From Foster Care to a Billion-Dollar Brand: Carolyn Aronson's Journey of Resilience and Reinvention

Throughout July and August, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from Season 7 as part of our Best of Fostering Change series.

This week's featured episode originally aired during the 2025 holiday season and showcases an extraordinary story of resilience, determination, and reinvention.

Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It's A 10 Haircare, shares her remarkable journey from experiencing foster care as a child to building one of the world's most successful beauty brands. Today, It's A 10 Haircare is a global company valued at more than $1 billion, with products sold in more than 130 countries.

Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Carolyn is a passionate philanthropist whose work supports youth, foster care organizations, LGBTQ+ initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and workforce development. Her story is a powerful reminder that our past does not define our future—and that success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by how we lift others along the way.

Conversation Highlights

Carolyn's journey from foster care to founding a billion-dollar global company

Building It's A 10 Haircare through authenticity, perseverance, and innovation

How her childhood experiences shaped her leadership and philanthropy

The importance of giving back and creating opportunities for others

Lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and believing in yourself

Looking Ahead

All-new episodes will return this fall with more inspiring guests and meaningful conversations.