Scaling Emerging Beauty

In this monologue, Monique shares essential strategies for effectively networking with retail buyers. Monique emphasizes the importance of research, personalizing outreach, and mastering follow-up techniques to build strong relationships with retailers. Monique also highlights the significance of in-person networking and the need for a concise pitch to stand out in a competitive environment. Links...

Host: Monique Benoit Guest: Vanessa Lee Vanessa Lee, founder of GuestHouse, discusses the importance of sales in scaling emerging beauty brands. She emphasizes the need for a strong pitch deck when approaching retailers, with key elements including strong visuals, concise copy, and data points.  Vanessa also highlights the importance of tailoring the pitch deck to specific retailers, using their t...

In this monologue, I discuss the significance of strategic promotions in retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG).  Promotions should not just be random discounts. They should align with business goals to drive visibility, revenue, and customer loyalty. Also, keep in mind the importance of analyzing the effectiveness of promotions and keeping track of past promotions to inform future strategies, e...

Reena Goodwin, founder and CEO of Facteur PR, discusses the role of public relations (PR) in helping early-stage beauty brands enhance their marketing strategies. PR is the activity of influencing public perception about a brand through various communication channels, such as journalists, influencers, and social media. Good PR can create tension and impact consumer decision-making. It is important...

Summary In this conversation, I share insights on how brands can identify and leverage white space opportunities in the beauty and retail industry. I draw from my experience as a former retail buyer. I discuss the importance of understanding market gaps, the dynamics of retailer relationships, and the significance of consumer insights.   I emphasize the need for brands to recognize what retailers...

Kellie Chen is the co-founder of 8Rue, a boutique branding agency, shares her expertise in brand strategy for emerging beauty brands. She discusses the shift in consumer engagement with brands due to the rise of social media, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and transparency. Kellie also highlights the key elements of brand identity, including audience understanding, mission and story de...

Summary In this solo episode, I discuss the critical role of packaging in retail. Packaging is often your first impression at the shelf. I emphasize that even the best products can fail if their packaging does not meet retail standards.   I outline key considerations for creating retail-ready packaging, including supply chain logistics, shelf appeal, and the importance of brand visibility. This ep...

Summary In this episode I sit down with Moni Kupczak Ainslie, founder of Koopslie Consulting, to dive deep into the power of leveraging FAIR, a B2B marketplace, for scaling beauty brands at retail. Moni shares her journey from running a successful fashion business to helping emerging beauty brands stand out in front of independent retailers. Throughout the conversation, they explore how FAIR opera...

Summary In this solo episode, Monique Benoit shares essential tips for emerging beauty brands looking to pitch to retail buyers. She emphasizes the importance of competitive shopping, understanding consumer demographics, crafting a unique brand story, ensuring financial preparedness, and sustaining success once on the retail shelf. Each of these elements is crucial for brands to effectively commun...

In this episode, I sit down with Shannara Goode , an inventory management professional with experience at brands of various sizes, and at major retailer, Target.   Shannara discusses the importance of inventory management for emerging brands. She emphasizes that inventory management can make or break a brand's success in retail and highlights the need for efficient supply chain operations.  Goode...

In this conversation, Monique chats with Zach Stewart to discuss category insights and retail trends.   Zach Stewart is a Category Insights Manager at The Emerson Group.   Zach gives us insights into the shopping habits of different generations, the evolving role of retailers, and the balance between DTC and physical stores.    He emphasizes understanding and catering to the unique needs and prefe...

In this episode, I sit down with Jackie Bae of Lunr Capital to discuss funding option for early-stage brands, and specifically - inventory financing.   Jackie is the Head of Client Partnerships at Lunr Capital. Jackie shares the story behind Lunr Capital and how they provide financing solutions for consumer product brands. We discuss the importance of inventory management and the challenges of fun...

In this episode, I have a deep dive conversation into the natural food/grocer channel. If you've ever had grocers like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, or Moms Market on your dream retailer list - this one is for you.   Our guest, Amy Jargo serves as the Director of Product Management at Pacha . She shares insights on the differences between mass retail and the natural channel in the beauty industry....

Have you ever wanted an inside scoop on retail media networks as it relates to small brands? Look no further! In this episode, I'm joined by Ross Maltby , head of New Business Development at Voyageur Group .    We discuss the definition of retail media networks, the rise of retail media as the third wave of digital advertising, and the impact of COVID-19 on the growth of these networks. We also ex...

Sherrel Sampson , founder and CEO of Canviiy , shares her journey of starting a hair care brand focused on scalp health.  The idea for Canviiy came about when Sherrel experienced an itchy scalp after getting extensions. She realized that existing scalp care products were greasy and contained harsh chemicals, so she decided to create her own non-greasy, premium itch-calming serum.  Initially target...

In this conversation, Abby June Richards and Monique Benoit discuss the challenges and strategies for growing a brand at big retail. They cover topics such as bootstrapping, strategic decision-making, choosing the right investors, managing cash flow, understanding payment terms, and advice for early-stage founders. Abby emphasizes the importance of financial modeling, maximizing margins, diversify...

April Showers, founder of Afro Unicorn, shares her journey of building a lifestyle brand that celebrates the uniqueness and magic of women and children of color. Afro Unicorn offers a wide range of products, from apparel to haircare to consumables, and aims to be present in every aspect of people's lives. April discusses how she entered the beauty industry after receiving emails from buyers at Wal...

New look! Visit the new website at https://scalingemergingbeauty.com !

In this episode of the Beauty from the Shelf podcast, host Monique Benoit delves into the crucial topic of self-care for founders with guest Jasmin Foster. As an entrepreneur in the early-stage beauty industry, Jasmin understands the demands and challenges founders face in juggling multiple roles. The conversation begins by highlighting the importance of prioritizing self-care amidst the hustle of...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Beauty from the Shelf podcast with your host, Monique Benoit. In this episode, we delve into the ever-evolving landscape of retail post-COVID, exploring how the dynamics have shifted for emerging brands venturing into the retail space. Our guest, John Peine, has a wealth of experience in the industry. He sheds light on the changes in shopping behavior a...

In this episode of Beauty from the Shelf, Monique Benoit sits down with Robin Beck, CEO of Manufacturing to Retail, a company specializing in product development strategies. With a background as a chemist and experience working for major organizations like Target and Ecolab, Robin brings invaluable insights into business strategy and product development. The conversation kicks off with an explorat...

In this episode of Beauty from the Shelf, we delve into the world of boutique retailing with Kimberly Waters, owner, founder, and creative director of M.U.S.E., Modern Urban Sensory Experiences. Located in the heart of Harlem, Muse stands as Harlem's premier niche fragrance destination, offering a unique space for consumers to explore luxury perfumes in an intimate, welcoming environment.   Kimber...

Welcome to an eye-opening episode where we delve into the dynamic world of retail channels beyond the everyday. Our expert guest, Mercedes Asare joins the show. Mercedes has hands-on experience working both on the brand side and through distributors. She sheds light on the unique strategies employed to sell products in hair salons and spas. We explore the crucial role distributors play, the vast o...

If you've ever questioned or wondered how businesses stay true to their brand values and address bold topics trending in current culture then this episode is for you. Monique sits down with Julie Kuciski, a long-time industry veteran, and talks about how your core beliefs can allow brands to show up and mean more to their target consumer. Speaking out isn't just about being bold - it's about creat...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Beauty from the Shelf Podcast! In today's conversation, our host, Monique Benoit, talks with Anna Marie La Venia and dives deep into the realm of Consumer Care and its role in the success of early-stage beauty brands. The conversation begins by unraveling the essence of Consumer Care, distinguishing it from conventional customer service. Unlike the tran...