In-Between: Lighting Up the Beauty Industry with Ilios Lighting Founder, Kelly Mondora

I’m back with a super special guest! I have Kelly Mondora, founder of Ilios Lighting, on the podcast this week. Ilios is the first and ONLY make up mirror able to mimic perfect, natural daylight. The company has quickly gained attention from major celebrities and is now available in over 250 stores globally! 

Kelly shares the inspiring story of her journey from a data entry clerk in the professional lighting industry, to becoming president of that very same company, to then founding Ilios Lighting. 

Here’s a quick look: 

• What inspired Ilios? 
• How do you create a product from a concept? Kelly shares the steps she took from idea > product > launch. 
• We talk about dealing with imposter syndrome and constantly putting yourself out there
• Exciting new campaigns and product launches for 2024! 
• #BrightenTheFight, an upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with a limited edition product launch, where 100% of those proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
  • Kelly shares her personal ties to breast cancer and why this campaign is so important to her.
• Kelly also teases a new product launch set for October 9th, showcasing the continuous innovation behind Ilios Lighting.
• Kelly shares her advice for anyone wanting to pursue their own dreams or ideas. 

It was an absolute pleasure interviewing Kelly, and I hope you all feel inspired as much as I did after listening. I can’t wait to see what Kelly and her team do next! 

Keep up with Ilios Lighting @ilioslighting on TikTok, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook, or https://www.ilioslighting.co/. 

Connect with me:
https://in-between.co
@in.betweenpod on Instagram
@elizabethcheney_ on Instagram
@theinbetweenpodcast on TikTok
The In-Between Podcast on YouTube

Transcript

Elizabeth: 0:06

Hey, Hey, Hey, everyone. Welcome back to another episode of The In Between. I'm your host Elizabeth Cheney and I have a special guest for y'all this week. I have Kelly Mondori here on the podcast today. Kelly is the founder of Ilios Lighting. What's that you ask? Well, it's the first and only makeup mirror that mimics. Perfect natural daylight. Yes. You know how we love the selfies outside. Imagine getting your makeup done outside, but inside we love that. So launched in 2021, it has quickly grown. it's gained the attention of the likes of, I don't know, Kim Kardashian. Bella Hadid, Tati Westbrook, Patrick Starr. It's in over 250 stores globally. I mean, it's so bad ass. It's so cool. I know you've heard of Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, target. com, and that's just naming a few. So I'm so excited to have Kelly on the podcast today. She's going to talk about her story and what makes her company unique. We're also going to talk about, uh, the holiday season, you know, maybe some new products coming up and then most importantly, a very special campaign, hashtag. Brighten the fight. Um, that is supporting a cause. It's super important to Kelly's heart. I think a lot of us have ties to it, but breast cancer awareness. So on that note, I'm going to quit talking and I'm going to give it to Kelly. Kelly, welcome to the podcast.

Kelly: 1:22

Hi, Elizabeth. Thanks for having me. It's so nice to meet you.

Elizabeth: 1:25

Well, uh, I'm really excited. I'm so glad Brooke put us in contact to each other. And, my first question is, You were in the professional lighting industry before this ever happened, right?

Kelly: 1:37

I was actually, um, when I was 23, just like literally out of college, newly married, I took a job as a data entry clerk for a photo lighting company. They're actually one of the largest in the world now. And, uh, yeah, I, I worked there for 20 years and work my way up from the bottom and I eventually became president and a shareholder. No,

Elizabeth: 1:59

is started from the bottom. Now we're here. Oh my gosh. I was going to say like, I take it. You're not doing data entry anymore. That's so impressive. Oh my gosh. Okay. Well, that's so cool. So when, how did you get the inspiration for Ilios?

Kelly: 2:16

It was like, I always love lighting. I loved doing that. I loved working with photographers and videographers. And at that time, my kids were going into high school and I traveled a lot. So I kind of hit the point where I'm like, I just want to do something different. And, you know, you know, When they hit high school, you've got like college visits and all those exciting things. And it's such an important time. So I think my husband thought I was crazy, but I decided to sell my shares and I'm like, I want to do something new. So I made this whole crazy life change. Oh yeah.

Elizabeth: 2:45

Oh my, wow.

Kelly: 2:46

the

Elizabeth: 2:46

Okay. Okay.

Kelly: 2:47

job I basically knew out of college. And I loved it. And I was just like, it just, I, it felt right. Um, and I took that a couple of years and I spent that time with my kids and it was amazing, but it was fun. It's funny because probably two weeks after I made and went through that whole big decision, my daughter was getting into makeup and she was watching all the famous YouTubers. So she was coming to me with a lot of questions of mom, should I get a ring light? You know, what kind of makeup mirror? And so that moment, it's just the lights kind of went off and I'm like, Oh my goodness, nobody's ever made a makeup mirror and a ring light. It's like a necessity with something that is so amazing, especially in today's digital world. And then, um, as I get older, my eyes becomes very hard for me to see. And I knew like, if I could combine a magnified mirror with the light of a ring light, this could be really cool.

Elizabeth: 3:35

Uh, yeah. Sign, sign me up and like everybody behind me because we are all, yes, absolutely. When I was just talking about you and your product to some of my girlfriends, they were like Google's Ilios lighting very quickly because that is such a need. Like absolutely. We, we look great outside if I could do my makeup outside, I would. So for you to create something like that is so incredible. So I want to pause real quick. So you did not leave your company to start Ilios. It was just kind of a aligning of the timeline of your life, so to speak. It, it could just kind of,

Kelly: 4:05

didn't know what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted something a little bit more my baby, you know, I had so much fun in the photo industry and love what I did, but I wanted like a new challenge. And I just, I didn't know what that was. And so I'm like, you know, you might as well take the leap. You have to do it eventually. I'm going to do it now and figure out that next chapter.

Elizabeth: 4:22

That is, that is very like, okay, excuse me, but very badass, uh, for, cause that was such a comfort zone. You were in such a position of power, sure, yes, but it's what you know, you've worked really hard to grow that career and then you decide, you know, I'm ready for a change. I love that. That is so inspiring just alone. So, What exactly, so when you worked in lighting, did you ever do, I'm assuming you weren't a photographer or anything like that, but were you ever like on sets and things like that too?

Kelly: 4:51

That, that became my love. Like, even though I'm not a photographer, I think that was kind of a benefit because it allowed me to look at things very holistically. And one of the things I did in my old company that I loved is I would spend time with some of the most famous photographers and videographers, and I'd sit down with them and I'd say, tell me about what you do, bring me into your world, what works for you, what doesn't work for you, what could make things better? And it really allowed, um, you know, that company, and it's what I'm doing also with Elios. To make things that filled voids that people really needed. And I became very passionate about it. So product development and lighting for me, it's just, everybody's got their thing. That's my thing.

Elizabeth: 5:31

I love that. And I also love that you said you saw a knee that you wanted to fill. Um, I think that's really beautiful. So, I guess you didn't think you were going to be an entrepreneur your whole life. Was that like the first thing?

Kelly: 5:44

No, I, I am kind of embarrassed. I'm not super book smart. Like growing up, I was never like super smart, whatever, but I've always been a hard worker and I think, you know, I think part of entrepreneurship is just like, it's like a weeble wobble. It's the best way to describe it. Like being able to get back up when you're pushed down and learn new things. And for me, I love the challenge. Like even till this day, you know, when you stop learning, that's not a good thing. So I love, I love going out there and learning new things. And I think that's part of the entrepreneurial spirit.

Elizabeth: 6:13

absolutely. And I feel very aligned to that statement. Um, the more you go at it, the less imposter syndrome and I don't know. You have to have confidence like my whole my big pillar is self love because I went through my own mental health battles and I Picked myself up through the help of therapy and things like that And I realized the power of self love like if you love yourself enough to get help love yourself to push forward and that has only Benefited me exponentially in this whole process Pursuit that I'm doing myself. So I think that's beautiful. Um, that's a great outlook for anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur. It's not always easy. It's not always linear, but you just got to bet on you and it sounds like you did that. And I think that's beautiful. Um, so it makes sense to me that with your expertise that you would create a showstopper mirror because it sounds like you're very, you're very involved, yes, but you're very intentional with everything that you're doing. I can tell, I can see the heart and the energy behind that. when you talked about the idea that there wasn't, there was something missing like in the market for your daughter, was the idea to also bring this professional grade product to consumers?

Kelly: 7:19

Yes. So after I had the initial idea, I like literally was like, okay, what do I do now? So I bought every makeup mirror out there and I have this, my little nerdy device. So I would sit there and I would test it. And that was kind of my first step. And then I put a little call out on our Facebook local mark, like our community page. And I'm like, Hey, I'd love to talk to any makeup artists out there. So I'd bring makeup artists and I would say, bring me into your world. Tell me what you, and so I started to do that with everyday users. and that kind of, brought everything together to say, okay, you know, make it mirrors, do it. Use old technology and they're not big enough and they're not bright enough and there were a lot of needs not being met by makeup artists and I was surprised that a lot of makeup artist lights weren't even utilizing the professional photo and video quality lighting. So at that time I just I knew I'm like this is something that can truly be unique and different like we can be the first ones to ever utilize that technology and put it into a makeup mirror that simulates putting your makeup on outdoors.

Elizabeth: 8:22

I love that. And I'm assuming professional grade product, like products, equipment, that's going to be much higher price tag. So you made it also, I feel like accessible for the consumer. Um, that's, that's incredible. So you launched in 2021. How long did it take you to get to that point?

Kelly: 8:41

It took me It took me a few years. you know, part of that, I was, I was enjoying time with my kids and everybody thinks you just make a product and then you go, it's, it's really hard.

Elizabeth: 8:50

right?

Kelly: 8:51

We had COVID, you know, so you had that come along too because we launched in 2021. and so, I mean, it took years, but everything that we did was designed from the ground up. So it's, you know, drawing sketches and putting your ideas on paper and then working with an industrial design engineer. And it morphed like the very first one. That we designed, it looked like a Hershey kiss and had a speaker in it. It was absolutely awful.

Elizabeth: 9:16

I love it.

Kelly: 9:17

I thought it was, you know, I was like, Oh, this is the best thing. So it's kind of an evolution. And I think with product development, you kind of get to that point where you're like, okay, we're here. And a lot of times people will just. Keep making changes to it and never launch. So I think it's finding that balance of making something that you're really proud of and putting it out into market, but also not nitpicking so much that you're holding yourself back. Sometimes you just have to pull off the Band Aid and go.

Elizabeth: 9:41

That's beautifully said. I know I struggled with that. So there's a fine line between being like a perfectionist and like knowing that what you have is good and just trusting that and going because you can always alter here and there a little bit, this and this, that and that. Um, so you did your market research by trying all the different products. You are engaging with your community, trying to just get a pulse on, you know, what's going on. It took you a few years to get a launch with a product. I know you worked with some. Very, uh, very well known professionals in the photography and makeup space. So what was that like? When were they brought in on, on the, the

Kelly: 10:17

amazing. Um, so Jerry, Gionis is, he's one of the top wedding and portrait fashion photographers worldwide. He's probably the biggest lighting guru that I knew. And I worked with him with a product back in my photo days.

Elizabeth: 10:30

Hmm.

Kelly: 10:31

So I brought this product to him cause I knew he'd be picky. And it was so funny because I was like, okay, he's going to rip me apart if he doesn't like this. And he's going to look at this from a professional standpoint. And so I bring it to him and he's Australian and he's so funny. He's like, Oh, Kelly, Kelly, this, Oh, Kelly, this is really nice. You know, he got really excited. And he's like, this is our lighting because we worked on a wand style. LED was one of the most. And so he recognized the fact that, oh, my goodness, this thing is really something truly special. So he came on board, um, and shot so many of our beautiful images and videos and everything that you see. And then I also wanted to kind of take things up a level and reach out to people. Like a really, really well known, person in the space and just say, okay, I know my friends in my community are all going to tell me they love it, but I need like a real deal. And so I discovered, um, Mario Dedivanovic, Makeup by Mario. And

Elizabeth: 11:27

yes, yes.

Kelly: 11:27

I sent him an email and I'm like, Hey, I come from the photo industry. I developed something that I think is really great. And it incorporates lighting that I don't even think you've seen in your life as a makeup artist. Can I show it to you? And

Elizabeth: 11:39

Just like that. You just said like a, like a cold outreach kind of

Kelly: 11:42

It's a code outreach and, and It was amazing. And I created a video to show him. I'm like, time is money and here's the product. And here's me. And I'm thinking, Oh, like there's no way that, and he responded back and he's like, I'd love to see it. And I'm like, Oh my goodness. Yeah,

Elizabeth: 11:58

that, when you got that response, did you freak out?

Kelly: 12:01

I was like, Oh, you know, the funny thing was like, I was like, Oh my God, I got to get a prototype, like ASAP. So that was really, you know, it was amazing. And, you know, he, he helped me a lot through the project and, you know, we were communicating a lot because again, we're, you know, during the midst of COVID and the design process of, of all of this, and, and he was absolutely wonderful at bringing me into the world of makeup and, and he helped bring me down to earth where, you know, I refer to so many technical terms and he would be like, Kelly, nobody talks like that. Like that, like, you know, and so it was great, wonderful, wonderful person and just a lot of fun working with him on that product.

Elizabeth: 12:40

That is so cool. I just want to give you real quick credit. Like putting yourself out there is so, I mean, I'm learning the more I do it, the easier it gets, but to get to that threshold is a little unnerving for lack of better words. And. I'm not saying that it was one and like he was the first person you ever reach out to but to blind reach out like that. So you bet you have the confidentiality. I'm just gonna put it out there because what's the worst case? He ignores me. That's just what happens. But then you get Mario, makeup by Mario to be like, hey, this is amazing. I mean, oh my god, that is so cool, Kelly. Like, man, that must felt so fulfilling. So, uh, I have to ask, do you, do you still struggle or did you struggle with imposter syndrome? Do you still struggle with it? And all of this, because what I see is a, a incredible bad ass woman who bet on herself and created a product that obviously was needed. And now she has seen beautiful success from that.

Kelly: 13:39

You know what? I struggle. I think everybody does. I mean, self confidence it's hard. Like there are days and, and I. And I think sometimes people don't talk about this enough. Like when you start a business for every one fabulous day, you have, you're going to have six that are just, they're awful.

Elizabeth: 13:55

Amen. Amen.

Kelly: 13:57

you know what? I think that you have to celebrate the victories and then don't let You know, cause there are some things that, you know, during a business, when you're launching, it's like, why did I do that? You know, what was my thinking? And I think you just have to kind of like regroup and say, okay, everybody makes mistakes. How do you make it better? How do you move on? How do you do this? But it's, I mean, it's hard. It's, it is. It's very, very difficult. And I think as women, we tend to put more pressure on ourselves sometimes. Yeah.

Elizabeth: 14:26

but comparing myself to other people, it's not that I am, um, It's not about keeping up, but it's like, okay, when you're having those six days that aren't the best days, it's cause that is the truest thing I've ever heard. My might be like 10 bad days for one, but that's okay. That's okay. Um, But it's, it's the constant effort of, of just pushing through, pushing through. But I, it's not that I'm comparing myself per se, but it's like, am I doing enough? Oh, this person's posting all the time or this person's doing that. And it's just quieting the noise and just, Believing in yourself, believing in the path, but it's, it's hard and I, for at least for me, I have to constantly like work at it because it doesn't, it's something that doesn't take much, but because you're doing something a little different, right, you're kind of off the beaten path, you don't have any like safety posts or guardrails to guide you along. You're kind of doing it yourself. So it's like, Oh, I don't want to use that as my pulse, but I can't help but compare myself to them because like, I don't have nothing else to compare to.

Kelly: 15:24

Well, and when you have those bad days, you're always looking at everything else like the, the glasses, you know, full on the other side where it's like, oh, you know, and it is it's it is it's it's I think people struggle with it. If they don't admit it, then they're heroes. Because I think we all do. Or the.

Elizabeth: 15:39

that they're heroes. I was like, get out of my diary. That's what I write. Like today, tomorrow's going to be a better day. I'm going to do it right. Um, no, that's incredible. so I know you have several different products. I'm just curious when you, so, cause like the full mirror was like the first product. So. With your launch, where did the other different products come? Cause I mean, like the compact one, there's like the wall one. I guess they're just different versions of your product. But I am, I am just curious when you have an idea, all those little popcorns come at the same time or how?

Kelly: 16:12

The second one we launched was the rechargeable mirror, and that's the one that can either go on the wall, on a table, or on a suction cup. And I, when I would travel, I would bring my beauty ring, that's our first one, everywhere, because I'm obsessed. Like, I'm the crazy traveler that brings it everywhere. But, when I would do international trips, and I was like, how much can I get in a carry on? I don't have that much. I did not like that I couldn't bring my mirror with me. And so that's where the rechargeable came in. I'm like, I need to create something that people can use at home and also be able to attach to like the, um, the mirror in the hotels to give you good lighting. So that's where that one came from. and then the compact mirror was just all compact mirrors are too small. Like when you open them

Elizabeth: 16:51

they are. Thank you.

Kelly: 16:53

My eyes are not like, what am I looking at? I can see half an eye or like part of my nose. And so for that one, it was like, okay, we need to make it bigger, brighter, and we need a shut off timer in it. Cause I would close it and throw it in my purse. And then I'd get up the next morning and it would be dead. And so that those were kind of the things

Elizabeth: 17:12

So smart. So smart. So it took you a few years to get to this point, but now here you are. So 2021 massive growth. You're in over 250 stores globally, which I mean, Kelly, that is so badass. Cause like when I was searching you and to see like, I mean, maybe it's just me, but I mean, I'm sure you feel the same way, but to see your product come up and it's like Neiman Marcus, Boomingdale's, like all these high end, well named stores, like that's incredible. And then you've also gained the attention of huge name celebrities. So my question is, how does it feel to not only see a dream realized, but to see it and how fast it's grown to see the notoriety you've gained?

Kelly: 17:53

I mean, it's crazy. It's just it's you know For me, it's always like goals and then you're trying to check it off and move to the next one But there are times like I I remember when it first started out every time a notification on my phone and I would just like Looking anxiously like, Oh, I got an order. Ooh, oh my goodness. Another influencer posted. Oh my goodness. And to be where, um, you know, we're at now and to all the retailers, it's, it's just surreal. And, and I love the retailers. You know, a lot of people ask like, why do you choose retailers? Isn't that, I love the retailers because I actually personally go into a lot of these stores and I travel around and I go in and I meet the people and I meet the wonderful salespeople, but that's like the only chance that I get to meet To come out of my shell sometimes in the corporate day to day and to interact with customers, to interact with, you know, the staff at the stores. And I think that's healthy for a brand because it gives me the ability to be able to see what's new in the beauty space, see what's new in makeup and maybe help embrace ideas on, on different things.

Elizabeth: 18:54

That is so cool. That's, that's very, very smart. Very impressed. Again, you know, you have a, I can, I, I'm sensing it like you are very driven and you are very, I can, you have big picture, like, I feel like you can find all the little holes in the needs and you're good at filling those. I, I'm, I'm curious how,'cause you were, you said president of, at your previous company where you got your start. So you have, I'm as, I'm gonna assume as the president, you've got really good leadership experience. So how does that play into. Betting on yourself and continuing to put yourself out there cause I'm sure that's helped grow as quick as it's grown as to the capacity it has.

Kelly: 19:31

It does, but it's also a team. You know, you have to, you can't do everything alone. When you start a business, it's very lonely because at the beginning, it's usually just you. Um, so I think the other element of that is, building a team and, and, you know, that, that can help get you to those levels not everybody can be good at everything. You have to surround yourself with people that fill in your voids. Um, and so I think that's, that's definitely important for any entrepreneur.

Elizabeth: 19:55

Absolutely. So does your daughter think it's pretty, pretty incredible that her mother created this incredible product just cause she was getting into makeup?

Kelly: 20:04

Oh, yes. She was always the one. She's like, Mom, I just watched Mikaela Nagori's TikTok. Your mirror is in there. Mom, Bella Hadid posted a selfie. Like,

Elizabeth: 20:12

that's going to be so cool.

Kelly: 20:13

she thinks it's pretty cool. And she's actually a model in a lot of the stuff that we shoot. So a lot of people know

Elizabeth: 20:18

Oh, that's gotta be cool. I did it to be able to like work with your daughter with it.

Kelly: 20:22

Yes, yes. It's a lot of fun.

Elizabeth: 20:23

That's so incredible. You know, I feel like no one's path is ever linear and it's just, it, it seems like you were made for this. Like, that's what's so interesting. I feel like you've been a CEO of this company for decades cause you're so confident in the way you talk and the way you carry yourself. So you're, you're pretty epic founder, Kelly, pretty epic founder if I say so myself. So um, overall. You've been doing the work, you've been taking the pivots, six days back for one amazing day forward as you do in this crazy pursuit. So we've seen the evolution of Ilios, let's talk about what's next because I mean, It sounds like you have such a robust, well to do company, but I know you have so many exciting things coming. specifically, since I know we're getting close to October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, um, I know that you have a very special campaign that is in ties to breast cancer awareness. And I know you have personal ties to breast cancer, is that correct? Um, Do you want to, do you feel comfortable sharing a little bit more about that? And then we can really get into the campaign.

Kelly: 21:27

Yeah, I yeah, absolutely. my, my grandmother, my mother and my aunt Diane are all breast cancer survivors. So, you know, although my grandmother has passed, you know, they I'm so proud that they're all survivors, but you know when my mom got Breast cancer, it was just, it was my mom. It was very, I think it just, it, was very hard on, on, even me thinking, oh my goodness, what's gonna happen? And I couldn't imagine, you know, being on this planet without her, and so, you know, I worry about my own risk with breast cancer, and I've, you know, had some scares on different things, and, you know, I'm one of those people that are very hard when to get the mammograms with the dentists, breast tissue and all of that other good stuff. So for me, I'm really passionate about awareness and making sure people are going in and getting their annual checkups. And, and yeah, it's just, it's kind of a, I don't talk about personal things, but it's, it's very special to me. So we wanted to do something for the month of October and our compact mirror has been so popular that we are doing a pink version and we're doing, uh, it's so cute. It's pink and it's got like a little cute golden bag and it's just a gold logo. It's absolutely adorable. Um, but we're doing a hundred percent of the net proceeds are going to the breast cancer, research, foundation and we want, we're hoping to be able to donate over 50,

Elizabeth: 22:48

That is incredible. I just got goosebumps. I don't know if you can see them, but I just got goosebumps. That is so cool. And I also think it's really exciting to roll out like a special product launch for something like it just makes everything even more special. so you said, a hundred percent of the proceeds are going to towards breast cancer research foundation. Wow. That's amazing.

Kelly: 23:08

Thank you. Thank

Elizabeth: 23:10

That is like putting money where your, or putting your mouth where money is. What's the phrase? Your mouth where your money is? I think I just butchered that. But you know what I'm saying. Um, it's, you know, the older I get, the more people I, I talk to that do have some, you know, strong ties to something like that. And it's really sad, heartbreaking that, you know, It affects so many people, um, but I think it's beautiful that you are using your passion, your product, your heart to benefit something. I mean, a hundred percent, that's, that's really incredible. so I just, I'm just giving you my own personal take on that. Like, I think that's really special and it's a cute launch, a cute product. I can't wait. Um, so cute. So that starts in October, October 1st.

Kelly: 23:51

October and we even the, it's a limited edition, the inside of the box, we reached out to our customer base and we gave people the ability to be able to honor a fighter or survivor or someone that was lost. And so on the inside, when you open it up, there's names of women all on the inside. And we're really, it's, yeah, it's really neat.

Elizabeth: 24:09

That's incredible. Wow.

Kelly: 24:10

Yeah.

Elizabeth: 24:11

that's beautiful. I only have words for that. That's so special and thoughtful. I can't imagine what those people are going to feel like when they see that. That's beautiful, Kelly. man. Okay. Well, that, I don't even, anything else that you want to share about this? Like, that's just, that is so, like I said, intentional earlier. I know we live in a capitalistic society. I see quotations. We literally live in a capitalistic society. Don't know why I did quotations for that. Um, and it's just, it's really is beautiful and it is inspiring if I'm going to be honest to see a founder. Yes, I created product. That's great. I love the clout. I love the notoriety, and I believe in my product and I believe in my product so much that I want to, I want to use it to benefit something completely separate from myself wholeheartedly. A hundred percent. No questions asked. that is very commendable. And I just want to say like, you know, my hat's off to you for that, because it's nice to see, because I feel like we don't see it too, too often. Um, so I, I, as a person, not that my opinion matters that much, but I appreciate that as a consumer. it, because it also makes your brand more real, you know, more honest, more relatable in a way too. Because like I said, so many people have been affected by cancer to some degree, I feel like.

Kelly: 25:24

Yeah, it's, it's, it's scary.

Elizabeth: 25:27

Yeah. so. We talked about the campaign. I know the holiday season's coming up, which is honestly insane. I can't believe it's August. No, it's not even August. It's September. See? Oh my gosh, I don't even have the month right. So, do you have anything exciting coming up for the holidays? What's going on?

Kelly: 25:42

We do. We actually have a new product launching October 9th. I'm so excited. We've been working on this thing for two years and I,

Elizabeth: 25:49

in addition to the, the campaign?

Kelly: 25:50

yes. So we, we have, it's like, yes, we're, we're doing them back to back. Like we were really passionate about starting the campaign on October 1st. Cause you know, we felt the timing and everything of that, but yeah, we have another product we've been working on. It is probably the most advanced circuitry. There goes the tech nerd in me

Elizabeth: 26:08

I was like, what does that mean exactly? Really?

Kelly: 26:11

just, I'm so excited. So it is launching, October 9th and I guess the only thing I could say about it, it is a lot different than other things in our product. Um, it's just very sexy and sleek. So it's very unique.

Elizabeth: 26:25

Hmm. I, and it's a, okay. I'm not allowed to guess, am I? I,

Kelly: 26:29

Sure.

Elizabeth: 26:31

I, I, you said sexy and sleek. Is it weird the first thing I thought of was like some type of sex toy? Or is that I'm

Kelly: 26:40

Oh, that's so next year. No, I'm just kidding. No, it's It's, it's along the lines of a mirror, but it is, it's just, it's really different and it's, it's just, it's, it's, yeah. It's sleek. Sleek and sexy.

Elizabeth: 26:54

Okay. Um, so October 9th, in addition to, hashtag brighten the fight. So basically any clips promos, I'm going to make sure I put the hashtag to get the brand awareness out there, the rollout. And I am so intrigued to know what this is. Sexy, sleek, cause you're, cause you lit up when you started talking about it. So I am like, I have to know what this is.

Kelly: 27:16

Everybody I showed it to, they like, they like light up. So it is just, we're very, I'm so excited for this launch. I think it's gonna be a lot of fun.

Elizabeth: 27:22

you're like a pioneer, like in the consumer mirror light space. which again, didn't realize there was such a need, but after seeing your products and seeing the difference, cause I think that's so beneficial, like on your website, how you show what different lights will present and then your light, and it's like, Oh my God. different, like, I don't even feel like I'm duped, my goodness. So, that's, that's really, really cool. you know, I want to say one thing. You, you mentioned earlier that you, you know, growing up you didn't think you were really book smart, but you were very driven. And, has that given you any more kind of imposter syndrome or challenges? Because I mean, for you to be a data entry, what'd you say? Clerk specialist person, like you're just plugging in info to then be the president to then roll out your own product, your own company. It's grown to the mammoth that it has. I mean, I think that is so incredible. so maybe not imposter syndrome. You can speak to that, but just. How does it feel now looking back on everything, you know, your career, your past and where you are today? How, how does it feel?

Kelly: 28:25

I mean, I think I'm I'm it's funny because I guess I don't think about that kind of stuff. Sometimes I'm so thankful for all the experiences that I've have. I've had, you know, I'm so thankful to my original company for letting me grow within that company and they every time, you know, Back, I'm 23 years old and, they would say, we need somebody to do this. I'd raise my hand, I'll do it, I'll go, I'll do this. And so, back then I, I probably, didn't realize how much I was learning and then it just kind of, you know, hit me like a, Think of bricks and it's like, Oh my goodness. I, you know, I, I know a lot. but yeah, I just, I don't know. I mean, I'm, I'm, I'm happy. I love it. I'm very passionate about it. I can't imagine doing anything different. And for me, I just hope that, I can help inspire other women to go after their dreams and, take the leap because, half the time, again, it's just, it's just doing it, ripping off the band aid and going and, uh, Yeah, I think sometimes people don't give themselves enough credit. They get nervous and they're like, Oh, I can't do it cause I'm not smart enough or I'm not this or that. It's like if you have tenacity and spirit and you believe in yourself, like just do it. You'll figure it out.

Elizabeth: 29:35

Snaps Kelly. I literally, on my whiteboard, I have a quote that says leap and the net will appear.

Kelly: 29:41

Aw. I

Elizabeth: 29:43

mean, sometimes it's easier said than done. Sometimes I'm like, where is the net? Cause I don't feel it, but it is. Um,

Kelly: 29:50

I love that.

Elizabeth: 29:51

and it really has helped guide me, especially when I first rolled out the podcast and I was like, So intimidated talking by my, like my first episode was eight minutes long and I'm terrified, but now looking back on it, I'm like, I'm so glad I did that. Like consistently, constantly putting myself out there and I am now creating the life I dreamed of. I mean, I'm not quite there yet, but it's, it's to be on that path. I'm now at the place where it's exciting to know that I'm doing this for myself. Do I know where it's going? No. I mean, of course I have ideas, but like we're on the uncharted path, right? I'm sure you can relate to that and it's just. Believing on yourself, because why not you? Right. Anytime I doubt, I ask myself, why not me?

Kelly: 30:32

you have a great personality too. You come across just, it's great. Yeah.

Elizabeth: 30:37

I feel very like, I feel very kindred to you as well. I may be a little loud, former theater kid, but you have such a light energy, very, very bright, very positive, very driven. And I, find that inspiring. I know other people will find it inspiring, and I am always here for any conversation around betting on yourself, cause I think that's the most intimidating thing you can do, and, just to circle it back to like my whole little pillar about self, my whole little, my big pillar about self love, that is the ultimate form of self love, to believe in yourself enough to do something that you want to do, even though you're terrified.

Kelly: 31:13

I love it. Very well said. Love it.

Elizabeth: 31:16

Well, Kelly, I, I can't wait to see what happens with, well, I can't wait for the campaign. I can't wait for this new sexy, sleek product. I'm like, LOLing at me calling it a sex toy. But like you said, next year's launch, we'll call goop. We'll call Gwyneth, be like, Hey Gwyneth. Uh, but that's so exciting. So I'm going to let you tee up your social where everyone can find you, everything like that. but I do want to ask what are some last, or not even last, but do you have any advice to anyone listening? Maybe they have a product idea because that's how you started. You didn't have a prototype when you reached out to make up with Mario. So if anyone has an idea, but they're terrified because where do you start? Anything like that? What do you say?

Kelly: 31:58

would say, network with your community, believe in yourself and research. Like we are so fortunate to, have the amount of information at our fingertips. And a lot of it is just dig in, research, figure it out, find it, talk to different people. you know, I think that's always the best way to go into it. And you'll be surprised. There are so many wonderful people out there. Like I have a mentor from my local community. and you can find people out there that will help you and, kind of, um, You know, whether it's just running an idea or different things. I have like a marketing mentor and a business mentor and, you know, finding those people. And then I think, once you get to that level at sharing your experiences, what you've done wrong and what you've done right with others too. So you're always kind of constantly, giving back and helping others through some of those challenges as well.

Elizabeth: 32:47

So do you coach other entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs and things like that?

Kelly: 32:52

I try to, I work a lot. Like I, I even work with the local high schools and the DECA teams and I go in and I talk to.

Elizabeth: 32:58

that.

Kelly: 32:59

I go in and talk to some of the local kids that are thinking about going into business. And I'm, I'm probably more known for giving the real, like, I'm not going to, you know, unicorns and rain, like I'm just going to pull everything together and like tell you everything, like the hard, the good, the bad, the rewarding and, and, and all of that. So, yeah, I'm, I want to continue to do that more.

Elizabeth: 33:19

I think that's really important too. Cause like how we talked about earlier about like comparing yourself, you know, they always say social media is the highlight reel. It, you don't often see the struggle, like the come up, you, you just see the outcome. You know, you don't necessarily like an overnight success typically takes 10 years. You know, that's a joke that I will say with some of my friends. Well, you know, the overnight success took 12 years to get there. Like, that's just how it is. But it's, I think what makes or breaks is you have to just believe in yourself enough to just keep going. and because you seem like such a positive person in such a beautiful light, I can't think of a better person to give that message because it's also like, You know, because sometimes the hard, hard truth when it's just like, like, okay, I didn't ask for you to be a jerk. I just needed you to boost my confidence a little bit. My gosh,

Kelly: 34:06

my goodness.

Elizabeth: 34:07

you know, you know who I'm talking about. I'm not talking about a specific person, but the type of thing. So, no, I think that's, that's really special. then one thing I also want to point out, or not point out, but one thing I want to say, and I'm curious what your thoughts are on this. One thing I've learned is as we walk this unbeaten path, this unknown path, and there's speed bumps and pivots and this and this and that and that. You don't know how it's going to work out, but things keep working out because when you're on your path, you meet people like I'm googling podcasting. Well, I'm going to find people in podcasting, to connect with them. And then boom, you make this connection. They introduce you to this person, introduce you to that person. Then before you realize you're interviewing Kelly Mondora on your podcast, and it's like, wow, this is so cool. So do you have anything to say to that? It seems a little bit kind of like that's how your path was. You have this inspiration. You also have this incredible background in this industry. And then you basically took your intelligence, your expertise and we're like, well, I see a hole. I'm going to fill it because who says I can't. but the more steps you walked, even though you weren't sure where you were going, did you feel that? Did you, did it feel like that to you were? Yeah. You know, things just happen because you're asking the questions, you're finding the right groups, you're Googling the right things.

Kelly: 35:17

think that's important. I think just always having your eyes open and just thinking and, and, you know, whether it's coming across, a very impressive person that, you hold onto their information and maybe one day you have a position for them and you hire them, you know, just those types of things. I think you always just kind of have to keep your mind open and, um, you know, just be open to advice opportunities, you know, um, you know, we, we, we, Again, we're, we're all good at some stuff and bad at other stuff. So I think, you know, networking and being open to that, it's, it's definitely important.

Elizabeth: 35:49

Absolutely. So, final question. Well, actually, I'm going to give you, I'm going to give you a real big final question and then I'm going to give you like a fun little final question. My big final question is, I know we talked about what's next, immediately next, but where do you see Ilios in the next like five, ten years?

Kelly: 36:06

I would love to just kind of keep expanding into lighting. Um, maybe do some more expansion into beauty. Um, I see it outside of just makeup mirrors. And that's really kind of my focus. Um, and you know, expanding more into the beauty space. Obviously I want to expand more on an international level as well. And yeah, we've always got some fun stuff cooking.

Elizabeth: 36:31

Ooh, I love that. How does, I'm curious, how does that work? Like, are you, when you're coming up with different products, are you looking like five, six years down the line? This is, I'm just curious. How does, how does that work? Product launches.

Kelly: 36:43

I always have, it's always like the here and now. So it, I always have my idea board where it's like, these are the products, but I, I try to look at things at least five years in advance to say, okay, if we do, and sometimes you might get there in five years, sometimes you might get there sooner. Sometimes it might be longer to say, okay, well, I want to achieve this in this category. Okay. Then let's figure out, you know, another area that we want to go into. What are our goals in that area? Um, you know, how does that align with our current brand now? And it's always evolving. So I think you don't necessarily, you know, keep it in concrete. This is what we're doing, but it's just kind of that idea. And then you just kind of let that path kind of ebb and flow depending on how it works out.

Elizabeth: 37:25

Whenever you have your masterclass on how to launch a product, start a business. Will you please give me a call just so I can take it? Thank you. Please and thanks. I'm serious. I'm just picturing you on the masterclass promos I always get. It's like, have you ever won a Lacha product? Kelly Mondura. Like, seriously. I'm so well spoken. Hey, put that idea down. Seriously, though. As the whole time you're talking, I was like, you are so intelligent. Like you are, I don't know what you think, what you're saying about books, but you are so smart. I would definitely take a class from you. Um, so I mean that, but my last fun question. So what are you currently in between and it can be literally silly. It could be stupid. It could be, it could be serious. It could be small. It's whatever you interpret.

Kelly: 38:15

In between. Oh, I'm going to take it personal.

Elizabeth: 38:19

Ooh, even that's my favorite.

Kelly: 38:23

I am in between, and I think it had, and I don't know why my mind went to this first. I'm at that stage. I'm an empty nester. I am in between the stage of, of, of your kids graduating and getting ready to graduate high school. My kids graduating from high school and getting ready to graduate college and start that journey. So I kind of like I'm in between this. Where I've like, you know, my babies don't, you know, need me as much anymore and I'm watching them become these young adults and it's, it's very rewarding, but it's just kind of like watching somebody else's, you know, path and watching your kids become adults and do what they love. And I love this time. It's, it's kind of exciting. So, yeah, so it's just, I'm in between

Elizabeth: 39:05

Aw, I bet you inspire them all the time, too, to see you kind of leading the charge and, I don't know, just, I think there's just something so magical about any person that bets on themself to follow their dream. So, I, I'm sure that plays into their life so, so strongly, too, to see you

Kelly: 39:20

where my, my son is the techie one and my daughter, although quiet and sweet, I think she's our little, our little quiet entrepreneur, maybe one day. Yeah.

Elizabeth: 39:28

she'll be taking a note from mom's book. Oh,

Kelly: 39:30

Yeah, I don't know.

Elizabeth: 39:32

So as I've mentioned, Elias products are in so many incredible stores, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus. I mean, seriously, I was like jaw dropped and I was going through your website. where can everyone find you if you want to give your websites any kind of social handles, anything like that?

Kelly: 39:48

Our website is elioslighting. co and then we're at elioslighting on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Elizabeth: 39:57

Perfect. Well, then I'll make sure that I link all of that in the show notes. I'll also tag everybody or tag everybody, tag everything in the episode clips, this episode will also be on YouTube. and we're going to get this ready for your hashtag Brighten the fight. So I can't wait to see that. Cause I, I just can't. It's the little compact mirror. because like you hit it on the head. They are so small. That's why I never use one because like. That's what it's like, right?

Kelly: 40:22

Oh, look

Elizabeth: 40:23

gracious. So well Kelly, this has been wonderful. I can't thank you enough for coming on the podcast and sharing your story. You are inspiring. You have a beautiful soul and you have an incredible product. So I, I'm, I feel really blessed to be able to met you and your journey and I can't wait to see where it goes.

Kelly: 40:41

Thank you so much.

Elizabeth: 40:45

Woo wee, man, that was a wonderful episode if I say so myself, I hope you all enjoyed it just as much as I did. Big thanks to Kelly Mondora for coming on the podcast, the in between this week. As I mentioned, you can find her products in so many stores I'm sure you recognize. And be sure to check out her new special product launch for the hashtag Brighten the Fight campaign. Remember a hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. So it all goes to a great cause. Cheers to wonderful founders, creators, and anyone following a dream. You know that speaks to my heart and soul, so, uh, I hope today's episode left you inspired. I know I've been a little MIA the past few weeks. Do not worry. We're going to catch up on all the things next week on an all new in between. we are going to get back to our regular scheduled programming, I assure you, everyone, I assure you, you know, you can always keep up with me on Instagram at Elizabeth Cheney underscore and at in dot between pod. Yes, that's two separate accounts. You can follow me on tick tock and YouTube at the in between podcast and then my website in dash between. co you can find all my information, catch up on all the episodes and things like that. Welcome to my world. So I'm going to go. I will see you All on a new episode of the in between next week. And until then, I am your host, Elizabeth Cheney. Bye bye.