Table for Two with Maggie Sellers
Maggie Sellers is an angel investor, startup advisor, and the founder of Hot Smart Rich—empowering women to own their ambition, build wealth, and define success on their own terms.
Table for Two is where I chat with tastemakers who inspire me with their stylish travels and distinctive perspectives. Maggie Sellers is both a role model and champion for ambitious women—an investor, startup advisor, and creator of Hot Smart Rich, a platform that’s equal parts business savvy and bold.
With HSR, she’s built a space that encourages women to take up room, own their ambition, and get unapologetically smart about business and money. She stopped waiting for a seat at the table and built her own—one that doesn’t just welcome confidence and financial power but insists on it. What started as an idea has grown into a movement, inspiring women to carve their own paths, take risks, and redefine success on their own terms.
In our conversation, she shares how embracing that philosophy changed everything, the best advice she has for women looking to invest, and the travel experiences that left the biggest impact.
Hot Smart Rich (HSR) is such a bold and empowering philosophy. How has embracing this energy and attitude shifted your life and career?
I stopped waiting for others to invite me to sit at their table and just decided to make my own. And now I get to have lots of fun dinner parties with guests I never dreamt I’d be able to invite (metaphorically!) — the best part is creating a party where others feel inspired to pull up a chair, share their stories, and build something extraordinary together.
What excites you most about the future for yourself and the evolution of HSR?
We’re in a time where having it all is no longer a fantasy. With HSR, we’re redefining what success looks like—balancing ambition, personal fulfillment, and community. What excites me most about HSR’s future is its evolution as a platform that empowers women to embrace their hottest, smartest, richest selves while building meaningful connections within the community. From launching the HSR podcast to expanding our investment ventures, I see endless opportunities to scale impact, foster innovation, and champion female-founded brands. The future of HSR is about inspiring others to thrive unapologetically, creating a ripple effect that shapes not just businesses, but lives.
If you could give one actionable tip to women looking to start investing or become more financially savvy, what would it be?
Take risks while you can and invest in yourself.
Confidence is crucial. What’s your top tip for being taken seriously as a professional and exuding confidence when navigating male-dominated industries or working with male clients?
Remembering that confidence is something you build internally. As women, we hold immense power, influencing 85% of consumer spending decisions. This reality empowers me to speak from lived experience and practical insight, even if my credentials differ from others in the room. Confidence isn’t about mimicking others’ paths; it’s about owning your unique perspective and trusting your ability to contribute meaningfully, regardless of the setting.
Who have been pillars or mentors for you, whether personally or from afar, and what lessons have they taught you?
I haven’t had a traditional network of in-person mentors, but I’ve sought guidance and inspiration from voices that resonate with me online to create what we now know is HSR. From Call Her Daddy’s Alex Cooper, I’ve learned the power of authenticity and owning your story unapologetically. Tinx has shown me how to create relatable, niche-driven content that connects deeply with an audience, while Lauryn Bosstick of The Skinny Confidential has taught me the importance of consistency and the art of building a brand with longevity. These women have mentored me from afar by demonstrating that success comes from blending vulnerability, strategy, and staying true to your vision.
What’s a skill or trait you believe is underrated in business but essential for success?
Adaptability—being able to pivot, learn, and evolve quickly in response to challenges or new opportunities is the key to staying ahead and thriving in any business.
Is there a brand on your radar that we should keep our eyes on?
I’m in my 30s with babies on my mind, so I’m fascinated with the fertility space. One in particular is Bird & Be because they’re focusing on male fertility, which I’m extremely hopeful will have a massive, positive impact on women’s health.
From your recent travels to Bali, India, and Taiwan, what was:
-Your favorite hotel you stayed at:
I can’t choose between Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India and the Capella in Ubud. Both of them were out of this world, lavish experiences that you just can’t find in North America!
-The most memorable meal you ate:
Apertif in Bali.
-An experience that stood out the most:
Doing an Indian Safari (which was my first game drive ever) and getting to see a male tiger up close! To my knowledge, you can only find them in India and Russia, so it’s a once in a lifetime experience I won’t forget and feel so lucky to have had.
-If you had to return to one of these destinations first, which would it be and why?
India! I never had it on my list to visit but when the opportunity came to visit, I absolutely fell in love. I stand behind the fact that you will never experience anything close to India from a culture perspective, so it’s something I believe everyone should experience at least once in their life.
What’s currently at the top of your bucket list, or what travels on the horizon are you most excited about?
We’re about to go to South Korea and Japan, which I am so excited about. South Korea for the beauty and Japan for the food and culture. I can’t believe Japan broke their tourism record last year with over 33M visitors but I have to believe there’s a reason why and I can’t wait to experience it for myself!
I’m also very excited to go back to the South of France this summer and stay at Hotel Du Cap for my first time and see what all the fuss is about.
What’s always in your travel bag—any essentials or items you can’t leave home without?
So many. If I HAD to pick, Flykitt for jet lag is an absolute non-negotiable.
Chomps and dried mango in case I can’t find a gluten-free meal around and I’m in a pinch.
For beauty, I always carry the Summer Fridays Hydrating Mist, Nudestix x HSR Red Maple Hydrating Lip Butter and Standard Procedure sunscreen because it’s so gentle you can wear it on your body and face without any issues!
For a great night’s sleep (even on an airplane) I always pack Skinny Confidential Mouth Tape, ear plugs, a silk sleep mask, and compression socks!
What’s your favorite hotel or city you’ve ever stayed in, or a place you find yourself constantly drawn back to?
New York or Nowhere. I don’t think I’d ever live in NYC but I can’t stay away for more than 2 months at a time. I have yet to stay at Fouquet's but that’s next on my list!
What’s a city or destination you feel is underrated and deserves more attention?
India for all the reasons I said before!
What’s your go-to airport/travel outfit?
I always go comfort over fashion for the airport. I tend to overpack, but I am pretty practical with what jacket and shoes I’ll wear on the flight to save as much room as possible in my suitcase. I always find myself drawn to Éterne, Laud, Negative Underwear or good basics from Target.
How do you approach styling outfits for a trip? Do you have a system for building versatile looks, or is it destination-driven?
Fail to plan, plan to fail is my motto for styling on trips. Especially when trips are multiple weeks long, I try not to pack anything that can’t be worn more than one way. I tend to keep my wardrobe pretty basic with neutrals and add in fun statement accessories to bring out my personality. Right now, I’m obsessed with anything from Heaven Mayhem, Dorsey, Bottega Veneta and cute hats for winter!
Thank you for joining another conversation, and here’s to many more engaging chats this year with tastemakers defining what it means to live and travel well. From fashion and food to far-flung destinations, I hope these stories ignite your curiosity and inspire your next travels.