Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty podcast, host Anne interviews Nina Greenebaum from Canal about her career trajectory. Nina shares her initial aspirations in international development, her unexpected six-year tenure at Sprinklr, and her experiences in business school. She discusses the dynamic nature of the software industry and the value of learning from various professional opportunities. Nina also talks about her current role at Canal, an early-stage B2B software company in the dropshipping space, and how it helps brands and retailers diversify their product offerings without holding inventory. She offers career advice, emphasizing the importance of learning, testing different paths, and not fearing wrong decisions. Nina also touches on her personal goals and creative outlets outside of tech. About Nina Greenebaum: Nina Greenebaum has spent her career building early and growth stage enterprise software businesses. Passionate about ecommerce and creating world-class brand experiences, Nina now leads Strategic Partnerships and Business Development at Canal. Timestamps: Nina's Career Journey (00:00:20) Nina discusses her career journey, starting with her unexpected entry into the software business and her experience at Sprinklr. Challenges and Opportunities in Tech (00:01:22) Nina talks about her experience at Sprinklr, unexpected aspects of the software industry, and the opportunities for growth and learning. Transition to Business School (00:04:46) Nina discusses her decision to leave Sprinklr and attend business school, emphasizing the benefits of the experience and the opportunity for intentional career planning. Joining Canal and Role Expansion (00:07:48) Nina shares her decision to join Canal, an early-stage B2B software business, and her role in partnerships and business development. Challenges and Rewards of Early-Stage Companies (00:08:56) Nina discusses the challenges and rewards of working in an early-stage company, emphasizing the need for cross-collaboration and embracing experimentation. Sales and Business Development (00:11:14) Nina talks about her shift into sales and business development at Canal, highlighting the value of sales experience and the importance of embracing learning from challenges. Canal's Role in E-Commerce (00:13:09) Nina explains Canal's role as the inventory layer for brands, retailers, and consumer apps, enabling them to sell third-party products without carrying inventory. Expanding Canal's Reach (00:15:29) Nina discusses Canal's partnerships with creators, celebrities, and consumer apps, emphasizing the goal of enabling various communities to sell products they love. Canal's Adaptation in the Post-COVID World (00:17:55) Nina reflects on Canal's role in the evolving e-commerce landscape and its ability to adapt to the changing consumer goods industry. Diversifying Product Categories (00:18:36) Canal's expansion beyond home goods and food to include beauty, apparel, pets, and brick-and-mortar stores. E-commerce and Consumer Behavior (00:19:43) Discussion on the impact of e-commerce on consumer behavior, convenience, and competition with Amazon. Career Advice (00:21:20) Nina's advice for college seniors on exploring career options and making decisions without fear of failure. Personal and Professional Growth (00:23:14) Encouraging individuals to focus on what excites them and to not compare their paths to others'. Decisiveness and Career Choices (00:25:14) The importance of acting decisively in career choices and learning from every decision made. Setting Personal and Professional Goals (00:27:08) Nina's aspirations, including running a marathon and pursuing floral design, to bring creativity into her life. This podcast is produced by the team at Dillie: a marketing agency with a niche focus on beauty and personal care brands https://dilliecreative.com/
About Renata: During her 15 years working as a celebrity makeup artist, Renata cultivated a passion for chemical-free products and has become an advocate for all of the positive benefits that clean beauty, skincare, and wellness have on the body and mind. Utilizing her professional background in the clean beauty industry, Renata began Lipstick Angels in 2012. As the Founder and CEO, Renata has made it her mission to bring beauty, compassion, and human touch to cancer patients through Lipstick Angels’ support services. To connect with her, visit: lipstickangels.org
About Adi: Adi Gullia is a serial entrepreneur and M&A strategist known for bootstrapping and scaling ventures into multimillion-dollar enterprises. His recent venture, Grace & Stella, started with a modest $600 investment and grew into a global CPG & e-commerce brand, serving over 5 million customers globally, marking his third successful exit. Currently, Adi is a Partner at Allevar Partners, a private equity firm that specializes in acquiring lower-middle-market companies in North America. He is focused on enhancing operational efficiency and value through AI-driven automation post-acquisition.
About Dan: Dan Fugardi has over two decades of unique entrepreneurial expertise across industries you don’t often see together, but all as a framework for a bigger plan. The target has been to have a deep understanding of the whole ecosystem so there are less surprises and better strategies. The vision is applying this to larger economic challenges. Dan's career trajectory evolved from an initial 5-year service on U.S. Navy submarines to roles in corporate development and executive management. He was known as a go-to for leading teams and was chosen to serve as the Naval Ambassador at joint force ceremonies. Dan transitioned into transactional business, first apprenticing partners at investment & commercial development firms, where he grabbed skills that he took to a string of ventures. This began a career of controlled chaos that spans bona-fide tours in real estate development, energy, city programs, entertainment, fin-tech, brand protection tech, and is today the CEO of InStyler Brands. Social Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-fugardi-510017110/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fugardi
About Alejandro: Alejandro Fiecconi is the Global Head of Brand Dove Men+Care at Unilever. Alejandro’s passion lies in bridging brands and people through the transformative power of purpose. As the driving force behind Dove Men+Care’s innovation strategy, communication, and consumer activation plans, he’s committed to shattering stereotypes that hold men back from caring for themselves and others. Armed with an MBA from Warwick University (UK) and a wealth of marketing and advertising experience, Alejandro crisscrossed three continents, shaping purposeful brands for Unilever and NGOs in Latin America.
About Josefin: Referred to as a “tech trailblazer” from Sweden, Josefin Landgård is known to bring innovation to disruptive start-ups spanning diverse industries. She co-founded the unicorn telemedicine company KRY/Livi (Europe’s largest) in 2015 and acted as CEO, COO, and/or co-founder for several other startups. Josefin is one of Scandinavia’s few female unicorn founders. She is also a prominent angel investor. Driven by a lifelong passion for skincare and yearning for a new challenge, she founded MANTLE, the Scandinavian skincare sensation transforming skin and the beauty narrative. With MANTLE, she’s determined to challenge the conversation around beauty and put an end to fear-based communication in favour of a new, more modern dialogue. The Scandinavian skincare brand is redefining the way beauty looks, delivering clean formulas and clinical results without shame-based and ageist communication, celebrating individual expression. To connect with her, visit: mantleskin.com
About Alisa: Alisa (Williams) Carmichael is an Investment Partner at VMG Partners where she has worked across multiple branded consumer categories supporting the likes of: The Honey Pot Company, Drunk Elephant, Danessa Myricks Beauty, and many more. Her passion for helping BIPOC-founded businesses thrive has always been core to her investment approach and inspired VMG Partner’s formation of The Parity Collective, an investment initiative focused on investing in founders of color across the consumer industry.
About Kat: Kat Dey is a serial entrepreneur and executive, named one of “35 People to Watch”. She is Co-Founder & President of ettitude, an award-winning material science company with the mission to dramatically reduce the harmful environmental impact of textiles. With its proprietary technologies, ettitude offers sustainable bedding, bath essentials, apparel, and a variety of textiles made with CleanBamboo® . The manufacturing process is a clean alternative to the highly polluting cotton, viscose, silk, and cashmere. It’s also worth mentioning that ettitude is Climate Neutral certified and a B Corp. Prior to ettitude, Kat had a decade of experience scaling mission-driven companies. Her prior company was named by Crains NY as the #3 fastest-growing company in New York before it was acquired in 2017. Today Dey also serves as an advisor and investor in several early-stage companies. Kat and her companies have appeared in Fortune, Forbes, WSJ, LA Times, Today, FOX, BBC and more. To connect with her, visit: ettitude.com
About Helen: Helen Yang is the CEO & Founder of Clement Packaging, an innovative sustainable packaging startup. Clement makes plant-based, compostable packaging as a 1:1 replacement for plastic. Helen is based in San Francisco, CA, and is a chemist on a mission to clean up plastic waste in the beauty industry. To connect with her, visit: clementpackaging.com
About Danielle: Meet Facile co-founder and CEO Danielle Nadick Leevy, a business strategist, brand builder, and beauty junkie. Working alongside Dr. Sam, Danielle used her business expertise and brand-building experience to develop a clinical skincare line that blends simplicity and function. Her vision has always been clear — bring kind, accessible, and effective skincare to the masses. After a recent successful exit and acquisition of the facile dermatology clinics back in June of 2023, Danielle remains involved as an owner driving growth and development of new facile locations.
About Madeline: Madeline Kaplan is a Principal at Selva Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in health & wellness-focused consumer brands. At Selva she is primarily focused on Beauty & Personal Care, serving as a Board Member for Minu and a Board Observer for OneSkin, Crown Affair, and Perelel. Prior to joining Selva Ventures, Madeline was a Principal at Smash Capital, a later-stage consumer tech fund. Madeline started her career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs. She is based in Los Angeles, CA, and has an A.B. [Bachelor of Arts] in Economics from Harvard College. To connect with her, visit: selvaventures.com
Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty podcast, host interviews Lindsey Kracum, VP of Brand and Marketing at Versed, who brings over 17 years of experience in the beauty industry. Lindsey shares her career journey, from her initial interest in marketing during college to her significant roles in brand management, product innovation, and market expansion at companies like Neutrogena and Welli. She discusses the importance of adapting brand strategies to growth and goals, Versed's commitment to clean skincare, and the necessity of meeting consumer demands for efficacy and simplicity. The episode also touches on the impact of digital marketing and social media on the beauty industry, with Lindsey reflecting on the evolution of influencer marketing and the importance of staying true to brand origins while navigating market changes. About Lindsey: Lindsey Kracum’s 17+ year career spans both Fortune 100 and startup brands beloved by consumers. Lindsey joined Versed in April 2023 as VP of Brand & Marketing, overseeing brand strategy, product development and innovation, internal and external communications, community efforts, and strategic business planning for the dermatologist-backed, community-approved, easy-to-use brand that delivers uncomplicated skincare for undeniable results. Before joining Versed, Lindsey spent three and half years at Welly Health. Before that, Lindsey spent seven years at Neutrogena leading both go-to-market and global new product innovation across multiple categories. While at Neutrogena, she helmed the launch of the Hydro Boost platform, which is now a $200MM+ platform, as well as guided the global sun care five-year innovation pipeline, identifying critical gaps in the portfolio and building new platforms to address unmet consumer needs. To connect with her, visit: versedskin.com Timestamps: Lindsey's Career Journey (00:00:01) Lindsey's introduction and career overview in the beauty industry. Early Career in Marketing (00:02:14) Lindsey's college internships, focus on brand management, and transition to beauty industry. Navigating Career Transitions (00:03:23) Lindsey's transition from advertising agency to beauty industry, pivotal moments, and decision to pursue an MBA. Transition to Neutrogena (00:05:12) Lindsey's move to Neutrogena, involvement in product concept, and global innovation focus. Career Shift to Welli and Versed (00:06:09) Lindsey's move to Welli, involvement in scaling the brand, and transition to Versed. Brand Growth Pyramid (00:08:11) Lindsey's insights on brand growth pyramid and her experiences in different aspects of brand growth. Evolving Brand Positioning (00:10:48) Lindsey's focus on evolving Versed's brand positioning and product innovation. Navigating the Clean Beauty Market (00:12:36) Discussion on staying unique in the saturated clean beauty market and consumer education. Product Differentiation and Efficacy (00:13:18) Lindsey's focus on efficacy and uncomplicated skincare aligned with consumer needs. Shift in Digital Marketing Landscape (00:16:28) Lindsey's observations on the evolution of digital marketing, influencer marketing, and community building. AI in marketing and skincare (00:20:42) The impact of AI in marketing and personalized skincare diagnosis, using AI to provide personalized skincare recommendations. Personalized skincare and emerging technology (00:22:01) The use of AI technology to scan and diagnose skin conditions, empowering consumers with personalized skincare recommendations. Career advice and networking (00:23:30) Importance of networking, seeking mentorship, and the significance of volunteering for special projects in career development. Taking risks in product innovation (00:29:07) The importance of taking calculated risks and intentional innovation in product development, pushing boundaries for commercial viability and future consumer needs.
Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, Alison Lee Powell, a marketing strategist with a rich background in the beauty industry, discusses her career and personal life. She talks about her start at Estée Lauder, the evolution of marketing with digital media, and the challenges faced by different-sized beauty brands. Alison also opens up about her fertility journey, the balance between motherhood and career, and the importance of self-care. She encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being and reassures them that talent will lead to opportunities. Alison invites listeners to connect with her through various means, showing a preference for phone calls. About Alison: Alison Lee Powell is a seasoned marketing strategist and innovator with a proven track record of driving growth and success for leading brands in the beauty, healthcare, and startup sectors. With over a decade of executive experience, Alison has led transformative initiatives at companies like L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, Revlon, Milk Makeup, and Allergan Aesthetics, spanning from global market expansion to product innovation and strategic partnerships. She is passionate about leveraging her expertise to support growth-stage businesses by developing cohesive brand narratives, optimizing customer acquisition strategies, and fostering meaningful collaborations, ultimately empowering these ventures to scale efficiently and establish strong market positions. Alison is a New Yorker at heart who now resides in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Alison is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, mentoring and promoting women's health and fertility initiatives. Balancing her role as mom, executive, and wife, Alison embraces the next chapter of her life with enthusiasm, aiming to make a positive impact both personally and professionally. Her journey reflects resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to supporting women's growth and well-being. Timestamps: Joining Estée Lauder (00:04:48) Alison shares her journey of landing a job at Estée Lauder and her passion for working in the beauty industry. Impact of Digital Marketing (00:12:38) Alison reflects on the shift in the beauty industry due to the rise of digital and social media marketing. In-Person Shopping Experience (00:19:29) Alison emphasizes the continued importance of in-person shopping and the community aspect in beauty retail. The retail partner leverage (00:21:27) Discussion on leveraging retail partnerships and customer loyalty in the beauty industry. Competing in the industry (00:21:53) Comparison of heritage brands, startup brands, and indie brands in the beauty industry. Legacy brands and learning (00:22:36) The advantages of working at legacy brands and the valuable lessons learned from them. Success of indie brands (00:24:51) The unique strategies and success factors of indie brands in the beauty industry. Career journey and upskilling (00:26:03) Navigating career progression and upskilling in the beauty industry, especially in entrepreneurial roles. Balancing career and motherhood (00:27:18) Challenges and advice for balancing a career in the fast-paced beauty industry while being a mother. Prioritizing personal fulfillment (00:35:06) Balancing external validation with personal fulfillment and the importance of self-care and relationships. Building a career and setting boundaries (00:39:04) The importance of career impact, setting boundaries, and being a role model for children. Taking control of destiny (00:41:19) The significance of being in control of one's destiny and modeling behavior for loved ones. Navigating life's challenges (00:42:05) Accepting life's ups and downs and navigating challenges with resilience and adaptability. Empowerment and Taking Control (00:43:39) The host and Alison talk about breaking constructs, feeling empowered, and taking control of one's life.
Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, host interviews Kimberly Shenk, co-founder and CEO of Novi. They discuss Kimberly's background, including her time in the Air Force and her studies at MIT, which led to her co-founding Novi, a company focused on clean beauty and product transparency. They delve into the complexities of the clean beauty industry, the role of data science, and Novi's partnerships with retailers like Sephora and Ulta. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of passion and belief in entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a business, and the significance of delegation. The conversation also explores the potential of AI in the beauty industry, from consumer personalization to formulation assistance and data management. Finally, they touch on the intersection of B2B and B2C marketing and the potential for cross-industry learning. About Kimberly: Kimberly Shenk is the co-founder and CEO of Novi, a company helping consumer brands develop clean, transparent consumer products. Novi was developed out of pain points she experienced first hand as the co-founder of NakedPoppy, an online clean beauty company. She formerly served as Head of Product/Data Science for Domino Data Lab, Eventbrite and Sports Authority, and as a Data Scientist and Officer in the United States Air Force. Kimberly holds an MS from MIT and a BS from the U.S. Air Force Academy. To connect with her, visit: noviconnect.com Timestamps: Kimberly's Background and Journey (00:00:52) Kimberly's career journey from the U.S. Air Force to founding Novi, emphasizing her passion for data science and clean beauty. Starting Novi (00:03:44) The pain points experienced while co-founding a clean beauty company led to the inception of Novi, aiming to democratize information for brands. Educating Brands on Clean Ingredients (00:05:47) Helping brands understand the nuances of clean ingredients, including the sourcing and production processes, to make informed decisions. Connecting Brands with Suppliers (00:09:30) Novi's role in connecting brands with responsible suppliers and manufacturers to facilitate informed decision-making in product formulation. Seal Verification and Data Approach (00:12:18) The role of Novi as a verification engine for clean seals, emphasizing the importance of a data-driven approach in defining clean and non-toxic products. Continuous Learning and Expansion (00:15:34) The continuous evolution of understanding clean ingredients and the potential expansion of Novi into wellness, supplements, and other verticals. Entrepreneurship and Mentorship (00:19:38) Discussion on the challenges and advice for entrepreneurs, including the importance of passion and finding alignment with skills. Scaling a Business (00:22:26) Challenges and strategies in scaling a business, including delegating, hiring, and surrounding oneself with diverse expertise. AI Technology in Beauty Industry (00:25:32) Exploration of the impact of AI in the beauty industry, including consumer-facing applications, formulation, and data structuring. Personal and Professional Growth (00:30:21) Reflection on personal and professional goals, including the intention to reintegrate trail running into a busy lifestyle. Conclusion and Future Outlook (00:32:02) Wrap-up and invitation to connect with Novi, acknowledging the company's impact on the beauty industry and beyond. This podcast is produced by the team at Dillie: a marketing agency with a niche focus on beauty and personal care brands https://dilliecreative.com/
Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty podcast, host interviews Serena Advani, founder of Seadrop, a skincare brand that innovates with tablet-form cleansers. Serena discusses her journey from a consumer passionate about beauty to creating a sustainable, waterless skincare product inspired by traditional Indian skincare practices. With a background in cognitive neuroscience and experience in beauty diligence and global brand strategy, Serena aims to address sustainability and product quality issues in the beauty industry. The episode delves into the challenges of starting a brand, the decision-making behind product development, and the importance of heritage in Serena's entrepreneurial path. About Serena: Serena Advani is the founder of Seadrop, the brand reinventing skincare as tablets instead of liquids. Her debut product is a first-of-its-kind, crushable, “just-add-water” skincare tablet that activates into a hydrating facial cleanser upon use with the tap water you already have at home. While traditional liquid cleanser is ~90% water and stored in single-use plastic, Seadrop's waterless cleanser comes in zero-waste, refillable packaging for skincare that’s cleaner for both the planet and your skin. Serena holds degrees in cognitive neuroscience and operations (with a focus on neuromarketing) from Penn, along with an MBA from Wharton (where she served as a President of the Wharton Beauty Club). She previously worked on beauty due diligences at McKinsey and in global brand strategy at Estee Lauder Companies (Bobbi Brown), and she has recently been named a 2023 Most Influential ESG Leader by Women’s Wear Daily. To connect with her, visit: seadropskincare.com Timestamps: Introducing Serena Advani (00:00:54) Serena Advani's background, her brand Seadrop, and its innovative skincare tablet product are discussed. Serena's journey into the beauty industry (00:02:08) Serena shares her personal journey into the beauty industry, transitioning from consulting to beauty diligence and Estée Lauder. The birth of Seadrop (00:04:14) Serena discusses the inspiration behind Seadrop, the concept of waterless skincare, and the decision to start her own brand. Launching the first product (00:07:19) Serena explains the decision-making process behind launching the first product, focusing on consumer preferences and sustainable packaging. Unexpected connections (00:13:25) Serena's connection to her namesake, a beauty salon in Mumbai, and the intertwining paths within the beauty industry. Mentorship and entrepreneurship (00:15:12) Serena discusses the importance of mentorship, customer feedback, and the scrappy mindset in entrepreneurship. Valuable advice (00:18:36) Serena shares the advice she values, emphasizing the importance of addressing small tasks promptly and trusting one's instincts. The energy of advice (00:18:48) Discussion on the abundance of advice for entrepreneurs and the importance of discerning which advice to follow. Neuromarketing and its role (00:19:37) Exploration of the intersection of neuroscience and marketing, and its impact on marketing strategy and consumer behavior. Mindfulness in skincare (00:20:40) The incorporation of mindfulness and sensorial experiences in skincare products, influenced by the speaker's background in neuroscience and meditation. Travel-friendly skincare (00:23:55) The convenience and practicality of waterless skincare tablets for travel, addressing liquid restrictions and maintaining skincare routines while traveling. Marketing strategies (00:26:12) Approaches to reaching consumers, including influencer partnerships, collaborations, and plans for future paid advertising. Mission-driven entrepreneurship (00:28:46) The speaker's passion for the mission of waterless skincare and sustainability, driving her entrepreneurial journey and decision-making.
Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, host and guest Olivia Cefalu delve into Olivia's journey and expertise in the beauty industry. Olivia, a digital marketing professional and freelance beauty editor, shares her early passion for beauty and how she strategically built her career through internships and roles at various companies. She discusses the importance of niche expertise, the impact of technology and AI on the industry, and the value of networking and collaboration. Olivia also highlights her love for poetry and her aspiration to write creatively, emphasizing the significance of personal creative outlets separate from professional life. The episode touches on the dynamic nature of the beauty industry and the need to stay relevant amidst rapid changes. About Olivia: Olivia is a digital marketing professional in the beauty industry as well as a freelance beauty editor based in Brooklyn, New York. Olivia got her start in beauty writing while she was still in college. She has always had a passion for beauty writing, the business of beauty, and print media (specifically magazines). During college, she interned at an international marketing agency working on accounts like lululemon, Harry Winston, Bally, Hot Wheels, and more. With this experience she scored beauty internships at Tata Harper Skincare and Very Good Light; eventually landing her a full time job upon graduation. Now, she works at professional skincare brand Image Skincare where she manages paid advertising strategy and execution. She throws her creativity into freelance work outside of her full time role as an editor at publications like Well + Good, Byrdie, InStyle, Mane Addicts and more. She covers stories about new beauty launches, wellness trends and will always have a recommendation for whatever your skincare or makeup collection needs. Her friends would describe her brain as a 'beauty brand encyclopedia', always referencing marketing campaigns and A+ product launches. Timestamps: The beginning of Olivia's career (00:01:05) Olivia's passion for beauty, internships, and entry into the beauty industry. Olivia's early interest in beauty (00:02:29) Olivia's childhood inspiration and college experiences shaping her career choice. Olivia's career progression (00:04:01) Olivia's internships, skill development, and transitioning into full-time roles. Navigating early career challenges (00:05:16) Olivia's accelerated career, age perception, and professional experiences during the pandemic. Balancing work and personal life (00:14:30) Discussion on burnout, personal dreams, and maintaining work-life balance. Reflections on burnout and personal growth (00:18:19) Olivia's experience with burnout, self-awareness, and finding happiness in her career. Longevity in Career (00:19:32) Discussion on how to maintain a long-lasting career in a dynamic world, influenced by technology and industry trends. Navigating DTC and Marketing Conferences (00:21:19) Insight into the ever-changing direct-to-consumer industry and the value of attending marketing conferences for networking and learning. Impact of AI and Accessible Resources (00:25:24) The accessibility of resources for freelancers and marketers, as well as the impact of AI tools in the industry. Challenges and Opportunities in Entrepreneurship (00:28:38) Exploration of the potential of AI tools in advertising and the discussion on the future of entrepreneurship and the beauty industry. Personalizing Beauty and Creative Outlets (00:31:47) The personal nature of beauty products and the exploration of creative outlets, such as poetry writing, as a personal endeavor. Waiting in the Stands (00:33:39) Reflection on personal creative pursuits and the importance of having hobbies and interests unrelated to one's career. Closing Remarks and Contact Information (00:36:41) Final thoughts, gratitude, and contact information for the guest speaker.
Show Notes: In this podcast episode, the host interviews Charlie Razook, the founder of Jackfir, a clean men's skincare brand. Charlie discusses his personal journey, starting the company after a leukemia diagnosis in 2018, which highlighted the dangers of environmental toxins. He talks about breaking into the male skincare market, emphasizing the need for clean, accessible products. Charlie also covers product selection, customer acquisition, retail expansion, and community building. The brand's focus is on men's health and wellness, with plans for future growth. Products are available at Jackfir.com, Amazon, Beauty Heroes, Fellow Barber, and various boutiques. About Charlie: Charlie Razook is the founder of certified-clean men’s skincare brand Jackfir. He started the company after a leukemia diagnosis in 2018 that woke him up to the toxins in our lives that are making us sick. He could not find a non-toxic swap for his personal care items, so he decided to make his own. Before Jackfir, Charlie was the first employee at Solid & Striped, the swimwear brand, where he helped build the company alongside the founder. Charlie is passionate about raising awareness around men’s mental and physical health and often writes on the topic. He is an advocate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and lobbies on Capitol Hill for cancer patient rights. To connect with him, visit: jackfir.com Timestamps: The impact of environmental toxins (00:01:31) Charlie discusses the impact of environmental toxins on the body and the wake-up call of his leukemia diagnosis. Breaking into the male skincare market (00:02:26) Charlie explains the challenges and strategies involved in breaking into the male skincare market. Product selection and customer acquisition (00:04:22) Charlie discusses the selection of initial products and the differences in men's skincare routines. Retail expansion and community building (00:07:12) Charlie talks about retail expansion, customer acquisition, and community building efforts. Gifting and subscription models (00:09:16) The impact of gifting on customer acquisition and the use of subscription models for product retention. Preparing for retail expansion (00:12:03) Charlie discusses the preparations and challenges involved in moving from a primarily DTC model to retail expansion. Nurturing a community and brand ethos (00:15:38) The importance of nurturing a community and building a brand ethos around men's health and skincare. Future growth strategies (00:20:00) Charlie outlines plans for new products, partnerships, and growth strategies for the company. Finding Jackfir (00:20:43) Discussion on where to find information about Jackfir and where to purchase the product. Product Availability (00:20:49) Information on where to purchase Jackfir products, including online and retail locations. Brand Recognition and Design (00:21:11) Compliments on the branding and colors of Jackfir products, with a mention of trying the product. Quality and Experience (00:21:24) Emphasis on the quality of the product and the positive experience customers can expect. This podcast is produced by the team at Dillie: a marketing agency with a niche focus on beauty and personal care brands. https://dilliecreative.com/
Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, the host interviews Kaylee Lieffers, the founder and CEO of Blanka, a platform that aids entrepreneurs in launching and scaling beauty businesses. Kaylee shares her transition from management consulting to the startup world and the challenges she faced starting her own e-commerce beauty brand. These challenges inspired the creation of Blanka, which simplifies the process for independent brands by handling procurement, personalization, and fulfillment, allowing them to focus on sales and marketing. They also discuss the importance of community and narrative for brand success, the role of social media in gaining traction, and Blanka's future plans to support scaling brands and venture into custom formulation. Kaylee also mentions Blanka's integration with e-commerce platforms and their approach to dropshipping and financing. The conversation concludes with Kaylee providing contact information for Blanka and offering a promotional code for the podcast community. To help you kickstart your custom beauty brand, we’re giving you 10% off your first sample order with Blanka. Use code BEYONDBEAUTY10 at checkout at www.Blankabrand.com. About Kaylee: Kaylee is a start-up fanatic, ex-management consultant, and tech innovator. She is the Founder & CEO of Blanka, a disruptive platform that helps entrepreneurs launch and scale beauty businesses. In less than two years, Blanka became one of the top performing apps in the Shopify App Store and today has helped over 25,000 entrepreneurs start their businesses. Kaylee’s unwavering commitment to innovation and empowering other entrepreneurs has earned her a number of awards including Top 30 Under 30 and Top Female Founders to Watch in Canada. Timestamps: Kaylie Lee's background and Blanka's establishment (00:00:01) Kaylee's career transition, tech experience, and the inception of Blanka to support beauty entrepreneurs. Challenges of starting a beauty brand (00:01:47) Discussion on the difficulties faced by indie beauty brands, including formulation, manufacturing, and distribution. Evolution of Blanka's services (00:04:45) The development of Blanka's platform to simplify procurement, personalization, and fulfillment for emerging beauty brands. Integration with e-commerce platforms (00:11:57) Explanation of how Blanka integrates with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Wix, and WooCommerce for seamless order fulfillment. Customization and lifecycle involvement (00:09:34) Discussion on Blanka's private label service and its potential for custom formulations, as well as plans for continued involvement in brands' growth. Dropshipping and low minimums (00:15:06) Blanka's ability to facilitate dropshipping and its strategy of offering no minimums for seamless operations. Challenges and potential financing support (00:17:13) Insights into the challenges faced by early-stage brands and the potential for Blanka to explore financing support based on brand performance data. Key success factors and brand differentiation (00:19:52) Discussion on the importance of community focus, product narrative, and omnichannel approach for brand success. Success and Growth Strategies (00:21:55) The significance of a hero product going viral on social media, the need to build a collection of hero products, and the importance of nurturing a community for success. Supporting Established Beauty Brands (00:23:02) Blanka's role in supporting established beauty brands in scaling and expanding their product lines by providing complementary products and support. Venturing into New Verticals (00:23:22) The opportunity for successful beauty brands to test new products in different categories with low investment and quick market entry through collaboration with Blanka. Future Plans and Vision (00:23:50) Blanka's focus on nurturing and building relationships with scaling brands, custom formulation, and the vision of hosting the future Kylie Jenner on the platform.
Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, Caroline Klaas, Marketing Director at Henkel Professional, shares her career progression from working in the board office of the CFO to her current role. She discusses her strategic approach to marketing, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing stylists and leveraging influencer relationships. Caroline explores the impact of technology on the industry, advocating for agility in marketing. She also reflects on the significance of passion, purpose, and going the extra mile in one's career, the balance between passion and patience, and adapting to new environments. The episode concludes with thoughts on being present and enjoying life's moments. About Caroline: Caroline Klaas is a Visionary Marketer, Creative Strategist, thoughtful leader fostering purposeful growth, and a strong believer in true empowerment & the power of a mindful winning mindset. She currently is the Marketing Director at Kenra Professional. Kenra joined Henkel's NA Beauty Professional Family in Culver City L.A. back in 2016. Ever since, Kenra has been a key driver for the region’s success - delivering purposeful and profitable growth with its unique brand DNA, its world-class product portfolio, and successful innovations. These qualities have allowed the brand to grow to a >100 Mio$ brand over the last couple of years, becoming Henkel’s No. 1 brand on Amazon & Ulta. Timestamps: The start of the interview (00:00:01) Introduction and background information about the podcast and the guest. Caroline's career journey (00:01:10) Caroline discusses her unconventional career path at Henkel and her transition from finance to marketing. Caroline's role in the CFO office (00:02:22) Caroline's experience working in the board office of the CFO at Henkel and the diverse projects she was involved in. Transition to marketing and strategy roles (00:04:20) Caroline's transition from the CFO office to working on the group strategy for Henkel and the impact of COVID-19 on her role. Caroline's role as Marketing Director at Henkel Professional (00:07:41) Caroline's current role as the Marketing Director at Henkel Professional, focusing on the B2B and B2C space and the unique approach to marketing. Leveraging relationships with influencers and brand ambassadors (00:12:01) Discussion about the collaboration and relationships with influencers and brand ambassadors in the hair industry. Product development and technology in the hair industry (00:14:07) Exploration of product development, technology, and innovation in the hair industry, including leveraging R&D and technology for marketing. Impact of technology on marketing and the hair industry (00:17:21) Caroline's insights on the impact of technology on marketing, including the challenges and opportunities it presents. Advice on the importance of passion and surrounding oneself with passionate colleagues (00:20:30) Caroline's advice on the importance of passion and finding a supportive work environment. Purposeful Role (00:20:50) Caroline discusses finding purpose in her work and the impact of going the extra mile. Balancing Passion and Patience (00:22:03) The hosts discuss the challenge of balancing passion, drive, and patience in career growth. Feedback and Learning Journey (00:24:53) Caroline shares her experiences with feedback, challenges as a manager, and the learning curve in a new environment. Being Present in the Moment (00:29:28) Caroline emphasizes the importance of being present and enjoying the small moments in life and work. Continuous Growth and Innovation (00:30:38) The hosts discuss the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and not being afraid of failure in personal and professional growth. This podcast is produced by the team at Dillie: a marketing agency with a niche focus on beauty and personal care brands. https://dilliecreative.com/
Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty podcast, host interviews Wende Zomnir, a beauty industry pioneer and co-founder of Caliray. Wende shares her journey from launching Urban Decay to embracing sustainability with Caliray. She reflects on the evolution of the beauty industry, the rise of influencers, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity amidst changing beauty standards. Wende also discusses the importance of sustainability in beauty, her efforts to create eco-friendly packaging, and offers advice to entrepreneurs on resilience and resourcefulness. The episode concludes with Wende providing information on where to find Caliray products and a hint at a potential future book. About Wende: Wende Zomnir is a modern beauty industry pioneer. She envisioned a shake-up on an unsuspecting and stodgy beauty industry and unleashed Urban Decay from her Laguna Beach bungalow in 1996, filling the void with makeup that fueled a beauty revolution. Urban Decay democratized beauty before anyone else and Wende paved the way for the indie beauty movement and every beauty entrepreneur. After transforming the beauty industry (and helping grow Urban Decay to $1 billion in annual retail sales and elevate it to the #1 brand spot at both Sephora and Ulta, then selling the brand to L'Oreal), Wende, a lifelong surfer, was faced head-on by the amount of plastic trash in the ocean while riding the waves. So she turned her sights on another beauty revolution: sustainability. In October 2021, Wende Zomnir co-founded Caliray, a West Coast beauty brand made of clean formulas, dirty minds, and sexy sustainability. The Sephora Clean + Planet Positive brand blends makeup with wellness to create innovative concoctions with innocent ingredients. To connect with Wende, visit: caliraybeauty.com Timestamps: Wende Zomnir's Background (00:00:01) Introduction to Wende Zomnir's career in the beauty industry and her co-founding of Caliray. Urban Decay Revolution (00:01:19) Wende Zomnir's role in transforming Urban Decay into a billion-dollar brand and her efforts in sustainability. Caliray's Sustainability (00:02:22) Introduction to Caliray, a west coast beauty brand focused on clean formulas and sustainability. Innovation and Intersection of Beauty and Wellness (00:02:44) Wende's vision for beauty and wellness intersection and her journey from Urban Decay to Caliray. Influencer Marketing and Product Development (00:04:44) Discussion on the iconic Urban Decay Naked palette, product development challenges, and early influencer marketing. Challenges and Innovation in Brand Building (00:08:48) The barriers to entry in the beauty industry and the challenges faced in building the Urban Decay brand. Marketing and Networking Strategies (00:11:22) Innovative marketing strategies, including influencer collaborations and networking for sourcing and manufacturing. Building Business Relationships (00:15:48) The importance of finding supportive business relationships and mentors in the beauty industry. The changing beauty industry (00:18:23) Discusses the evolution of the beauty industry, the rise of influencers, and the impact of democratization of beauty. The idea behind Caliray (00:23:05) Discusses the inspiration behind the creation of the Caliray brand, focusing on wellness, sustainability, and the California dream. Sustainability in beauty products (00:24:48) Explores the challenges and advancements in sustainability within the beauty industry, including packaging design and materials. Consumer education on sustainability (00:27:07) Discusses the importance of consumer education and initiatives in promoting sustainability in beauty products. Advice for entrepreneurs (00:29:25) Provides advice for entrepreneurs on managing burnout, setting boundaries, and delegating tasks. The 100th episode celebration (00:37:18) The host expresses excitement for the 100th episode and introduces the guest, Wende Zomnir.