In this heartfelt episode of the Full Stack Beauty podcast, co-hosts Sarah and Sabrina dive deep into their personal experiences as Asian leaders in the ever-evolving spaces of beauty and technology. Celebrating Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, they share their immigrant stories, cultural challenges, and the triumphs that have shaped their unique perspectives. Join us as we explore what it means to navigate identity, belonging, and success in our diverse worlds.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The complex journey of assimilation for Asian immigrants in the U.S.
• Humorous and challenging stories of identity mishaps abroad.
• The significance of the green card in the immigrant experience.
• Insights into the cultural nuances of being Asian in America, from Tanzanian-Indian to Korean-American backgrounds.
• The impact of cultural heritage on personal and professional lives.
• How the evolving perception of Asian culture in the U.S. has shifted over decades.

Featured Stories:

• Sabrina's mix of Asian and Tanzanian heritage and her transition to life in the U.S.
• Sara's long journey to U.S. citizenship and the unexpected prompt of jury duty as a new citizen.
• Their shared experiences and mishaps traveling in Europe as non-citizens.
• Personal reflections on identity and the powerful role of heritage in shaping their lives and careers.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to the episode
• [02:36] Sara and Sabrina's background and immigration stories
• [15:09] Exploring the changing perceptions of being Asian in America
• [19:13] The impact of cultural background on professional paths in beauty and tech
• [25:54] Discussion on diversity, inclusion, and leadership
• [32:01] Closing thoughts and upcoming events

Recommended Resources:

• Link to AAPI resources and support networks
• Information on the green card process and immigrant rights in the U.S.
• Articles on the cultural impact of K-beauty and other Asian influences in the beauty industry

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @FullStackBeautyPodcast
• Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest episodes and exclusive insights
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts

Closing Remarks:Thank you for joining us in this episode of Full Stack: Beauty and Beyond. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful discussions. Join us next time as we continue to explore the intersection of culture, technology, and beauty.

In this episode of the Full Stack Beauty podcast, co-hosts Sarah and Sabrina discuss the highlights from therecent Voices of Beauty summit, that focused on technology and diversity in beauty. They provide insights from both days of the event, discussing panels, guest speakers, and the overall atmosphere and themes of inclusivity and community.

00:00:00 Intro

• Sarah and Sabrina discuss the core subjects of the summit, emphasizing the panel on how technology impacts diversity and inclusion.

00:09:11 Day 1: John Legend and Retail Bootcamp

• John Legend's Speech: The first day featured a notable speech by John Legend, who shared insights from his dual experience as a celebrity and a brand founder. He discussed how his fame provides certain advantages in business, yet emphasized that a brand must stand on its own merits to truly succeed. His candid reflections added a personal and relatable touch to the summit's discussions on entrepreneurship.
• Bootcamp for Brand Founders: Day 1 was initially envisioned as a bootcamp for brand founders, focusing on practical aspects of business management, such as finances and effective collaboration with retailers. The day aimed to be more intimate, providing tactical advice and fostering direct connections among attendees.
• Expanded Attendance: Despite plans for a smaller, more focused event, the actual attendance was nearly half the size of the full summit, creating a bustling atmosphere that enhanced networking opportunities and communal learning.

00:19:20 Day 2: Ciara, Ayesha Curry, and more!

• Main Stage Events: The second day served as the main event, featuring larger panels and more prominent speakers. Discussions broadened to encompass major themes of diversity and technology in the beauty industry.
• Panels on Technology and Diversity: Specific panels addressed how emerging technologies like AI-driven wig technology and shoppable UGC (User-Generated Content) platforms can power initiatives for diversity and inclusivity. These discussions explored the intersection of tech innovations with real-world applications in beauty and wellness.
• Community and Atmosphere: The second day continued the themes of inclusivity, aiming to create an environment that felt more like a communal gathering among friends rather than a typical business conference. The day was designed to foster a sense of belonging and community among participants, which was highlighted as a standout success of the event.

00:32:25 The Million Dollar question

• Will there be another event next year???

Join Sarah and Sabrina as they have a heart-to-heart about the importance of DEI in the beauty industry with Avantha Arachchi, COO of A-Frame brands. This conversation is a really *passionate* one, they will get into:

• How the beauty industry’s lack of inclusivity is impacting consumers on a personal level
• Understanding that transparency is the gateway to personalization and reshaping diverse customers’ interactions with beauty products
• Identifying where beauty brands are missing the mark and addressing opportunities for more inclusivity
• Spilling the tea on celebrity brands and how you can tell if they’re passionate about their brand

Thank you for listening and thank you Avantha for joining us this episode! Stay tuned for the next Full Stack Beauty episode and follow @LandingInternational and @ClearForMe.

Follow Avantha at @beautynbullets

Learn more about A-Frame brands at https://www.aframebrands.com/

Join us and be part of change at the Voices of Beauty Summit! Use code FULLSTACK20 to save 20% off your ticket purchase! Visit voicesofbeautysummit.com and apply at checkout.

[00:00] Introductions and catch up

[02:09] Avantha shares her background

[03:25] Learning about A-Frame Brands and the role Avantha plays as COO

[05:30] How Avantha navigates straddling both supply chain, processes, and product development as COO

[08:19] Unpacking Avantha’s point of view on how the beauty industry’s lack of inclusivity impacts consumers on a personal level

[11:15] Understanding why historically people think about what the majority needs instead of what their actual consumers want

[12:30] The similarities between the beauty industry and entrepreneurship

[14:13] Recognizing that there are changing demographics and industries are not reflecting those changes in their products

[14:45] Answering the question: Does transparency and more education reshape diverse customers' interactions with beauty products?

[16:08] The importance of transparency in beauty products and how ClearForMe is paving the way for consumers

[17:34] Where Avantha feels brands are missing the mark and addressing the biggest opportunity they have to be more inclusive

[18:52] How Landing is incorporating education to empower store associates so they are equipped with the right tools when interacting with customers from all backgrounds

[20:19] Thoughts on celebrity brands and how celebrity brands at A-Frame are using their platform to amplify the needs of the diverse customer

[22:30] How Dwyane Wade is setting the bar when it comes to transparency and celebrity brands

[25:21] Sharing the best strategies A-Frame uses to ensure diverse voices are represented

[27:22] Avantha will be speaking about reaching the diverse customer at the Voices of Beauty Summit

[28:16] Sarah and Sabrina share their quotes for the episode

Tune into this vulnerable conversation between Sarah, Sabrina, and the *goat* of the beauty industry, Michelle Lee. Discover how Michelle’s vision is reshaping beauty standards and challenging industry norms. This episode will get into:

• Michelle’s early career to her current role now as founder of Monologue
• Growing confidence in yourself as a woman of color in the workforce
• Understanding the challenges in the beauty industry and why they’re falling short
• The importance of DEI in the workplace and media
• Learning the why behind the Voices of Beauty Summit and what to expect

Thank you for listening and thank you Michelle for joining us this episode! Stay tuned for the next Full Stack Beauty episode and follow @LandingInternational and @ClearForMe.

Interested in attending the Voices of Beauty Summit? Use code FULLSTACK20 to save 20% off your ticket purchase! Visit voicesofbeautysummit.com and apply at checkout.

About Michelle:

Michelle Lee is the founder of Monologue, a marketing/PR agency for beauty and lifestyle brands. A 2021 Adcolor Legend, she was VP of Global Editorial & Publishing at Netflix and Editor in Chief of Allure. Michelle won Adweek’s 2017 Editor of the Year for Allure's groundbreaking moments, such as the 2017 This Is American Beauty cover featuring Halima Aden in a hijab and for committing to ban the term “anti-aging.” She previously served as Editor in Chief and CMO of NYLON and as a Scout for Sequoia Capital and is currently a Board Member at Gold House, advisor to Provenance investments, and writes the beauty Substack "Go Ahead, Try Me."

Follow Michelle at @heymichellelee

Learn more about Monologue at https://www.hellomonologue.com/

[00:00] Catching up

[09:17] Introducing Michelle’s background and the Voices of Beauty Summit

[17:14] Welcoming Michelle to the Podcast

[22:08] How Michelle got started with her career and where she is now

[26:14] Learning Michelle’s vision of breaking down outdated beauty standards within the beauty industry

[31:15] Michelle shares her impact on the AAPI community at Allure

[33:00] Getting people to think that every decision you make is an important one

[35:05] How Michelle’s perception of herself shifted as she gained confidence through her career

[38:39] Why the best teams have a little tension and the importance of having different opinions

[39:40] How does Michelle view the beauty industry today and where the industry is missing the mark

[41:23] Why it’s so important to hire more women and people of color in executive positions

[42:30] Michelle’s parenting advice as a mom with 3 kids and her IVF journey

[46:40] The value of having open communication with your kids

[50:00] Wrapping up and talking more about how the Voices of Beauty Summit started

[52:51] Sarah and Sabrina share their quotes for the episode

This episode is an exciting one because Sarah and Sabrina are interviewing their first-ever guest, Joan Nguyen. She is the co-founder and CEO of Bumo, a tech-based platform that provides affordable, accessible, on-demand child care to families. They will get into:

• How Joan got Bumo started and what it looks like today
• The importance of positioning childcare as a benefit that parents deserve in the workplace
• What it takes to become an entrepreneur and why they each chose to take the entrepreneurial path
• Advice on starting a business and the lessons you’ll learn along the way

Thank you for listening and thank you Joan for joining us this episode! Stay tuned for the next Full Stack Beauty episode and follow @LandingInternational and @ClearForMe.

About Joan:

Joan is the co-founder and CEO of Bumo. Raised by refugee parents, Nguyen spent much of her childhood living in poverty. Her father finished 7th grade and her mother, high school - as a result, she was raised with the understanding that education was not only important but also a privilege that she needed to pursue wholeheartedly. With a budding passion for education and learning, Nguyen started MeriEducation, an INC500 company, at 20 years old with $3,000 saved, giving educational services ranging from SAT preparation to academic tutoring.

As a mother of two, Nguyen and co-founder, Chriselle Lim, founded Bumo with the mission to disrupt the childcare industry through a tech-based platform and provide affordable, accessible, on-demand child care to families. A "parent care" company - Bumo serves busy parents, designing every feature with the parent experience in mind.

Interested in Bumo? Nominate your company for enterprise at Bumo For Employers or get started with your own free account on Bumo and get an instant $50 BumoCredit to use towards back-up child care!

Follow @joan.bumo and bumoparent!

[00:00] Introductions and catch up

[06:05] Welcoming Joan Nguyen

[07:20] How Bumo got started and what it looks like today

[13:50] Positioning childcare as a benefit and working with businesses

[14:33] Understanding childcare delusion

[18:10] Joan’s beginning and what made her want to become an entrepreneur

[21:00] Why Sarah decided to become an entrepreneur

[22:00] Failure is an entrepreneur’s biggest lesson

[22:25] How Sabrina became an entrepreneur even though she didn’t see herself as one initially

[24:35] Imposter syndrome and how it’s a universal shared experience

[25:26] High intense emotions like passion or delusion are what drive entrepreneurship

[26:47] Advice that Joan would give to people who want to jump and start their own company

[29:00] Raising a child is like raising a company

[30:50] Tips Sabrina has for entrepreneurs

[32:45] Sarah breaks down what it takes to be an entrepreneur and founder

[34:00] Wrapping up and sharing what’s coming next for Bumo

[35:40] Quotes of month

In this episode, Sarah and Sabrina will discuss the challenges faced by minority and immigrant founders in finding mentors. Whether you’re mentoring or being mentored, uncover insights on:

• Practical tips for fostering strong connections and networking
• The value of mentorship stalking and understanding what it means
• Why it’s important to find someone who believes in you and your ideas
• Benefits of having a 12-month mentorship commitment

Thanks for listening! Stay tuned for the next Full Stack Beauty episode and follow @LandingInternational and @ClearForMe.

[00:00] Introductions

[2:50] Diving into mentoring and the challenges of finding one as a minority founder

[3:10] Sabrina unpacks the struggles of finding a mentor, especially as a BIPOC B2B Saas tech founder

[4:20] Sarah shares how she approaches mentorship and how her mentors tackle problems along the way

[5:00] How associations handle mentor matches and how difficult that approach can be

[5:30] How Sarah found her mentor match while working as her own boss

[6:30] Deep dive into what mentorship stalking is and how it can help you find a mentor

[9:20] Understanding that you are the salesperson for your business

[10:20] How Sabrina found her mentor and the impact she left on her

[12:40] The power of having someone believe in you before you believe in yourself

[13:04] Learning what it means to be a mentor and why they chose to be a mentor

[15:20] Sarah shares her mentoring style and why a year-long commitment is essential

[16:14] The importance of working together with your mentee instead of just telling them what to do

[17:00] Why mentoring is not a business relationship

[18:20] Mentorship comes in all forms

[19:30] Reminders on how to cultivate a healthy mentor and mentee relationship

[20:00] How to set up a 12-month mentorship commitment and what to expect

Sarah and Sabrina deep dive into the topic of AI and how it will play a pivotal role in the beauty space. Get to know how Landing and ClearForMe are leveraging AI in their technologies. You’ll learn about:

• The introduction of AI and its impact on businesses 
• Understanding what generative AI is and how we see the beauty industry utilizing it
• How AI can make workflows more efficient
• Advice for brands and how they can get ahead of the AI revolution

[00:00] AI Introduction featuring Sarah and Sabrina’s AI voices

[01:00] Addressing thoughts on their AI voices

[02:00] Sarah shares life and work updates

[03:40] Announcing the launch of ClearForMe’s clickable ingredients on BeautyFluent

[04:10] Beauty Advisor feedback on ClearForMe’s clickable ingredients

[05:04] Sabrina shares life and work updates

[06:53] Introduction to AI and its impact on the industry

[08:24] Understanding generative AI

[09:29] How ChatGPT made generative AI more accessible

[11:12] Unpacking common applications of AI in the beauty industry and looking into the future

[13:14] How AI can make the workflow more efficient in the beauty space

[14:13] Sarah’s thoughts on AI and the future of Landing working with AI

[15:20] Short-term projects ClearForMe is working on with AI

[17:20] Deep dive into past purchase behaviors

[20:34] Advice for brands to get ahead on the AI revolution

Episode Mentions:

• ClearForMe Clickable Ingredients x BeautyFluent 
• LMNT Electrolytes
• AG1
• Tesla

Co-hosts Sarah and Sabrina join forces to discuss the perks of being a mother and navigating their businesses all at once. Get to know our hosts and how they use the lessons they’ve learned to find the right balance between juggling the two. In this episode you’ll learn:

• How to build trust and connections through motherhood
• What a 5 to 9 looks like after a 9 to 5 for a mom
• How motherhood has shaped the approach to running a business
• Unique insights into the beauty world as a mom boss
• How quality over quantity has changed now as a mother

Thanks for listening! Stay tuned for the next Full Stack Beauty episode and follow @LandingInternational and @ClearForMe.

[00:00] A talk about modern moms and how they run business all at once.

[01:27] Intro into how Sarah and Sabrina met

[02:42 ] How you can learn about a person by how they care for their kids

[03:54 ] Growing up, dads would go golfing with business partners to make deals, in a mom’s world, deals are made on playdates.

[04:29] What a 5 to 9 looks like after a 9 to 5 

[07:33] Difficulties getting back into work mode after being home from work.

[09:00] Sabrina’s thoughts on raising her kids differently than her conventional education background.

[11:10] Sarah’s thoughts on her childhood educational background and how that shaped her decisions with her daughter.

[12:27] How we think we know how to build a business but we don't. Each journey is unique, let go of what you think you know.

[14:25] How has motherhood shaped your approach to running a business? 

[17:04] The difficulties of working from home and how a physical separation from work and home is necessary.

[20:50] How has motherhood changed how you approach your work life?

[22:50] In what ways has being a mom provided you with unique insights into the beauty world?

[22:40] Sarah and Sabrina talk about the perks of involving their kids in work meetings.

[26:52]How has quality over quality changed as a mom running Landing?

Join hosts Sarah and Sabrina in the second episode of the Full Stack Beauty Podcast, a dynamic blend of beauty, tech, motherhood, and more. This episode delves into:

• Beginnings of Landing and ClearForMe
• Understanding clean beauty standards
• Top lessons learned and biggest mistakes
• Building a team
• Pinch me moments so far

Thanks for listening! Stay tuned for the next Full Stack Beauty episode and follow @LandingInternational and @ClearForMe.

Join Sarah and Sabrina, two powerhouse CEOs from the beauty-tech world, as they take you behind the scenes of Business of Fashion's 2023 Business of Beauty Global Forum in Napa. Dive into this episode where they'll share their first impressions of the conference.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives get invited
• Their favorite speakers and takeaways
• What they expected vs. what they got
• An inside look into the goody bags

Thanks for listening! Stay tuned for the next Full Stack Beauty episode and follow @LandingInternational and @ClearForMe.

Episode Mentions:

The Business of Fashion

Stanly Ranch Napa