Women Who Lead: Inspiring Stories from GSPR’s Female Leaders
At Godfrey Social PR, we have the privilege of working with remarkable women who not only lead thriving businesses but inspire us to dream bigger and lead more purposefully. These trailblazers have turned ideas into impactful brands and demonstrated that with resilience, vision, and a touch of audacity, anything is possible.
We recently sat down with two exceptional female founders, Carol Mehas of arbOUR and Jill Biren of JB SKRUB, to hear their stories, their leadership philosophies, and their advice for future generations. Their words are a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and unwavering determination.
Carol Mehas, CEO & Founder of arbOUR
Carol Mehas, Mother & Founder of arbOUR
Background & Inspiration
What sparked your entrepreneurial journey?
I’ve always been a beauty and wellness junkie. The industry fascinated me, blending artistry with commerce. Working at Sephora and Kiehl’s gave me invaluable insight—customers vote with their wallets, and their feedback is pure gold. I realized I had the ability to shape something meaningful, something that truly addressed their needs. The rise of digital technology only fueled my vision, offering new ways to connect with customers and deliver exactly what they wanted.
What inspired arbOUR’s creation?
It all started with my family. I couldn’t find cleaning products I trusted—ones that were both effective and safe for kids and pets. My experience in the beauty industry taught me the complex hoops companies jump through to ensure safety and quality. With that knowledge, I knew I could create something better. COVID solidified the idea; as we cleaned constantly, I wanted to make sure the products we used weren’t just effective but also safe for the people I loved.
Who were your biggest influences in shaping your leadership style?
My Aunt Sally is a huge inspiration. At 70+, she embraced the digital world, launching a Substack to continue her work as a food writer. Her ability to evolve and stay relevant encouraged me to push boundaries, no matter my age or stage of life.
I’m also inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop. She stays true to her brand, knowing she’s not for everyone—and she’s okay with that. There’s room for everyone in the marketplace if you stay authentic.
Leadership & Vision
What sets arbOUR apart, and how does your leadership contribute?
At arbOUR, the product always comes first. If the product isn’t exceptional, no amount of marketing can fix it. I’m meticulous about quality, ensuring every product reflects our core values. My leadership style is collaborative—I trust my team’s expertise and focus on high-level strategies without getting lost in the weeds.
What are your core leadership values?
Respect for the consumer is paramount. I never preach or tell people what they should buy. Instead, I focus on providing transparent, honest information so they can make decisions that align with their values.
How do you motivate your team?
Preparation is key. No matter where someone falls on the organizational chart, their time is valuable. Being prepared shows respect for their efforts and fosters trust. I also make sure every voice is heard, encouraging collaboration and learning from the unique talents my team brings to the table.
Challenges & Lessons
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Time management is a constant challenge. Balancing creativity with the practical demands of running a business isn’t easy. I’ve learned to prioritize and focus on what truly matters.
What’s been your biggest leadership lesson?
As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get lost in the creative process. But without a solid business and sales plan, creativity alone won’t sustain a company. Finding the balance between vision and commerce is essential.
Can you share a tough decision you’ve made as a leader?
When a supplier went out of business, I had to purchase their formulas—a costly decision that cut into funds meant for sales. It was a hard pill to swallow, but it reinforced my commitment to arbOUR’s long-term vision.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Start small but take that first step.
Trust your instincts—they’re often your best guide.
Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or funding; it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
Reflection & Personal Touch
What keeps you grounded?
My kids and my dog remind me of what’s truly important. Spending time with them pulls me out of work mode and gives me a fresh perspective.
Fun fact: I was a competitive equestrian and dreamed of becoming a journalist before my career pivoted into beauty.
Jill Biren, Co-Founder of JB SKRUB
Jill Biren, Co-Founder, JB SKRUB
Background & Inspiration
What inspired JB SKRUB?
As a mom working in fashion and beauty marketing at Conde Nast, I noticed a glaring gap in the market—skincare for boys. When my nine-year-old son needed something beyond baby wash but wasn’t ready for adult products, I realized there was nothing suitable. Everything was overly fragranced or aimed at girls. Partnering with both Julie Bowen and a former client who’s a formulator, we created JB SKRUB—a line that’s neutral, inclusive, and perfect for active tween and teens.
Who influenced your leadership style?
The women I worked with at Conde Nast—publishers, general managers, and marketing executives—taught me the power of grace under pressure. Their leadership shaped my vision of how to run a business with integrity and authenticity.
Leadership & Vision
What sets JB SKRUB apart?
We involve our customers every step of the way. For example, our new hair collection, which includes a teen—inspired shampoo focused on scalp health, was created based on feedback. Everything, from our formulas to our packaging, is designed with simplicity and inclusivity in mind.
What are your core values as a leader?
Integrity, honesty, and transparency guide everything we do. We prioritize what families and kids need over profits, fostering trust and building a loyal community.
How do you inspire your team?
We celebrate every win, big or small. Transparency keeps our team connected, and we value the creativity and insights each person brings.
Challenges & Lessons
What challenges have you faced, and how did you handle them?
Creating sustainable packaging has been a learning curve. Finding partners who share our commitment to eco-friendly practices wasn’t easy, but persistence paid off.
What’s been your biggest leadership lesson?
I’ve learned to trust my team’s instincts. As a small brand, every voice matters, and their insights have been instrumental in resonating with our audience.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Gain as much experience as possible by working with different brands.
Be patient with yourself—there’s no perfect timeline.
Reflection & Personal Touch
What keeps you grounded?
I’m naturally calm, which helps me juggle multiple responsibilities. Multitasking is second nature to me, and I lean into it during busy times.
Fun fact: I once interned on The Young and the Restless!
These incredible women remind us of the resilience, creativity, and passion it takes to lead. From balancing family life to driving innovation in their industries, they inspire us all to dream bigger and push boundaries.
Cheers to women who lead with purpose, proving every day that we can achieve greatness on our own terms!
Partner with GSPR to Elevate Your Brand
Inspired by the incredible women we’ve highlighted? At GSPR, we specialize in helping visionary leaders and brands share their stories, build their presence, and make an impact. Whether you’re launching a new company, refining your strategy, or amplifying your voice, our team is here to help you thrive.
💡 Let’s make your vision a reality. Reach out today to explore how GSPR can support your growth and success!