Aggie welcomes Alyssa “Lissy” Kotter, founder of Lissy Skincare, who took her struggle with acne and transformed it into a booming seven-figure business. Alyssa shares how she went from esthetician to brand owner, tackling personal setbacks, building a loyal audience, and navigating the demands of both motherhood and business ownership. She talks about the key ingredient that set her products apart, why she decided to start with just one product, and her unconventional path to rapid growth without the use of ads. Listen in as Alyssa and Aggie unpack the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the power of authentic connection, and the strategies behind Lissy Skincare’s viral success.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 The Humble Beginnings of a Big Dream
• 00:01:00 A Warm Welcome to Beauty and the Brand
• 00:01:07 Introducing Alyssa Kotter: A Visionary in Skincare
• 00:01:45 Surviving Setbacks and Finding Strength
• 00:03:50 From Concept to Creation: How Lissy Skincare Was Born
• 00:06:04 The Fungal Acne Solution No One Talks About
• 00:08:10 The Exciting Launch of Lissy’s First Product
• 00:10:28 Secrets to Building a Loyal Audience
• 00:12:26 A Unique Entrepreneurial Journey Unfolds
• 00:15:32 Scaling at Speed: The Journey to Rapid Growth
• 00:18:55 Crafting a Winning Marketing Strategy
• 00:23:58 Breaking Through: Scaling the Business
• 00:25:49 Leveraging Ads for Explosive Conversions
• 00:31:10 Managing Surging Demand: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
• 00:33:54 Navigating Motherhood While Running a Brand
• 00:36:38 Tackling the Imposter Syndrome Head-On
• 00:40:47 Reflections on Starting a Brand from Scratch
• 00:45:22 Becoming a Beacon for Aspiring Beauty Entrepreneurs
• 00:53:27 Growth Pains and Gains: Lessons Along the Way
• 00:59:46 Making Every Minute Count: The Value of Your Time
• 01:03:50 What’s Next for Lissy Skincare?

Links and Resources

• Alyssa on LinkedIn
• Lissy Skincare
• Lissy Skincare on Instagram
• Lissy Skincare on TikTok
• Aggie on LinkedIn
• AB Creative
• Aggie on Instagram
• 5 Days to Growing Your Iconic Beauty Brand (and Having Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Ever)

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Beauty and the Brand? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Aimee Majoros joins Aggie to share her journey from a surprise encounter in an elevator at Estee Lauder to launching her own PR firm focused on beauty and lifestyle brands. Known for her strategic insights, Aimee discusses why true PR success hinges on genuine relationships, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate what editors really want. Throughout the conversation, she dives into the evolution of PR, challenges for indie brands, and the importance of knowing your customer beyond assumptions. Aimee’s tales of PR wins, challenges, and unexpected lessons make for an insightful look into what it truly takes for a brand to stand out in today’s media landscape.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – Customer Deep Dive
• 00:01:16 – Kicking Off the Episode
• 00:01:57 – Aimee Majoros’ Unexpected PR Path
• 00:02:19 – The Estee Lauder Elevator Story
• 00:04:59 – Inside Corporate PR at Estee Lauder
• 00:09:06 – Launching Her Own Firm
• 00:11:13 – Corporate Lessons That Shaped Her
• 00:17:40 – The New Age of PR
• 00:22:09 – Predicting the Next Big Thing
• 00:32:10 – Indie Brands: What They Can Learn from Giants
• 00:34:04 – Low-Budget PR, Big Results
• 00:38:15 – PR Myths and Misconceptions
• 00:39:19 – Wild PR Success Stories
• 00:42:18 – Reaching Niche Audiences
• 00:52:10 – Staying on the Cutting Edge
• 00:58:20 – Celebrity PR Wins and Top Moments
• 01:03:46 – Wrapping It Up with Final Insights

Links and Resources:

• Aimee is Beauty
• Aimee on Facebook
• Aimee on Instagram
• Aggie on LinkedIn
• AB Creative
• Aggie on Instagram
• 5 Days to Growing Your Iconic Beauty Brand (and Having Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Ever)

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Beauty and the Brand? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Michelle Carrington, a former makeup artist turned copywriting expert, discusses how copy can make or break a beauty brand’s success. Michelle and Aggie talk about common mistakes brands make, the ethical shift happening in marketing, and why indie beauty brands are leading the way. They explore how copywriting shapes customer experience, the importance of niche marketing, and debunk the myths about what it takes to stand out in today’s crowded market. Michelle shares advice on crafting messaging that sells without selling out.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - A New Era of Consumer Power
• 00:01:05 - First Impressions Matter
• 00:01:11 - Michelle Carrington Enters the Scene
• 00:01:58 - The Creative Shift: Makeup to Messaging
• 00:06:35 - How Words Shape Experience
• 00:09:17 - Avoid These Costly Messaging Pitfalls
• 00:14:00 - Finding Your True Brand Voice
• 00:27:23 - Why Niche Marketing is Non-Negotiable
• 00:33:02 - Marketing with a Conscience
• 00:34:13 - Permission, Please: The Power of Consent
• 00:36:16 - Navigating Ethical Marketing
• 00:38:35 - Shifting the Focus to Positive Impact
• 00:41:10 - Indie Beauty Brands on the Rise
• 00:44:08 - Uncovering Copywriting Myths
• 00:49:20 - The Art of Attention-Grabbing Headlines
• 00:51:07 - What Big Brands Can Teach Us
• 00:54:54 - Bloom Beauty’s Transformation: A Case Study
• 00:59:42 - Copywriting that Drives Results
• 01:03:26 - Wrapping Up: Final Takeaways

Links and Resources

• Michelle Carrington
• Michelle on Instagram
• Michelle’s LinkTree
• Aggie on LinkedIn
• AB Creative
• Aggie on Instagram
• 5 Days to Growing Your Iconic Beauty Brand (and Having Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Ever)

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Beauty and the Brand? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Aggie sits down with Nancy Rimbergas, founder of Earth-Based Body, to uncover how a personal experience with skin health and a life-changing partnership led her to build a desert-inspired skincare line. From her hard left turn from the beverage industry to the art of balancing passion and business, Nancy shares the highs and hurdles of creating a brand rooted in Arizona's unique ingredients. She and Aggie discuss the power of trusting your gut, crafting authentic partnerships, and the behind-the-scenes lessons learned on packaging, product development, and why staying true to your story is key to long-term success. If you’re ready to learn how to stand out by standing firm in your values, this episode is for you!

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 The Illusion of Busyness
• 00:01:20 Meet Nancy Rimbergas of Earth Based Body
• 00:01:48 From Beverage to Beauty: A Skincare Transformation
• 00:03:08 Finding the Perfect Partner: Chemistry Meets Business
• 00:04:42 Structuring a Seamless 50/50 Partnership
• 00:10:22 Launching Earth Based Body: The First Steps
• 00:11:24 Packaging Lessons and Ingredient Challenges
• 00:16:14 Early Wins: Retail Success in Major Spas
• 00:20:33 The Power of Press: How Media Transformed Our Reach
• 00:30:58 Amplifying Content: Blog Posts, Social Media, and Beyond
• 00:35:33 Marketing Strategies that Move the Needle
• 00:38:51 Event Planning: Creating Memorable, Impactful Experiences
• 00:42:11 Building Meaningful Relationships and Networking
• 00:49:10 Overcoming Burnout and Balancing the Grind
• 00:50:40 Data-Driven Decision Making for Long-Term Success
• 00:57:03 Future Plans: Growing Community and Connection
• 01:00:58 Conclusion and How to Reach Earth Based Body

Links and Resources:

• Nancy on LinkedIn
• Full Unicorn
• Earth Based Body
• Aggie on LinkedIn
• AB Creative
• Aggie on Instagram
• 5 Days to Growing Your Iconic Beauty Brand (and Having Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Ever)

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Beauty and the Brand? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Melissa Fuller, founder of Gatherwise Skincare, shares how her personal battle with autoimmune issues and frustration with traditional skincare led her to create a plant-based skincare brand. She opens up about the early days, mixing herbal remedies in her kitchen, and how a passion for holistic healing grew into a thriving business. Melissa explains the deep connection between plants and skincare, discussing the importance of knowing exactly what goes into her products, from seed to bottle. This episode is a raw look at how personal struggles can fuel innovation and why trusting nature can be the key to lasting relief.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – The Link Between Seasons and Your Skin
• 00:01:17 – Meet Melissa Fuller, Founder of Gatherwise
• 00:01:38 – Battling Autoimmune Issues with Skincare
• 00:02:39 – The Birth of Gatherwise: A Personal Journey
• 00:03:47 – From Homemade Remedies to Professional Skincare
• 00:05:13 – Diving Deep into Herbalism
• 00:07:03 – How Melissa Built the Gatherwise Brand
• 00:09:52 – Starting Small: Handwritten Labels and Farmers Markets
• 00:11:09 – From Farmers Markets to Online Success
• 00:12:41 – Why Plant-Based Ingredients Matter
• 00:18:33 – Overcoming Challenges and Rebranding
• 00:19:49 – Key Ingredients Behind Gatherwise Products
• 00:23:31 – Scaling the Business After COVID
• 00:25:35 – Building a Loyal Community
• 00:29:10 – Crafting Seasonal Skincare Bundles
• 00:31:24 – Founder Challenges and How to Overcome Them
• 00:34:57 – Personal and Professional Growth as a Founder
• 00:39:52 – Upcoming Gatherwise Workshops and Classes
• 00:42:30 – Melissa’s Own Skincare Routine
• 00:44:01 – Advice for Aspiring Skincare Founders
• 00:45:55 – Where to Find Gatherwise Products
• 00:47:18 – Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewell

Links and Resources:

• Melissa on LinkedIn
• Gatherwise Skincare
• The School of Botanical Alchemy
• Aggie on LinkedIn
• AB Creative
• Aggie on Instagram
• 5 Days to Growing Your Iconic Beauty Brand (and Having Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Ever)

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Beauty and the Brand? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Bettina O'Neill, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Scentbird, shares how she got into the fragrance industry, from her early days at Barneys to helping niche brands thrive. Bettina explains how up and coming fragrance brands can stand out in a crowded market, the importance of staying true to a brand’s identity, and the role of sampling in growing a loyal customer base. She also gives practical advice for founders on scaling their brands and navigating the complexities of retail partnerships.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - How to Choose the Right Retail Partner for Your Brand’s Success
• 00:01:00 - Meet Bettina O'Neill: From Barneys to Scentbird
• 00:02:05 - Bettina’s Journey Through the World of Fragrance
• 00:04:17 - The Secret to Building a Niche Fragrance Market
• 00:05:54 - Standing Out in a Saturated Fragrance Market
• 00:07:45 - How Scentbird Scaled to 700,000 Subscribers
• 00:09:28 - Brand Growth: The Big Challenges and Key Strategies
• 00:13:39 - Why Sticking to Your Brand’s DNA is Non-Negotiable
• 00:15:59 - Leveraging Social Media and Sampling for Explosive Growth
• 00:22:34 - How to Find Funding and Support for Niche Brands
• 00:25:16 - What’s Hot Right Now: Fragrance Trends and Innovations
• 00:26:13 - Neuroscience and Scent: How Fragrance Affects Mood
• 00:27:24 - Launching a New Fragrance Brand in Today’s Market
• 00:28:07 - Beyond Candles: Innovations in Home and Car Fragrances
• 00:29:59 - Marketing Strategies That Drive Results for Fragrance Brands
• 00:32:36 - Why Subscription Models and Discovery Kits Are Thriving
• 00:33:35 - Sustainability and Clean Fragrances: The Next Big Thing?
• 00:35:54 - Bettina’s Signature Scents and Personal Favorites
• 00:37:28 - Advice for Aspiring Fragrance Founders
• 00:40:59 - Fragrance’s Emotional Power: Why We Wear What We Wear
• 00:41:24 - How COVID-19 Shifted Fragrance Trends
• 00:43:16 - Pop-Ups and Signature Scents: What’s Coming Next?
• 00:46:26 - Final Thoughts and What’s Next for the Fragrance Industry

Links and Resources

• Bettina on LinkedIn
• Scentbird
• Aggie on LinkedIn
• AB Creative
• Aggie on Instagram
• 5 Days to Growing Your Iconic Beauty Brand (and Having Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Ever)

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Beauty and the Brand? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Jana Shemano from August shares how the company is working to remove the shame around periods and change how society talks about menstrual care. From launching during the pandemic to building a community first approach, August has grown into a brand known for pushing boundaries, like being the first to show real period blood in their marketing. Jana also goes into the challenges of fundraising, breaking through social media bans, and balancing sustainability with profitability. Whether it’s grassroots efforts or partnerships with major brands, August is on a mission to make periods a normal part of everyday life.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Breaking Period Stigma: The August Mission
• 00:01:00 - Meet Jana Shemano: From Thrive Global to August
• 00:02:34 - Pandemic Beginnings: The Birth of August
• 00:07:23 - Community First: Building an Engaged Audience Before Launch
• 00:10:54 - Innovation in Period Care: Breaking the Blue Dye Tradition
• 00:16:23 - Funding a Mission: Navigating Angel Investments and Grants
• 00:22:58 - Partnerships That Matter: Expanding Awareness with WeWork and Target
• 00:32:52 - Post-COVID Marketing: Navigating New Landscapes
• 00:33:53 - Sports and Periods: Partnering with USA Track and Field
• 00:34:14 - Athletes on Periods: Real Talk About Competing During Menstruation
• 00:37:08 - Grassroots Efforts: Scrappy Marketing at Target and Beyond
• 00:41:21 - Sustainability at the Core: Compostable Products and More
• 00:43:21 - Profit vs. Impact: Balancing Growth with a Bigger Purpose
• 00:46:50 - Making Waves: Growing August’s Brand Awareness
• 00:54:15 - Advocacy in Action: Empowering Students to Champion Period Products
• 01:00:14 - Looking Ahead: August’s Vision for the Future

Links and Resources:

• Jana on LinkedIn
• August
• Aggie on LinkedIn
• AB Creative
• Aggie on Instagram
• 5 Days to Growing Your Iconic Beauty Brand (and Having Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Ever)

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Beauty and the Brand? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Maria Wodzinska, co-founder of Stoic Beauty, shares how she went from theater to skincare which led her to create a brand with her mother, Dr. Jolanta Wodzinska Ph.D., focused on protecting water resources. She explains the hidden problem of pollution in the beauty industry, how most consumers aren't aware of the impact their skincare has on waterways, and why Stoic Beauty is committed to making a difference. Maria also talks about the challenges of building a mission-driven business, leveraging risk, and the importance of staying true to a bigger vision while navigating the pressures of growth.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – Why Going It Alone Is a Bad Idea
• 00:01:26 – Meet Maria Wodzinska and Stoic Beauty
• 00:02:34 – From Garage Sales to CEO: Maria’s Entrepreneurial Roots
• 00:06:29 – How Theater Skills Shaped a Beauty Brand
• 00:10:58 – The Hard Lessons of Building Stoic Beauty
• 00:14:10 – The Untold Story of Water-Safe Skincare
• 00:19:50 – Overcoming Setbacks with Strategic Risk-Taking
• 00:25:21 – Building a Business with Purpose, Not Just Profit
• 00:34:50 – Unlocking Somatic Awareness for Better Leadership
• 00:35:07 – How Somatic Practices Transform Business
• 00:36:20 – The Power of Voice and Breath in Leadership
• 00:37:34 – Leading with Vulnerability: Why It’s a Game-Changer
• 00:39:26 – How to Build a Team That Thrives
• 00:41:59 – The Challenges of Hiring the Right People
• 00:44:27 – How to Spot and Cultivate Talent in Your Team
• 00:46:24 – Taking Big Risks: What Every Founder Needs to Know
• 00:55:51 – Winning Awards and Owning Your Success
• 01:01:05 – Stoic Beauty’s Vision for the Future
• 01:03:36 – Maria’s Advice to Fellow Founders
• 01:05:37 – Final Thoughts and Where to Find Stoic Beauty=

Links and Resources

• Maria on LinkedIn
• Stoic Beauty
• Aggie on LinkedIn
• AB Creative
• Aggie on Instagram
• 5 Days to Growing Your Iconic Beauty Brand (and Having Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Ever)

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Beauty and the Brand? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!