"Build a Business, Not Just a Brand" — An Interview with Forbes 30 Under 30 Star Molly Cantillon

In a world where entrepreneurship is often glamorized, Molly Cantillon offers a refreshing perspective: strategy over noise, substance over flash. As the founder of a fast-growing sustainable product line designed specifically for modern women, Molly isn’t just creating another brand — she’s building a movement.

We sat down with Molly to explore her journey, the mindset behind her rising empire, and the quiet discipline it takes to stand out for all the right reasons.

✦ Molly, how did your journey into entrepreneurship begin?

It started with frustration, to be honest. I couldn’t find sustainable products that actually fit my lifestyle. Everything either felt too clinical or too performative — nothing authentic. That gap bothered me. One day, I just stopped waiting for someone else to build it and decided I would. I didn’t have a blueprint or funding at the start. I had conviction. I believe action leads to clarity — and once I began, the path revealed itself step by step.

✦ You often say you’re building a business, not just a brand. Why does that distinction matter to you?

It’s everything. A brand can go viral and fade. A business solves a real problem, provides value, and creates something that outlasts hype. I never wanted to build something that depended on my personal presence or popularity. If people know my name, that’s great — but the real win is when they trust the product regardless of who's behind it. I’ve always said, I’m not building a personal brand — I’m building infrastructure.

✦ What was the most difficult part of making it onto Forbes 30 Under 30?

People assume that kind of recognition just happens. It doesn’t. The hardest part was managing exponential growth while keeping the mission intact. We were hiring quickly, meeting with investors, launching new SKUs, and at the same time, I was trying to protect the soul of the business. You want to scale, but not at the cost of what made you different in the first place. It was a constant dance between moving fast and staying grounded.

✦ Do you have any daily success rituals that help you stay focused?

Absolutely. Every morning I spend 30 minutes alone — journaling, meditating, and setting clear intentions for the day. No phone, no notifications, just clarity. I really believe that if you don’t take control of your mindset first thing in the morning, the world will do it for you. That time helps me make decisions from a place of calm rather than chaos. It’s non-negotiable for me. Also, I move every day — whether it’s a walk or a quick workout. Motion fuels creativity.

✦ What advice would you give to entrepreneurs just starting out?

Stop trying to be everything to everyone. That’s the fastest way to dilute your message and burn out. Get specific. Know who you’re talking to, what you stand for, and what problem you’re solving. And don’t be afraid to fail early — failure is a better teacher than success. The people who last are the ones who get comfortable learning, adapting, and doing the uncomfortable things over and over again.

✦ What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room — it’s about creating space for others to step into their own power. I see my job as building systems that allow my team to thrive. That means trusting people, giving them room to make mistakes, and always returning to the mission. Leadership is service, not spotlight.

✦ Where do you see yourself five years from now?

International scale is a big part of the vision. We’re already seeing demand outside the U.S., and I want to make our products accessible to more people globally. But beyond that, I want to invest in other founders — especially women — who are building businesses with soul. I want to be in the rooms that shape the future of commerce, sustainability, and leadership. And I want to bring others with me. Success isn’t just about reaching the top — it’s about opening doors for those coming next.

Molly Cantillon isn’t chasing trends — she’s setting the tone. Her quiet leadership, strategic discipline, and unwavering commitment to long-term value are reshaping how we think about modern entrepreneurship. In a world obsessed with visibility, she’s focused on legacy — and that may be the most radical choice of all.