In this amazing interview with Nancy a passionate lover of beauty, design extraordinaire and self-confessed font geek we go deep on what the colours you choose to represent your brand really mean and say to your customers. Nancy is the Founder of Aligned Design a design studio helping beauty brands to find their sweet spot and shine above the ordinary.
During our chat we talk about
*why colour is such a key element of your brand
*what moods and messages different colours convey
*and Nancy shares some great recommendations and tips on how to go about choosing the right colours for you.
It’s a super interesting episode with plenty of visual examples to have a look at and loads of inspiration to take away.
Nancy is so cool and lovely that she has prepared a brand discovery mini workbook for you. It's completely free and will help you to dive deep on exactly how to turn your brand dreams into reality. Just click here to get your copy (scroll to the bottom of the page) https://www.aligned-design.co/
Nancy mentions loads of awesome design resources and I have popped links to all of them below.
Enjoy, loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel
Brand Brilliance, Fiona Humberstone https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brand-Brilliance-Elevate-Enchant-Audience/dp/0956454542/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3K586AKQLW38F&keywords=brand+brilliance+by+fiona+humberstone&qid=1569577062&s=gateway&sprefix=brand+brillia%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1
How to Style Your Brand, Fiona Humberstone https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Style-Your-Brand-Distinctive/dp/0956454534/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=How+to+style+your+brand&qid=1569577189&s=gateway&sr=8-1
The Secret Lives of Colour, Kasia St Clair https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Lives-Colour-Kassia-Clair/dp/1473630835/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3F49YWSNQNI0K&keywords=the+secret+lives+of+colour&qid=1569577268&s=gateway&sprefix=The+secret+lives+of+col%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1
Pantone Books https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=pantone+book&crid=3OR8PJP7O3RVU&sprefix=pantone+book%2Caps%2C146&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_12
Amazon! Do I or don't I? Its seems to be the hottest topic in beauty right now with rumours and hearsay abounding.
In this episode of IBTV we cut through all the noise and take a good long hard look at why Amazon has the potential to rock your business.
I am joined by experts Abi and Gillian from Fuel PR. They work with independent brands on how to maximise the potential of Amazon as a route to market.
Here is the link you need for the free FAQ Download http://www.fuelforamazon.com/indie-beauty/
Here is the link to check out the Fuel for Amazon service http://www.fuelforamazon.com/
Enjoy.
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxx
Do you have selfie nightmares? Do you hate posting pictures of yourself on social media? You are not alone so in this episode if IBTV I am joined by
the amazingly talented Laura, Founder of Laura Alexandra Pearman Photography to talk all about how to take the perfect selfie.
Laura shares all the tricks of the trade, takes you step by step through the perfect selfie shoot and answers all your photography questions.
It's a real laugh and bursting full of knowledge nuggets to help you improve your social media piccies.
Have a watch and get your selfie courage boosted to the max.
Don't forget to follow Laura on social, she always makes you giggle and shares incredibly useful advice and tips all the time. https://www.instagram.com/lpearmanphotos/
She also has a wealth of resources available on her website I would highly recommend you check out.
Enjoy.
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel
In this episode I do a deep dive into the one business book you MUST read, Seth Godin's, THE DIP.
I highly recommend this book for 3 reasons;
1. The content is super motivating (more about this in a second)
2. It's just 76 pages long (even if you hate reading or don't have a lot of time this book is manageable)
3. It costs less than £10
Back to the content. The book talks about how every business venture and project starts out all new and shiny and exciting, but over time gets harder and considerably less fun until it hits a total low point, the dip. I'm sure you can relate to that. The cool and super motivating bit is that the book shows us that those dips are essential if we want to become the best and succeed. The dips are part of the process of growing and developing. The key is to recognise when something is a dip you need to push through or a cul de sac you need to reverse out of. It totally rewires the way you think about and deal with challenges. It's motivating, refreshing and liberating.
Honestly, if you only read one business book it should be this one!
Enjoy.
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxx
A week after Indie Beauty Expo New York and just two months ahead of the London event (23-24 October) this week’s episode of IBTV takes you behind the scenes of the expo with experienced exhibiter Jene Roestorf, founder of Luxe Botanics.
This chat is like being a fly on the wall both at the event and the all-important weeks and months of preparation. Have a watch and get the insider view of how to max your visibility and take advantage of all the opportunities available.
If you are exhibiting at IBE London or any other trade show in the near future this is a much watch. You are going to love and benefit hugely from all the expert tips, advice and guidance Jene so kindly shares.
Raising money from government initiatives with special guest Rachael Dunseath, Founder of Myroo Skincare
Raising money is one of the biggest challenges indie beauty founders face. The choices can seem overwhelming and a lot of the time it’s just real hard to know where to start. In this week’s episode of Indie Beauty TV I talk with Rachael Dunseath the founder of Myroo skincare about raising money through government initiatives like grants and loans.
I really love this episode because it highlights that there are ways to bring large sums of money into your business without having to look to investors. Rachael really embraced this way of raising money in the earlier stages of her brands growth, so speaks knowledgeably about options, honestly about how much work is involved and openly about the sorts of cash you can raise.
(This episode was recorded roughly a year ago. The content was just too good not to share with you guys though!)
Raising capital is a challenge for every single indie beauty brand. I interviewed the founders of ByBi Beauty shortly after they had finished their first round of investment fundraising (they have subsequently completed a second round) to find out exactly what it takes to nail investment funding.
One thing I love about Dom and Elsie is their openness and honesty about their experiences as a result this interview is packed with invaluable advice and guidance for any of you investigating the possibilities for raising money.
I would also recommend you go sign up for their podcast as they are always sharing their founder experiences. I love listening and always learn something. https://podcasts.apple.com/…/clean-beauty-insi…/id1445405566
I really hope you enjoy the episode. If you haven't time to watch it then head over to Anchor FM where you can download the podcast episode and listen to it while you are out and about. https://anchor.fm/rachel-whittaker
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxxx
In this episode I am joined by the amazing women's health coach Pamela Smart Windle to talk about the challenges that often face busy female entrepreneurs.
We chat about how simple food choices can make such a difference when it comes to both energy and sleep. We talk about easy changes to our daily routines that can make us feel more energised and we talk different ways to reduce blue light.
My biggest take away from spending time with Pamela is that things that we often accept or believe are beyond our control can be influenced and changed for the better by some of the smallest actions. It really is easy to feel better, sleep more, be more productive and function at our best.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as me.
I would recommend you all follow Pamela on social and pop over to her website to download her freebies.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pamelawindlehormonecoach/
Website https://www.smarterchange.co.uk/
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxx
On the hottest day of the year I am talking Christmas! Totally insane!
However hot it is at the moment it doesn't change the fact that the remaining months of the year are where beauty brands can seriously drive sales, revenue and profits. Christmas being the biggest opportunity of all.
Taking time out now to plan your strategy will reap financial rewards. In today's episode I talk you through my 6 point plan for success. I say 6 point but I got carried away and probably talked through about 10!
Enjoy.
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxxxx
A huge thank you to Rosalyn from Barker Brettell LLP for this eye opening insightful interview all about protecting your Intellectual Property in the beauty industry.
When we think about IP we tend to focus in on our trademark but there is so much more we should be protecting in order to future proof our brand and build a business with longevity.
In this episode we talk about;
* exactly what IP is
* when you should start thinking about IP
* what you should be protecting
* why you should bother protecting your brand
*why you should use an IP firm to help you
Rosalyn has pulled together a wonderful freebie for you called '5 IP LESSONS EVERY COSMETICS START UP SHOULD REMEMBER' To get hold of your copy just email rosalyn.newsome@barkerbrettell.co.uk
Also, don't forget to follow Barker Brettell on Instagram and Facebook.
https://www.barkerbrettell.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/barker_brettell/
We do hope you enjoy the episode. Apologies for the sound quality at my end! Just ignore my bits and focus in on Rosalyn as her sound quality is perfect! I am off to buy a new mic right now!
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel
Beauty Exchange is an annual event organised by Enterprise Nation. It’s a day dedicated to helping you launch and grow your beauty business. They bring together a packed line up of industry experts to talk to you about all things ranging from barcodes, to insurance, banking to accounting, social media marketing to branding, logistics to e-commerce. If you have never been before I think this is THE MUST GO TO event of the year so watch out for next year’s event and grab your ticket fast.
This year’s event was held on July 10th and in this week’s episode I bring you all the best bits and highlights. I've got tips on
contacting retail buyers
sensory branding
ideas for social media content that works
future tech and how it’s going to change our industry
nailing your brand values
Enjoy.
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxxx
https://www.enterprisenation.com/
The holiday season can typically spell bad news for the indie beauty brand.
Sales drop through the floor as people save their money for holidays and kids treats.
Social media engagement takes a nose dive as your followers flock off to foreign climbs.
Many brands just accept this as the norm and take the opportunity to take their foot off the gas.
But while those brands take some time out and snooze you could be capitalising on the space by getting creative and using the time to stand out and get noticed.
Holiday periods are a great opportunity and they get me excited.
While the other brands are keeping quiet you can start shouting. In today's episode I share easy, simple ideas on how to drive sales and keep engagement high on your social channels.
These ideas are so simple you could be actioning them and seeing the rewards in just a couple of days!
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel
In this week's episode I'm joined by media coach Yvonne Radley, founder of Yvonne Radley's Big Me Up Media
With over 30 years in the media industry working for papers, magazines and radio there is no one better to pull back the curtains and give us all the behind the scenes media tips for success.
In the episode Yvonne shares;
*how to DIY your own PR
*how local coverage can take you national
*how to pitch to the media
*how to smoooze the journos
*how to pull a winning press release together
*what stories you should be pitching
*how to make yourself appealing to the media
*and if you watch through to the end she gives 2 awesome tips to help you fast track your media success
If you want to keep in contact with Yvonne, something I would highly recommend, then here's the link you need to follow her on Instagram, her most favourite social channel. https://www.instagram.com/bigmeupmedia/
Enjoy.
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxxx
In this week episode I dive deep on how tech is influencing and defining the future of the beauty industry.
We live in a digital, technical age and it’s here to stay. As brand founders it’s imperative you understand what's happening in the industry and adapt, plan and strategise accordingly.
Enjoy.
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xx
I am joined in this week’s episode by Simon Cavill, Founder of Bee Good who has just successfully completed a round of crowdfunding. Simon talks openly and honestly about just what it takes to plan and run a winning campaign.
In the episode you will learn
how crowdfunding works
how to prepare for a round of crowdfunding
how to plan and action your marketing campaign
what platforms you can use and how to get the best deal from them
how much money you need to have raised in advance of the campaign launch
schemes that will help you attract more investors
why being a visible founder with a brand story can make all the difference to your success
unexpected benefits that come with crowdfunding
plus a whole load more
Enjoy!
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxxxx
Pinterest is an incredible way to drive traffic straight to your website where they can learn all about you and of course buy your products. What other form or marketing does that!!!! The problem is it feels a little like a dark art when you start out doesn't it?! In this episode I chat with ace Pinterest Coach Jen Stanbrook. Jen is a coach who works specifically with indie businesses and her speciality is breaking Pinterest strategy down into simple, easy steps.
In this episode she explains
*why Pinterest is different to social media platforms
*how to plan and design your board layout
*how to make a pin
*what you should be sharing on Pinterest
*how to turn one piece of content into multiple pins
*how to schedule pins to optimise your strategy
*how to write pin descriptions loaded with keywords
Grab a pen and notepad as you will want to take notes.
I would recommend you connect with Jen on social, she is everywhere you would expect under JEN STANBROOK. I'm going to post a link to her website so you can go download the freebies she mentions in the episode and devour her excellent blogs.
Enjoy.
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxxxx
I get so many questions on SEO from indie brand founders I thought it was high time I get an expert on to talk you through what it's all about and I could not have found a better expert. Aime from Studio Cotton will totally blow your mind in this episode.
We talk about what SEO is, why its important, keywords, blogging, backlinks, apps and websites than can help with SEO plus a whole load more. My best bit is the way Aime explains everything in a way that makes you realise that SEO isn't a dark art and that you don't need a degree to be successful at it. She shows us its actually quite simple and something we can all do ourselves.
Aime has an amazing blog on her website packed full of tips and an email group that receive tons of great information from her. I would highly recommend you all follow her on Insta, check out her blog and sign up for her emails. The links you need are below.
Enjoy!
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxxxx
https://studiocotton.co.uk/blog/
https://www.instagram.com/studio.cotton/
In this episode my guest is Justina Rosu. Justina worked for the BBC for many years and now runs her own consultancy working with brands like yours both creating video and teaching founders to create their own awesome videos.
In the episode Justina shares why video MUST be a part of your marketing strategy, how and where you should be using video, tips and advice on how to be confident and create professional video, guidance on the best tech to use and a whole ton of ideas for incredible video you can create.
Make sure you go follow Justina on Insta and Facebook as she shares loads of helpful information. I check her out everyday and have learnt so much!! The links are below.
Enjoy.
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxxx
Recently Lush Cosmetics announced they were going to close down their social media accounts and it’s definitely got our industry buzzing and the marketing professionals questioning their sanity.
I am totally hooked by it and have been busy researching, thinking and talking to everyone about it for a good few weeks.Today's episode dives deep into 6 lessons I believe indie beauty brands can learn from Lush’s decision to leave social media.
I break it down into 3 lessons I think you should be acting on and 3 lessons you need to make sure you’re not repeating in your business.
Enjoy
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel xxxxx
A huge welcome to Melissa, the Founder of Awake Organics. Melissa has just launched a zero waste packaging returns scheme and in today's episode she talks openly, honestly and inspirationally about why all indie brands should be doing it, how they can do it and the real hard facts about the difference it will make.
Got to be one of the best episodes so far!
Enjoy.
Loads of indie hugs and love, Rachel