Episodes

  • How a Cardiologist Created a Global SkinCare Brand
    Feb 4 2025
    Summary

    In this episode, Dr. Tiina Meder shares her unique journey from studying cardiology, becoming a dermatologist and ultimately a skincare brand founder and entrepreneur. She discusses her motivations for creating her brand, the challenges of navigating global markets, and the importance of product development and consumer needs. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Tiina Meder shares insights into running a family-owned skincare business, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding in product development and localization. She discusses the significance of core values, particularly product safety, and the impact of aging on beauty standards. Dr. Meder also reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable lessons for early-stage brands.

    Links

    Dr. Tiina Meder

    Instagram: @drtiinameder

    LinkedIn: Dr. Tiina Meder



    Scaling Emerging Beauty & Monique

    https://www.instagram.com/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.instagram.com/scalingemergingbeauty

    https://scalingemergingbeauty.com/

    Remember to leave a review and subscribe for more tactical strategies and tips to grow from $0 to $20M.

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    54 mins
  • E 704: Balancing Confidence and Humility as an Entrepreneur
    Jan 28 2025
    Summary

    In this episode, Monique Benoit, explores the delicate balance between confidence and humility that every beauty founder needs to master. Confidence helps you stay true to your vision, while humility allows you to learn, grow, and adapt.

    Monique shares actionable insights from her experience working with major beauty brands, including lessons from representing brands and curating product as a buyer. Discover how to define your "why," stay grounded in your mission, and filter advice to align with your brand’s goals.

    Whether you’re pitching to a retailer, navigating feedback, or charting the next steps in your journey, this episode is packed with tips to help you embrace your vision while staying open to growth.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The importance of knowing your vision and owning your unique value.

    • How to filter advice to align with your brand’s goals.

    • Practical tips to balance confidence with humility as you scale.

    Links

    Scaling Emerging Beauty & Monique

    https://www.instagram.com/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.instagram.com/scalingemergingbeauty

    https://scalingemergingbeauty.com/

    Remember to leave a review and subscribe for more tactical strategies and tips to grow from $0 to $20M.

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    11 mins
  • E 703: Building a Brand with Consistency, Trial, and Error featuring the Founders of Geologie
    Jan 21 2025
    Summary

    In this episode of the Scaling Emerging Beauty podcast, Monique Benoit speaks with Nick and Dave, co-founders of Geologie, about their journey in launching and scaling their skincare brand.

    They discuss the challenges of starting a beauty brand, the importance of having a solid team, and the need for a good manufacturing partner.

    The conversation also touches on product development, finding product-market fit, and the significance of understanding strengths and weaknesses in a co-founder relationship.

    In this conversation, Nick and Dave discuss their journey in building a skincare brand, emphasizing the importance of branding, packaging, and understanding their target audience.

    They share insights on the significance of feedback and iteration in product development, the challenges of expanding into brick-and-mortar retail, and the role of Amazon in their growth strategy.

    The discussion also covers the development of effective product lines for retail, the science behind product effectiveness, and the necessity of understanding distribution channels.

    They conclude by reflecting on the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of integrating various sales strategies.

    Links

    Nick, Dave, & Geologie

    Geologie Instagram

    Nick Linkedin

    Dave Linkedin

    Scaling Emerging Beauty & Monique

    https://www.instagram.com/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.instagram.com/scalingemergingbeauty

    https://scalingemergingbeauty.com/

    Remember to leave a review and subscribe for more tactical strategies and tips to grow from $0 to $20M.

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    50 mins
  • E 702: A Founder’s Story on Scaling - Mindset Matters, Enjoy the Journey
    Jan 14 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, Janell Stephens, CEO and founder of Camille Rose, shares her inspiring journey of creating a textured hair and beauty brand from her kitchen to major retailers like Target. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of mindset, and the lessons learned along the way. Janell emphasizes the significance of taking one's time in business, trusting others, and enjoying the journey of building a brand.

    Links

    Janell Stephens & Camille Rose

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janell-stephens-0b6b15a6/

    https://www.instagram.com/janell_stephens/

    https://www.instagram.com/camillerosenaturals/

    https://www.camillerose.com/

    Scaling Emerging Beauty & Monique

    https://www.instagram.com/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.instagram.com/scalingemergingbeauty

    https://scalingemergingbeauty.com/

    Remember to leave a review and subscribe for more tactical strategies and tips to grow from $0 to $20M.

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    26 mins
  • E 701: A Merchant’s Perspective on Independent Brands & Scaling at Retail
    Jan 7 2025
    Summary

    In this conversation, Senait Tzegai, a health and beauty buyer at Pop Shelf, shares her insights on the beauty industry, focusing on the assessment of new brands, the importance of brand stories, and the role of independent brands in retail. She emphasizes the need for brands to understand their purpose in light of the competition, the significance of community engagement, and the trends in multicultural hair care. Tzegai also emphasizes the challenges of scaling in retail and the importance of production capabilities for success.

    Links

    Senait Tzegai

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/senait-tzegai-b838b1140/

    Scaling Emerging Beauty & Monique

    https://www.instagram.com/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.instagram.com/scalingemergingbeauty

    https://scalingemergingbeauty.com/

    Remember to leave a review and subscribe for more tactical strategies and tips to grow from $0 to $20M.

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    25 mins
  • E 611: Marketing with Empathy, Integrity, & Intention
    Dec 10 2024

    Summary

    Keren Davy, a fractional CMO, shares her marketing philosophy rooted in integrity, empathy, and intention.

    She emphasizes the importance of understanding the target audience and crafting marketing strategies that resonate with them.

    Keren advises brands to start with an internal and external focus, balancing their unique offerings with consumer needs.

    She suggests low-cost, high-impact marketing efforts such as cross-promotions and collaborations.

    Keren also highlights the significance of storytelling in connecting with consumers on a deeper level.

    She discusses the role of empathy in marketing and the importance of community and connection.

    Lastly, Keren provides advice for early-stage brands, including knowing oneself, reinforcing key messages, and seeking external perspectives.



    Links

    The Peculiar CMO & Keren

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerendavy/

    https://www.instagram.com/thepeculiarcmo/

    https://www.thepeculiarcmo.com/

    Scaling Emerging Beauty & Monique

    https://www.instagram.com/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquehbenoit/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scalingemergingbeauty

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalingemergingbeauty

    Facebook: https://facebook.com/scalingemergingbeauty

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalingemergingbeauty

    X: https://x.com/scalingebpod

    Website: https://scalingemergingbeauty.com



    Remember to leave a review and subscribe for more tactical strategies and tips to grow from $0 to $20M.

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    42 mins
  • E 610: Responsible Networking - Following Up to be Persistent Not Annoying
    Dec 3 2024

    In this monologue, Monique shares essential strategies for effectively networking with retail buyers.

    Monique emphasizes the importance of research, personalizing outreach, and mastering follow-up techniques to build strong relationships with retailers.

    Monique also highlights the significance of in-person networking and the need for a concise pitch to stand out in a competitive environment.

    Links

    Scaling Emerging Beauty & Monique

    https://www.instagram.com/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.instagram.com/scalingemergingbeauty

    https://scalingemergingbeauty.com/

    Remember to leave a review and subscribe for more tactical strategies and tips to grow from $0 to $20M.

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    12 mins
  • E 609: Selling In & Creating a Strong Pitch Deck for Retailers
    Nov 26 2024

    Host: Monique Benoit

    Guest: Vanessa Lee

    Vanessa Lee, founder of GuestHouse, discusses the importance of sales in scaling emerging beauty brands. She emphasizes the need for a strong pitch deck when approaching retailers, with key elements including strong visuals, concise copy, and data points.

    Vanessa also highlights the importance of tailoring the pitch deck to specific retailers, using their terminology and addressing their competitors. She advises against making the deck too wordy and emphasizes the need for a concise and visually appealing presentation.

    Vanessa also discusses the differences between virtual and in-person presentations, suggesting that in-person meetings allow for more storytelling and personal connection. She emphasizes the importance of energy and passion in delivering the brand message.

    Vanessa also shares insights on differentiation, suggesting that brands should focus on sustainability and addressing current industry concerns as points of differentiation.

    The conversation explores the importance of differentiation in the beauty industry, including product innovation, tone of voice, packaging, and sustainability. We also discusses the significance of transparency in pricing and sourcing.

    The conversation delves into the topic of scaling and the importance of demonstrating readiness to retailers. It emphasizes the need to strategically handle pricing and margins in pitch decks, including not disclosing wholesale costs.

    The conversation concludes with advice on building relationships with retail buyers and the importance of persistence in the face of rejection.

    Links

    Hey Guest House & Vanessa

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-lee-a6433a5/

    https://www.instagram.com/heyguesthouse/

    https://www.heyguesthouse.com/

    Scaling Emerging Beauty & Monique

    https://www.instagram.com/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquehbenoit/

    https://www.instagram.com/scalingemergingbeauty

    https://scalingemergingbeauty.com/

    Remember to leave a review and subscribe for more tactical strategies and tips to grow from $0 to $20M.

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    41 mins