.
What started with a makeup kit and a dream eventually led to working with some of the biggest names in the world, launching Patrick Ta Beauty, and becoming one of the most influential makeup artists of his generation.
But this conversation isn't just about success.
In this episode, Patrick sits down with Emma for a candid conversation about the recent controversy surrounding his Transition Blush launch, the criticism that followed, and what accountability looks like when your name is on the brand. Together, they unpack creator credit, intention versus impact, reputation, and the challenges that come with building in public.
Patrick shares:
• How bankruptcy shaped his ambition and work ethic
• Why makeup was the first thing that gave him confidence
• The journey from celebrity makeup artist to beauty founder
• What he's learned building Patrick Ta Beauty into a leading beauty brand
• How he thinks about accountability, influence, and creator credit
• The responsibility that comes with having your name on the product
• What this experience taught him about leadership and integrity
What's a belief about success you've been carrying that might be costing you more than it's giving you? Drop it in the comments. And subscribe to Aspire with Emma Grede so you don't miss what's next - youtube.com/@EmmaGrede?sub_confirmation=1
#PatrickTa #PatrickTaBeauty #MakeupArtist #BeautyBusiness #Sephora #Rihanna #BeautyBrand #Entrepreneurship #FromNothing #EmmaGrede #AspirePodcast #MakeupMogul #BeautyFounder #BlushLover #BrandBuilding
0:00 Introduction
2:28 High school dropout and bankruptcy
5:21 Makeup gave him confidence
9:10 The power of social media
12:10 Working with Rihanna
13:32 Launching Patrick Ta Beauty
18:45 Ad Break
21:48 Structuring the first deal
23:55 Staying number one
28:12 Scaling the team and taking PE
34:09 All eggs in the Sephora basket
36:32 Ad Break
40:16 What Sephora really taught him
41:36 The Transition Blush controversy
45:33 Owning the impact
49:47 Setting the record straight
52:30 Ad Break
54:25 Taking full responsibility
1:01:06 The next chapter
1:04:25 Rapid Fire
_____
Emma's book START WITH YOURSELF is out now, grab your copy at emmagrede.com or wherever books are sold.
_____
ABOUT ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE
Build the life of your dreams and learn from the world's most successful people.
Emma Grede, one of America's richest self-made women, wants you to make the most of your life. On 'Aspire with Emma Grede', learn through thought-provoking conversations with some of the most successful and smartest minds on the planet, including goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, investor, philanthropist and former chair of Starbucks, Mellody Hobson, podcast host Jay Shetty, billionaire entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban, rapper and cultural icon Cardi B, fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons, actress and entrepreneur Issa Rae, bestselling author and motivational powerhouse Mel Robbins, and public luminaries like Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Charlamagne Tha God, Jessica Alba, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Each episode will unpack their habits, philosophy, and strategies, covering career advice, well-being, psychology, and, of course, how to win in business. The show offers personal stories, data-driven advice, real-world strategies, and the experience you need to turn your dreams into reality.
LISTEN TO ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE
link.pscrb.fm/f0281/Aspire_YT
_______
ABOUT EMMA GREDE
Emma Grede is a founding partner and chief product officer of SKIMS and CEO of Good American. She also made history as the first Black woman to serve as an investor on Shark Tank. Learn more at: emmagrede.com
