Leap into Luxury

In this episode of LEAP into Luxury, we sit down with Abi Oyepitan, co-founder of LIHA Beauty, a luxury skincare brand that celebrates African heritage. Abi shares insights into the brand's journey, from its humble beginnings in a kitchen to its rapid expansion and successful launch in Anthropologie. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of scaling a luxury brand, the importance of in-person activations, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Plus, we delve into how LIHA Beauty is nurturing a dedicated community and rewarding its loyal customers, proving that a brand built on authenticity and connection can truly thrive.

Hosts: Natalie Lennon & MJ Evely 
Guest: Abi Oyepitan
Created by: LEAP Luxe
Sound Production: Housestudios 

In this inaugural episode of LEAP into Luxury season 2, hosts Natalie and MJ are joined by Cécile Lasota, Head of Marketing DE/AT at Diptyque. Together, they delve into the burgeoning trend of retailtainment, a concept that blends retail with entertainment.

Cécile offers a unique perspective on the factors that contribute to a successful retailtainment activation. From immersive experiences to captivating storytelling, she shares insights into how Diptyque has masterfully crafted memorable moments for their customers. The conversation explores why retailtainment is gaining momentum in today's competitive market and what the future holds for this innovative approach to consumer engagement.

Join Natalie and MJ as they uncover the secrets behind creating a truly unforgettable retail experience with Cécile Lasota.

Hosts: Natalie Lennon & MJ Evely 
Guest: Cécile Lasota
Created by: LEAP Luxe
Sound Production: Housestudios 

This week Natalie & MJ dive into luxury’s biggest opportunities in media strategy with special guest Karina Manolis, Client Partner at Publicis Media Luxe. In a marketing landscape that is navigating technological advancements and a vocal audience, Karina’s mastery in seamless media strategy execution demonstrates how to powerfully tell a premium brand story. Exploring the unique relationship consumers have with media platforms to successfully leverage integrated marketing communications, this episode lifts the veil on how luxury brands can authentically and effectively connect with their audience, whilst safeguarding their brand essence for an emotive response with a lasting impact.

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Hosts: Natalie Lennon & MJ Evely 
Guest: Karina Manolis
Created by: LEAP Luxe
Sound Production: Housestudios 

What can a brand achieve when a consistent, thoughtful and considered strategy is at the heart of every decision? This week, Natalie & MJ are joined by Annika Meller, Chief Strategy Officer for ANINE BING. As the brand's first hire and having overseen more than a decade of growth, Annika has been at the heart of the business, driving the evolution from a home-grown brand born in a garage in Silver Lake, LA to the iconic fashion powerhouse now fronted by Kate Moss. Dive into how the brand has driven continual growth, how early adoption of drop culture has afforded constant engagement from fans and their plans for expansion with global physical retail additions, including a launch into the Asian market. 

Hosts: Natalie Lennon & MJ Evely 
Guest: Annika Meller
Created by: LEAP Luxe
Sound Production: Housestudios 

This week, Natalie & MJ meet with marketing managers Hattie Smith and Louise Barber to discuss Pandora's journey to becoming a full jewellery house, with a tailored omni-channel approach to delivering the brand's new message to the masses. This episode dives into Pandora's challenge in reframing themselves as the go-to jewellery brand for all, with a strategic emphasis on the multi-channel journey and physical retail locations nationwide. Tune in to learn how Pandora’s agile marketing strategy has paved the way for success.

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Hosts: Natalie Lennon & MJ Evely 
Guests: Louise Barber & Hattie Smith
Created by: LEAP Luxe
Sound Production: Housestudios 

This week Natalie and MJ discuss the effectiveness of brand collaborations in an evolving consumer landscape with Jing Daily’s Brand and Collabs Editor, Sadie Bargeron. Together they unpack the future of luxury brand partnerships, discussing key elements to success for amplifying awareness and expanding into unexpected offerings. As Gen Z steer the luxury market down new and exciting avenues, collaborations in response invite big names in luxe to unlock a new catalyst for creative expression. When done well, this synergy between brands can yield viral results... but what happens when an iconic brand identity is compromised in the quest for momentary relevance?

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Hosts: Natalie Lennon & MJ Evely 
Guest: Sadie Bargeron
Created by: LEAP Luxe
Sound Production: Housestudios 

Impulsive purchasing and ever-changing trends are key drivers of over-production and waste. With 6 in 10 items of clothes made every year ending up in landfills within 12 months, this episode has A LOT to unpack. This week Natalie and MJ are joined by Sam Matanle and Julian Osborne, co-founders of Batch LDN, a premium fashion start-up specialising in tailor-made suits for the modern cosmopolitan. Batch LDN have founded their ‘made to order’ business model on the growing consumer culture of sustainable and decelerated living, tackling waste at its core. The end result? A quality product designed to last that transcends fleeting fashion trends. This brand is not just selling a product, they are innovators in fashion as consumers demand products that can withstand the test of time and our natural resources begin to dwindle. A new means of production is paramount. Tune in to be the first to learn how.

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Hosts: Natalie Lennon & MJ Evely 
Guest: Sam Matanle & Julian Osborne
Sound: HouseStudios 
Social Media & Research: Sophie Bubrick 

Hair by Sam McKnight is taking their iconic hair stylist’s legacy to the next level. You may know him for his work with Kate Moss, Bella Hadid, and Princess Diana. Natalie and MJ dive in with Rebecca Love- Social Media Manager for Hair by Sam McKnight- to unpackage the brand’s disruptive social media strategy in the self care space. The phrase Content is King takes centre stage, with organic messaging and an influencer marketing strategy that makes backstage styles accessible to consumers' every day hair care routines. Rebecca is on a mission to tell Sam’s philosophy that everyone can create their best hair day yet, and the brand’s innovative approach to socials is key.

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Hosts: Natalie Lennon & MJ Evely 
Guest: Rebecca Love  
Created by: LEAP Luxe
Sound Production: Housestudios 

It’s hard to deny the growing power of TikTok in the modern media landscape, but how do luxury brands authentically adopt an approach that suits the lo-fi nature of the app? This week, LEAP’s luxury Gen Z-er and Senior Account Executive, Sophie Bubrick, joins Natalie and MJ to discuss the increasing popularity of the platform, the luxury brands who have adopted it with finesse and share tips for those currently unsure of how to adapt their marketing toolkit to a platform of change-driving users rejecting overly curated content.

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Hosts: Natalie Lennon & MJ Evely 
Guest: Sophie Bubrick  
Created by: LEAP Luxe
Sound Production: Housestudios 

Jendaya is a luxury e-commerce platform bringing the richness of African culture to the global luxury consumer. Ayotunde Rufai, CEO and Co-Founder of Jendaya, launched the marketplace in 2017 with the aim of setting a new diverse standard for luxury. In this week's instalment of LEAP into Luxury, he speaks with Natalie and MJ about his journey as a start-up in the luxury industry, how the guidance of Natalie Massenet has helped the brand flourish and how online luxury brands can rise to meet the demands of the modern, global consumer.

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Hosts: Natalie Lennon & MJ Evely
Guest: Ayotunde Rufai
Created by: LEAP Luxe
Sound Production: Housestudios