What does it take to lose everything and start again, stronger than before?
In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis speaks with Gregg Renfrew, founder of BeautyCounter and now Counter, about her extraordinary journey from pioneering the clean beauty movement to navigating a billion-dollar sale, and the painful collapse that followed.
Gregg opens up about the hard-won lessons of leadership, partnership, and humility. She reflects on the arrogance that can accompany success, the emotional toll of losing her company, and the resilience it took to buy back the brand she created.
After months of personal work—through therapy, fitness, and reflection—she’s reemerged with Counter, a reimagined brand built on clarity, performance, and purpose. From redefining what “clean” really means to rebuilding community in a divided world, Gregg’s story is one of courage, conviction, and comeback.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply navigating your own reset, this episode is a masterclass in how to turn loss into legacy.
Gregg Renfrew is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Counter, the next evolution of her pioneering work in clean beauty. Building on her legacy as founder of Beautycounter—which redefined industry standards and culminated in a $1 billion acquisition—Gregg is once again leading industry change with Counter, a people-powered movement rooted in conversation, product performance, confidence, and advocacy.
Throughout her career, Gregg has been dedicated to empowering women—not only by creating safer, high-performance products that prioritize health, but also by building businesses that provide meaningful economic opportunities and leadership pathways for women at every level. A longtime industry activist who has testified before Congress, she has reshaped both beauty standards and government regulations, proving that profit and purpose can coexist powerfully.
By championing women as consumers, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, Gregg continues to inspire a new generation to demand better from the beauty industry and from themselves.
For media and speaking requests, and to suggest a guest for the show, please email letsconnect@patrickmcginnis.com.
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