Building a Brand That Destigmatizes Periods with Jana Shemano

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.

Inside the Fragrance Industry: Secrets to Building a Niche Brand with Bettina O'Neill

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.

How to Create a Skincare Brand Rooted in Nature and Tradition with Melissa Fuller

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.

Succulents and Skin Health: Creating a Skincare Brand from the Desert with Nancy Rimbergas

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!

Ethical Marketing: How Indie Beauty Brands are Changing the Game with Michelle Carrington

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.

How Indie Brands Can Stand Out in Media with Aimee Majoros

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.

Bootstrapped and Booming: How Lissy Skincare Hit $1 Million in Sales with Alyssa Kotter

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.