DBGA Podcast

In this episode of the DBGA Podcast, we chat with Nicky Prosseda, the owner of Modern Male Barbershop! He shares some of his insights from his 20+ year career in the barber industry and his entrepreneurial journey. From starting as a barber at age 17 to managing multiple barbershops and a barber academy. Tune in for a discussion on industry trends, mentorship, business challenges, and the importan...

In this episode, we get to talk with Aaron Zagha, Chief Marketing Officer at Newton Baby, a leading company in the baby and kids sleep product industry. Aaron shares the unique value that Newton’s products bring to the market, from breathable, washable crib mattresses to sustainable designs that offer parents peace of mind. We also discuss rising advertising costs how evolving algorithms are shapi...

Welcome to the DBGA Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Lesley Holmes, CMO of Crème Collective, who has over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, spanning skincare, fashion, and wellness. Lesley shares her personal journey into the beauty world, from childhood inspiration to becoming a freelance makeup artist, and her transition from the brand side to the agency side of the busine...

In this episode, we're joined by Courtney Claghorn, Co-Founder and President of Sugared + Bronzed, to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey in the beauty and e-commerce industry. Courtney shares how she and her husband turned a $500 investment into a successful chain of beauty salons with nearly 30 locations across the U.S.!  She discusses the challenges of starting a business in a tough eco...

In this episode of the DBGA Podcast, we sit down with Michelle Wyckoff, the founder of Michelle's Creations, a natural skincare brand making waves in the beauty industry. Michelle shares her journey from corporate America to building her own business, driven by her passion for natural, healthy products. Find her products here!: https://www.michellecreations17.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram....

Today we interview Larry Knopf, co-founder of Knopf Watches, to discuss his journey from over 30 years in the mortgage industry to building a luxury watch brand in the e-commerce space. Larry shares his passion for watches, his entry into the e-commerce world, and insights into the current trends in the watch industry. You can find them here! Knopf Watches: https://knopfwatches.com/ Instagram: htt...

In this episode, we talk about AI in the beauty and e-commerce industry with Mayank Kumar, CEO of Tangent AI. Tangent AI is a cutting-edge platform that helps beauty brands leverage data to enhance customer experiences. We explore how Tangent AI started with generative AI and then changed its focus to assist brands in better understanding their shoppers, the latest trends in the industry, and the...

In this episode of the DBGA Podcast, we sit down with Eric Shupack, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 50 years of experience in the home goods and furniture industry. From launching his first company at 23 to scaling his current e-commerce business, Eric shares insights into the evolution of the industry, his journey through the rise of Wayfair and Amazon, and how he navigated the challenges of br...

In today's episode, we sit down with Danielle Edmond, the founder and CEO of Stay Golden Cosmetics, to discuss her journey from model to leading a successful beauty and e-commerce business. Danielle shares the story behind Stay Golden Cosmetics, which started with just 5 products and has now grown to over 40, driven largely by social media. Learn how she leveraged platforms like Instagram and...

In this episode, we talk about the rise of natural skincare and how innovative ingredients are changing the beauty industry. Join us as we dive into the story behind this Santa Barbara-based brand, and how its founder, Craig Makela, turned his passion for olive farming into a thriving natural skincare business. Discover how Craig’s groundbreaking use of olive leaf extract has led to plant-based so...

In this episode, we explore how cutting-edge technology can help delivering personalized treatments, tracking skin health metrics, and enhancing routines with innovative therapies like LED lights and temperature control. Acie is transforming skincare with their groundbreaking AI-powered skin-sensing device. Learn about their journey, the future of beauty tech, and how they're making skincare s...

In this episode of the DBGA Podcast, we have an insightful conversation with Tonya Cariker, the founder and owner of Elite Medical Skin and Laser Center. Tonya shares her inspiring journey from IT to the beauty industry, discussing the evolution of her business over 16 years. She dives into the innovative services her company offers, the importance of memberships, and the trend towards a holistic...

In this episode of the DBGA Podcast, Rachel Akherraz interviews Ryan Margolin, CEO of Professional Hair Labs. Ryan shares his journey and how he transformed his family business into a global leader in the beauty industry. He discusses the trends and challenges in the beauty industry, highlighting the importance of adaptable products, ingredient-focused formulations, and the rise of private labelin...

In this episode of the DBGA podcast, host Rachel Akherraz interviews Yug Varma, founder of Phyla. Yug shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, highlighting his expertise in the microbiome and bio-organic chemistry. He discusses Phyla's innovative approach to acne treatment using bacteriophage technology, which selectively targets harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial microb...

In this episode, our host Rachel Akherraz interviews Jenny Frech, the founder and head of Soapy Gnome, a brand specialized in soap and body care products. Jenny shares her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur, highlighting the pivotal role of data in making informed decisions and optimizing business operations. She delves into the unique challenges and advantages of running a physical store and em...

In this episode of the DBGA Podcast, Rachel Akherraz interviews Suparna Deshpande, the co-founder and CMO of Altifarm. Suparna discusses the challenges and successes of her career, including her roles in various startups and her passion for sustainable urban farming. She explains how Altifarm is revolutionizing indoor gardening with innovative, self-watering, and self-lighting products. She emphas...

In this episode of the DBGA Podcast, Rachel Akherraz interviews Bill Wollrab, the visionary founder of AllPeople. Bill discusses how All People aims to revolutionize e-commerce by leveraging equity crowdfunding to create a community of loyal customers who are also shareholders. He highlights the unique approach of partnering with nonprofits and schools to provide significant financial support thro...

In this episode of the DBGA Podcast, Rachel Akherraz sits down with Marya Khalil, CEO of the Vitality Institute, to explore her personal journey and the evolution of her professional skincare brand, known for its signature VI Peel. Marya shares her early struggles with severe acne and how it led her father, a physician, to develop a treatment specifically for her skin. This treatment eventually ev...

In this episode of the DBGA Podcast, host Rachel Akherraz interviews Melissa Arpino, the founder of Stripped Beauty, a skincare brand focused on simple, effective, and affordable products. Melissa discusses the influence of her family's background in skincare, her passion for formulation, and the collaborative nature of her work. She also highlights current trends in the beauty industry, inclu...

In this episode of the DBGA podcast, host Rachel Akherraz sits down with Shawn Long, the owner of Wax Hair Removal Bar. Shawn shares his journey from a 14-year career at Costco to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the beauty industry. Shawn provides valuable insights into the unique challenges of running a small business, the importance of customer service, and the role of data analytics in un...

In this episode of the DPG podcast, Rachel Akherraz interviews Michael Fensterstock, the CEO of Linhart. Michael shares his extensive experience in the health, wellness, beauty, and consumer products industries, and discusses the innovative oral care solutions offered by Linhart, a spin-out of the prestigious Linhart Dentistry. From sustainability trends to the importance of oral health in overall...

In this episode of the DBGA podcast, host Rachel Akherraz welcomes Samantha Burd, third-generation owner of Lady Burd Cosmetics, a leading private label and contract manufacturer in the beauty industry. Samantha shares her inspiring journey into the beauty sector, the legacy of Lady Burd Cosmetics, and her passion for innovative and creative products. She discusses current market trends, the uniqu...

In this episode of the DBGA Podcast, we sit down with Melanie Elaine, the founder of UluRx, a company dedicated to providing effective beauty solutions for mature women. Melanie shares her personal journey that led to the creation of UluRx after being told she would lose her hair. Frustrated by the lack of effective products for mature women, Melanie took matters into her own hands, developing a s...

In this episode, Rachel Akherraz interviews David Bean, founder and president of NIRA Skin, to explore the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and data analytics in the beauty industry. David shares his journey of starting NIRA and discusses the challenges and mindset required to lead a successful company. David also delve into the role of data analytics in understanding consumer prefere...

In this episode of the DBGA podcast, host Rachel Akherraz interviews Peter Murane, CEO of MOX Skincare. Peter shares insights on his transition from consumer products to brand consulting and his passion for skincare, driven by a mission to help people with skin conditions. He discusses the unique value of MOX products, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in skincare, and highlights emerging tr...