Scaling Emerging Beauty

In this episode, I'm joined by Ashley McLeod of Momentus Capital and Byron Whitmore of Macy's, Inc. to discuss S.P.U.R. Pathways (Shared Purpose, Unlimited Reach), a multiyear, multifaceted funding program to advance entrepreneurial growth, close wealth gaps and shatter systemic barriers faced by diverse-owned and underrepresented businesses. We discuss the partnership between Momentus Capital and...

In this insightful podcast episode featuring brand strategist and growth marketer Rajaa Grar. The overarching theme centers on "Nailing Your Brand 'Why' in a Digital World." Rajaa draws from a wealth of experience and categories including: Meal Delivery, Starbucks, Amazon, Paula's Choice, and the Hydration industry.   Rajaa begins by sharing her process for defining or redefining a brand's 'why'....

For this solo episode, I decided to talk about crafting your story as a brand.   If you're already established, telling your story is more about validating the proof that's out there, and sharing the interesting parts. Here are some starter questions to get you going:    What is the reason for starting your brand? Who is going to buy your brand? What problems does your ideal customer have? What pr...

Dive into the world of consumer research and its pivotal role in the CPG industry with our latest podcast episode with guest Kristen Evans. Kristen is a 15-year veteran in the consumer research space with experience in sports, CPG and at agencies.   The conversation unfolds with a focus on the challenges smaller brands face due to limited funding. At 3:19, we explore the critical question of when...

In this episode, we visit the topic of product innovation and product development. We are joined by Mikaela Maxwell. Mikaela shares her thoughts on where to look for innovation using accessible tools. She also offers advice on building supplier pipelines, and questions to ask as you are building your plans for product development.   Mikaela Maxwell is a versatile professional with a wealth of expe...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business growth, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Today we're in for a treat as we have an incredible guest, Monica Saracino, a rockstar leader with a track record of scaling businesses across various industries, from beauty and lifestyle to the world of fashion. Monica has been part of some remarkable ventures, including Beach House Group, known fo...

In this episode, I speak with Tia Cummings-Hopkins about marketing. We get into specifics around how brands can assess their marketing strategies with KPIs. We discuss how brands can use their budget to stretch their money as far as possible. We also cover the importance of various marketing strategies including brand marketing, performance marketing and experiential marketing.   Follow Us on Link...

In this episode, I speak with Patricia Valera, owner of beautybrandr - a company that works with indie beauty brands that are starting, scaling, or going global. Patricia and I chat about all the different types of growth. We also talk about the benefits of working with an adviser and how they might help you and your business.   Podcast Outline & Order   01:30 "Thank you so much for…" Tell us abou...

In this episode, I speak with Natalie Ryan about all things Channel . Channel Strategies are a common distinction in the CPG world, but they can sometimes be an afterthought for an early-stage brand. In this episode, Natalie defines what a channel is, and she discusses why brands need a channel strategy. We also discuss how brands can prioritize channels as they build their growth strategies.   Po...

In this episode, I sit down with Sally Mueller of Womaness. Sally is the CEO & Co-Founder of Womaness. Womaness is about modernizing menopause through education and community. Sally spent her 35+ year career building brands for women. Sally spent a big part of her career at Target as a merchant and marketing looking over apparel marketing and design partnerships. Created her own business and helpe...

In this episode, I sit down with Beatrice Dixon. Bea is the Co-Founder, CEO, Chief Innovation Officer and face of the Honey Pot Company. She wears many hats. Honey Pot Company is a vagina and human wellness brand that focuses to destigmatize how people talk about them. This is an extremely special episode for me because I met Bea in 2015 as a buyer over sanitary protection at Target. I brought the...

In this episode, I sit down with Renée Reid of Ulta Beauty. Renée is the Senior Brand Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Ulta Beauty, and she drives the DE&I strategy across the merchant's business. Renee works with the brands to ensure they have a positive experience working with Ulta Beauty and is also responsible for Ulta's MUSE Accelerator Program. This episode includes tactical poi...

Sarah Kugelman is an original beauty founder. She created gloss.com in 2000, and was the CEO/Founder of Skyn Iceland until she sold that brand in 2022. In this episode of Beauty from the Shelf, we discuss investors, and challenges from her time in the industry. Listen to hear tips from someone who has created successful brands a few times over.   "I recently had a conversation with an investor who...

Soapbox was created in 2010 while founder, David was still in undergrad. Throughout the company's existence, they have made a number of changes including two different rebrands. One thing has remained throughout: their commitment to sustainability. This episode includes the pros and cons of rebranding and some pitfalls and learnings on packaging. Guest Speaker: David Simnick Check out Soapbox at h...

Today's guest is Scott Kestenbaum, Chief Growth Officer at Maesa. Monique & Scott discuss some of the benefits of incubating a brand, and also the combination of art and science to building a beauty brand today. Guest Speaker: Scott Kestenbaum Helpful Links & Resources Maesa: https://maesa.com/  

A big topic for new brands surrounds the idea of growth. Growth can come in a variety of forms: added SKUs and new product innovation, gaining new consumers, gaining new distribution or placement.   Today's guest is Chris Perry, Chief Learning Officer at First Movr. Monique & Chris discuss the different growth strategies, and some of the things brands should keep in mind as they evaluate which str...

There are 2 billion search results that pop up in Google if you search "anti-aging cream" in November 2022. With new brands and products every day, standing out in the crowd requires a purpose, and marketing strategies behind it. Today's guest is Robin Laueffer, Director of Marketing & Brand Research at Little Big Brands. Monique & Robin discuss the purpose of marketing, authenticity, and how smal...

We are joined by hair care & wellness category expert Meagan Wos of The Emerson Group. Meagan shares why insights are helpful. She also shares some of the key insights for the hair care category for the upcoming year. If you are looking to launch a brand or develop new product insights is a crucial step to guide you.  Guest Speaker: Meagan Wos

We are joined by skin care category expert Elise Morgan of The Emerson Group. Elise shares why insights are helpful, how brands can get insights for free, and how this helps brands remain competitive. She also shares some of the key insights for the skin care category for the upcoming year. If you are looking to launch a brand or develop new product insights is a crucial step to guide you.  https:...

Pure play DTC, E-Commerce Giant, or Omnichannel Retailer? In this episode, Monique sits down with Andrea Leigh, CEO of Allume Group to discuss E-Commerce as it relates to launching a beauty brand. We discuss customer acquisition costs, retail media networks, and new challenges in digital with rising inflation. Guest Speaker: Andrea Leigh Our web site: www.allumegroup.com Allume Group EIQ (eCommerc...

Welcome to Scaling Emerging Beauty. A show that talks to industry experts with a focus on early stage beauty brands growing from 0 to $20M.

Follow the shopper, and you are sure to find success. In this episode, Monique sits down with Wendy Liebmann, CEO & Chief Shopper of WSL Strategic Retail. We discuss changes in prestige beauty, why following the shopper helps brands, the benefit of pricing items at a luxury price point, how Ulta was a visionary, and global shopping trends that Wendy is excited about. Guest Speaker: Wendy Liebmann...