Afleveringen
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In this episode, we sit down with Roshanne Dorsett, founder of The Glowcery, a whole food superfood skincare brand founded on the belief that what you put on your body should be as nutritious as what you put into it.
Roshanne shares her remarkable journey from working in criminal and human rights law to becoming a natural skincare formulator and entrepreneur. Burned out from the emotional toll of handling high-intensity legal cases, she found her way back to herself through wellness and eventually launched The Glowcery with a mission to create nutrient-rich, sustainable skincare products.
In this candid conversation, Roshanne shares how emotional burnout in her legal career sparked her wellness journey and ultimately led to creating The Glowcery. She explains why cold-pressed, nutrient-rich ingredients form the cornerstone of her brand's philosophy and offers insights into her hands-on formulation process, which she likens to "Breaking Bad but with natural ingredients."
Roshanne discusses the financial realities of entrepreneurship, including working warehouse night shifts to save for her initial investment. She reveals her approach to building genuine community through personal customer conversations and offers practical advice for implementing sustainable practices on a limited budget.
The conversation explores pricing strategies for premium products, navigating retail partnerships, and the importance of connecting your personal "why" to your brand's mission. Roshanne explains why The Glowcery prioritises long-term skin health over fleeting beauty trends, shares the development story behind their award-winning Clean Green Superfood Serum, and outlines her vision to expand into a holistic wellness lifestyle brand.
theglowceryshop.com / Insta: @theglowceryshop Tiktok: @theglowceryshop
Subscribe to Roshanne's newsletter here.
Resources Mentioned:
Virgin Startup (business loans for entrepreneurs)The Stack World by Sharmadean Reid (community for founders) -
In this episode of Smart Beauty, host Viola speaks with Anna Vale, a powerhouse independent consultant specialising in scaling indie beauty brands through strategic marketing leadership. With more than two decades of experience spanning executive roles across the US, UK, and Middle East, Anna shares her expertise on navigating the complex beauty landscape.
Based in New York, Anna has collaborated with an impressive roster of brands including Youth To The People, Crown Affair, Provence Beauty, Estée Lauder, Tom Ford Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, and many others. As a consultant who specialises in brands within the Sephora and Ulta ecosystem, she offers unique insights into retail partnerships that drive growth.
The conversation explores the challenges indie beauty brands face when scaling, from building the right team capabilities to strategic budget allocation. Anna discusses how brands can balance viral marketing moments with sustainable long-term growth, and shares her perspective on what retailers truly look for when taking on new brands.
Other topics include:
The critical differences between global markets and how strategy must adaptWhy pricing strategy matters when planning for scaleHow legacy brands can maintain relevance while honouring their heritageThe impact of celebrity-founded brands on the retail landscapeThe rise of social commerce and other emerging industry trendsAnna's role as a fractional CMO and how brands can leverage this modelWhether you're a beauty entrepreneur looking to scale, a marketing professional in the industry, or simply fascinated by the business of beauty, this episode offers valuable strategic insights from one of the industry's most respected thought leaders.
annavale.com
Want to work with us? Get in touch: [email protected]
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode, we sit down with Kate Kaye, founder of Wild Source - a holistic skincare brand born at her kitchen table that now graces the shelves of Liberty London. Based in Bristol, Kate shares her entrepreneurial journey from creating beauty products at age eight to building a brand that fuses skincare with spiritual wellness.
She candidly discusses the challenges of launching without prior business experience, the realities of breaking into luxury retail, and how motherhood deepened her connection to beauty rituals as self-care moments. Kate offers insights on maintaining brand authenticity, the importance of creating sensory experiences in skincare, and why sometimes the best business strategy is simply to start before you feel ready.
Whether you're an aspiring founder or skincare enthusiast, Kate's practical wisdom on perseverance, manifesting goals, and creating meaningful customer connections provides valuable perspective on building a purpose-driven beauty brand.
wildsource.co.uk
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In this special "bottle episode" of the Smart Beauty Podcast, host Viola Levy answers the question on every beauty entrepreneur's mind: "If I spend money on branding, when will I actually see a return?" Cutting through the fluff, Viola breaks down exactly how branding investments pay off across three key timeframes: immediate positioning benefits, mid-term pricing power, and long-term customer loyalty. Using real-world examples from beauty brands like Glossier, La Mer, and Fenty Beauty, she provides a practical roadmap for identifying when your branding investment is working and how to measure its impact on your bottom line. Perfect for beauty business owners who need to justify every penny spent and want to understand the concrete timeline for seeing tangible results from their branding investment.
If you'd like to learn more about Smart Beauty and how we can help position your brand for long-term growth, book a discovery call: https://smartbeautycreative.as.me/discovery-call
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In this episode, we sit down with beauty mogul Agnes Cazin, the visionary force behind branding and communications agency Haiti73 she is about to launch the inaugural Buzz of Beauty Festival “for the girls who shop at Selfridges and get their hair done in Peckham” which takes place at London's Africa Centre, Saturday 29th-Sunday 30th March 2025.
With a career spanning global beauty giants like L’Oréal, Unilever, ORS, Puig, and Cantu, Agnes has dedicated herself to bridging the gap between Black consumers and the beauty industry. We discuss her journey from producing fashion shows and music videos in London’s creative scene to launching an event that supports and champions Black beauty entrepreneurs. Agnes shares the inspiration behind Buzz of Beauty, the challenges of navigating the industry and the vital need for education in brand-building. If you’re a beauty founder or passionate about the industry, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.
Tickets for The Buzz of Beauty Festival can be purchased here.
@buzz_of_beauty_festival
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In this episode, we chat with Francesca Cherruault, founder of Filthy Brands, about shaking up the fragrance industry and championing independent brands. From her early days at Escentric Molecules to launching her own distribution agency, Francesca shares insights on how consumer buying habits have evolved, the power of brand storytelling, and what it takes to get a niche fragrance onto the shelves of top retailers. Tune in for a candid and inspiring look behind the scenes of luxury fragrance distribution.
filthybrands.com
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In this episode, we sit down with Fizah Pasha, founder of Brulée Beauty, to discuss her journey in tackling colourism within the beauty industry. With over 15 years of experience as a makeup artist, Fizah saw a gap in the market for makeup that truly caters to South Asian and other under-represented skin tones. Reflecting on her own experiences with colourism growing up, she created a brand that goes beyond the traditional beauty standards, offering products designed for, in her words, "golden and in-between" skin tones and encouraging customers to expect more than just having to mix different shades together to find their perfect match.
bruleebeauty.com
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In this episode, Viola chats to the renowned Azzi Glasser, who has spent over three decades designing bespoke fragrances for Hollywood's elite. Azzi shares the story of how she first entered the fragrance world, her journey from creating iconic scents for names like Kylie Minogue and Helena Bonham Carter to becoming a sought-after creator for top celebrities.
We discuss the powerful role fragrance plays in personal expression, confidence, and how it can truly transform one's mood or character. Azzi also reflects on the evolution of the fragrance industry and her pioneering role in making scents an essential part of storytelling for film and fashion, as well as finding renewed success on Tiktok!
Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the art of scent and the way it connects to our sense of self, and discover how Azzi’s creations have shaped the way some of the world’s most famous names express their identities.
theperfumersstory.com
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Find out more and book your spot at Smart Beauty's Brand Story Bootcamp below:
smartbeautycreative.com/brand-story-bootcamp
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Today, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant Rebecca Jaquest, founder of Nyita, a brand that’s redefining luxury beauty with its unwavering commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Sustainability is often seen as a non-negotiable in today’s beauty market, but Nyita takes it to a level we rarely encounter. From rethinking extraction methods to developing their patent-pending sunflower wax candle—a sustainable alternative to soy—Rebecca and her team are pushing the boundaries of innovation and environmental responsibility.
In this episode, we’ll explore the often-overlooked complexities of natural ingredient extraction and the challenges of staying truly eco-friendly in an industry so deeply tied to petrochemical practices. Together, we’ll uncover Rebecca’s passion and expertise as she shares the journey behind Nyita and the fascinating ancient techniques she’s revived to create products that are both sustainable and unique.
nyitacollection.com
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Sign up to Smart Beauty's Brand Story Bootcamp
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In this mini episode of the Smart Beauty Podcast, host Viola Levy tackles a challenge many beauty brands face: crafting a brand story that truly stands out. Viola discusses the pitfalls of relying on overused narratives, like the familiar “I couldn’t find anything on the shelves, so I made my own,” and explores how to dig deeper to create a compelling, emotionally resonant story that captures the hearts of customers, retailers, and investors alike.
Drawing on her extensive experience as a beauty editor and branding expert, Viola shares practical insights on how to refine your brand’s narrative, ensuring it makes a lasting impression in today’s saturated market. Plus, discover more about the upcoming Brand Story Boot Camp—a 90-minute interactive workshop designed to help beauty brands hone their story and stand out.
If you’re ready to elevate your brand narrative, tune in and take the first step toward creating a story that resonates.
✨ Links Mentioned in the Episode
Click here to sign up for the Brand Story Boot Camp on February 26thVisit smartbeautycreative.com for more detailsConnect with Smart Beauty Creative on Instagram @smartbeautycreativeDon’t forget to rate and review Smart Beauty on iTunes and Spotify
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What does "luxury" really mean in the beauty industry today? In this episode, host Viola Levy sits down with long-time industry friend and beauty PR powerhouse, Deborah Johnson. With over 17 years of experience in the beauty industry, Deborah shares insights into her journey from agency life to running her own consultancy. The conversation dives deep into the evolving role of Black consumers in luxury beauty, the need for inclusivity beyond token gestures, and redefining what "luxury" truly means. Tune in for an engaging discussion on representation, equity, and the future of beauty branding.
deborahtjohnson.com
@deborah_t_johnson
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In this special episode, we speak to Millie Kendall OBE, serial entrepreneur, founder of British Beauty Week and CEO of the British Beauty Council, to discuss one of the most critical shifts in the beauty industry today: pro-ageing messaging and representation.
With over three decades of experience, Millie is a leading voice advocating for inclusivity, transparency, and empowering beauty standards. Together, Viola and Millie explore how attitudes toward ageing are evolving, the rise of the menopause care market, and the role of wellness in shaping a more holistic approach to beauty. They also dive into the balance between marketing trends and genuine support for consumers of all ages.
Join this candid conversation as Millie shares her insights on how the industry can celebrate diversity and create meaningful change while empowering people to feel fabulous at every stage of life.
britishbeautycouncil.com
britishbeautyweek.co.uk
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Today, we're chatting with the inspiring Estée Lalonde. From her early days as a beloved content creator to becoming the founder of the wellness-focused brand Mirror Water, the Canadian-born Londoner had a truly inspiring journey.
In this episode, Estée is honest about the ups and downs of living life online, how she stays true to herself in an ever-evolving digital landscape, and what it’s really like to juggle being a brand founder and a public figure. She opens up about the challenges of anxiety, judgement, and the pressure to “always get it right,” while still focusing on what matters most—building genuine connections and championing self-care.
It’s an honest, heartfelt chat packed with insights on authenticity, ambition, and what it means to redefine success in the beauty and wellness space. (And if you haven't tried them already, her Mirror Water bath salts are truly heaven-sent!)
mirrorwater.earth
@esteelalonde
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Today, we’re diving back into the second part of my conversation with the brilliant Rhea Cartwright. If you missed part one, I highly recommend going back to listen, as we explored Rhea’s fascinating career journey and her advice for navigating the beauty industry.
In this episode, we take a closer look at her time as Head of Beauty Buying at Liberty London. Rhea shares her invaluable perspective on what it takes for a beauty brand to stand out in a competitive space—spoiler alert: storytelling is key. She also reveals exactly how to capture the attention of beauty buyers and secure that dream retail partnership.
@its_rhea
linkedin.com
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In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Rhea Cartwright, a trailblazer in the beauty industry whose career spans everything from sales and training roles on the shop floor to becoming the first—and only—Black Head of Beauty Buying in the UK at Liberty. Rhea’s career is as diverse as it is impressive. She began working in beauty during her university days, gaining invaluable experience on the shop floor before moving into roles at luxury brands like Oskia and Chantecaille. Later, she became Head of Operations at a facial clinic, qualified as a facialist, and worked as a consultant, helping US beauty brands establish themselves in the UK market.
Her work in new product development and marketing strategy has further solidified her position as one of the most forward-thinking voices in beauty. During the pandemic, Rhea pivoted into beauty journalism, contributing to Vogue, Marie Claire, Refinery29, The Zoe Report, and becoming Beauty Editor at The Stack World. It was during this time that Rhea championed my writing, including a now highly relevant piece on how to smell expensive—a trend that has since taken the fragrance world by storm.
In the first of this two-part conversation, we explore Rhea’s groundbreaking career and discuss the power of building a personal brand and how it can transform your career trajectory. Rhea shares her perspective on what it means to be disruptive in an industry that desperately needs change and how her time as a beauty buyer at Liberty shaped her approach to the market. We also delve into the unique challenges and opportunities brands face when marketing to Millennials, a generation both Rhea and I belong to—and one that’s often misunderstood by the beauty industry.
This is an insightful and empowering conversation with one of beauty’s most dynamic voices. Whether you’re in the industry or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of beauty, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
@itsrhea
LinkedIn
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In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Alexia Inge, co-founder of Cult Beauty, one of the first purely digital beauty retailers that reshaped the online beauty landscape. From the early days of 2008, when the internet was still uncharted territory for many in the beauty world—one brand memorably responded to Alexia’s pitch by asking, “The internet, that’s eBay, right?”—to becoming the go-to destination for digital-first, independent beauty brands, Cult Beauty carved out a unique space with its highly curated, storytelling approach.
Alexia shares her experiences of challenging traditional retail norms and building a platform where every product was cherry-picked and personally vouched for by her team. Known for its iconic “What Makes It Cult” section, the retailer gave customers insights into each product's value and impact, establishing a trusted voice in an industry known for hype. In this insightful chat, Alexia reflects on the milestones, the hard-won trust of customers, and Cult Beauty’s pioneering role in making online beauty shopping a respected, experiential space long before it became mainstream. Tune in to hear how she did it—and why Cult Beauty’s impact is still felt across the industry today.
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In our latest episode, we’re joined by the industry veteran Kelly Marks, co-founder of Pure PR, an agency that has been shaping the beauty landscape for 25 years. From growing up surrounded by the industry, thanks to her father’s pioneering beauty business, to working alongside PR legend Jenny Halpern, Kelly’s career has been a journey of innovation, passion, and strategic brilliance. With Pure PR, Kelly has helped iconic brands like Malin + Goetz, MoroccanOil, and e.l.f. Cosmetics rise to prominence, all while championing sustainability and integrity.
We chat about the true value of PR and how a well-executed strategy can elevate your brand beyond advertising. Kelly talks about what brands should really look for when hiring a PR agency—highlighting the importance of understanding your unique brand story and finding an agency that truly gets you.
If you’re a beauty entrepreneur considering PR or wanting to understand how to stand out in a crowded marketplace, this episode is a must-listen. Check out Kelly’s insights on what it takes to succeed in today’s evolving beauty world.
purepr.com
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We dive into the burgeoning world of doctor-led skincare with Dr Sabrina Shah, a distinguished UK-trained oculoplastic surgeon and aesthetic practitioner. With decades of experience and a remarkable array of accolades, Dr Sabrina recognised a crucial gap in effective, science-backed solutions for the delicate eye area. She shares her journey of creating her eponymous skincare brand, designed to tackle concerns like dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles using clinically proven ingredients supported by independent studies.
Discover the challenges and successes of building a skincare brand grounded in medical expertise, and learn how Dr Sabrina is reshaping the skincare landscape with her patient-focused approach.
perfecteyesltd.com
instagram.com/drsabrinashahdesaiofficial
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Joining us once again is Sarah McCartney, founder and perfumer of 4160Tuesdays, who shares her insider perspective on the ongoing tension between LUSH and The Body Shop—intensified by LUSH’s latest collection, "The LUSH Version." This range has sparked controversy for putting LUSH's own twist on some of The Body Shop’s most iconic products. For context, LUSH founder Mark Constantine (pronounced "tine" like "twine") was once the formulator for The Body Shop's late founder, Anita Roddick. Their relationship soured after Roddick sold the brand to L’Oréal. Constantine played a key role in developing many of The Body Shop’s best-selling products before founding LUSH. Both companies were pioneers in the activist-driven beauty movement, although The Body Shop recently entered administration, only to be acquired by the Aurea Group. As the former editor of The LUSH Times, LUSH’s in-house newspaper, Sarah offers a unique insight into the brand’s dynamics and weighs in on whether this latest launch is a cheap PR stunt or something more strategic.
You can listen to Sarah's first episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sarah-mccartney-perfumer-founder-of-4160tuesdays/id1670645345?i=1000607697998
4160tuesdays.com
lush.com/uk/en/c/the-lush-version
thebodyshop.com
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In this special episode for National Eczema Week, we’re excited to feature Lauren Bell, the innovative founder of Cosi Care.
Lauren’s mission to address eczema began with a deeply personal challenge: finding a safe, steroid-free solution for her brother’s severe eczema and topical steroid withdrawal. What started as a university project has transformed into Cosi Care, a celebrated global brand known for its stylish and effective safe-scratching devices.
Join us as Lauren shares her journey from a personal struggle to founding an award-winning brand that offers relief to countless individuals. We chat about her unique product designs, the emotional and entrepreneurial challenges she’s overcome, and what’s next for Cosi Care.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of personal experience and business innovation, especially during National Eczema Week. Tune in to hear how Lauren is changing the narrative around eczema and making a real impact in the wellness space.
cosi-care.com
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