Show Notes:

In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, Eva Chan, co-founder of Launch Pop, delves into the world of e-commerce brand building. They discuss Launch Pop's accidental inception and its success in helping brands grow from inception to market dominance. The episode covers the importance of community engagement, data-driven decision-making, and adapting marketing strategies to the evolving digital landscape. They explore the significance of platforms like Pinterest and TikTok for brand discovery and education, and the shift towards performance-based marketing models. The conversation also touches on Launch Pop's use of data and AI, their development of frameworks for founders, and the potential of Los Angeles as a burgeoning hub for consumer brands.

About Eva:

Timestamps:

The inception of Launch Pop (00:01:39)

A discussion about how Launch Pop started accidentally and the story behind the creation of Morning Recovery drink.

Signal Testing and Community Building (00:05:45)

Exploring the process of signal testing, data-driven decision-making, and the importance of building a community for brand success.

Building a Distinctive Community (00:13:01)

The significance of building an authentic and loyal community from scratch, leveraging the founder's voice and mission.

Omnichannel Distribution Strategy (00:15:46)

The shift from relying solely on e-commerce to a more comprehensive omnichannel distribution strategy for sustainable growth.

Inner Workings of a Venture Studio (00:17:29)

Insights into how a venture studio operates, the team's role, and the evolution of the model over the years.

Empirical Testing and Data-Driven Decisions (00:22:10)

Balancing data-driven decision-making with intuition and industry knowledge, emphasizing the role of empirical processes in making strategic choices.

TikTok's Role in the Market (00:23:31)

The changing perception of TikTok as a platform for brands, its growing influence, and its appeal to a wider audience beyond younger demographics.

The importance of content in shopping behavior (00:23:36)

Discussion on the impact of platforms like TikTok and Pinterest on the marketing funnel and the need for quick, educational content.

Adapting to the fast pace of marketing (00:25:02)

Adaptation to the fast-paced nature of marketing, especially on native channels, and the need for speed in response to consumer behavior.

Changing marketing dynamics and the role of affiliates (00:26:05)

The shift in marketing dynamics, the influence of platforms like TikTok, and the use of affiliates for performance-based marketing.

Managing multiple distribution channels (00:27:15)

The challenges and strategies for managing multiple distribution channels and the evolving role of social media managers.

Utilizing AI and data for decision-making (00:29:00)

The use of AI and data analysis for decision-making, benchmarking against competitors, and leveraging technology for efficiency.

The importance of testing and product-market fit (00:31:12)

The significance of testing and validating assumptions for product-market fit, drawing parallels between tech and consumer product launches.

Challenges in retail expansion and leadership evaluation (00:35:07)

The challenges and considerations in retail expansion, including the need for leadership evaluation and strategic decision-making.

The need for practical business tactics (00:38:08)

The scarcity of practical business tactics and the importance of creating methodologies for early-stage companies.

The appeal of LA for building consumer brands (00:39:06)

The appeal of Los Angeles as an ecosystem for investors, founders, and consumers in the better-for-you space, and its cultural diversity.

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Beyond Beauty podcast, the host interviews Hannah Minardi and Austin Wiberg, co-founders of Standard Self-Care, a cosmeceuticals skincare brand. They discuss their backgrounds, the inception of their clean beauty business, and their bootstrapping approach. The co-founders share insights into their product lineup, designed to be unisex and appealing to a broad audience, including male gamers. They highlight the shift towards simplified skincare routines for men and the importance of clean, effective products. Plans for expanding their range to include supplements are also mentioned, along with a special discount code for listeners, underscoring their commitment to efficacy and consumer engagement.

About Hannah & Austin:

Timestamps:

The inception story (00:01:10)

Hannah and Austin's meeting and college experience, leading to the start of their careers and the inception of Standard Self-Care.

Decision to start a business (00:04:05)

The decision-making process, entrepreneurship philosophy, and the transition from corporate jobs to starting their own business.

Entering the clean beauty space (00:07:22)

The motivation behind entering the clean beauty market, the gap in the wellness space, and the decision to create a higher standard of products.

Communicating higher quality (00:09:59)

Strategies for communicating product quality, holistic approach to health, and educating consumers about ingredients.

Bootstrapping vs. seeking financing (00:14:10)

The decision to bootstrap, reasoning behind it, and the advantages of proving the concept before seeking external funding.

Product lineup and adoption (00:18:09)

The current product lineup, including a cleansing balm, daily moisturizer, and eye cream, and the adoption of unisex products, including male adoption and conscious men's skincare choices.

Male Gamers as Unexpected Consumers (00:19:56)

Discussion on the surprising popularity of the skincare products among predominantly male gamers.

Simplifying Skincare Routine for Men (00:20:57)

The need for a simplified skincare routine for men and the differences in consumer behavior between men and women.

Marketing Strategy and Unexpected Consumer Demographics (00:23:04)

Discussion on the evolving marketing strategy and the unexpected consumer demographics, including the balance of male and female consumers.

Expansion of Product Line and Holistic Approach (00:24:34)

Plans to expand the product line beyond skincare and into holistic health, including supplements and other self-care products.

Product Efficacy and Brand Accessibility (00:28:05)

Emphasis on product efficacy, the importance of packaging, and making the brand accessible to consumers.

Brand's Social Media and Discount Code (00:29:01)

Information about where to find the brand on social media platforms and a special discount code for the audience.

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,

About Gina:

Timestamps:

The journey from nursing to aesthetics (00:00:56)

Gina's transition from pediatric and neonatal nursing to becoming an aesthetic nurse and founding her own med spa and fragrance company.

Challenges and successes in the beauty industry (00:02:24)

Gina's experiences and challenges in the beauty industry, including her approach to marketing and managing her businesses.

Launching the fragrance "Baby Doll Blush" (00:09:24)

The origin story of the fragrance, its purpose to empower women, the challenges of marketing a fragrance, and the future plans for the product.

Delegating and building a team (00:18:22)

Gina's advice on delegating, trusting team members, and the importance of training staff to align with the business vision.

Seeking Advice and Learning (00:20:59)

Gina discusses the sources of advice she relies on, including personal friends, books, and podcasts, and the importance of continuous learning in business.

Adapting to Change (00:22:19)

The challenges of managing people, business, and brand during difficult times like the COVID-19 shutdown and the importance of utilizing resources for self-improvement.

Keeping Up with Industry Changes (00:23:50)

The fast-paced nature of the aesthetic industry, the need to stay updated on new technology and products, and the anticipation of regenerative medicine advancements.

Resilience and Learning from Setbacks (00:28:11)

The importance of resilience, recognizing losses, and celebrating wins as crucial aspects of being a business owner and entrepreneur.

Commitment to Personal Growth (00:29:35)

Gina's commitment to personal growth and overcoming fears by understanding her own self-worth and value, and her ongoing journey with the fragrance message.

Show Notes:

Timestamps:

Show Notes:

About Alec:

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, host interviews Cristina Nuñez, co-founder of True Beauty Ventures, who shares her extensive experience in the beauty and wellness sector. Cristina discusses her transition from finance to beauty, her passion for the industry, and her investment approach for indie beauty brands. She emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling, product quality, and community engagement for brand success. Insights into building heritage brands, adapting to consumer changes, and the significance of founder-led brands are also explored. Cristina offers advice to entrepreneurs on focus, patience, and pride in their work, highlighting the value of relationships and partnerships in the beauty industry.

About Cristina:

Timestamps:

Navigating into the Beauty Industry (00:02:18)

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:

About Beth:

Beth Bender Beauty was founded by Makeup Artist Beth Bender, the pioneer behind the first ever Eyeliner and Eye Makeup Stencils introduced to the beauty world in 2003. Beth has been described by her friends and family as the Estée Lauder of her generation. She is a creative powerhouse who has never been afraid to get her hands dirty and is always ready to throw on her lab coat. 

While working as a makeup artist with Bobbi Brown, Beth saw first hand how many women struggled to achieve precise eyeliner. It was then she realized the void in the beauty industry, and that a tool for creating eye makeup and eyeliner looks effortlessly was very much needed. Beth eliminated trial and error and made it easy to get a perfect cat-eye, winged liner or smokey eye regardless of eye size or shape. 

Beth Bender Beauty’s eye makeup tools continue to make an impact across the globe and inspire all makeup lovers to rock their flawless wings confidently and with pride. They are 100% committed to celebrating beauty and creativity everyday, offering innovative, accessible and effortless eye makeup tools for everyone. 

To connect with her, visit: bethbenderbeauty.com

Timestamps:

The birth of the stencils (00:01:12)

Beth Bender's realization of the void in the beauty industry and the birth of the first-ever eyeliner and eye makeup stencils.

Innovating in the beauty industry (00:02:34)

Discussion on the lack of innovation in the beauty industry and the future of beauty tech, technology, and marketing.

Marketing evolution (00:10:02)

The initial success through Facebook and influencers, the shift to paid advertising, and the challenges with competitors using similar keywords.

Resilience and innovation (00:13:39)

Staying resilient through innovation in skincare, grassroots marketing, and user-generated content, and the importance of genuine innovation in the beauty industry.

Clean beauty movement (00:17:35)

The growing awareness of harmful ingredients in beauty products, the EU's ban on certain ingredients, and the importance of paying attention to product ingredients.

The future of the beauty industry (00:19:36)

The evolution of the beauty industry since Beth Bender's start as an artist, and the constant presence of new brands and similar products in the industry.

The beauty industry and its challenges (00:19:44)

Discussion on the lack of innovation in the beauty industry, the overwhelming number of brands, and the influence of brand names on consumer choices.

Brand sustainability and marketing (00:21:34)

Exploration of how heritage brands in fashion have lasted generations and the challenges for beauty brands to withstand the test of time in a dynamic market.

Building a resilient brand (00:24:50)

Insights on the importance of quality, customer relationships, and resilience in building a brand that can withstand market challenges and changes.

Entrepreneurial advice and innovation (00:25:21)

Advice on the significance of innovation, creating connections, and staying committed to self-funded entrepreneurial ventures.

Personal growth and learning (00:28:16)

Beth Bender's perspective on being open-minded, learning from others, and the excitement about future personal and professional growth.

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Beyond Beauty podcast, host interviews Christina Mahar, CEO of CRAFT Beauty Lab, who brings 25 years of beauty industry experience. Christina shares her journey from taking over a small operation to scaling a successful business and emphasizes the importance of a solid marketing plan before manufacturing. She explains the complexities of skincare formulation, the significance of active ingredient percentages, and the challenges consumers face with product labels. The discussion also covers informed skincare choices for men, natural sunscreen options, and the risks of nano-sized particles. Christina advocates for simple skincare routines focusing on exfoliation, hydration, and sun protection, while also raising awareness about chemical exposure from clothing. The episode concludes with Christina's reflections on personal growth and the value of mentorship, along with future plans for CRAFT Beauty Lab to maintain a personalized business approach.

About Christina:

Timestamps:

Christina's Background (00:02:16)

Christina shares her unexpected entry into the beauty industry and her journey from part owner to CEO.

Working with Brands (00:05:14)

Discussion on the types of brands CRAFT Beauty Lab works with and the importance of having a marketing and sales plan.

Ingredient Analysis (00:07:38)

The impact of ingredient quantities in skincare products and the formulation process.

Consumer Decision-Making (00:11:37)

Factors influencing consumer decisions in purchasing skincare products and the role of brand credibility.

Product Formulation (00:14:38)

The importance of understanding the front and back ends of skincare product formulations and potential long-term effects.

Sunscreen Ingredients (00:17:18)

Insight into natural-based sunscreen ingredients, including the significance of non-nano zinc and titanium.

Sunscreen and Skincare (00:19:12)

Christina discusses the importance of non-nano sunscreen and the benefits of exfoliation for healthier skin.

Exfoliation and Hydration (00:20:14)

The benefits of exfoliation for skin health and the importance of hydration for a youthful appearance.

Antioxidants and Moisturizing (00:23:05)

The significance of antioxidants in skincare and the role of hyaluronic acid in moisturizing and hydrating the skin.

Chemical Load from Clothing (00:26:12)

The potential chemical exposure from clothing and the lack of regulation in clothing pesticides.

Business Growth and Philosophy (00:27:40)

The current focus and future plans for CRAFT Beauty Lab, emphasizing relationship-oriented growth and personal touch.

Advice and Continuous Learning (00:30:28)

Christina's advice about surrounding oneself with mentors, embracing mistakes, and the importance of continuous learning.

Endless Curiosity and Conclusion (00:32:25)

The value of staying curious and the conclusion of the interview with Christina Mahar.

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:

About Nancy McKay:

Nancy McKay is a lover of the beauty industry. She currently serves as a consultant and board member to beauty brands looking for guidance in overall strategy, often with a focus on distribution opportunities and executional paths. 

Nancy’s 28-year career at the Estee Lauder Companies provided significant experience across multiple brands and categories. Her final role at ELC was as the Senior Vice President and General Manager in North America for the Estee Lauder brand, Tom Ford Beauty, and Aerin Beauty. 

Nancy also teaches “The Business of Beauty'' as an Adjunct Professor at Florida State University. She was appointed to teach in their London Program in summer of 2022 and will teach at FSU’s Florence campus in 2024. She is an active alumna of FSU where she is currently on the Foundation Board and is the past Chair.  

To connect with Nancy McKay, visit the Florida State University webpage: business.fsu.edu

Timestamps:

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, Jacobo interviews Angela Caglia, a master esthetician and co-founder of Angela Caglia Skincare. Angela discusses the challenges in the beauty industry, emphasizing the need for transparency and understanding of skincare ingredients. She shares her journey from esthetician to entrepreneur and her commitment to non-toxic, plant-powered skincare. The conversation also touches on the evolution of men's skincare, the stigma surrounding it, and the importance of unisex products. Angela advocates for simplicity in men's skincare and looks forward to expanding her business with innovative, effective products.

About Angela Caglia

A master esthetician for 28 years, Angela Caglia -Creator and Co-Founder of Angela Caglia Skincare- is redefining the concept of "green beauty" with nontoxic, plant-powered formulas that are luxurious and effective.

Trained by paramedical skincare experts in France and guided by leading stem cell scientists, chemists, and her robust knowledge of ingredients, her unique approach to skincare is grounded in biocompatible treatments that utilize naturally occurring ingredients and cutting-edge skincare technology to protect the skin barrier while delivering transformational results—all without ever sensitizing the skin.

To connect with them, visit: angelacaglia.com

Timestamps:

Clinically Proven Skincare (00:01:16)

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/