Talk about turning a dream into a mega business!
Courtney Claghorn founded SUGARED + BRONZED in 2010 with $1,000 and a spray tan gun from her Santa Monica apartment.
What started as a scrappy hustle is now a nationwide empire with 35+ locations and growing.
Her mission? Deliver smooth, hairless skin and a sun-kissed glow while also making it effortless and enjoyable.
From sugar pots to bronzing booths, Courtney has turned self-care into a lifestyle and has launched a clean, covet-worthy product line along the way.
Tune in and get inspired.
Once upon a time, hair tools such as the all-mighty blow drier and flat iron were unattractive, weak and locked away far from any bathroom countertop.
Cut to 2004 and the industry experienced a mega shake up with the debut of T3.
T3 revolutionized the industry with ultra high performing, luxury hair tools that are not only sleek and technologically advanced, they’re also stylishly designed. In other words, worthy of placing on display and capable of delivering supreme salon-worthy hairstyles at home. Their new Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler, Aire IQ Intelligent Hair Dryer and Singlepass Smooth X Flat Iron are sought after and in the talented hands of the world’s top hair stylists.
In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Julie Chung, who co-founded T3 with her husband Kent Yu. A multihyphenate, Julie is not only steering the company’s growth and brand identity, she is also a skilled ophthalmologist. Julie reveals the journey of launching a new, industry-disrupting haircare brand, strategies for building brand awareness through creating relationships with hair stylists and salons, and her insider tips for enduring customer loyalty.
Learn more about T3 - www.t3micro.com
Julie Chung - https://www.instagram.com/juliechung_t3
If you’re ever dreamed of turning one of your ideas or passions into a business, Lejla Cas will inspire you to make it a reality.
A Reiki master, sought after esthetician and makeup artist, Lejla envisioned a holistic skincare brand infused with her background in the healing arts.
Her creation, KNESKO, launched in 2012 and available in the most luxurious spas and resorts in the world, is built around the brand’s proprietary GEMCLINICAL® technology which incorporates the energies of minerals such as gold, amethyst, diamond, and black pearl with science-backed actives and clinical-grade ingredients.
You’ve no doubt seen her show-stopping, biodegradable collagen hydrogel masks that have elevated the category to soaring new heights while simultaneously creating a new skincare technology through the use of powerful gem stones.
Meticulously designed in collaboration with chemists and board-certified dermatologists and free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, and petroleum, KNESKO products are what Lejla describes as high-vibrational skincare, combining the best of what nature and science have to offer along with heaps of self-love.
Lejla reveals her game changing strategy for landing KNESKO in Four Seasons Hotels early on. She also shares valuable marketing strategies, how to make noise in a crowded marketplace and the key to establishing relationships with the pro community in order to help grow a brand.
Lejla’s story and insights are certain to motivate you to realize your dream.
If you’ve been in need of a stimulating kick in the rear, you’re in luck. In this episode we are getting a high dose of motivation from Leah Garcia, founder and CEO of Nulastin - the most innovative hair and skincare solutions company in the beauty industry built around ethically-derived proprietary elastin regeneration technology.
A former professional athlete, adventure seeker and media personality, Leah embarked on her own journey of discovery after struggling with hair loss which lead her to Nulastin’s Elastaplex Technology - a biodentical human elastin protein clinically proven to deliver results.
We dive into the benefits and science behind elastin and how this revolutionary formulation is the force behind stronger, healthier hair thanks to its ability to anchor the follicle to the root system.
Leah also shares some of the secrets to her success, including embracing scrappiness, quick decision making, and never quitting (“Even if you come in last or fail, you just can’t quit”).
If you’re an entrepreneur longing to create your own brand or just appreciate learning from an industry pioneer whose motto is “What can I conquer today?” - listening to Leah is certain to spark mega inspiration.
Are you interested in slowing down the aging process? Would you like to learn more about some of the most exciting buzz words in the aesthetic industry - exosomes, growth factors and stem cells?
In this riveting episode, we sit down with Drew Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Acorn Biolabs, the regenerative medicine company at the forefront of a new era in anti-aging and longevity.
Acorn Biolabs offers people the ability to preserve their own stem cells for use in future cosmetic treatments, including skin rejuvenation and hair regrowth, via a process called cryopreservation. While further research is underway, these advanced treatments also show promise in benefiting orthopedic conditions and the treatment of certain diseases in the future.
After harvesting your own stem cells by plucking 50 hairs from the back of the head, Acorn then cryopreserves (freezes) them to be later utilized in topical formulations to rejuvenate our bodies.
Taylor, who has a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto, takes us on a deep dive into regenerative medicine and explains more about stem cells and how exosomes work “Think of them as a delivery system, as the Amazon Prime of the human body,” he says.
What we’re witnessing is a non-invasive solution to leverage our own stem cells for personalized regenerative medicine.
Are you ready to harness your body’s ability to rejuvenate your skin and hair?
During this enchanting episode, Elycia sits down with Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza, Founder and CEO of Omorovicza, the celebrity loved luxury skincare brand rooted in the transformative, mineral-charged healing waters of Hungary.
These waters, created thousands of years ago by tectonic collisions were, according to ancient lore, said to have helped heal wounded soldiers during the time of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who had these now globally revered Hungarian baths built.
Skincare and wellness are in Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza’s DNA - his family founded the Racz Spa in Budapest in the 19th century. Along with his wife Margaret, they oversee the business together and have built Omorovicza into a world-renowned luxury skincare brand sold in the most prestigious spas, hotels, digital platforms, and retailers.
Thanks to this powerful mineral-rich thermal water and its effectiveness in healing skin, Stephen and Margaret created The Healing Concentrate™ (formulated by a Nobel prize-winning dermatology lab) to strengthen and heal the skin barrier, delivering a firmer, younger-looking complexion.
Stephen reveals how Omorovicza is using data to inform digital and retail strategies, tactics for creating brand awareness and the importance of speaking to and connecting with your customer base.
Many years before clean beauty became a beacon of the beauty industry, ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND was formulating sustainable skincare products in the heart of Germany’s Black Forest. This pioneering, family-run brand dates back to 1959 and is revered for their sustainability, social responsibility and immensely effective formulations that are beloved around the world. Manufactured with plant-based raw ingredients and thoughtful earth-friendly packaging, this is the true essence of clean beauty.
Beautytap’s Global Head of Content Strategy Elycia Rubin sits down with Alicia Lindner, third generation Co-CEO and Co-Founder of ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND to learn about the roots of this heritage skincare brand and how they continue to lead the way and make noise in the highly competitive beauty industry.
As the granddaughter of founder Annmarie Lindner, Alicia preserves her visionary grandmother’s motto: “If I can’t eat it I won’t put it on my face.”
Join Beautytap Editorial Director Elycia Rubin for a conversation with Chris Kolodziejski - Founder and CEO of Chella, a leading beauty brand dedicated to creating the best brow and eye makeup products.
Founded in 2003, Chella has experienced solid growth by focusing on products for the eyes. Their eyebrow
pencils, creams and gels, eye shadows, eyeliners, and mascaras are a favorite of customers who appreciate sustainability and effective, easy-to-use products that deliver results.
Chris shares how Chella has successfully made noise in the crowded brow space, what makes their formulations unique, and how building relationships with hotel spas across the country has been a growth driver for the brand.
More on Chris Kolodziejski and Chella:
@chellabeauty
@chris_kolodziejski
When you think of skincare products that address acne it’s often images of dry, peeling skin that come to mind along with disappointment. Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina, the visionary founders of CLEARSTEM Skincare have redefined the category with their revolutionary anti-acne, anti-aging, stem cell-infused formulations.
Gronich, a licensed clinical esthetician and lovingly referred to at The Acne Guru and Christina, a certified holistic nutritionist are the power duo behind this transformative, award-winning brand who are bringing joy to thousands of loyal consumers with their safe and effective collection of products including Hydraglow Moisturizer, Sulfur Spot + Mask Treatment, Hydraberry Moisture Mask, Mind Body Skin Hormonal Acne Supplement, and acne-safe haircare that are free of hormone-disrupting ingredients and toxins, while delivering clear, healthy, glowing skin and hair.
In this episode of Beautytap Luminary Spotlight, Gronich shares how she and Christina have built a behemoth brand around trust, transparency and taking a holistic approach to skin wellness with deeply effective and thoughtful products while continually providing valuable tips and education around living a healthy lifestyle to their engaged community.
Learn more about CLEARSTEM Skincare - www.clearstem.com
Follow CLEARSTEM - @clearstemskincare
Follow Danielle Gronich - @danielle.the.acne.guru
Follow Kayleigh Christina - @kayleigh.christina
Join us on a captivating journey into the heart of skincare innovation with Cheryl Pierce, the visionary founder of Skinworks. In this special episode of the Beautytap podcast, we sit down with Cheryl to unravel the secrets behind Skinworks' meteoric rise in the beauty industry.
As a pioneering force in the realm of skincare, Cheryl has revolutionized the way we perceive and practice skincare rituals. With a profound commitment to efficacy, quality, and sustainability, Skinworks has become synonymous with unparalleled excellence in the beauty world.
Tune in as Cheryl shares her inspirational story, from the inception of Skinworks to its evolution into a global skincare powerhouse. Delve into the philosophy that drives Skinworks' formulation process, where science meets nature to deliver transformative results.
Discover the latest breakthroughs in skincare technology and gain invaluable insights into achieving radiant, healthy skin. From cutting-edge ingredients to innovative product formulations, Cheryl unveils the strategies that have propelled Skinworks to the forefront of the beauty landscape.
Whether you're a skincare enthusiast, industry insider, or simply curious about the intersection of science and beauty, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we embark on an illuminating exploration of skincare excellence with the visionary founder of Skinworks, Cheryl Pierce.
Always at the forefront of the most technologically advanced skin rejuvenation treatments, Dr. Timm Golueke is the highly sought after Munich, Germany based dermatologist and founder of cult favorite skin care line - Royal Fern.
His gender-neutral collection of painstakingly researched and proven formulations is build around the fern plant and the patented Royal Fern active ingredient complex. Created alongside a renowned biochemist, Dr. Timm was intrigued by the fern and its ability to survive and thrive for millions of years. Yes, ferns are revered for their highly anti-inflammatory properties and ability to heal many skin disorders.
Beautytap’s Head of Global Content Strategy and Editorial, Elycia Rubin sits down with Dr. Timm to shine a light on the miraculous fern - the hero ingredient in his Royal Fern skincare line, and how it helps protect the skin cell’s DNA as well as stimulate hair growth, along with the latest aesthetic innovations and treatments that are exciting him right now, why you want to consider incorporating retinol into your skincare routine, and his tips for preventing skin cancer.
Learn more about Dr. Timm Golueke - @drtimmgolueke / https://royalfern.com/pages/the-doctor
Learn more about Royal Fern - @royalfernskincare / www.royalfern.com
As fast skincare continues to flood the market, there’s one brand that relishes old-world techniques and taking their sweet time in order to deliver products with transformative results.
In this episode of Beautytap Luminary Spotlight we’re diving into the slow beauty mindset and one of the pioneers, April Gargiulo of cult favorite skincare brand Vintner’s Daughter. Host Elycia Rubin chats with April about her bespoke brand that lit up the beauty industry over 10 years ago and continues its reign today.
April shares why her face oil is unlike any other face oil, her grass roots approach for gaining word of mouth, the importance of trustworthy reviews in the success of beauty brands today, and why she will never rush a new product to market.
Join host BeautyTap's Global Director of Education & Community, Jonni Renfroe, as he explores clean and sustainable fragrance just in time for the upcoming Earth Month this April.
Guests Kate MacDonald and Anna Weatherlake, co-founders of Váhy, share their journey from unlikely beginnings to creating their fragrance empire. With a commitment to balance, Váhy stands out for its 100% natural ingredients and sustainable practices, offering an olfactory experience like no other.
Discover their favorite scents and where to find Váhy products as we applaud Anna and Kate for leading the charge in clean, sustainable fragrance. Tune in for more enlightening conversations on the Beautytap Podcast.
More on Váhy:
https://www.vahy.co
In this episode of the Beautytap's podcast, host and Global Director of Education & Community Jonni Renfroe, delves into the world of Japanese skincare philosophy with Kazuko Tatsumoto, deputy general manager for Albion, a prestigious Japanese beauty brand with over 67 years of heritage. Kazuko shares insights into Albion's guiding principle, "suhara to ikiru," translating to "love your skin," which embodies a deep connection between skincare and self-care. Be treated to a fascinating exploration of Albion's approach to skincare, which emphasizes a natural, untouched state of being. Through a four-pillar approach encompassing skincare self-care, a milk-first full-step skincare ritual, the finest ingredients, and relentless innovation, Albion strives to empower individuals to embrace and love their skin. Tune in to discover the essence of Japanese beauty philosophy and how Albion is revolutionizing the skincare industry with its holistic approach to nurturing skin and fostering self-love.
More on Albion Cosmetics:
https://www.albiongarden.com
Join Beautytap Editorial Director Elycia Rubin for an inspiring conversation with Jane May Graves, Chemist and Founder of Luxe Beauty, one of the cleanest, most luxurious, transparent, and non-toxic skincare brands available today.
Jane created Luxe Beauty for her mother who is a stage 4 cancer survivor. She puts ingredients and transparency center stage, down to the glass containers all of her products are housed in. Learn what truly clean, non-toxic ingredients and formulations mean to Jane (she always includes every natural, organic ingredient and its purpose on the packaging) and how she is building a highly engaged and loyal community who love her products.
More on Jane May Graves and Luxe Beauty: @luxebeauty/www.luxebeauty.com
Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about skincare. Liz Whitman is the visionary Founder and CEO of Exponent Beauty, the first self-activated, sustainable, clinical grade skincare for peak potency. During this wildly informative and eye opening episode, Beautytap Editorial Director Elycia Rubin speaks with Liz about her journey to launching this highly disruptive brand.
As the former President of Red Door by Elizabeth Arden Salons and Spas and Co-Founder of Manicube, Whitman has built and led some of the most revered beauty brands in the world. With Exponent, she is shaking up the beauty industry with technologically advanced formulations and delivery systems.
Imagine spending $150 or more on a touted face cream or serum only to have it significantly lose its effectiveness each day. Learn how the majority of skincare products on the market lose their efficacy and how this drove Whitman to create Exponent’s collection of potent serums including CoQ10, Retinol, Vitamin C, and more, along with her patented precision dosing system.
Whitman also reveals how she and her team are educating and engaging consumers in today’s crowded marketplace. She also shares some of the challenges she’s overcome while developing and launching a new skincare category.
Enlightenment is coming your way, along with your most glowing skin.
In this special podcast episode, Cliff Beach, VP of Digital & Operations, and Jonni Renfroe, Head of Education & Community, delve into the recap of Beautytap in 2023 and share exciting plans for 2024 and beyond. Filled with music, beauty, and fun, this episode sets the tone for the new year with insights for beauty experts and enthusiasts in our growing beauty community. Tune in on Thursdays for more captivating episodes featuring a diverse cast of Beautytappers, including our Editorial Director Elycia Rubin and other beauty luminaries. Edited by Tim Hall at 1192 Studios in Westlake Village, CA, and recorded at Beautytap HQ in West Los Angeles, CA. Visit us at Beautytap.com or @beautytapofficial on Instagram/Facebook. Beautytap is a destination for beauty enthusiasts and experts of all levels for reviews, video content and perception studies and more including coveted beauty brands and our Beautytap awards!
Prepare for an overwhelmingly entertaining and motivating conversation with Sahara Lotti, the CEO, inventor, and founder of Lashify - the first DIY, award-winning, at home, patented lash extension system worn by everyone from Nicole Kidman and Salma Hayek to Emma Stone and Sarah Jessica Parker that has completely revolutionized the industry. Learn how Sahara employed a clever grass roots approach to originally launch Lashify, how she utilizes social media to promote her brand, the importance of trusted reviews around her stable of lash products, and how her background as an actress and screenwriter helps her design creative approaches to building awareness for Lashify.
Learn more about Sahara Lotti and Lashify: @Lashify / www.lashify.com
@SaharaLotti
Join Beautytap Editorial Director Elycia Rubin as she sits down with celebrity makeup artist extraordinaire Molly R. Stern. Globally revered for her statement making looks and natural approach to makeup, Molly is sought after by many of the world's best-selling beauty brands and has worked with everyone from Reese Witherspoon and Lily Collins to Vanessa Hudgens and Mindy Kaling. Molly shares her valuable advice for those eager to grow their careers in beauty, including how to promote your work, how to build a portfolio and get noticed, along with what's exciting her right now in the beauty industry, how she keeps her kids grounded and aware of self-love and confidence amidst a social media driven world, and her go-to tips and products.
Learn more about Molly R. Stern: @mollyrstern
Join Beautytap Editorial Director Elycia Rubin as she sits down with Nyakio Grieco, Co-Founder of Thirteen Lune - the beauty e- and re-retailer that shines the spotlight on BIPOC-owned beauty brands. Nyakio (pronounced Neh-Kay-Oh) is also behind her latest skincare + cosmetics collection, Relevant: Your Skin Seen. A veteran beauty industry pioneer, Nyakio reveals what it takes for a brand to grab her attention and how to engage customers and build loyalty along with sharing her valuable advice for those dreaming of lauching their own beauty brands.
More on Nyakio Grieco, Thirteen Lune and Relevant: Your Skin Seen:
@nyakio
@thirteenlune/www.thirteenlune.com
@relevant.skin/www.relevantskin.com