Every Tuesday on the CosmoFactory podcast: Discover the latest innovations along the cosmetics and personal care supply chain. Hear thought-provoking conversations with top beauty industry experts from around the world. Learn about next-level solutions and find inspiration to turn your own ideas into industry-changing innovations. A PRODUCTION OF Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna CosmoFactory is the first podcast from Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna—the most important beauty trade show in the world. D ...
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Your Brew of Business Wisdom - Coffee N5 is your ultimate guide to running, growing, and scaling a successful business in today’s competitive landscape. Hosted by award-winning marketing strategist Lara Schmoisman—a Forbes Next 1000 honoree and LA Times Inspirational Women finalist—this Podcast is your secret weapon for actionable strategies, insider tips, and real-world success stories. Every episode dives into the tools, tricks, and tactics that help businesses thrive, featuring insights f ...
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Welcome to Sister Secrets—the unfiltered, unhinged, and totally addictive podcast hosted by sisters Aoibh & Blá Murphy, the duo behind BiaBelle Beauty & Kaldora Skin Clinic. Each week, we spill it all—beauty, business, relationships, and the secrets we probably shouldn’t be sharing. Expect juicy dilemmas, unfiltered chats, and plenty of laughs as we navigate life, success, and the chaos in between
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Owning the Stage: The Global Vision Behind Cosmoprof with Liza Rapay
31:41
31:41
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31:41Send us a text Beauty industry leader Liza Rapay joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to unpack the strategy behind Cosmoprof’s global success, how brands can actually win at trade shows, and why purpose-driven leadership always scales better. We'll talk about: Why building a show like Cosmoprof takes strategy—not just sparkle. What most beauty bran…
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Leading Through Connection: A Smarter Approach with Sara Pereda
26:30
26:30
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26:30Send us a text eCommerce connector and community builder Sara Pereda joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to unpack how Smarterships became a global force, what makes partnerships actually work, and how to scale with strategy, integrity, and connection. We'll talk about: Why Sara built a global Slack community—and made it paid on purpose. The real d…
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Skincare and Longevity, featuring SkinModerne CEO Richard Purvis
22:47
22:47
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22:47Longevity is a movement because consumers understand that with the right skincare, nutrition, and lifestyle choices better ageing is possible. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about pro-ageing product claims, microbiome and exosome science, the importance of consumer education, and more. Our guest is Richard Purvis, CEO of SkinModerne…
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Water-Based Fragrance Technology, featuring Cosmo International Fragrances, Perfumer Arnaud Winter and Account Manager Pedro da Costa
26:00
26:00
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26:00Fine fragrance, body mists, hair fragrance, and other scented cosmetics and personal care products have conventionally been blended with alcohol. As consumer expectations and regulatory protocols change, water-based fragrance is becoming more popular and fragrance scientists are working to meet demand. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we find…
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The Real Strategy Behind Retail Events with Elizabeth Robillard
26:40
26:40
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26:40Send us a text Lara Schmoisman sits down with Elizabeth Robillard, eTail Portfolio Director, to talk retail strategy, evolving search trends, content that connects, and how to avoid falling for industry buzz. This episode of Coffee Nº 5 is packed with insight for retail marketers, brand leaders, and founders navigating the future of omnichannel com…
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Brand Artistry, featuring ARTDECO Cosmetic Group Vice President of Marketing, Anna Blasco Salvat
24:52
24:52
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24:52In color cosmetics, product function is the priority. Creating a makeup brand that looks and feels expressive, statement making, and attuned to consumer preferences is nearly—if not equally—as important. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we open a conversation about makeup, neuromarketing, creative packaging design, brand loyalty, niche produc…
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Communicate Like a Brand That Means it with Jeanne Meyer
34:53
34:53
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34:53Send us a text Communications strategist Jeanne Meyer joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº 5 to talk brand voice, reputation management, and crisis comms—from her work at EMI Music to major brand turnarounds at Toys R Us and Unilever. Learn how to build brand trust, adapt messaging across platforms, and lead with clarity in a noisy, fast-moving media…
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Augmented Intelligence and Consumer Insights, featuring The Estée Lauder Companies Global Vice President of Consumer Foresight & Predictive Analytics Kalindi Mehta
26:29
26:29
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26:29AI helps cosmetic and personal care brands conduct social listening analysis, identify and respond to trends, personalize product recommendations, support retail service teams, and so much more. Multinationals that own numerous brands and serve markets around the world use AI tech to do all of this at scale and at a very fast pace. This week on the…
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Beauty, Strategy, and AI with Sampo Parkkinen
37:31
37:31
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37:31Send us a text In the 200th episode of Coffee N° 5, Sampo Parkkinen, CEO of Revieve, joins Lara Schmoisman to talk AI in beauty, brand positioning, and the power of solving real problems—not chasing trends. Learn why clarity beats gimmicks, how to build consumer trust with smart beauty tech, and what it really takes to grow a modern beauty brand. P…
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Sustainability Through Coalition, Featuring Beauty Kitchen and Reposit Founder Jo Chidley
22:23
22:23
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22:23In the transition to a circular economy, can the cosmetics and personal care sector step into a leadership role among CPG industries? This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, our guest is Jo-Anne Chidley, Founder of Beauty Kitchen and Reposit—a entrepreneur who is fully confident that, by engaging stakeholders from the supply chain through to the end…
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Own the Role, Lead the Way with Kevin Eikenberry
29:19
29:19
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29:19Send us a text Leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to unpack what real leadership looks like: responsibility, adaptability, and learning as you go. If you’re building a team—or building yourself as a leader—this one’s for you. We'll talk about: Why leadership is not the same as being the boss The hardest shift: f…
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Intelligent Perfumery, featuring Scentmate by dsm-firmenich, Fragrance Development Manager Federica Libralon
20:04
20:04
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20:04The business of fragrance creation is an artistic business. Nevertheless, opportunities to enhance the perfumery and scented personal care product creation process through digital engagement, and with consumer and market data, are significant. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about the work of a fragrance evaluator and the advantages …
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Words That Work: Strategic Writing with Carmine Montalto
27:34
27:34
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27:34Send us a text Copywriter Carmine Montalto joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to talk about the power of words, the importance of brand voice, and why good writing is non-negotiable across every touchpoint, from packaging to email. If your copy isn’t converting, this episode’s your wake-up call. We'll talk about: Why your consumer, not your brand…
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Beauty that Begins in Kenya, featuring O’Bao CEO Suzie Wokabi
24:07
24:07
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24:07Local cosmetic ingredient supply chains, local brand leadership, and local beauty tech are all on the rise in the East African nation of Kenya—a country known for its entrepreneurial spirit. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn how one of Kenya’s leading cosmetic brand executives is shaping and inspiring the future of beauty both within …
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Leading with Clarity: Andrea Moore on Omnichannel Strategy
26:59
26:59
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26:59Send us a text Andrea Moore joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to talk real leadership, smart hiring, and the strategy behind a truly connected omnichannel brand. If you're tired of chaos and ready to lead with clarity, this episode delivers. We'll talk about: Boss vs. leader: Why the title means nothing without vision How Andrea scaled omnichann…
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Pens, Pencils and Crayons, featuring Faber-Castell Cosmetics Vice President of Global Sales & Innovation Christian Eisen
22:40
22:40
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22:40The familiar gesture of pencils have made this classic component format a mainstay in beauty. Pencils, as well as pens and crayons, are at once fun and functional. But given the pace of change and the importance of sustainability in our industry, they are also forever evolving. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we consider how nuanced the mate…
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Writing the Right Way: Book Publishing Wisdom with Meghan Stevenson
35:34
35:34
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35:34Send us a text Publishing a book? Learn the truth behind self-publishing, hybrid models, and traditional book deals with expert Meghan Stevenson. From securing an agent to building your platform, get industry-level insight in this episode of Coffee N° 5. We'll talk about: Meghan’s journey from Big Five publishing to independent author advocacy The …
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Roadmap to Cosmetic Industry Sustainability, featuring Quantis Global Lead for Cosmetics, Personal Care, and Pharma Emmanuel Hembert
20:33
20:33
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20:33Our industry’s sustainable transformation is a work in progress. Every sort of stakeholder, from raw material suppliers to beauty consumers to waste management specialists, is involved. To make it all happen there is an ongoing cycle of assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and reciprocal improvement. This week on the CosmoFa…
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Leading with Grit & Gloss, with Marina Kirschner
42:46
42:46
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42:46Send us a text From Argentina to the C-suite: Global Head of Marketing Marina Kirschner joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to talk about brand growth, beauty industry shifts, the power of resilience, and building legacy with innovation. Don’t miss this global marketing masterclass! We'll talk about: Marina’s journey from Argentina to Moroccanoil …
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Soil for Skincare, featuring Uute Scientific Product Director Iida Mäkelä
22:08
22:08
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22:08The forest floor is rich in microbial life, which is one reason why exposure to nature is so beneficial. And new science shows that those microbes, even when inactivated, have remarkable skincare benefits, particularly for sensitive skin and atopic conditions. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn about the skincare benefits of being in c…
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EP 10: What We're Really Like Through Our Mam's Eyes
1:02:05
1:02:05
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1:02:05For our season finale, we brought on the woman who knows us better than anyone — our Mam. From growing up together to building a business side-by-side, she’s seen it all (and she’s ready to talk). In this episode, we get into what we were really like growing up, how she feels about our success, the ups and downs of family life, and what it’s like w…
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From Vision to Impact: Turning Big Ideas into Reality with Christian Muche
27:30
27:30
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27:30Send us a text Join Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 as she chats with global event strategist Christian Muche, co-founder of POSSIBLE. Discover how this Miami-based event is redefining the future of marketing conferences through real connections, AI integration, and powerful brand collaboration. Tune in for insight into event innovation, the creator…
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Branding for the Digital Fragrance Consumer, featuring BellaVita General Manager Namita Shrivastava
19:07
19:07
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19:07With ecommerce comes unparalleled access to data—to fragrance and beauty consumer behavior insights from every market around the world. Which is how digital-forward companies are building brands that meet consumer expectations in real-time, in the very moments and markets where opportunity exists. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we consider …
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EP 9: Men liking other women's stories, Thirst traps & work affairs
34:19
34:19
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34:19In this week’s episode, we’re keeping it real, relaxed, and a little bit reckless — the wine is flowing and so are the stories. We dive into your wildest confessions, juicy dilemmas, and a round of would-you-rathers that had us crying laughing (and slightly traumatised). From cheating scandals and fake Insta stalking to sexy secrets and friendship …
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Sustainable Development Validation, featuring Ecovia Intelligence Research Director Iveta Kovacova
23:19
23:19
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23:19It’s normal now for cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers to incorporate environmental sustainability into their processes. Part of the challenge is deciding what to focus on, and how to prove and talk about green claims. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about the complexity of the beauty industry’s sustainable future. Our …
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In this special episode, we’re recording straight from Kaldora Skin Clinic — and it’s giving luxury, laughter, and a little bit of lip filler. We sit down with our girl Roisin, the face of Kaldora, to talk all things aesthetics, beauty, and building confidence, plus the reality of working in the industry. We also get into her and Blá’s friendship, …
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Branding That Speaks: Insights with Patrick Porter
34:00
34:00
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34:00Send us a text Discover the intersection of creativity and business in this episode of Coffee N° 5 with designer and entrepreneur Patrick. Learn about brand-building, storytelling in fashion, and the keys to long-term success in the industry. Tune in for a stylishly insightful conversation! We'll talk about: Patrick’s journey from designer to entre…
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The Competitive Edge of R&D, featuring Trinny London Head of R&D Jeff Rosevear
20:17
20:17
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20:17In the cosmetics industry, product development directly impacts formulation efficacy, consumer retention, and brand value. Which is why R&D leaders today need not only scientific knowledge but also skills including strategic thinking, scenario planning, and (especially within SMEs) a shared accountability with other business units. This week on the…
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EP 7: Italy business trip. Photoshoot & Cosmoprof
54:08
54:08
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54:08This episode kicks off before our big campaign shoot — and yes, we take you behind the scenes of the chaos, glam, and golden-hour moments. We chat about some questionable dilemmas (like… is sharing a toothbrush ever okay?!), give the inside scoop on our trip to Bologna for Cosmoprof, and drop a few exclusive Biabelle updates 👀 It’s a mix of girl ch…
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Arabic Fragrance Growth, featuring Arabian Oud International General Manager Ralph Bou Nader
22:14
22:14
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22:14Scent transports us. It recalls memories, evokes emotions, invites connection among cultures, and propels us to places both real and imagined. Growing a global business around something so powerful and so invisible requires both passion and acumen. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn about the business and nuance of fragrance made in th…
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Get Better with Chris: Dating, Real Talk & Social Experiments 💘💬 This week we’re joined by our good friend Chris for a raw, unfiltered chat about modern dating, social expectations, and the reality of connecting in 2024. We dive into his idea to film a date with Blá (yes, seriously), a new dating running club, navigating social media, and more. We …
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Retail Reinvented: How E-Commerce is Evolving with Lena Moriarty
26:15
26:15
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26:15Send us a text In this episode of Coffee N° 5, host Lara Schmoisman sits down with Lena Moriarty, Head of Marketing at eTail, to uncover the latest trends in retail, e-commerce, and technology. From AI-driven personalization to video content dominance, Lena shares key insights on how brands can stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Tune…
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Optimizing Beauty Care for Every Generation, Featuring Fashion Snoops Director of Beauty and Wellness Mallory Huron
22:53
22:53
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22:53The longevity movement is an opportunity and a challenge for beauty makers. The age range of cosmetic consumers has expanded tremendously in recent years, making messaging and product development more complex than ever. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we consider the implications of catering to cosmetic and personal care consumers across the…
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In this episode of Sister Secrets, Aoibh and Blá dive into their eventful adventures in Harrogate for their first-ever Be About Live week. They share behind-the-scenes fun, including Jampacked days with flash sales, spin-the-wheel games, and product demos. The sisters recount amusing incidents on their flight, unexpected rush to the office, and vis…
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Decoding Scientific Skincare with Ewelina Aiossa
27:58
27:58
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27:58Send us a text In this episode of Coffee N° 5, host Lara Schmoisman sits down with Ewelina Aiossa, an expert in scientific and clinical beauty with over 15 years in the industry. From working with leading dermatologists and cosmetic chemists to navigating clinical research and product development, Ewelina shares invaluable insights on how skincare …
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AI-Supported Cosmetic Ingredient Development, Featuring Cambrium Head of Personal Care Lucile Bonnin
21:01
21:01
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21:01Ingredient discovery and scale up is time consuming, expensive, and competitive. Tech tools like AI are helping suppliers minimize the risks and bring truly new beauty benefits to consumers. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn more about AI along the cosmetic industry supply chain. Our guest is Lucile Bonnin, Head of Personal Care at Ca…
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In this episode of Sister Secrets, Aoibh and Blá dive deep into personal territories as they discuss the intricacies of balancing love and running a business. The sisters reminisce about their past relationships, share hilarious and candid moments, and explore how those relationships influenced their journey with BiaBelle. They also offer advice on…
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Building the Future of Inclusive Beauty with Nyakio Grieco
28:37
28:37
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28:37Send us a text On this episode of Coffee N° 5, Lara chats with Nyakio Grieco, founder of Thirteen Lune and Relevant, about reshaping beauty retail. Learn how inclusivity, storytelling, and innovation are redefining the industry. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of beauty! We'll talk about: How Nyakio Grieco went from beauty founder to reta…
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Heritage Brand Creation, Featuring Nopalera Founder Sandra Velasquez
21:01
21:01
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21:01It takes time to build a heritage beauty brand—a lot of time. But every brand starts somewhere; and the early years and founder’s vision go a long way toward building trust and an emotional connection with consumers. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we talk about indie beauty with Sandra Velasquez, Founder of the Modern Mexican brand Nopalera…
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In episode three of Sister Secrets, Aoibh and Blá share the history of their beauty brand, BiaBelle. They recount the brand's humble beginnings in their parents' house, the inspiration from their mam, their early product launches, and their luxurious, multifunctional offerings. The sisters discuss their journey through initial hiccups, like deliver…
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The Future of Beauty Tech: AI, Innovation & Smart Solutions with Wayne Liu
26:01
26:01
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26:01Send us a text On this episode of Coffee N° 5, Lara chats with Wayne Liu, CEO of Perfect Corp, about how AI is revolutionizing the beauty industry. Learn how virtual try-ons, AI-powered skin analysis, and digital fashion are shaping the future of beauty and retail. Don’t miss this deep dive into beauty tech innovation! We'll talk about: How AI is t…
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Men’s Beauty in the US, featuring STATISTA Consumer Goods and Retail Research Expert Dominique Petruzzi
21:16
21:16
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21:16Revenue figures are up; men in the US are buying skincare and hair care as well as makeup and complexion products more than ever before. They are more informed and more interested in beauty care ingredients and product efficacy too. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn about the growing men’s beauty sector from our guest Dominique Petruz…
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In this episode of Sister Secrets, we take you on a wild ride to Amsterdam for Blá's 30th birthday celebration! Get ready for surprise guests, hilarious escapades, and a healthy dose of sisterly love. From navigating the Red Light District to getting kicked off a tram, this episode is packed with craic and core memories.Plus, we tease a very juicy …
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Scaling Smart: The Business of Growth with David Aquino
27:49
27:49
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27:49Send us a text In this episode of Coffee N° 5, Lara Schmoisman and David Aquino discuss smart strategies for scaling a business, avoiding costly mistakes, and ensuring sustainable growth. Lara and David explore the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make, from wasting money on the wrong service providers to struggling with desperation-driven decisi…
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Now and Next in Beauty Tech, featuring Virtual Events Group Founder Robin Raskin
22:26
22:26
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22:26Digital technologies, from red light therapy to skin and hair analysis to AI and blockchain, are shifting beauty consumer expectations, retail experiences, and demand planning along the supply chain. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about a variety of digital tech that’s impacting the cosmetics and personal care industry now and in th…
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The secrets out…🤫👀 Introducing Sister Secrets—our brand new PODCAST where NOTHING is off-limits. From beauty and business to wild dilemmas and unfiltered chats, we’re saying it ALL. In this episode: Join us, sisters Aoibhinn and Bláthnaid Murphy, as we kick off our podcast journey in the City of Love – Paris! We're giving you a raw and unfiltered g…
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The Art of Brewing & Selling Experiences with Kate Fannin
45:30
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45:30Send us a text In this episode of Coffee N° 5, Lara chats with Kate Fannin, a retail and marketing expert, about how to build a brand that connects with consumers through meaningful experiences, the importance of storytelling, and why traditional marketing strategies don’t work anymore. We'll talk about: How marketing has developed from a one-way t…
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Brand Communication and Connected Commerce, featuring Dentsu VP of Solution Innovation Val Vacante
22:17
22:17
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22:17Retail touchpoints for cosmetic and personal care brands today extend well beyond stores with doors and conventional print and outdoor advertising. Beauty brands are reaching consumers in experiential and engaging ways with the help of digital ad tech firms. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about imaginative ways that brands are conne…
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Send us a text In this episode of Coffee N° 5, Lara chats with David Silbergleit, CEO of PIMS, a leader in logistics solutions for the beauty and wellness industries. Discover his journey, leadership philosophy, and how giving back plays a crucial role in his business approach. We'll talk about: How rising through the ranks teaches valuable leaders…
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Finding Beauty Trends Through Travel, featuring Around the World Beauty Founder Stephanie Flor
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21:17
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21:17Cosmetic and personal care brands draw inspiration and ingredients from every corner of the globe. And there is something to be gained by meeting people and experiencing places that are at the source of the products our industry is creating for consumers. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we consider the value of travel and cultural immersion.…
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