Emerging Beauty's Brightest Executives
Yasmeen Gharnit Senior Content Director, Glow Recipe
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I’m really proud that I was able to ideate and execute Glow Recipe’s first brand identity campaign, Take It Day by Day, Skin by Skin. We were able to tap some incredible members from our own community and share their perspectives on beauty and wellness, and showcase how important and varying our own relationship to the concept of beauty is in all of our daily lives.
I’m also really proud of the team that I’ve helped build at Glow Recipe. When I started at the company, I was a one-person department and have been able to grow the team with three incredibly talented members. This is actually all of my team members’ first full-time job in the beauty industry, and they have all been able to bring their own unique perspectives, ideas and sense of humor to the team. Working alongside them has been really fun.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I’m really passionate about helping brands find an authentic way to grow and build in their own unique way. I hope to continue to do that while making the world feel like a more fun, engaging and gentle place.
What drew you to Glow Recipe?
When I joined Glow Recipe in 2018, the brand had only launched three products within its own skincare lineup. I could see that it had great people behind it and enormous potential. I knew that I could come in and work alongside the small team to play off the fun nature and sensoriality of the products to really create a strong community-oriented brand voice and visual identity.
Even though I had previously worked in editorial and was fresh to working on the brand side of things, there was incredible trust and collaboration and I’m incredibly grateful and proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Glow Recipe?
It’s truly so hard to choose! My most used product is the Watermelon Glow Lip Pop, and another favorite is our upcoming product that’s launching at the end of May.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Glow Recipe?
I was scrolling on Instagram and saw a video from Saie showing how to use their Dew Blush in Spicy as a blush, bronzer and eyeshadow. I was totally sold. I’m an incredibly skeptical consumer, so major shoutout to their social team!
It’s pigmented in just the right way, super blendable, and I have loved experimenting with different ways to use it to bring a nice warm, sun-kissed glow.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry? What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Growing up, traditional beauty marketing catered to one ideal standard of beauty, which deeply contributed to the insecurities I felt when I was growing up and trying to find my identity. A lot has certainly changed since then as consumers and content creators have demanded that brands finally embrace more and more forms of beauty.
Still, there’s a lot more that can be done to really showcase and celebrate individuality in a way that’s deep and authentic—finding vague, synonymous buzz words isn’t evolution. Indie brands are the ones who are really driving and moving with culture right now, and they’re the brands that I not only want to support, but look forward to watching.
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Vashti Patrick-Joseph Director of Operations, Adwoa Beauty
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
As an operations director, problem solving is an integral part of my role. I take pride in identifying areas of inefficiencies and those lacking processes and finding ways to address said issues.
Most recently, I’m really proud to have led the implementation of a system that automates an integral part of our business. Being able to automate not only allows us to lower our operational costs, but to also reduce errors and improve overall operational efficiency.
What are your personal career aspirations?
No matter where I land, it will always be important for me to engage in work that I find fulfilling, interesting and challenging and, most importantly, where things and people are left better off than I met them.
Working in the beauty industry and in my current role does this for me, and I know that this experience and the skills I develop will always allow me to do purposeful work.
What drew you to Adwoa Beauty?
My path to Adwoa Beauty can very much be described as a full-circle moment. More than 10 years ago I met Julian Addo, our brand founder, at a hair event, and we developed a friendship.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with and alongside her for numerous hair events over the years, and she has always been vocal and passionate about ensuring hair—particularly textured hair—was part of the larger beauty conversation. In 2018, when she asked me to join the Adwoa Beauty team, it was an easy yes.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Adwoa Beauty?
Our Baomint Leave-in Conditioning Styler, hands down. It’s an extremely rich, emollient, multifunctional product, and as someone with super kinky hair that is prone to dryness, I love that I can consistently depend on this leave-in to keep my hair moisturized for days on end. It’s definitely on my “if I could only take one product with me on a desert island” list.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Adwoa Beauty?
I love Ami Colé’s products and their Skin-Enhancing Tint is one of my faves. It’s one of my daily go-to products and, as its name suggests, it does a beautiful job of enhancing my skin without being heavy. It gives me that “my skin, but better” glow.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
We’ve made some strides in this area, but I still think we have a long way to go with normalizing textured hair as part of the overall beauty conversation. Working at a textured hair care brand, I often see the effects of this disparity in the way women view their hair and by extension themselves. At Adowa Beauty, we are consistently and actively working to be the change we want to see with our imagery, our social content and our overall brand ethos.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
It’s really exciting to see all the ways indie brands are innovating and disrupting the beauty industry, from the intentional use of social for amazing storytelling and customer connection to mission-driven products and offerings. There are also so many more opportunities for innovation and for growth. At Adwoa Beauty, we are excited to bring even more of this innovation to the prestige textured hair category.
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Mike Giordano Chief Operating Officer, Versed and Merit
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
An overarching theme in my career has been aligning my experience to help entrepreneurs thrive. It takes tremendous guts and gumption to start a new consumer brand from scratch, and I have been fortunate to work alongside several brave and hungry entrepreneurs with big ideas and help them execute on those ideas, turning them into thriving businesses.
Case in point: My current position as COO of Versed and Merit [has involved] building out and launching two quickly growing global businesses in Versed and Merit, hiring strong bicoastal teams, fostering a solid work environment and culture despite the difficulties of remote work during the pandemic for said teams and growing two incredibly strong brands all while welcoming two kids over the last five years. Balancing everything and the success of the businesses simultaneously is something I am immensely proud of.
What are your personal career aspirations?
How can one person continue to invest in people, teams [and] businesses across multiple categories? Driving the right type of focused expansion and investment in growth is what I am striving for in my work and allows for more execution across multiple categories and businesses.
It’s about prioritizing the right growth at the right time with the appropriate investment at every turn. If I can use my operational expertise and relationships to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their business aggressively, opening them up to a broader base of customers, but doing so without stretching too far and wasting capital, it’s a win. I want to do this for companies of various sizes in various industries and communities.
At the moment, in my current position as COO for Versed and Merit, I’m striving for Versed to be a top skincare brand in the world as it has been in its existing retailers, where Versed products can be found on shelf wherever the legacy mass brands are, and to ensure that Versed is always the best, most clean and sustainable skincare option at the mass price point.
For Merit, I’m working to expand our partnership with Sephora domestically and internationally. Merit launched just over two years ago and has quickly become a top five clean brand, and we are expanding to push it to be a top 10 brand in the entire makeup category.
What drew you to Versed and Merit?
The brands didn’t exist when I joined. They were well-researched concepts. What drew me to the idea of Merit and Versed was the amount of curated data used to create both brand ideas and how consumer research confirmed the need for both brands to exist within their respective categories (i.e., mass retail for Versed and prestige retail for Merit).
The consumer data suggested a need for our brands to facilitate multiple awareness touchpoints and educate around our products at launch through an initial deep and narrow retailer strategy (more specifically, Versed with Target and Merit with Sephora) and robust digital influencer marketing through our own digital channels. That’s where our sweet spot was and what set the foundation for a strong launch.
It is hard to respond to a question about what drew me to the brand where I’m currently working without mentioning my partnership with Katherine Power, who founded Versed and Merit. She had a proven track record with what she had built with her media company and that platform, WhoWhatWear, provided an abundance of data that proved the want and need for brands like Versed and Merit.
Katherine and I aligned on the business premise and strategy early on, and our complementary skill set has formed a very natural and successful partnership over the last five plus years.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Merit?
Merit Great Skin serum legitimately makes you glow and look well-rested, which, given both my professional schedule and two kids under the age of four, I am not. Also, I’m not mad about the health benefits it offers. When you’re on the north side of your 30s, which I am, you want to keep skin as healthy as possible. This is power-packed with ingredients that do just that.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Merit or Versed?
Free.Hold by Kevin Murphy. It smells great, gives my hair structure without sheen or that crunchy look that’s reminiscent of the unfortunate products I used in junior high school. Really, it gives a textured beach feel, which is what I’m going for with my hair while I still have it. A big thank you to my ageless Colombian mother who, among many other more important things gave me thick hair which stands up to the test of time.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
It should come to shock no one that it has been a tough couple of years from a supply chain standpoint. As an emerging or growing brand, you rely heavily on your external vendors and, at times, young brands get deprioritized. It’s unfortunate but understandable that it’s hard to compete with bigger conglomerates and their production needs in the eyes of our contract manufacturers and freight vendors.
All that said, Versed and Merit has had to get creative to keep up with our growing production and shipping needs and rely on partners who maintain their timelines regardless of who their customer base is. Ideally, this dynamic changes, and there’s more visibility and less noise around production timelines, regardless of brand size.
I am incredibly thankful to our teams who have powered through production and shipping delays and maintained our aggressive growth plans despite this small company dynamic in our early years.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
More so than ever, we’re seeing brands that don’t have a pre-baked audience gain momentum because of their voice, their stance and their story. There’s a deeper appreciation for companies with purpose versus splashy companies during the celebrity-fronted heyday.
Needless to say, I have a soft spot for the brands catered around unique passions and purpose. It’s refreshing to see them have their well-deserved moment.
The resiliency of the indie beauty space is pretty incredible if you consider its performance against the well-resourced larger brands, especially in the wake of COVID and, more recently, an uncertain economic environment. At the risk of sounding cliche, it goes to show that a consumer’s connection with a brand can outweigh the gloom and doom from a macroeconomic perspective.
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Laura Tedesco Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, The Honey Pot Company
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I have centered my career around brands that I love and believe in and that positively contribute to the world, with a special focus on brands that contribute back to wellness. In my time at Zarbee’s Naturals, which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson, I launched a broad assortment of baby products that solved some of newborn babies’ greatest wellness needs.
Knowing that I was helping babies and parents feel a little more peace of mind at such a challenging time for new parents was incredible. Successfully making Zarbee’s Naturals the No. 1 recommended cough syrup brand for kids 12 and under was a huge brand accomplishment.
At The Honey Pot Company, an inclusive personal and body care wellness brand that offers efficacious products made from plant-derived ingredients, I am so proud of the work we are doing to destigmatize wellness, specifically around the vulva and vagina, and acting as advocates and thought leaders for our growing community.
The approach is working. We are the most followed and engaged feminine care brand on Instagram with 420,000 followers. We have almost doubled our household penetration in 2022, and we are the No. 1 selling vulva wash and wipe in the U.S., according to Nielsen data.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I am a general manager at heart. I love running a business and a P&L and helping to cultivate a high-performing team. I love crystalizing brand strategy, rooted in real people and their needs, and then building the people and process foundation needed to accelerate growth. I have sought out career opportunities that deliver on this passion, and it has been so rewarding.
What drew you to The Honey Pot Company?
It is impossible not to fall in love with the The Honey Pot Company’s purpose: normalizing and democratizing holistic wellness inside and out for all. I cannot imagine a more motivating mission. We have amazing product solutions for the very normal situations humans with vaginas face, solutions that contribute to vaginal pH balance, which connects to one’s overall health.
Just as important as the products are the effort we put behind normalizing vulva and vaginal wellness as an integral part of overall wellness. Society has not historically taught us that connection.
As the head of marketing and strategy for the brand, I spend my days focused on how we can create a safe space for our community to learn, close knowledge gaps with education and ultimately enable our community to unlock and take control of their own wellness.
I have two young daughters, and through my work at The Honey Pot, every day I get to reshape society and how they will grow up thinking about their bodies, their wellness and their worth.
What’s your favorite beauty product from The Honey Pot Company?
I adore our vulva washes. They are such an important part of my routine for proactively balancing my vaginal pH and getting my pH back on track after disruptions. My current routine is to use our new Amber Sandalwood foaming wash in the morning. It is earthy and silky and super gentle. Then at night I use our Soothing Vulva Wash with Colloidal Oatmeal. Pro tip, it doubles as an amazing bubble bath.
While vulva care is not how most think about beauty (yet!), The Honey Pot Company is on a mission to change that. Our vulvas are beautiful and such an integral part of our overall bodily wellness. We all have special cleansers for our faces, and our vulvas deserve the same.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from The Honey Pot Company?
I love Chanel’s CC cream with SPF. It was gifted to me eight years ago, and I have been a loyal user ever since because it serves so many functions: It moisturizes, evens skin tone and protects against the sun. I am a huge SPF junkie. Protecting and loving your skin is so important!
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
While there has been progress made toward truly inclusive beauty, we still have a ways to go. Not only in terms of how we define beauty, but in terms of fitting a certain mold.
Valuable work has been done in this space, it’s true. But my hope for the industry is that we can focus more on accepting ourselves as beautiful the way we are versus striving to fit a conventional definition of beauty that is imposed on us by society.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
I am most excited about the push to broaden beauty rituals. For too long they have disproportionately centered around only one area, the face. Routines to maintain and enhance the look of facial skin are very common, but the rest of the body inside and out deserves that same level of specialized care, especially since skin is the body’s largest organ and outward beauty is so connected to what is happening on the inside.
Part of what I find so energizing about my work is the fact that The Honey Pot Company has been an integral voice in broadening the meaning of beauty. We have conscientiously created rituals to support skin health with pH-balancing washes and wipes and moisturizing vulva creams. We are also expanding our sexual wellness line with products that support skin health before, during and after intimate moments.
We are also doing the work to educate people around the role of pH balance and the microbiome in overall health and helping our community to understand why vulva and body beauty rituals are important. That combination of product solutions paired with education will ultimately unlock a broader definition of beauty for more humans.
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Sochima Mbadugha Vice President of Strategy and Business Operations, Topicals
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I started my career in strategy consulting at BCG, and while it was easily one of the most challenging experiences of my life, it taught me so much about how to analyze and improve a business.
During my time there, I got to work on the loyalty program strategy for a hotel and casino chain in Las Vegas, evaluate the ROI of various consumer companies for our private equity clients, and complete a year-long externship with PepsiCo working with their Beyond the Bottle team to map out the future for Sodastream and similar devices.
My time at BCG set the stage for my next biggest accomplishment, which is leading Topicals’ business strategy and helping to double annual sales revenue year-over-year.
What are your personal career aspirations?
The older I get, the more I view my career in chapters rather than as one continuous journey. The early part of my career was really focused on getting my feet wet and building my skills. Then, when I got tired of being a coach on the sidelines, I joined Topicals to get my hands dirty and do the hard work of actually building a business.
As far as what’s next, I’m not too sure. I’m still learning so much every day in my role now, and that’s what I want out of my career, to be intellectually stimulated and challenged.
Mentorship has been the most instrumental factor in my career success, so I’ve always been intentional about paying forward the time others have invested in me. I’m extremely passionate about the economic empowerment of women and would love to be in a position to invest time and money in more women at scale. That’s super vague and can manifest in many ways, but that’ll be at the core of whatever I end up doing.
What drew you to Topicals?
Joining Topicals was truly a no brainer for me. I met founder Olamide Olowe after our sophomore year of college at Harvard’s Summer Venture in Management program, and we immediately hit it off. We stayed in touch over the years, and I was really inspired by her journey of building and launching the brand because the mission felt personal.
I struggled with painful cystic acne in my early 20s and still remember crying to my mom about hating my skin. I wish Topicals existed back then to remind me that skin flare-ups are normal, because anyone who’s struggled with a skin condition knows how physically and emotionally isolating it can feel to not want to leave your house because of your skin.
Olamide texted me in April 2021, and I was burnt out from consulting, but not sure what I wanted to do next. When she asked me to join Topicals, it felt like divine intervention. As cheesy as it sounds, being at Topicals has taught me to embrace my skin at all stages, even when she’s being a little sassy, and I’m honored to be in a position to help other people do the same.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Topicals?
If High Roller has one fan, I am one of them. If High Roller has no fans, then I’m dead. I get really dark scars from ingrown hairs, and it’s always made me shy about wearing bikinis in certain environments, but High Roller is a product that delivers! When we say it helps prevent new ingrown hairs while reducing the scarring from old ones, not a single lie is being told.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Topicals?
Definitely Starface pimple patches! I used to get such bad anxiety when a new pimple would pop up, but now I genuinely don’t mind because it gives me an excuse to dress them up with cute stars on my face. Plus, they’re always a crowd favorite.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
With the rise of TikTok, my biggest concern is the large number of false prophets making exaggerated claims on how they clear and maintain their skin. I know how easy it is to fall prey to the opinions of some random person on the internet when you’ve been searching high and low for solutions, but it’s so important to remember that beauty is rarely one size fits all, and there is a reason people spend years in school to become licensed skin experts. Please listen to the experts!
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Community! Post-pandemic, it’s clear that everyone is craving more meaningful connections, and I think beauty allows for people to connect on such a wide range of topics, whether it’s their favorite makeup primer or discussing the psychological effects of western beauty standards and desirability.
I’m really excited about the community we’re building through our Topicals Insiders program, but I’m also excited to see more generally how brands engage their communities through thoughtful events and discussions around the ever-changing landscape of beauty.
For so long, the nuances of who’s celebrated and respected in beauty have been swept under the rug, so I love seeing all the diverse perspectives that have come to light in recent years.
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Julia Cristina Gasser Director of Business, Ceremonia
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
My biggest career pivot to date is an accomplishment that I’m very proud of. Early in my career, I worked in investment banking. I had a lot of success in this role, including being part of the team responsible for the sale of a very large division of a global investment bank.
However, I reached a point where I decided to entirely shift industries, against popular opinion and advice, and moved away from my traditional career in finance to join a brand marketing agency in its startup phase. Although at times it definitely felt like starting from scratch, it allowed me to be closer to CPG brands, which opened up a world that I, to this day, am so incredibly passionate about.
It is also what eventually led me to my role today as director of business at Ceremonia. One of my most cherished accomplishments since joining the brand was transforming Ceremonia from a dot.com-exclusive brand to an omnichannel company available across the United States and internationally.
When we decided to expand our distribution and onboard large-scale partners such as Sephora, we spent almost a year of preparation for our supply chain and upgrading our fulfillment operations in order to ensure we could support the growth ahead. Leading the team in this leveling-up of the company is extremely rewarding.
What are your personal career aspirations?
To continue to build out Ceremonia to become a true category leader in all things beauty. I feel very bullish on the brand and think we are perfectly positioned to truly make a difference in our customer’s daily lives. I have always dreamt about starting at a company in its early stage and bringing it to a large-scale stage.
What drew you to Ceremonia?
I chose Ceremonia because it’s setting itself apart from a traditional CPG brand in many ways. Ceremonia is truly checking all the boxes for so many of the demands from the new generation through cultural representation, high-performance clean formulas, sustainability and giving back to the environment, not to mention the incredible opportunity that exists within hair, being the fastest growing category within beauty.
On a personal note, I have been on a longstanding journey of transitioning to clean and safe products ever since becoming a mum, and hair was the one category that was the hardest one to find a great product for. Solving a personal need while being able to apply my professional expertise makes me uniquely positioned for my role at Ceremonia.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Ceremonia?
My favorite is still the first product we launched with Ceremonia, our pre-shampoo scalp oil, Aceite de Moska. Having two kids, my hair has gone through so many growth cycles. Aceite de Moska has helped me accelerate my regrowth process and is still my go-to for resetting my scalp and getting back to healthy, full and shiny hair.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Ceremonia?
The Brow Butter in Deep Brown from Saie. It’s the only brow gel that keeps my brows lifted and in place all day and gives me an instantly ready look.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
It’s widely known that hair is lagging behind other beauty categories, especially in terms of ingredient transparency and sustainability. In today’s climate and landscape, brands need to become more transparent, which is spanning deeper than product ingredients alone.
Most recently, we have had great developments on a federal level, with the recent approval of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act 2022, which imposes stricter requirements on all cosmetic products. As a brand that has been holding itself accountable to stricter rules from day one, federal changes just like these are very welcome and I believe they are the fastest path to a safer future in beauty for consumers and the environment.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
What excites me the most is that indie beauty brands are leading the path in terms of innovation, creating a new standard for the wider industry. I feel very empowered with Ceremonia being so closely connected to the community, bringing us closer to our consumer needs before it becomes a well-known trend. There is so much opportunity for change thanks to the fast-paced nature of startups, which excites me a lot.
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Gary Eustache Chief Operating Officer, Danessa Myricks Beauty
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
In my career I have helped many entrepreneurs build businesses in different industries. I am most proud of the part I have played in helping build Danessa Myricks Beauty. We have built an innovative company with core values and team members who are willing to take chances in order to move the needle forward.
Bold ideas, big dreams are fundamental to starting and growing a business. Without a strong financial structure, financial planning and supply chain management, a great business can quickly wither away. Together, Danessa and I have built a strong, healthy, profitable brand that has experienced double-digit growth year-over-year for the past four years.
What are your personal career aspirations?
During my career, I have always wanted my legacy to be one of service and leaving a positive impact on the lives of others. I never thought that it would come in the form of cosmetics. Being part of the magic at Danessa Myricks Beauty, we are changing lives, we are helping people, we are creating a playground for people who may have felt they didn’t belong. At Danessa Myricks Beauty, they belong.
What drew you to Danessa Myricks Beauty?
In all honesty, what drew me to this brand is the founder, Danessa Myricks. I have known Danessa for over 20 years. In this time, I have watched her follow her passion and dreams, taking on challenges and not allowing obstacles to block her mission.
Danessa is a true visionary who is literally changing the landscape of the cosmetic industry. It’s one thing to work for a company, but it’s a lot different when you are part of a purpose-driven brand and being part of something that is bigger than yourself.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Danessa Myricks Beauty?
Our award-winning Blurring Balm Powder is, simply put, amazing. It is an innovative product that is so versatile. To be honest, I never thought I would consider using makeup, but this feels more like a functional skincare.
I use it to smooth out my skin and absorb excess moisture where needed. Often, men with bald heads have a shine that is impossible to decrease. The balm powder, when applied on my head, leaves me with a natural matte finish.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Danessa Myricks Beauty?
My favorite beauty product outside our brand is the beard oil that I use made by KoilyKulture called Organic Hair Growth Serum. I like it because it gives my beard a natural shine, adds thickness, growth and leaves it looking healthy.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
The changes I would like to see in the beauty industry is intentional inclusion on a grander scale.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
The indie space is exciting! This is the space where the magic lives. The indie space is nimble, flexible and innovative. Indie brands can push the limits and are not afraid to fail. They can react to market trends and pivot quickly.
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Carolyn Li Chief Revenue Officer, Vegamour
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
Since I joined Vegamour in early 2020, we’ve grown from an eight-person company to 100 amazing, talented employees. We’ve profitably grown our revenue over 600% in 2020, over 100% in 2021 and over 40% in 2022. We’ve expanded from pure direct-to-consumer to a multichannel company, successfully launching significant businesses in Sephora and Amazon.
It’s been so fulfilling to share my past experience and success with bigger brands and major retailers to help drive Vegamour’s rapid growth. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved as a team and can’t wait to see what’s next for this amazing brand.
What are your personal career aspirations?
At Vegamour and throughout my career, I’ve truly enjoyed growing and scaling mission-driven brands that connect deeply with customers. I’ve also had the pleasure of wearing many different hats over the last few years, leading revenue, growth, analytics, operations, finance and marketing at different points.
I plan to keep working with and growing fantastic brands (like Vegamour!) and bringing a data-driven view to customer needs. That could take a lot of forms, from continuing growth for an established brand to starting something entirely new in the future.
What drew you to Vegamour?
I was introduced to Dan [Hodgdon], Vegamour’s founder and CEO, in early 2020 and just as COVID was taking hold. I lived in New York City at the time, but Dan’s infectious passion, the traction that Vegamour was starting to see in the market, and the brand’s incredible mission convinced me to move with my husband to LA.
Coming from a background in strategy consulting at BCG and luxury at PVH and Saks, where I led large, data-driven programs and teams, Vegamour represented a completely different opportunity. The chance to help define Vegamour’s brand in the market, be hands-on in growing revenue and the team and support the mission made this right opportunity to pursue.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Vegamour?
I love our GRO Shampoo and Conditioner with our proprietary karmatin ingredient.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Vegamour?
I was recently introduced to a Korean beauty brand called Ma:nyo and really love their Pure Cleansing Oil, which has been a great product for my combination skin.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
I am excited about the industry’s continued shift towards more transparency. Consumers want to know what is in their products and why ingredients work. I’m really enjoying more brands pushing toward clean and efficacious formulations, which is core to Vegamour’s brand.
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Erica Dickerson Global Beauty Director, Beautyblender
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
There have been some great moments. One was our launch into complexion. As a tool brand, this was a huge moment for us and being able to be a part of the product development of our foundation alongside my mother [Beautyblender CEO and founder Rea Ann Silva] was super special. Since that moment, we have created many products together which is surreal.
Watching my mom’s creativity and work ethic has inspired me to start my own business in the form of a podcast, “Good Moms Bad Choices.” We are ranked in the 1% of podcasts in the world, and the show has blossomed into other incredible opportunities.
Our debut book will be released May 2 through Harper Collins and is called “A Good Moms Guide to Making Bad Choices.” My mom is the prototype for what a good mom is and has really been such an incredible role model to me in both the beauty space and my personal brand.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I’m always aspiring to work smarter not harder. I just want to continue to work at what I love while also spending as much time with the people I love.
What drew you to Beautyblender?
Legacy. Furthering my mom’s legacy is very important to me. I was the first product assembler and first model mostly because I came free of charge, haha. Also, our brand is so fun! Who wouldn’t be drawn to it?!
What’s your favorite beauty product from Beautyblender?
Our Skin Tint is amazing! As a working mom I don’t always have a lot of time to look put together, so Skin Tint is my holy grail when it comes to looking awake and refreshed in under 60 seconds.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Beautyblender?
Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil. It’s so beautiful, and I just love supporting other brown- and Black-owned brands.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
I think innovation needs to be more important instead of mimicking other brands. There is so much more to explore and, just like fast fashion is a trend, I see the same in beauty. I also think cancel culture needs to end.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Smaller brands leading the way for creative innovation as well as our expansion into more complexion and beyond.
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Aj Patel Vice President of Global Growth, U Beauty
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
Some of my biggest career accomplishments are showing the largest U.S. DTC sales growth out of any of the Unilever Prestige portfolio brands in my first full year as a head of e-commerce. This family of nine major beauty brands includes Dermalogica, Tatcha, Murad, Hourglass, Ren and Living Proof. I also did the same with Amazon.
I also served as part of the team that won a Webby for the redesign of Murad.com. Last year, my team at Ren earned a bronze award for best loyalty campaign by the U.K. eCommerce Awards. Additionally, we won an internal Unilever award for “best big idea, small budget” for the launch of our recyclable shipper campaign.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I would love to eventually grow into a chief digital officer role at a beauty brand.
What drew you to U Beauty?
The people. Coming out of a larger CPG organization, I was initially a bit reticent about joining U Beauty. But after meeting with founder Tina Chen Craig, CEO Skip Borghese and CMO Katie Borghese, I was absolutely sold on the business.
What’s your favorite beauty product from U Beauty?
The Resurfacing Compound, which was the first formula U Beauty launched and is a truly groundbreaking hero product. Not only is it extremely effective, it replaces the majority of products in my routine.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from U Beauty?
I’m continually partial to using the Overnight Recovery Balm from Ren Skincare.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
The industry is saturated with celebrity-driven brands right now, which creates a lot of white noise for consumers. I don’t think most of those brands will succeed long term.
I’d love to see more innovation and technology from other companies as I think they’re both still highly important driving forces. In regards to U Beauty, possessing a key point of difference,like our proprietary Siren Capsule Technology is super important on a myriad of levels.
Finally, of course, I think there is still a massive need for visible diversity and inclusion within the beauty industry.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
There is a lot of exciting technology coming from a number of new players, U Beauty included. As a small or indie brand, our team works closely with our brilliant team of cosmetic chemists at our medical-grade lab in Italy, and it’s invigorating to see products grow from the inception of an idea to the development phase and into realization driven by science that is increasingly revolutionary and as efficacious as it is inventive.
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Alifia Young Community Leader and Pro Educator, K18
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I am most proud of leading educational conversations that help brands and stylists understand all hair types and inclusivity in the salon space. It’s rewarding to me to provide safe spaces for people to learn and ask difficult questions but still leave the experience empowered and confident.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I would love to dive deeper into diversity and inclusion. There are so many opportunities for DEI education and awareness in our industry. I want to be a changemaker for the people that don’t see their reflection in the beauty industry.
What drew you to K18?
I was so inspired by the brand’s mission. When I experienced how K18 truly worked on the molecular level where all hair is the same, it really spoke to what is important to me as a stylist. I wanted to be a part of the change that I knew the haircare industry needs.
What’s your favorite beauty product from K18?
It’s hard to pick one! K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo. The Detox Shampoo removes buildup without depleting the natural oils of your hair. Hair has more bounce when it isn’t weighed down, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice hydration in the process. I use it for every client, and it is a staple in my curly hair routine.
What’s your favorite beauty product not K18?
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin glow serum. It leaves my skin glowing without too much shine. I can wear it alone or under makeup and it’s light weight and makes my skin look amazing.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
I’d love to see more brands committed to DEI. There has been a shift in representation and seeing more diversity has been amazing. There is more opportunity for including more underrepresented groups in making decisions and leading change, from reconsidering packaging to formulation and leadership. I believe indie brands are leading the charge in this movement, and I’d love to see it as an industry standard.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Haircare challenges that have been overlooked in the past are being solved through advances in biotech. I’m excited to see how biotech will continue to improve haircare routines through radical simplicity, for all hair types.
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Hemani Kamdar Director of Marketing, Three Ships Beauty
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being a part of small teams who bring big dreams to life. There is something so rewarding about achieving your goals knowing that you had to be scrappy and innovative to get there.
Working at Wellness Natural Inc. on the SimplyProtein brand, we pulled off not just a rebrand, but also a reformulation of our core products at the same time. After the relaunch, we ventured into new product categories and saw our distribution significantly expand. It was an incredible feeling to see something as major as a brand relaunch through with such a close-knit team.
I am also incredibly proud to be working in the beauty industry at a brand that I have loved for years personally as a consumer and, as employee No. 9, knowing that I can make a real impact on where we are heading.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I would love to be a part of a team that builds and scales an early-stage brand to becoming a household name with reach that extends globally. More importantly, I aspire to always work with brands that lead initiatives that change industries for the better and have a positive impact beyond just sales. Being a part of Three Ships Beauty, I am excited to say that my aspirations don’t feel too far away.
What drew you to Three Ships Beauty?
I first purchased Three Ships way back when the brand was known as Niu Body and became a fan, watching as the team rebranded to Three Ships Beauty. At the same time, I journeyed my way through trying countless—and I mean countless—vitamin C serums, with no brand or product standing out to me until I purchased the Three Ships Dew Drops Vitamin C Serum.
The same reasons I loved the Dew Drops Serum are the same reasons I fell in love with the brand as a whole: Complete ingredient transparency, reasonable pricing and science-backed formulas that prove natural skincare does work; no greenwashing, no unsubstantiated claims of being a “clean” beauty brand and, most importantly, my skin saw real results.
After meeting [co-founders] Connie [Lo] and Laura [Burget] and learning of their mission to be the most effective natural beauty brand in the world, I knew I wanted to be more than just a customer and that I had to get aboard this ship.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Three Ships Beauty?
I have to pick our Superfruit Lactic + Multifruit 8% AHA Exfoliating Mask. This product pairs together the best of both physical and chemical exfoliation to create what feels like a five-minute facial in a jar.
When it feels like all you have is just a few minutes to sneak in some self-care, this mask is my go-to pick-me-up. My husband is notorious for stealing my jars of Superfruit, so you also have his seal of approval here, too.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Three Ships Beauty?
My favorite beauty product right now is the Saie Sun Melt Cream Bronzer. With living through Canadian winters, I’m always chasing a sun-kissed glow, even if just from my makeup routine. This formula blends like a dream and has some great skin-loving ingredients. Not only that, I admire Saie as a brand and their commitment to transparency in the beauty space.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
There is a lot of scrutiny right now around how the industry defines “clean” beauty and rightfully so. Lack of regulation around terms like “clean” and “natural” has left a lot of room for greenwashing and misrepresentation in the beauty industry today.
Consumers deserve more than that, and it starts with legislation. The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act was an important step in cosmetic regulatory overhaul.
However, what needs to follow is passing additional legislation like the Natural Cosmetics Act, which sets out to define the terms “natural” and “naturally derived” within cosmetics. We at Three Ships Beauty wholly support the Natural Cosmetics Act and any legislation like it that will drive further transparency in the beauty industry.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Being Southeast Asian and female-identifying, I remember all too well the days of struggling to find brands where I felt myself represented in their marketing, let alone in their management teams, too. To see the rise of women-owned and POC-owned brands in the indie beauty space has been incredible.
Through the power of social media, micro-influencers and direct-to-consumer, it feels like there is finally space in the industry for indie brands to not only take on legacy brands, but to empower consumers with choice and to validate that we’ve been right all along to demand this level of representation. I have countless brands on my list to try—Mango People, Ranavat and Kulfi Beauty, to name a few—as a result of this!
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Ayesha Bshero Head of Product Development, Beekman 1802
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of seeing my starting lineup of Beekman 1802 goat milk body care transform into award-winning clinically kind skincare. It was an evolution from farm-to-skin into a more clinical results driven space, all built on the benefits and science of goat milk.
What are your personal career aspirations?
To formulate or create an active ingredient that no one else has. The goal would be getting the FDA to approve a new UV filter that was more stable than even mexoryl and targeted for women of color who suffer from hyperpigmentation.
What drew you to Beekman 1802?
I was in love with the OG Instagram filters that made everything look like hipster Brooklyn, and the vibe of this brand at the time was just that, creative, archival and moody.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Beekman 1802?
It’s the Oh! Mega Milk simply because oil and milk don’t mix, but through biotech we were able to create the first ever milk oil.
What’s your favorite beauty product not Beekman 1802?
CosRX snail mucin face masks. It’s just ASMR every time I put one on my face.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
I think there’s not enough regulation on formulas, especially in the U.S. where stability and safety testing is not required. This leads to an abundance of products that risk being irritating and potentially damaging on the skin.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
I think the most exciting thing is how our customers really appreciate and value our brand ethos of kindness. There’s so much shade being thrown around on social media, especially TikTok. Beekman 1802 has become a safe haven for our followers as so much of our content is about kindness.
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Farah Azmi Chief Operating Officer, Oui the People
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
It’s hard for me to pick one because I feel lucky to be where I am today. I am an immigrant from Malaysia and had a very humble upbringing. I came to the U.S. when I was young and grew up in a very small town in Arkansas. I never thought I would live in New York, have a Harvard MBA, be a leader in the fashion and beauty space. I feel lucky that I get to live my dreams each day.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I would love to run my own startup one day. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on two young brands so far, The Outset and Oui the People. It’s incredible to be a part of something that feels small at the beginning, but watch it grow to where your friends see it on shelves or in magazines. I’m so glad that I’ve gotten to witness it and work hand in hand with some amazing founders to date, but hope to do it on my own one day.
What drew you to Oui the People?
I had heard of Oui the People before and have always loved the beautiful diversity in the images and the stance of anti-perfection. When I met Karen Young, it was clear she wasn’t a founder looking for a quick buck. She deeply cared about creating a beauty company that stands for something.
She’s constantly working to create products that are efficacious and have a clear need in the market. Her passion radiates within minutes of talking about the product. She makes me want to fight just as hard for the success of her brand as she is.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Oui the People?
I live for Featherweight, our hydrating body gloss. It’s a super-powered body serum. It instantly creates a glow on my skin and provides benefits that overtime brightens it. It’s such a great product! I think it’s an easy entry for people who are just getting into body care where it’s hydration and treatment all in one.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Oui the People?
It’s so hard to pick one! Right now, I’m loving Saie’s Slip Tinted Moisturizer. Throughout my makeup journey, it has been difficult to find a tinted SPF moisturizer where I won’t have the white cast come through by mid-day. Saie has such an easy formula where I can throw it on without the hassle. It leaves my skin looking natural and glowy, never chalky.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
This may be a hot take, but greenwashing is so prevalent these days in the beauty industry. I believe the beauty industry needs to work on being more honest on sustainability claims.
No beauty brand is perfect. We’re all striving to do little things to be better, utilizing post-consumer recycled materials, minimizing unnecessary packaging components, recyclability, etc. However, at the end of the day, I recognize that I am part of an industry that is creating more packaging, mailing products by air, etc., and these all have detrimental effects to the environment.
Consumers are becoming more educated on sustainability, so it’s time that brands became more honest and realistic as well.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
The number of not only female founders, but women of color. Growing up, you only saw one kind of leader, but to see so many women that look like me that care about the same things as me is beautiful. It not only creates diversity in imagery on campaigns or even diversity in product benefits, but it also gives girls like me who want role models in the world of business something to aspire to.
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Fred Collins Chief Operating Officer, Uoma Beauty
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
Being an African American man in beauty, you don’t often see faces that look like yours. The ability to sustain a 20-plus year career in beauty and continue to build the skills and capabilities that provide guidance to a startup brand with a great future makes me extremely proud.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I’m currently looking forward to leading the global expansion of the Uoma Beauty brand. I believe everyone needs to hear our message. Separately, I would also like to develop and launch a men’s grooming brand.
What drew you to Uoma Beauty?
Our founder Sharon Chuter. I was raised by a strong Black woman, I’m married to a strong Black woman, and I’m a father to a strong Black woman (#girldad). When I had the opportunity to help a strong Black woman bring her mission to the masses, I was all in.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Uoma Beauty?
The Uoma by Sharon C. Go AWF! Au Naturel Cleansing Oil. I have sensitive skin and the cleaning oil is super gentle and smooth, and leaves my skin feeling refreshed.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Uoma Beauty?
Since I’ve cut my own hair for the last 20 years, I would have to say my Wahl professional cordless clippers. Is that considered a beauty product? I would say yes.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
I believe there needs to be a mindset shift with retailers. We all understand that retailers need products to turn in-store to drive revenue and therefore profitability. We also understand that retailers are making a commitment to match their retail portfolios with their shoppers and have tried to bring in more diverse brands with shades for everyone.
The mindset shift is in the expectations that these products will turn at normal historical rates. Some may. However, if you are supporting diversity and retailing products for everyone, you also have to support the idea that there may be a slow adoption for those consumers who were historically underserved. There must be what I call a PP, a patient partnership, to increase awareness, which will eventually convert into valuable, committed shoppers.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Innovation and Black founders getting the attention they deserve. There is a tremendous amount of innovation in the industry, which is a necessity for the indie beauty space to remain relevant. You can see technology is having a major impact on not only how brands are producing products, but also in how they are bringing them to market.
I have the opportunity to speak with several Black founders of beauty brands and the excitement that I hear every time is infectious. They now see a path to be able to bring their passion to light. There is still much work to do when it comes to funding resources, mentorships and tools to help these founders start and scale, but being able to see a path is a good start.
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Kara Brothers-Phillips General Manager and President, Starface
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
My most timely accomplishment is leading a company of around 35 here at Starface, a group of people that inspire me everyday to become the best leader I possibly can.
I constantly feel rewarded when I see the cultural impact Starface has made in the acne care space. Everyone from celebrity fans to students to local baristas have incorporated our stars into their daily lives, and it’s so validating to see our mission of creating a more accepting world come to fruition.
In every position I’ve held throughout my career, I’ve always had a constant and consistent desire to proactively go after what feels most right for me at the moment, from showing up unannounced to introduce myself and win my first startup job to landing a position on the highly coveted corporate strategy team at Google.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I want to do it all! I love people’s personal journeys and the intimacy that comes up when people decide to share openly. I’d love to bring these conversations to the main stage, whether that’s through a talk show or some other form of entertainment. Generally, I want to live a big life, a life of beauty, adventure, peace, love and connection.
I believe humans carry a lot of weight just by being alive. If I can inspire more fun and play for all of us, I consider that a life well-lived. I also wouldn’t be surprised If I find myself in some remote place working with local artisans. The key for me is to keep trying and growing and spreading some light wherever I can.
What drew you to Starface?
When Starface was born in 2019, the majority of pimple patches on the market were clear, neutral and designed to be hidden. Three years later, Starface has completely shifted the consumer mindset, replacing the shame and isolation associated with acne and creating a new experience that celebrates skin instead of hiding it.
Starface’s mission to revolutionize the acne experience—creating moments of confidence, connection and self-expression in the process—immediately drew me to the brand. I knew that joining the Starface team would give me the opportunity to play a role in creating a more accepting, inclusive skincare industry, one that makes young people feel seen and heard.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Starface?
Our Big Yellow Compact, which comes with 32 of our hydrocolloid stars! I am instantly in a better mood every time I see or open up this little guy. The design is so simple and perfect. It fits in the palm of my hand so seamlessly, it’s such a treat.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Starface?
There are two moisturizers that I love right now: The Namesake Daily Moisturizer, it feels so silky when I put it on, and it’s light enough to wear year-round, and Dieux Instant Angel, my skin just soaks it up, I can’t get enough of it.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
Overall, I want to see a beauty industry that accepts and celebrates skin, regardless of where you’re at on your skincare or acne journey. Since day one, we’ve committed to showing real, unfiltered skin in all of our creative: acne, scars, texture, pimples and all. It’s so rewarding to see the industry shift in this way, and I’m excited to see how we can continue to uplift young people at every step.
I also think there’s something to be said about beauty and skincare making people feel good. We don’t take ourselves too seriously at Starface, we want people to engage with our products in a fun and uplifting way.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
I love that there are finally options for everyone, regardless of your skin type, identity or budget. Skincare has become really accessible. Odds are you’re able to find what you’re looking for at a price you’re comfortable with, whether that’s at your local drugstore or online.
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Elaine Choi President, Crown Affair
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
The week Crown Affair launched in brick-and-mortar at Sephora, I took the team to see our displays in-store around the city to reflect on the months leading up to that moment.
During the busiest season of the year (holiday), we had executed packaging revisions, moved warehouses, designed visual merchandising displays, refined supply and demand plans, expedited manufacturing, managed logistics during a supply chain crisis, developed and executed on go-to-market plans for launch, all in the midst of closing a series A round of funding and growing our DTC business to meet our timelines for launch.
The team exhibited a concerted and coordinated effort to launch the brand at Sephora, and I’m incredibly proud of them.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I’m grateful to have had strong, compassionate leaders invested in my growth along the way, and I am passionate about developing individuals and teams. Our relationships extend beyond where we exist today, and every opportunity is new training ground.
My hope is to continue to position myself in roles that allow me to nurture talent to become the best at what they do and leverage the skills they develop to eventually build bigger and better businesses and teams that shape the future of the industry.
What drew you to Crown Affair?
My career has taken me across many industries—fashion, healthcare, hospitality, non-profit, education—I frankly never thought beauty was in the cards for me. However, a common thread through all of my experiences is a passion for collaborating with creative founders to turn vision into reality.
When I first spoke with [founder] Dianna [Cohen], hearing her speak to the vision for Crown Affair, I knew I wanted to partner with her to bring that vision to life, build the world of Crown Affair from the ground up and challenge myself in scaling that vision purposefully and efficiently.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Crown Affair?
I have the equivalent of combination skin for hair—oily at the roots, dry at the strands. I’ve typically shied away from any leave-in conditioners despite needing the hydration at the strands, afraid they would weigh my hair down.
Our leave-in conditioner quickly absorbs into my strands, plumps them up, and keeps them shiny and smooth while preventing damage, even on my color treated hair. It’s magic in a bottle!
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Crown Affair?
I recently met Sofie Pavitt, problematic skin wizard, prior to launching her brand Sofie Pavitt Face. Daily use of her Mandelic Clearing Serum, a gentle but hydrating chemical exfoliant has given me that “lit from within” glow and has visibly reduced my dark spots even only over a short period of time.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
Strong mentorship and skills development are critical at the start of anyone’s career. While the beauty industry is tight-knit, resources and community are more readily available and accessible to those at the executive level. I’d love to collaborate more with others in the industry to offer mentorship, community and opportunities for learning and development to those in the industry in earlier stages of their career.
Building a brand is as much about investing in your people as it is about investing in the business. This belief was a big part of why we launched our mentorship program, Seedling, of which we are kicking off our seventh season in the fall of this year.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
The opportunity to build in a space that can push the boundaries of what beauty means. The most recent Sephora Brand Summit highlighted that, while there is a universal aesthetic of what our society sees as beautiful, it differs from beauty that we find inspiring (strong, multi-cultural, size inclusive, ambitious, fun, etc.)
I think and hope this will continue to be a trend that drives the industry to push businesses to create products and services that fuel the development of a new paradigm of beauty, and I’m excited to see what comes from this.
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Brandy Wilcke Vice President, Global Product and Packaging Development, Live Tinted
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I’m really proud that I decided to change careers later in life. I was a sales consultant in the beauty industry, but, at age 26, I made the commitment to go back to school to finish my degree. It was quite the challenge, but I managed to balance work and studying full-time, which ultimately paid off when I graduated.
This experience reinforced the significance of utilizing both theoretical and practical approaches to learning. More importantly, it has encouraged me to broaden my horizons by gaining insight in an array of companies, among them a consulting firm, corporate company, artistry-led brand, mass-market brand and my current position at Live Tinted, an influencer-founded brand.
What are your personal career aspirations?
If I’m being honest with myself, even though I’ve been in this industry for 15-plus years, this is the first time I feel like I’m making a genuine impact with my specific function. Working for a brand that is rooted in inclusivity and celebrates diversity has deepened my sense of purpose within my role, and it’s empowering to know that my efforts are contributing to a bigger picture.
I plan on helping Live Tinted grow our product offering, develop best-in-class products to ultimately become a No. 1 brand in the industry.
What drew you to Live Tinted?
Before joining Live Tinted, I only knew a little about the company. After researching [founder] Deepica [Mutyala] and the brand, though, I was quickly captivated by her passion for beauty and their mission of broadening the definition of beauty to include everyone. This includes providing inclusive, universally flattering shades that work for everyone and always placing POC at the forefront.
Additionally, I’m surrounded by such a talented and diverse group of individuals who inspire me to think outside the box. We are dedicated to creating beauty products that are specifically designed to tackle issues that people with deep, hard-to-match skin tones typically face like hyperpigmentation.
We also prioritize high-quality ingredients and never settle for anything less than what we believe is best for our customers. Joining Live Tinted was a way for me to be part of the revolution taking place in our industry, not just observe it from behind.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Live Tinted?
It has to be Hueglow. It comes in two stunning shades for now (hint hint); rose gold Dawn and bronze Dusk. It’s not like the usual glossy and glowy products because it’s not sticky or greasy. Plus, it contains a high amount of squalane, which is incredibly moisturizing and hydrating for your skin.
I love its versatility. You can use it alone, mix it with foundation, moisturizer or SPF. However, my favorite way to use it is on my body. It’s especially perfect for summer when you want to give your décolletage, arms and legs a subtle, sexy glow! Really it’s a one-and-done product. Who doesn’t love that?
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Live Tinted?
Right now, I’m really enjoying Dezi Skin’s Agua Fresca moisturizer. I appreciate the lightweight texture, but it still provides so much nourishment and hydration to my skin, leaving it looking dewy and glowing!
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
Transparency. It’s another thing that I love about what we are doing at Live Tinted. We don’t want smoke and mirrors. What you see is what you get.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Indie beauty brands continue to change the beauty industry, bringing fresh perspectives and bold innovations to the market. We are agile, adaptive and driven by a deep passion for what we do, often making us more attuned to the needs of niche audiences and trend evolution.
One of the key aspects of indie beauty brands that excites me is their creativity. Far from restricting themselves to the tried-and-tested formulas, indie brands are unafraid to experiment and play with ingredients, formulations and textures. This has given rise to some incredible breakthrough products such as natural deodorants, customizable serums, refillable/reusable packaging and innovative mineral SPFs.
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Steve Levine Chief Operating Officer, Jones Road Beauty
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
My career trajectory in the beauty industry has followed the value chain upwards. I started in the packaging arena, moved into contract manufacturing and turnkey beauty, and then ultimately landed at an indie brand like Jones Road Beauty.
I started a business called HCP Packaging USA, and it’s thrilling to see how the company has prospered both during and after my tenure. As president of Process Technologies, now Kolmar USA, we were able to sell the business to a Korean multinational, which was great for both its employees and shareholders. I’m very proud of these milestones in my career.
What are your personal career aspirations?
Right now, my singular objective is to help Jones Road reach its full potential as the industry’s leading direct-to-consumer beauty brand. This means me using my experience on the supply side of the industry to ensure that products are developed, produced and delivered to our consumers as flawlessly as possible.
I also enjoy mentoring the younger members of our team who are much smarter than I am, but are gaining the valuable experience they need to grow.
What drew you to Jones Road Beauty?
Very simply Bobbi Brown. When I heard about her new venture, I made it my mission to be a part of it. Bobbi is such an inspiration. She had so much success building her namesake brand and to have the opportunity to work with Bobbi and be a part of her next success story with Jones Road Beauty is so rewarding.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Jones Road Beauty?
Miracle Balm. This is a product that Bobbi and the team created that is the perfect fusion of makeup and skincare. It’s been a hero product since launch because it epitomizes the “no makeup, makeup” look that Bobbi invented as a makeup artist in the late 90s and that still resonates with consumers of all ages.
Miracle Balm gives a light tint of color, and it’s full of clean, good-for-you ingredients that hydrate the skin, giving anyone who uses it that perfect glow.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Jones Road Beauty?
I think the team at Augustinus Bader are creating some outstanding skincare products. The Rich Cream seems to be a game changer. I know Bobbi is a genuine fan.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
The regulatory arena remains a bit of a minefield at present. As an example, there are varying definitions of “clean beauty,” and the lack of precision has led to confusion at the consumer level. There are also brands out there that have taken advantage of this and marketed themselves as being clean when their products are anything but.
I also support the FDA’s new regulatory framework with regard to cosmetic products as I think it will help reduce the number of products being produced at substandard labs both here in the U.S. and offshore.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
There is so much creativity in the indie beauty space. We are able to be nimble and move quickly to get products to the market. We are not held back by corporate mandates or marketing plans, and it’s just easier to execute on your vision for what the brand represents.
And when there are problems, we can quickly implement creative solutions without having to run it up the chain so to speak. I also think the emergence of the DTC space has removed many of the barriers to entry and scale that brands faced in the past. It has also allowed brands to develop a more intimate relationship with customers as there is no middle man translating your brand message.
Of course, you need to have a superior product and great team behind it to market it, but, if you do, the sky’s the limit!
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Marissa Dangovian Head of Marketing, Uni
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I spent a number of years at Drunk Elephant before I joined Uni. Taking part in the exponential growth, which ultimately led to one of the biggest skincare acquisitions, was a big career milestone. Most importantly, I got to work for and alongside brilliant minds that I still learn from every day.
Now at Uni, we were recently listed in 2023 Fast Company’s Most Innovative in Consumer Goods. That was on my bucket list. Only one year since launch, it meant so much that the industry already recognizes what we are doing.
What are your personal career aspirations?
To continue to build brands that help people feel confident in their skin. I know first-hand how hard skin issues can be on your mental health. My goal is to always be part of something that can help people change their relationship with their skin and, in turn, themselves.
What drew you to Uni?
I joined because of the founder, Alexandra [Keating]. She was approaching the beauty industry in a new and fresh way, which immediately drew me in. A big thread of my career is working for founders that I believe in. It’s their unrelenting passion that trickles down throughout the company and keeps everyone going.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Uni?
Our newest product, the Restoring Hand Wash, is my personal favorite. It’s the most luxurious hand wash I’ve ever used. The texture is silky smooth and includes skincare ingredients so that hands look and feel better over time. Since creating it, I’ve become quite a bit of a hand wash snob.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Uni?
My favorite beauty product is tretinoin, it has healed my skin. I’ve struggled with my skin my whole life, which is how I fell in love with the industry. I believe that retin-A and retinol is the best ingredient for fighting acne, reducing wrinkles and overall skin appearance. Who doesn’t want that?
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
We’re making inroads, but have a long way to go to make environmentally safe products. The personal care industry contributes to over one-third of our landfills. I see how difficult it is at Uni to take the more sustainable approach.
We have to do the research, looking at every aspect of the product life cycle, from packaging to ingredient sourcing to shipping, etc. It’s also more expensive. However, it’s the responsibility we take on when putting out another product into the world.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Every day there is a new brand with diverse perspectives and ideas. This is the most exciting part because I can never get too comfortable. It’s a never-ending cycle that keeps me evolving in my career.
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Anthony Ares Vice President, Glamlite
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
One of the biggest accomplishments in my career was launching and selling out the most killer collection in history as a proud beauty boy executive, my Chucky x Glamlite collection. I am one of the first beauty boys to enter the licensing world and partner with Universal Studios to launch the very first ever licensed Chucky colored cosmetic line.
My Chucky collection is more than a horror collection, it’s a collection that celebrates the inclusivity, diversity and beauty in all of us in such a unique way. This collection constantly reminds me that anything is possible. Ever since I was a little kid, I was so infatuated by the beauty world, but, from constantly being bullied and judged for being myself, I never thought being a boy in beauty was possible. I never in a million years would have thought I would be given the chance to partner with a franchise that brought me and my family so much happiness growing up.
Creating this collection truly changed my life. I was able to tap into a vulnerable creative part of me I never got to explore before. I was really able to channel all of the hate and bullying I went through while growing up and put that energy into creating a beautiful fun cosmetic collection that resulted in making thousands and thousands of people feel the same joy and excitement Chucky brought me. I got to give something new to the beauty community, something first of its kind, and the response to my collection was so surreal.
One of the most important takeaways from launching my Chucky collection was that I was able to be my true authentic self. Universal trusted and believed in my vision and allowed me to bring what I wanted to bring to life. While being myself and sharing my story, I was able to inspire other aspiring boys in beauty to embrace themselves and do what makes them happy.
Never take no for an answer! My DMs have been flooded with other boys who aspire to work in the beauty industry, and it warms my heart so much to know that I was able to give them motivation and hope.
What are your personal career aspirations? What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
One of my personal career aspirations would be to normalize and embrace boys in beauty. I want there to be a day where we don’t even have to second guess if a boy is wearing makeup.
When you walk into a Sephora, Ulta or any beauty store, there is slim to no chance you will see a boy representing a beauty product/brand. When you log onto a beauty brand’s website or social media page, there is still a slim to none chance you will see any LGBTQ+ representation. This is actually not just a problem in the beauty industry, but a problem with the majority of major corporations.
The only time brands embrace boys in beauty or showcase LGBTQ+ creators is during Pride month. The majority of brands will market themselves as “inclusive” and support the LGBTQ+ community only when their Pride collection is being released. Where is this inclusive energy all year round? The beauty industry flat out needs more representation. A major reason as to why boys in beauty are not so much accepted by the general public is because there’s no authentic beauty boy representation.
The beauty industry needs real boys in beauty in these executive meetings and in the product development meetings to make authentic and real decisions because we know what the community wants and needs, which is why I am so grateful to be in an executive position with Glamlite. My story and voice is heard and respected. We love to say, “At Glamlite, Pride season is all year round baby!” Every product and collection we release is inclusive and meant for anyone who has the passion for makeup.
I have always lived by the quote, “Be the person you needed when you were younger.” Growing up there were no beauty boys on TV or in magazines, let alone any public LGBTQ+ figures in entertainment for me to look up to. If I had someone I could relate to in the entertainment world to look up to when I was younger, I think my younger years would’ve made more sense and be a lot easier for myself and others to understand.
What drew you to Glamlite?
I first saw and heard of Glamlite when Glamlite released their iconic viral pizza palette. I remember not being able to get the palette because of it being sold out, but I was able to see all of the reviews and everyone being in awe of how unique and different this makeup release was.
Glamlite founder and CEO Gisselle Hernandez’s backstory and journey was so inspiring and motivational. It was so amazing to see a minority who experienced what she had in her life blow up the beauty industry and succeed.
I was really drawn to how unique and different every collection was. There was no one else in the industry releasing food-themed palettes with insane packaging and formulas. I was so starstruck first meeting Gisselle, but we bonded and made an unreal connection from the first time meeting her.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Glamlite?
Oh my gosh, it is so hard for me to just pick one favorite beauty product from Glamlite! Not to be bias, but my Chucky x Glamlite palette would have to be my favorite Glamlite product. From the packaging to the color story, to the formula to the story behind it, this palette is one of a kind and truly beautiful. It is the perfect goth glam palette and is now one of Glamlite’s top-selling palettes.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Glamlite?
My favorite beauty product not from Glamlite would have to be the One Size Beauty setting powder. I love all of the products released by One Size Beauty. The founder, Patrick Starrr, is actually a fellow beauty boy (fun fact: we are both Filipino!)
He also has a very inspiring and motivational story. He started as a makeup artist at MAC, followed his dream, and now he is one of the first beauty boys to launch a brand in Sephora. One Size’s slogan is, “Redefining beauty by elevating the voices of the unheard,” which is everything that I stand for and aspire to implement in my journey as well.
I’ve met Patrick a few times and he came to our Mikayla Paht Two launch, and he has such a beautiful energy. I love all of the art he creates.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
I think the indie beauty space is so beautiful and unique because we create whatever we want to create. The indie beauty space isn’t forced to create, we are much more intimate within the indie beauty space. The majority of cosmetic products that go viral nowadays are created by indie brands.
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Ariel Gold President, PillowtalkDerm
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
Before joining PillowtalkDerm as President, I was the general manager of Jones Road Beauty, which I launched and scaled profitably to high eight figures in sales. Although our founder, Bobbi Brown, has a long creative history in the industry, Jones Road was a very scrappy startup. I figured out a lot (successfully!) as I went along.
What are your personal career aspirations?
My foremost aspiration is to grow PillowtalkDerm to be the No. 1 player in the prestige skincare category. [Founder and dermatologist] Shereene [Idriss] and I are committed to building a brand rooted in expertise, education and authenticity.
Down the road, I’m interested in scratching my own entrepreneurial itch and moving to the investing side of beauty. I look to women like Janet Gurwitch and Cristina Nuñez and can see myself on their side of the table.
What drew you to PillowtalkDerm?
For better or for worse, I’m in this game to win. PillowtalkDerm has all of the pieces that are necessary for a brand to succeed in the highly competitive beauty landscape: standout products, strong financials and a clearcut distribution strategy. Perhaps most importantly, it has a founder who is a legitimate expert in the category.
What’s your favorite beauty product from PillowtalkDerm?
This is a tough question! PillowtalkDerm has a plethora in the pipeline, and some of my favorite products will be launching later this or early next year. My current go-to is the Major Fade Active Seal moisturizer.
Like PillowtalkDerm, I’m all about streamlining my routine, and I love that Active Seal contains vitamin C, so I don’t need to apply any additional serums before my sunscreen in the morning. Also, the vitamin C in Active Seal is in the form tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which is more shelf stable than other forms and is better tolerated by people with sensitive skin like me.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from PillowtalkDerm?
I’m constantly testing other brands’ makeup and skincare products. A current favorite is Caliray’s Come Hell or High Water Mascara. I love a good tubing mascara. Plus, Wende Zomnir is an industry icon, and she’s creating an incredibly special “Cali-world” in her new brand.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
I’d like to see a great proportion of expert-founded and -led brands in the market. More and more frequently, we’re seeing brands launched out of incubators with big funds, but minimal authenticity behind them. I’m not a fan of this model, and those brands typically don’t meet financial expectations.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Indie brands are always ahead of the curve, whether that’s from an R&D perspective (think K18 and its viral hair mask) or a marketing lens (think Il Makiage and its early adoption of AI). This commitment to innovation and forward momentum is what keeps me addicted to this space.
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Alexia Amerson Joyner Assistant Vice President of Marketing, The Lip Bar
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I am proud to create better beauty solutions and opportunities for greater representation for women who look like me as well as being an integral part of leadership to transform the household beauty brands I’ve worked for into disruptive and beloved brands for millions of consumers.
What are your personal career aspirations?
My career aspirations have always been anchored in growing more curious and connected to the consumers I serve by consistently growing into a more empathetic, strategic and needs driven marketer.
What drew you to The Lip Bar?
It’s funny. Since my early days in haircare, I have been following The Lip Bar and [founder] Melissa Butler from the trade show circuit. Over the past 11 years, I’m still in awe of its ability to engage with consumers in a way that celebrates beauty without limitations, while curating opportunities for women of color to be positioned at the forefront of marketing campaigns. Even today as AVP, marketing, this impression still resonates.
What’s your favorite beauty product from The Lip Bar?
This is very hard. Over the last few years, we’ve truly released some bangers! But, if I had to choose one it would be our Just a Tint, 3-in-1 Tinted Skin Moisturizer. Every time I use this product, I am amazed at how perfectly it fits my complexion vs me trying to fit into the shade. That’s how beauty empowers.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from The Lip Bar?
I think I connect so much to our consumers because I am her. I love beauty and essentials that feel like rituals. Right now, I’m really loving Bread Beauty Supply’s Hair Mask. Not only is it dreamy, but it’s effective.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
There is a real need to dismantle standards. Let beauty be defined on individual terms. I feel this is the best way to connect with consumers of all demographics.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
The various micro-communities and personalities these brands curate cannot be overstated. It’s this connectivity that makes all the difference.
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Christian Chopra President, Scotch Porter
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
Looking back at my career, I am extremely proud that all of the people I have worked with, coached and led are now in a better position than they had been when we first met. One of the most important aspects of my role as a leader is to support my team members in having fulfilling careers, being inspired and continuing to grow professionally and personally.
I am grateful that Scotch Porter’s mission to help men feel their best and live their best, most fulfilled lives and our social impact fund provide me with an even greater opportunity to multiply this positive impact on people, communities and society.
What are your personal career aspirations?
My career aspiration is to make a measurable, tangible, positive impact on the lives of everyday consumers, furthering the advancement of previously underserved and overlooked communities, and arming our consumers with the best male grooming products, content and education.
As president of Scotch Porter, I am in a position to do all of this and more with the support of our amazing team. I can honestly say I am exactly where I aspired to be.
What drew you to Scotch Porter?
I have always valued the beauty industry’s evolution from placing emphasis on simply providing a good product to its intense focus on brands that are more than the products they provide, but also mission- and value-driven. I acknowledge Scotch Porter as a brand that’s not only redefining the men’s wellness and personal care space, but also serves as a model for what it means to marry purpose and a mission to do good to create a tangible and measurable impact.
Seeing how passionate our founder and CEO, Calvin Quallis, and the entire Scotch Porter family are about improving the lives of our consumers is inspiring, and I am fortunate to see our story resonate with our customers and partners alike every day. Whether we are talking to a shopper, to a retailer or an agency, everyone’s eyes light up when they hear about our origin story, our social impact fund, and our future plans for the brand.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Scotch Porter?
My favorite Scotch Porter product is the Exfoliating Beard+Face Wash. It is our first water-free formula that turns from a powder into a rich foam when mixed with water. This nontoxic, clean and cruelty-free powder cleanser produces fantastic results and has an extremely small environmental footprint because it is lightweight and efficient in transportation.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Scotch Porter?
My favorite beauty product is the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solution Clinical Clearing Gel. It is really effective in preventing breakouts, reducing blemishes and providing clearer skin. My wife introduced me to this little wonder years ago, and I cannot do without it.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
There is still a big opportunity for the fusing of beauty, health and wellness. Beauty is not just a superficial concept, but can go much deeper and can be a holistic concept of self-care, an inside-out approach to wellness where what we put on our skin is just as important as what we put in our body.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
I am still fascinated by the fragmentation of the beauty space. With beauty being such a hyper-personal category, the indie space helps consumers to find their own personal products and brand. The sheer number of options now compared to 15 years ago allows consumers to select what is important to them, whether they purchase products with a clean formula, sustainable packaging or from a minority-founded brand.
This way, shoppers vote with their wallets, and every purchase act helps to drive the industry in a new and exciting direction which was unthinkable in the past when “big beauty” determined the trends and what was available to consumers to shop.
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Aleesha Worthington Vice President of Brand, Scotch Porter
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
The accomplishments in my career I’m most proud of are the times I was fortunate to be a part of developing products and services that impact lives and touch communities. As a marketer, I’m intentional about looking at the consumer journey through their lens to identify ways of communicating through storytelling that is aspirational and relatable.
What are your personal career aspirations?
My personal career aspirations are to remain focused on sitting in a seat where my voice provides value and my outlook helps both myself and my team to think differently. In my current role, I aspire to touch every man around the globe through self-care, using it as a love language to encourage, inspire and help guide them along their journey of transformation.
What drew you to Scotch Porter?
What drew me to the Scotch Porter brand was our founder and CEO Calvin Quallis’s commitment to building a men’s wellness brand that is inclusive of all textures and tones. The brand’s mission is to arm men with the tools needed to live their best, most fulfilled lives, and the selflessness that exists in the essence of the brand’s mission alone made me feel at home on day one.
As a team, we truly believe grooming is more than lotions and potions, and are laser-focused on building out the toolset needed for him to be informed across all aspects of his well-being.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Scotch Porter?
My favorite grooming product from Scotch Porter is the Hydrating Body Wash. The luxurious feel of the product, scent and ingredients can all be defined by one word, delightful! I love that we can develop a product that can deliver on the efficacy men were missing within the market without sacrificing our clean formulations.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Scotch Porter?
My favorite beauty product right now is Nuebiome’s Hydrating Elixir. I started to take my face care routine more seriously in the last year, and this product has delivered on its promise when it comes to keeping my pores in check! The natural glow it provides is priceless.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
The changes I think that need continue to be at the forefront of the beauty and grooming industry surround the responsibility brands have to consumers to see them as they are. Standards are no longer the standard, and I want to see more brands embrace that. Through the content we produce and even the words we project, we must all dig deeper to provide our audiences with opportunities to be a part of our brand conversations on their terms.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
What excites me about the indie beauty space is the dare associated with it all. Brands are daring to be unconventional when it comes to the problems they solve all the way through the muses they use across their channels. There is something really powerful about the energy and vision of brands that own their lane.
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Nichola Gray Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kate McLeod
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
Earning founder Kate McLeod’s trust to bring me on board as co-founder and CEO. Our partnership has been an evolving expression of mutual respect, open communication and unwavering faith in our shared vision for the company. We co-founded Kate McLeod with only $100,000 in startup capital and have profitably bootstrapped the business to $5 million-plus in annual sales in under four years.
We built our company’s in-house manufacturing capability from scratch. This started in Kate’s kitchen, and we now have a humming production facility in the Hudson Valley that services our DTC business as well as national wholesale accounts like Sephora and QVC.
We are increasing our team’s confidence in doing things differently and on our own terms. It’s been a powerful, healing journey for me over the past four years to define a business leadership style that embraces my intuition and prioritizes authenticity, intention and self-care.
What are your personal career aspirations?
Our mission at Kate McLeod is to help people become their most grounded, content selves. We create the most effective solid moisturizers in the market today, but we also support our customers in creating magic moments of intentioned self-care.
We’re more than a moisturizer, we’re a pathway to reconnecting with your body in a world that’s becoming ever more fast-paced and digitally intense. My biggest career aspiration is to slow the tide towards digital immersion and the metaverse, to remind people that they have a body and that being more fully present in the physical world is a radical act of joy and wonder.
What drew you to Kate McLeod?
Honestly? The universe. I struggled with infertility for two years before I met Kate. I realized through this experience how completely disconnected I felt from my body, how much I was living life in my head, intellectually, in front of a computer. My physical self felt foreign and uncooperative. As I pursued different fertility treatments, I sought out opportunities to reconnect with my body through yoga, acupuncture, breathwork, somatic experiencing. I also spent a lot of time soaking in the tub.
I became really interested in the bath and body care space as a way to help people reconnect with their bodies. I actually built a very nerdy 50-page deck with my research on what I saw as a big opportunity for a body care brand, which I sent to my dear friend Jesse Derris. Jesse said, “I’m not reading this crazy deck, but I do know who your co-founder is.” And he introduced me to Kate.
When I first met Kate and she showed me the Body Stone, I immediately understood its power, and we joined forces as business partners on the spot. I got pregnant with my daughter two weeks after I met Kate. I always look back on that first meeting as cosmically charged, the mysterious universe at work.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Kate McLeod?
The Body Stone solid moisturizer collection. I am, of course, biased, but this is the best body moisturizer on the planet, and it’s so much more than a moisturizer. I have a shelf in my bathroom where I keep all of our different scents: the Daily Stone, the Grounding Stone, the Clearing Stone, the Sleep Stone, and any limited editions we have for the season.
Every morning after my shower, I scan the shelf and ask myself, “What do I need to invite into my life today?” Kate’s scent blends are so subtly beautiful and spark something deep within me. As I smoothe the Stone over my body post-shower, I breathe deeper, and my body physically feels more open to the day’s possibilities.
This morning, I needed to let go of some negative energy. I pulled the Clearing Stone with its blend of palo santo and geranium, and I left the bathroom feeling lighter. I could feel my energy shift. My Body Stone ritual in the morning sets the tone for my day. When I miss a morning, I notice it.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Kate McLeod?
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal. I swipe it on my cheeks after I apply my Kate McLeod Balance Face Stone in the morning. The combination makes my skin look naturally healthy and luminous. And, as the mom of two young children, I love how quickly I can apply both.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
I think the beauty industry has the capacity to pursue more authentic, heartfelt innovation. So many brands, products and formulations are versions of the same, and I think that will become less acceptable as consumers become increasingly discerning.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
I feel like we’re closing the chapter on a dizzying phase of high velocity, but often unprofitable growth in indie beauty. I’m interested to see how the landscape changes as brands pursue more intentional, sustainable growth and how that may usher in a new generation of heritage brands capable of holding consumer attention authentically for a longer period of time.
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Lynn Kostelny Head Of Brand, Cocokind
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
Keep this between us, but I’m actually a college dropout. I was going to school for fashion merchandising and paying my rent by working at my local Urban Outfitters at the mall. When I saw how you can find a job that you are passionate about and use it as a vehicle to teach yourself, I was hooked.
It was between sitting in class doing group projects with people who forgot to bring a pen (c’mon!) or dressing mannequins, resetting the window displays and arranging the front tables based on what was selling, I quickly saw where I was actually learning and leaned into it, which eventually ended up leading me to the Urban Outfitters HQ, leading their entire content and women’s editorial team.
School is important, but so is immersing yourself in the job you want and staying curious every step of the way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without folding clothes in a fitting room!
What are your personal career aspirations?
I truly love marketing when it’s used for good, so I look forward to a long career of working for brands with a conscience. I see my job as being the No. 1 hype girl for Cocokind, which is a company I truly believe matters because of the deep positive impact I’ve seen it have on our community.
Our products that fill a real need. We are always trying to give back, lift other entrepreneurs up with us and be conscious of our impact on not only the environment, but on the real humans that work for this brand. I’ve been able to learn, play and grow so much here and just want to keep it up!
What drew you to Cocokind?
The amazing community that surrounds it! Coming into Cocokind was unlike any other brand I’ve worked for, from the social engagement to the community support with product and retail launches, and the consistent dialogue and understanding we have with our customers.
What [Cocokind founder] Priscilla [Tsai] built is truly one of a kind. I love working for a brand that is getting live feedback from the community we serve every day. We aren’t just shooting off campaigns into a void, there is a real response and interaction.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Cocokind?
If I have to pick one, Ceramide Barrier Serum. It wasn’t until I started working at Cocokind that I even learned what my skin barrier was and all of the ways your skin can act up if your barrier has been compromised. Enter ceramide serum, literally the most life-changing product for my skin and my most recommended to friends and family.
It’s helped my skin hold onto more hydration, smooth texture from over exfoliating, and overall just look and feel healthier. It’s such a staple for anyone with skin, and I haven’t met a single person who doesn’t love it after giving it a try.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Cocokind?
I’ve been wanting to dip my toe into beauty tech for a while now, but was afraid I would spend a bunch of money and then not commit to actually using it enough to see any results. SolaWave was having a sale recently, so I decided it was a good time to “test” myself with something on the more affordable side.
I’m surprisingly obsessed with the nightly ritual of smoothing the wand all over my skin and look forward to it every night. I love how it heats up, it’s like a meditation, and I actually think my skin is looking a bit more glowy.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
No more celebrity skin or beauty brands please unless they have a fresh perspective. It’s so disappointing to see brands launch as an obvious cash grab. The world needs less things!
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
The seismic push towards more authenticity and transparency, and the growing knowledge base of the beauty consumer. When the customer demands more, brands do better!
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Julia Hunter Chief Executive Officer, Jenni Kayne and Oak Essentials
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I am really obsessed with the team we have built at Jenni Kayne and Oak Essentials, and it’s definitely my proudest accomplishment to have assembled and led such a talented, passionate and hard working group of mostly women.
Building our business together to $100 million-plus in revenue over just a few years has been an exciting and rewarding journey, and it’s been amazing to see how each team member’s individual strengths, whether it be in creative, marketing, operations or analytics, have been so supportive of the overall growth and success of our brands. There’s been a lot of love and fun that’s been shared within our team, and it’s really the best part of my career so far.
We have also won some exciting awards recently like the WWD Best Small Cap Retailer award in 2022, and we made Fast Company’s Most Innovative Brands list in 2023. Those moments of recognition have been great validation for our team.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I’m really inspired to work with our team to build Oak Essentials into an internationally celebrated lifestyle luxury brand in the beauty space. We’re working on creating a spa concept that offers a beautifully branded wellness experience, but we want it to be differentiated through design and through the detail and care we will put into ensuring guests have a truly restorative visit with us.
Executing on this experiential vision for Oak is such an inspiring career focus because, especially as a mom of four now, I don’t think there’s ever been something I personally need more than a space to take care of myself, and I know so many women feel the same way. I also aspire to build wealth for our team and am excited to help women become empowered financially. As we grow our business, I want to reinvest our success back into our team.
What drew you to Oak Essentials?
We created Oak Essentials because we really believe there’s a need for more wellness and self-care to be integrated into the beauty landscape. We love to activate our brand with wellness experiences like spa treatments and introducing our audience to new and relaxing apothecary rituals.
Women are responsible for so much in life and, at Oak, we’re so inspired to make it a little easier for women to take care of ourselves at home.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Oak Essentials?
I love our Ritual Oil. It gives just the perfect amount of glow and dewiness to my skin. It smells amazing and has become my favorite part of my morning routine.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Oak Essentials?
I swear by Perelel for vitamins. I’m not someone who ever believed in supplements before, but I started Perelel during pregnancy and really felt noticeably better after I started taking their prenatal vitamins. Now I’m hooked on their women’s daily vitamin trio. It feels like I’m treating myself to a small does of healthy self-care right before bed every night.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
I think people are moving more toward wellness and self-care as their true north for beauty. Natural and clean products are table stakes now, but there’s so much further to go to really integrate the idea of beauty with lifestyle and wellness.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
It’s exciting to see many inspiring founders building brands that they really believe in. It feels like there’s a moment now for more niche products to find an audience since there are so many avenues for brand discovery. Watching brands like Crown Affair and Necessaire and OSEA become such successful businesses is inspiring and fun.
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Kia Brinkley Director of Marketing, The Lip Bar Inc.
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
Launching a brand from conception that was created for a younger me continues to be a pinch-me moment. Thread Beauty, a sub-brand of The Lip Bar Inc., truly is the brand that my inner child wishes she had access to. I’ve always been a Target girl, so to now have the power to control how an entire brand shows up in the beauty aisles of my favorite retailer has yet to get old.
This means even more to me as an early career shifter. In my late 20s, about five years into the fashion design career that I spoke into existence as a child, I decided to pursue a full-time MBA in marketing and entrepreneurship. It was the first time I’d ever taken a risk and bet on myself like that.
Quitting my career and going back to school full-time was not a decision I made easily, so seeing it through to now be the director of marketing at Thread Beauty is a major professional accomplishment for me. I also hope it inspires others to not fear the pivot or the shift. You can actually have two or three or more careers that you love in a lifetime. You might just have to bet on yourself to see them through.
What are your personal career aspirations?
I’d like to grow, mentor and develop a team that I get to see progress and excel in their own careers. The Thread Beauty team is the second marketing team that I’ve had the pleasure of building in my career, and they’re all truly dynamic, entrepreneurial talents. I hope to mentor them throughout their time on my team, but also as they progress forward. I was blessed to have made a mentor connection right out of grad school that has had a lasting impact on my career. She’s who taught me the importance of building and cultivating powerful teams.
Looking forward, I’d like to explore opening my own consulting agency one day. There’s a never-ending flow of new and innovative entrepreneurs of color, and I’d like to create a marketing and branding agency that handles all the back work of making their businesses thrive while they focus on their specialty.
What drew you to The Lip Bar Inc.?
Throughout my 11 years of professional experience, I’ve almost always been the token African American female employee. I never had the opportunity to work in an environment where I could look down, left or up on the organizational chart and see another woman that looked like me.
At Thread Beauty, I sign into our Monday morning all-hands meetings and see a team that’s 100% female and 95% people of color. I get to work on a brand that was created for people like me, created by people like me and that makes me feel unapologetically confident being me. I couldn’t ask for better!
What’s your favorite beauty product from The Lip Bar Inc.?
Our new Thread Beauty Cover It Multi-Use Complexion Fluid found its way into my makeup routine when it was only a lab sample. I’ve been using it since, and it’s literally the concealer that makes you forget that any other exists. For our products to have that level of quality and only be $8 confirms our commitment to really make high quality beauty accessible to all.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from The Lip Bar Inc.?
Since I’ve been working from home, I barely ever do full-face glam anymore, so I’ve somehow channeled all my beauty love into lip products. I’m obsessed with Ami Colé’s lip oils (me and every other brown girl on TikTok). The Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb still has me in a chokehold, and I literally have Laneige Lip Mask jars in every bag I carry and every drawer of my home.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
Personally, from a consumer perspective, I’m over the celebrity brands. Fenty Beauty was the greatest idea ever, but many other celebrity brands lack depth, difference and rely solely on the celebrities’ cosign for success. It reads ingenuine to me.
Outside of that, I’m excited for this next wave of disruption to truly impact the beauty standard of America. I feel like diversity and inclusion were the buzzwords of the last few years, so you’ll see brands add in token races to check boxes, but inclusivity is so much more than that.
Thread Beauty is the first brand to put a man wearing makeup on its header in Target stores in 2023. It seems like that’s well overdue, right? I look forward to more men, more plus-size models, more people with impaired mobility and an influx of talent with unique physical characteristics really becoming a part of the everyday visual of beauty.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
I’m excited to see the beauty brand landscape evolve and reveal who the next major players are. For instance, Glossier entered the scene almost 10 years ago, forever changing and disrupting the beauty industry. No makeup, makeup was for sure a “thing” before Glossier, but it’ll always be something you relate to millennial pink packaging from here on out!
I’m excited to see the next beauty brand founder to earn over $200 million in funding. No secret here, but I obviously hope its Melissa Butler and The Lip Bar Inc.
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Bonnie Szucs Vice President of Biz Development, Bubble Skincare
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
Making the jump from corporate to startup: I was at MAC Cosmetics for nearly 7 years, which was a long time to be on one beauty brand in your 20s, as I wanted to keep learning and evolving. There is no way to sugar coat that moving to a beauty star up was a shock to the system. Everything I knew about my ways of working needed to fly out the window.
However, I grew completely addicted to it, as I was able to impact so many arms of the business and actually lead and execute my own strategy, working on big retail launches along the way with the likes of Ulta, Walmart, CVS and Beauty Bay, to name a few.
What are your personal career aspirations?
Eventually I would love to move into an advisory role, especially with early-stage beauty brands supporting/guiding brands and the next generation of founders as they navigate everything from forecasting and cost management to new retail or market launches.
What drew you to Bubble Skincare?
The absolute certainty of who Bubble was as a brand, the problem they were trying to solve in the industry, and the dedication and devotion to the Bubble community as a core pillar to major decision making.
[Bubble Skincare founder] Shai [Eisenman] is an incredible founder to work with. We met through a mutual connection, and I pretty much joined after a 20-minute phone call with her. So many brands are wishy washy about what they stand for and, in just those 20 minutes, I felt certain that I knew the growth trajectory Bubble was on and how we would get there.
It also helps that our formulas rival some of the best out there, while managing to keep everything below $20.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Bubble Skincare?
It has to be Deep Dive AHA + PHA Exfoliating Mask. I grew up in the era of exfoliation (aka, scrubbing my face as hard as I could with shards of walnut. If you know, you know) and it completely destroyed my skin biome.
Chemical exfoliation is such a revelation, and this is hands-down the best formula I have ever used. After using it, my skin is visibly brighter, way less bumpy, and I can tell how much easier my makeup goes on, without all the dead skin cell gunk.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Bubble Skincare?
Easiest answer ever, the Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector. I have easily gone through 10-plus empties of this product. I’ve always suffered with dark under-eye circles, and this product single handedly erases them. The formula is smooth and creamy and lasts all day without caking or creasing in the fine lines on my eye. I feel like it brightens my entire face.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
More than ever I am seeing new product launches and even entire brands being brought into the beauty industry en masse every single week without consideration for quality, innovation or brand storytelling.
I’m tired of it, and I know the consumer must be tired, too. I would love to see the beauty industry embrace curation and quality versus volume. We need a type of beauty evolution, where only the strongest brands and products survive.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Social media! Specifically, TikTok has become this beacon for beauty discovery. The social media community does not discern between indie or big corporate beauty brands when a product goes viral. What’s exciting about this is that it’s started to level out the playing field, where 10 years ago it was all about who invested the most money in billboards and TV ads.
With low investment and the right social media strategy, indie brands have the opportunity to build brand awareness and conversion that would have been impossible in any other era.
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Dinh Pham Director of Product Development and Sales, Black Girl Sunscreen
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
Pushing the envelope in terms of product innovation, resulting in improved product performance and greater user experience.
What are your personal career aspirations?
To continually be curious and learn. There’s gratification and making sense of a small piece of a puzzle that you didn’t know a day ago. Every day strive to learn something new, whether big or small.
What drew you to Black Girl Sunscreen?
Positive Impact. Black Girl Sunscreen is changing the narrative regarding safe skin practices for POC. BGS is trailblazing in this space. Education is key about sun safety. And, yes, everyone needs to protect their skin from sun damage.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Black Girl Sunscreen?
BGS Kids SPF 50. It’s made for sensitive skin and I apply it on my kids any chance we are outside.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Black Girl Sunscreen?
My skin serums, it helps this working mom look less tired. I rotate various brands that offer niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serum plus intermittent use of vitamin C.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
The movement has already started. There are brands offering cleaner products that are efficacious, delivering on results.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Diverse representation, breaking the traditional mold of beauty standards because it’s long overdue to see beauty through a different lens.
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Jade Simmons Vice President of Marketing, Peach & Lily
What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?
I’ve had the privilege of working across such a diverse spectrum of beauty and lifestyles brands throughout my career, from eHarmony.com to Barbie to T3 hair tools to my current role at Peach & Lily.
A few career highlights include championing the first-ever biracial main character in a Barbie film and toy line (and having my name featured in the film credits which was pretty cool); expanding the T3 hair tools brand across Europe, hosting a globally-attended press and influencer launch that experientially brought Los Angeles to Paris through a transformed art gallery complete with onsite tattoo artist; and most recently; leading the launch of Peach & Lily’s first-ever patent-pending formula, Retinal For All Renewing Serum, where I partnered closely with founder and CEO Alicia Yoon to bring the compelling development and efficacy story of this groundbreaking formulation to life through immersive, cross-platform storytelling that celebrates true science innovation within the beauty category.
What are your personal career aspirations?
My greatest aspiration is to connect people to things that make their lives better. As a marketer, I’m a storyteller and an experience developer, but, ultimately, if it isn’t in the name of true connection and meaningful benefit, why spend the time and energy? I love helping brands uncover what makes them unique, fine-tuning their POV and bringing it to life in meaningful ways for consumers.
Having recently joined Peach & Lily as head of marketing, my biggest goal is to continue the incredible momentum of this high-growth brand, solidifying our position as an innovation leader in the skincare category and deepening our conversation with our loyal and vibrant community.
What drew you to Peach & Lily?
Besides being a longtime brand fan, I’ve been watching Peach & Lily through a marketing lens for some time. It’s rare for a brand to boast such strong word-of-mouth marketing across an entire portfolio, with back-to-back viral hits that repeatedly sell out.
Having heard founder and CEO Alicia Yoon’s story of struggling to find high-performing active ingredients that were both clean and nonirritating, I was immediately drawn to the brand vision and ethos. When I learned that the team was looking for someone to help build out their marketing organization, it felt like the perfect fit.
Building compelling brand stories that anchor strategic position and bolster engagement is my passion and partnering with Alicia and team to amplify the mission and incredible innovation of the Peach & Lily brand is so rewarding and, honestly, so much fun.
What’s your favorite beauty product from Peach & Lily?
That’s tough, I have so many! I can’t say enough good things about our Glass Skin Refining Serum. It really is a power-packed dose of hydrating, firming, calming and brightening ingredients. When I’m feeling a bit lazy in my skincare routine, this is the one product I won’t leave home or go to bed without applying.
Our Retinal For All Renewing Serum has also been a game changer for my skin. It features retinal, the most powerful prescription-free retinoid on the market, combined with a cocktail of ectoin and other skin-calming ingredients that help to stop retinoid-induced irritation before it starts. My skin is so glowing even my husband has noticed.
What’s your favorite beauty product not from Peach & Lily?
I have to confess that I’m a bit of a skin device junkie. I absolutely love my NuFace and have been using it religiously for about 15 years. It’s so quick and easy, and I love that I get the instant gratification of an immediate skin boost plus the long-term benefits.
What changes do you think need to be made in the beauty industry?
One of the things that I love about marketing is that, regardless of the industry, you can almost guarantee change is the greatest constant. Technology evolves, consumer sentiments change, competitive landscapes shift. The game is keep up or sit out, and the beauty industry is no different.
Beyond the obvious needed shifts around greater transparency in development practices and increased representation, I think there’s a broader need to truly empower consumers to make better choices in their beauty purchases. We live in a digital age where information is democratized and consumers are savvy, but it’s also easier than ever to start a brand and make a claim. The result is an interesting dichotomy of increased information and decreased clarity. And, in the end, the consumer suffers.
Shoppers are looking for trusted brands that take them behind the catchy marketing curtain and engage them in honest conversations so they can make more informed purchasing decisions and experience real results. It’s why we never retouch photos at Peach & Lily and place a high priority on content that goes beyond feature and benefit to deep skin and formulation education. Ultimately, when your end goal is to deliver the best possible consumer experience, marketing becomes less about a hook and more of an honest show and tell.
What excites you about the indie beauty space right now?
Consumer-first innovation, hands down. Indie beauty is all about having a direct conversation with your audience and turning insights into relevant solutions. Whether that’s by identifying underserved markets, resolving key challenges, simplifying processes or making experiences more enjoyable, indie beauty has the opportunity to dialogue and respond to audiences quickly, fueling innovation that inspires the entire category.
I’m genuinely excited to continue to bolster that conversation with the Peach & Lily community as well as to see what’s coming next from other category players.
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The players
5 mentionedVegamour
Il Makiage
The Center
Too Faced
Playground
