Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, co-host Natasha interviews Justyna Wilson, founder of Fancy Salt, who specializes in fractional CMO services and strategic brand-centric user-generated content (UGC) creation in the beauty and wellness sectors. Justyna shares her extensive career journey, emphasizing the importance of agility, authenticity, and strategic thinking in the industry. She discusses current trends, the rise of video content, and the role of AI in enhancing efficiency. The conversation also touches on the significance of understanding young consumer behavior and the evolving landscape of e-commerce and social media.

About Justyna: Justyna Wilson is the founder of Fancy Salt. She specializes in Fractional CMO services and strategic, brand-centric UGC content creation in the beauty and wellness space, helping brands scale and thrive in the digital landscape. Timestamps: Justyna's Career Journey (00:01:18) Justyna shares her career path, from major retailers to the beauty and wellness space. Lessons from Startup Experience (00:02:36) Insights gained from working in a startup environment and its impact on her current work. Role of a Fractional CMO (00:04:39) Justyna explains the concept of fractional CMO and its benefits for early-stage brands. Creative Edge in Brand Strategy (00:05:58) Discussion on how diverse brand experiences enhance creativity and strategy. Current Trends in Beauty Industry (00:07:20) Justyna highlights the necessity for brands to become content powerhouses. Creating Authentic Connections (00:09:52) Advice on how brands can foster meaningful relationships with consumers. Gaps in Brand Strategies (00:11:29) Exploration of content quality issues and the challenges brands face in content creation. Launch of Fancy Salt (00:12:20) Justyna discusses the motivation behind founding Fancy Salt and the problems it addresses. Effectiveness of UGC vs. Paid Media (00:13:55) Justyna explains why user-generated content often outperforms traditional paid media. Future of E-commerce and Social Media (00:15:42) Speculation on the evolution of e-commerce and interactive media in the beauty space. Challenges of Managing Multiple Brands (00:19:54) Insights into the rewarding yet challenging nature of working with multiple brands. Assuaging Brand Anxieties (00:21:20) Discussion on how Justyna helps brands manage risks and embrace new strategies. Maintaining Work-Life Balance (00:22:47) Justyna shares her approach to managing time and prioritizing family amidst her work. Advice for Aspiring Professionals (00:23:34) Justyna shares insights on resilience and the importance of curiosity in one's career journey. The Role of AI in Beauty (00:25:54) Discussion on how AI is transforming the beauty industry through personalization and efficiency. Favorite Tools for Efficiency (00:27:48) Justyna mentions using ChatGPT and the rapid adaptation to AI tools in her work. Understanding Young Consumer Behaviors (00:29:28) Exploration of Gen Alpha's early engagement with beauty products and the need for age-appropriate marketing. Targeting the Right Audience (00:31:03) Justyna emphasizes the importance of identifying the appropriate audience for beauty brands. Consumer Insights and Brand Strategy (00:32:35) Discussion on using insights analysis and direct consumer engagement to understand audience needs better. Surprising Consumer Trends (00:33:30) Justyna reflects on unexpected trends and viral content, highlighting the success of risk-taking brands. Daily Industry Engagement (00:35:31) Justyna describes her structured approach to staying informed about industry trends and consumer behavior. Introducing Fancy Salt (00:37:00) Justyna shares details about her new content creator agency and its unique offerings for brands. Final Words of Wisdom (00:38:02) Justyna encourages listeners to stay curious, fearless, and open to new experiences.