Coffee N° 5 with Lara Schmoisman

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Leah Garcia, founder of Nectar7. Leah shares her inspiring transition from professional athlete and TV sports journalist to beauty entrepreneur. From unlocking the power of overlooked ingredients like elastin to prioritizing clinical data and transparent marketing, this conversation uncovers what it takes to build an authentic, performance-driven skincare brand that earns consumer trust.

• Key Topics Covered:

Leah Garcia’s journey from elite athletics and sports journalism to skincare entrepreneurship.

The science of skin performance: optimizing resilience and skin elasticity with topical elastin.

Why clinical studies, data, and complete ingredient transparency are key for consumer trust.

Navigating product innovation, development, and identifying white space in the beauty market.

Building a purpose-driven brand with honesty, integrity, and long-term vision.

• About Leah Garcia:

Leah Garcia is an accomplished entrepreneur, former professional mountain bike athlete, and seasoned sports media broadcaster. She is the founder of Nectar7, a science-backed wellness and skincare brand centered around performance and elastin innovation. Drawing on her background in high-performance sports and health journalism, Leah is dedicated to formulating transparent, clinically validated products that empower consumers to optimize their skin health.

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🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #LeahGarcia #Nectar7 #SkincareScience #BrandStrategy #PerformanceBeauty #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Ian Ginsburg, CEO of C.O. Bigelow. Recorded live at Cosmoprof (with a huge thank you to the Cosmoprof team for hosting us!), Ian dives into the rich history of America's oldest apothecary and how it successfully transitioned into a modern retail and e-commerce powerhouse. From creating deeply emotional customer connections in-store to navigating brand licensing, digital transformation, and future longevity trends, this conversation uncovers what it takes to innovate while staying true to a two-century-old legacy.

• Key Topics Covered:

The rich history of apothecaries and their evolution from community hubs to retail destinations.

How C.O. Bigelow preserved its family heritage while transitioning into modern retail.

Building unforgettable customer experiences and long-term emotional brand connections.

Early digital transformation: launching e-commerce initiatives back in the 1990s.

Strategic brand partnerships, licensing, and expanding product assortments.

The future of skincare, Korean beauty innovations, and the emerging longevity industry.

• About Ian Ginsburg:

Ian Ginsburg is the CEO and owner of C.O. Bigelow, America's oldest operating apothecary, founded in New York City in 1838. A third-generation pharmacist, Ian has successfully preserved the heritage and authentic customer care of C.O. Bigelow while expanding the brand globally through modern retail, e-commerce, and strategic brand partnerships. He is a respected industry leader known for blending traditional wellness philosophies with cutting-edge product formulation and digital innovation.

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🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #IanGinsburg #COBigelow #Cosmoprof #RetailHistory #BrandBuilding #ECommerceStrategy #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Fernando Acosta. Recorded live at Cosmoprof (with a huge thank you to the Cosmoprof team for hosting us!), Fernando shares his journey from Buenos Aires to leading global brands, unpacking what it really takes to build brand equity on an international scale. From the story of Rexona's global brand harmonization to balancing local market adaptation, this conversation uncovers how sensory marketing, AI, and empathetic leadership are driving the next generation of consumer-centric brand growth.

• Key Topics Covered:

Fernando Acosta's career journey from Buenos Aires to international marketing executive.

Lessons in global brand harmonization and maintaining consistency across markets.

How to balance global brand identity with local consumer cultural adaptation.

The role of AI and sensory marketing in modern product development and discovery.

Essential leadership qualities for global business: humility, kindness, grit, and curiosity.

• About Fernando Acosta:

Fernando Acosta is a global marketing executive and business leader known for scaling high-profile consumer brands across international markets. With extensive leadership experience across major FMCG powerhouses, Fernando specializes in brand architecture, consumer insights, and cross-cultural expansion. He is a passionate advocate for purpose-driven branding, empathy-led leadership, and leveraging emerging tech to meet evolving consumer needs.

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💼 LinkedIn: / about

🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/thedarlagency 🌐 Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #FernandoAcosta #Cosmoprof #GlobalBranding #MarketingStrategy #BrandBuilding #AIinMarketing #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Lisa Green. Recorded live at Cosmoprof (with a huge thank you to the Cosmoprof team for hosting us!), Lisa shares her deep expertise in retail strategy, customer experience, and the irreplaceable power of the human touch. From building community-driven retail environments to ensuring diversity and representation in product offerings, this conversation uncovers what it takes to connect authentically with modern consumers through powerful storytelling, clinical validation, and value-aligned partnerships.

• Key Topics Covered:

Building authentic community in physical and digital retail environments.

The vital role of the human touch, personalized service, and staff education.

Driving diversity, equity, and representation in product selection and marketing.

Strategies for product validation, clinical testing, and value-driven branding.

How to engage diverse consumer segments through strategic collaborations.

• About Lisa Green:

Lisa Green is a seasoned retail executive and strategist recognized for her human-centric approach to customer experience, product development, and community building. With deep experience in retail strategy, product curation, and consumer behavior, Lisa specializes in helping brands bridge the gap between high-touch customer service and modern market demands. She is a strong advocate for value-driven branding, inclusive representation, and empowering sales teams through educational training.

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👍 Facebook: / thedarlagency

💼 LinkedIn: / about

🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/thedarlagency 🌐 Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #LisaGreen #Cosmoprof #RetailStrategy #CustomerExperience #BrandBuilding #CommunityInRetail #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Noah Rosenblatt. Recorded live at Cosmoprof (with a huge thank you to the Cosmoprof team for hosting us!), Noah shares deep insights into the rapid evolution of the beauty industry, digital transformation, and modern brand curation. From building sustainable brand longevity in an oversaturated market to navigating fragrance trends and wellness integration, this conversation uncovers what it takes to expand distribution channels while prioritizing speed, service, and consumer personalization.

• Key Topics Covered:

Strategies for building brand longevity and disrupting traditional market channels.

The development of digital platforms and modern e-commerce experiences.

Evolving consumer behavior, personalization, and shifting retail expectations.

Market expansion tactics for brands aiming to establish a strong presence in the US.

Emerging trends in fragrance innovation and the convergence of beauty and wellness.

• About Noah Rosenblatt:

Noah Rosenblatt is a prominent leader and executive in the beauty and retail space, recognized for his strategic vision in brand curation, digital transformation, and market expansion. With extensive experience in scaling retail platforms and developing strategic brand partnerships, Noah plays a pivotal role in identifying next-generation beauty trends. He is passionate about helping innovative skincare, fragrance, and wellness brands navigate retail channels and connect authentically with the modern consumer.

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🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #NoahRosenblatt #BeautyIndustry #Cosmoprof #DigitalTransformation #BrandStrategy #WellnessTrends #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Linda Dang, founder of Sakoshi. Linda shares her expert insights on the evolution of Asian beauty in North America, moving far beyond traditional K-beauty trends. From navigating cultural localization and brand readiness to building seamless omnichannel retail experiences, this conversation uncovers what it takes for emerging skincare and beauty brands to successfully scale, differentiate themselves, and conquer competitive new markets.

• Key Topics Covered:

The evolution of Asian beauty in North America and expanding beyond K-beauty.

Strategies for market entry readiness, brand onboarding, and retail expansion.

Balancing authentic brand heritage with localized marketing and packaging.

The power of customer education, storytelling, and skin analysis in-store.

Building omnichannel retail strategies that drive engagement and retention.

Key criteria for product assortment, curation, and clean beauty innovation.

• About Linda Dang:

Linda Dang is the visionary founder behind Sakoshi, a premier platform and retail destination dedicated to bringing the best of Asian beauty to North America. With a strong background in retail operations, brand curation, and market expansion, Linda specializes in bridging the gap between Asian beauty innovators and Western consumers. She is passionate about authentic storytelling, omnichannel growth, and helping ethical brands scale successfully.

🔗 Stay Connected with The DARL: 📸 Instagram: / thedarlagency

👍 Facebook: / thedarlagency

💼 LinkedIn: / about

🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/thedarlagency 🌐 Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #LindaDang #AsianBeauty #KBeauty #RetailStrategy #BrandBuilding #MarketExpansion #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Oliver Garfield, former COO and Co-President of Cos Bar. Oliver dives into the remarkable history of Cos Bar, founded in Aspen by his mother, Lily Garfield and how it evolved into a premier luxury beauty retailer. From building scalable infrastructure and navigating early-stage growth to mastering retail education, brand positioning, and digital trends, this conversation uncovers what it takes to scale a luxury beauty brand while maintaining customer trust and capital efficiency.

• Key Topics Covered:

The founding story of Cos Bar in Aspen and its evolution into luxury beauty retail.

Lessons in scaling early-stage businesses, managing cash flow, and building operational infrastructure.

The role of retail partnerships, sales education, and staff training in driving brand success.

How beauty retail is shifting across D2C, social media, wholesale, and prestige vs. mass-market lines.

Key considerations for early-stage investing, brand positioning, and working with beauty incubators.

• About Oliver Garfield:

Oliver Garfield is an experienced retail executive and investor who served as Chief Operating Officer and Co-President of Cos Bar, the original luxury multi-brand beauty retailer founded by his mother, Lily Garfield. Growing up alongside the family business, Oliver played an instrumental role in modernizing Cos Bar’s operations, expanding its retail footprint, and building scalable processes across physical and digital channels. Today, he brings deep expertise in luxury retail strategy, capital management, and early-stage brand development.

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📸 Instagram: / thedarlagency

👍 Facebook: / thedarlagency

💼 LinkedIn: / about

🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/thedarlagency

🌐 Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #OliverGarfield #CosBar #BeautyRetail #BrandStrategy #LuxuryBeauty #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Mara, a powerhouse sales leader and healthcare entrepreneur. Mara shares her inspiring journey from a challenging start in law to building a multi-million dollar career in healthcare sales and leadership. From mastering the art of the pitch to understanding why resilience and rejection are essential stepping stones to success, this conversation uncovers what it truly takes to build, lead, and scale high-performing sales teams.

• Key Topics Covered:

Mara’s unconventional career transition from law to healthcare sales leadership.

The critical role of failure, resilience, and rejection in building long-term success.

Practical qualifying questions and sales strategies designed specifically for healthcare.

Core leadership qualities: why charisma, grit, and authenticity outperform traditional tactics.

How to identify, recruit, and mentor top-tier sales talent for high-growth environments.

The mindset shift required when transitioning from individual employee to visionary leader.

• About Mara:

Mara is an accomplished sales leader, executive, and healthcare entrepreneur known for driving exceptional revenue growth and building high-impact teams. With a career defined by grit, adaptability, and strategic execution, she has scaled businesses across the health and wellness sectors. Passionate about talent development and authentic leadership, Mara empowers teams to embrace hard work, overcome rejection, and turn sales strategies into sustainable business growth.

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💼 LinkedIn: / about

🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/thedarlagency 🌐 Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #SalesLeadership #HealthcareEntrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipSkills #SalesStrategy #TheDARL #CareerAdvice

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Jadon Wyant, CEO of Sorcea. Jadon dives into how data-driven insights are transforming the beauty and wellness industries, sharing how his platform cuts through the noise of an oversaturated market. From collecting authentic consumer experiences to helping brands refine their marketing strategies, this conversation uncovers the methodology behind turning raw data into powerful social proof for skincare, cosmetics, and beyond.

• Key Topics Covered:
How data-driven insights are revolutionizing market intelligence in beauty and wellness.
The origins of Sorcea and solving the consumer problem of product overwhelm.
Methodologies for collecting, verifying, and ensuring authentic user data across regions.
How emerging brands leverage consumer data to improve SEO, copy, and targeted marketing.
Targeting Gen Z, expanding into color cosmetics, and scaling a tech-driven platform.

• About Jadon Wyant:
Jadon Wyant is the CEO and founder of Sorcea, a data platform transforming how beauty and wellness brands understand consumer behavior. Combining a background in accounting and data analytics with a passion for innovation, Jadon builds tools that deliver verified consumer insights and social proof. Under his leadership, Sorcea helps brands optimize their product strategies, build trust, and drive sustainable growth across dynamic demographics.

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📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlagency

👍Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarlagency

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedarl/

🐦X (Twitter): https://x.com/thedarlagency

🌐Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth! #CoffeeN5Podcast #TheDARL #JadonWyant #Sorcea #BeautyIndustry #ConsumerInsights #DataAnalytics #BeautyTech #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #GenZMarketing #SkincareTrends #BrandStrategy

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Quinten Farmer, founder of Portola and creator of Tolan. Quinten dives into his journey of developing an innovative personal AI that acts as a supportive companion to help users navigate overwhelm and life's everyday challenges. From exploring ethical considerations and data privacy to designing a non-human, lovable alien character, this conversation uncovers what it takes to build AI platforms that prioritize emotional safety, user connection, and responsible future growth.

• Key Topics Covered:

The vision behind Tolan and the development of a supportive personal AI.

Why Portola chose an alien guide persona to make digital interactions feel lovable and safe.

Navigating ethics, user privacy, and misinformation in AI-driven conversations.

AI’s emerging role in supporting mental health and helping users manage daily stress.

Understanding business models and monetization strategies for consumer AI platforms.

Future technology trends and the evolving relationship between consumers and AI.

• About Quinten Farmer:

Quinten Farmer is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Portola, the company behind Tolan. With a strong background spanning finance, SaaS, and emerging tech, Quinten is now focused on blending cutting-edge artificial intelligence with creative storytelling. Through Tolan, he is exploring how character-driven AI can serve as a grounded, privacy-conscious reflection tool that enhances everyday human experiences.

🔗 Stay Connected with The DARL:

📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlagency

👍Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarlagency

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedarl/

🐦X (Twitter): https://x.com/thedarlagency

🌐Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #QuintenFarmer #TolanAI #AITechnology #FutureOfAI #BrandStrategy #DigitalInnovation #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Jeannie Jarnot, founder of Beauty Heroes. Jeannie dives into her transition from spa management to pioneering a clean, sustainable, and highly effective beauty marketplace. From establishing strict ingredient standards to navigating a decade of evolving consumer behavior, this conversation uncovers what it truly takes for brands to succeed in highly curated environments while maintaining authenticity, consistency, and a consumer-first approach.

• Key Topics Covered:

Jeannie Jarnot’s background in spa management and how it shaped her strict brand standards.

The reality of ingredient curation and why Beauty Heroes strictly bans components like phenoxyethanol.

How consumer behavior and awareness around clean beauty have evolved over the last 12 years.

Proven strategies for independent brands to pitch, survive, and thrive in curated marketplaces.

The role of authentic content, long-term brand engagement, and consistency in driving growth.

Integrating holistic wellness into the traditional beauty space and anticipating future industry trends.

• About Jeannie Jarnot:

Jeannie Jarnot is the founder of Beauty Heroes, a trailblazing marketplace and discovery service dedicated to clean, healthy, and sustainable skincare. With a rich background as a spa director, Jeannie revolutionized the beauty shopping experience by enforcing unparalleled ingredient standards and championing a "less is more" philosophy. She is a recognized leader in the wellness industry, passionate about helping consumers make conscious choices and helping ethical brands scale with integrity.

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👍 Facebook: / thedarlagency

💼 LinkedIn: / about

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🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #JeannieJarnot #CleanBeauty #BeautyHeroes #SkincareMarketing #BrandStrategy #SustainableBeauty #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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How do you climb from an entry-level secretarial role to the executive suites of the beauty world?

In this episode of Coffee N°5, we sit down with beauty industry powerhouse Elana S Drell Szyfer. Elana shares her remarkable journey, offering a masterclass in career development, leadership, and the shifting dynamics of the beauty and wellness landscape.

Whether you are climbing the corporate ladder in a global powerhouse or navigating the agile waters of a startup, Elana’s insights on humility, continuous learning, and adaptability are essential listening. We dive deep into why modern careers are no longer a straight line, how the convergence of health and beauty is changing the market, and the irreplaceable role of mentorship in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Key Takeaways From This Episode:

• Start Somewhere: Why taking an entry-level role (even as a secretary) can give you the foundational tools to build an empire.
• The Corporate vs. Startup Shift: Critical leadership lessons learned when transitioning from massive global corporations to agile, small brands.
• The New Career Landscape: Understanding the evolution of career stages and the exciting convergence of beauty, health, and wellness.
• The Power of Mentorship: Why asking questions and actively supporting future leaders is the ultimate key to industry growth.

Connect with Elana:

• LinkedIn: Connect with Elana S Drell Szyfer

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women): cewbeauty.org (Note: double-check link spelling for CEW)
• Industry Insights: Women's Wear Daily (WWD)

💡 Sound Bites to Remember:

• "Start somewhere, even as a secretary."
• "Be humble and entrepreneurial."
• "Ask questions, build your own path."

Love the show? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Coffee N°5 on your favorite podcast platform!

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In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Maria Warrington, CEO of Beacon Brands. Maria dives into the evolving world of sexual wellness, sharing what it really takes to build, market, and scale a brand in one of the most restricted yet fastest-growing industries. From breaking taboos to redefining pleasure as part of overall wellness, this conversation uncovers the strategies behind connecting with modern consumers while navigating cultural, political, and digital advertising barriers.

• Key Topics Covered:
The challenges of marketing sexual wellness products in highly regulated digital environments.
How to break taboos and build authentic, stigma-free brand conversations.
The role of community and medical professionals in building trust and credibility.
Expanding beyond pleasure into wellness, menopause, and holistic women’s health.
How brands like Plus One innovate to stay relevant across major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
The shift in consumer openness and how it’s reshaping the future of the industry.

• About Maria Warrington:
Maria Warrington is the CEO of Beacon Brands, a leader in the sexual wellness and consumer goods space. She oversees a portfolio of brands including Plus One, focused on empowering women through accessible, innovative, and stigma-free products. With extensive experience in brand building, retail expansion, and navigating complex marketing restrictions, Maria is at the forefront of redefining how wellness and pleasure are positioned in today’s market.

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Instagram: thedarlagency
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LinkedIn: about
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Website: https://thedarl.com/

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#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #MariaWarrington #SexualWellness #WomenHealth #BrandStrategy #DigitalMarketing #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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In Episode of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Ilya Seglin, Managing Director at Raymond James. Ilya dives deep into the world of finance, explaining what it takes for a brand to raise growth capital or achieve a successful strategic exit. They discuss the reality of "alphabet soup" fundraising (Series A, B, and beyond) and why having a "forever brand" is the ultimate goal for major acquirers.
• Key Topics Covered:
The difference between Strategic Acquirers and Private Equity (The "Marriage vs. Divorce" analogy).
When is the right time to stop self-funding and look for outside investors?
The importance of unit economics, repeat purchase behavior, and product differentiation.
Why a Sephora or Ulta launch could either make or destroy your business.
The "Halo Effect": How digital data informs retail success.
3 Things a brand should NEVER do when trying to scale.
• About Ilya Seglin: Ilya Seglin is a seasoned investment banker specializing in the consumer and beauty sectors. With years of experience at firms like Raymond James, he has been a key player in some of the most significant deals in the industry. He helps founders navigate the complexities of raising capital, finding the right strategic partners, and preparing their businesses for long-term sustainability and eventual sale.

Stay Connected with The DARL: Instagram: thedarlagency Facebook: thedarlagency LinkedIn: about X: https://x.com/thedarlagency Website: https://thedarl.com/
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!
#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #IlyaSeglin #BrandExit #InvestmentBanking #BeautyIndustry #StartupFunding #DigitalMarketingAgency #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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The Future of Wellness: AI and Luxury Experiences with Tom | Coffee N5

In Episode 248 of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Tom, a leading consultant in the luxury skincare and wellness space. They explore a often overlooked but highly lucrative channel: Hospitality. Tom shares insights on how brands can move beyond traditional retail and tap into luxury hotels and resorts, the reality of "career consultants," and how AI is set to revolutionize the guest experience through advanced diagnostics.

• Key Topics Covered:

• Execution vs. Theory: Why brands need consultants who are ready to "roll up their sleeves" and execute beyond plan A.
• The Hospitality Opportunity: How luxury skincare and wellness brands can diversify their revenue through in-room amenities and hotel boutiques.
• Networking for Growth: Why surrounding yourself with people who contribute to your growth is essential for long-term success.
• The New Rules of Luxury: Debunking myths about discounting, Black Friday, and why premium brands must adapt to consumer convenience (including the Amazon factor).
• AI and the Future of Wellness: How AI is moving from a buzzword to a diagnostic tool that will power personalized health and longevity retreats.

About Tom: Tom is a seasoned consultant specializing in luxury skincare, wellness, and high-end hospitality. With years of experience helping brands navigate the transition from retail to experiential models, he is an expert at building B2B partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious hotel groups. He is known for his practical, execution-focused approach to brand building and his deep understanding of the evolving luxury consumer.

Follow tom:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-macpherson-le-maire-32600948/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_mlm_parisien/

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Beyond the Business Card: Strategic Networking with Mike Ryan | Coffee N5

In Episode 247 of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Mike Ryan, a true master of professional relationships and a veteran of the PR and marketing industry. In this episode, they dive deep into the world of professional relationship building, the critical importance of "showing up," and how Mike has successfully navigated the digital revolution from the days of hand-typed press releases to creating premium, high-tech unboxing experiences for global brands.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Philosophy of Showing Up: Why being a "social butterfly" is about building genuine human relationships, not just filling a to-do list.
• Networking vs. Strategic Partnering: How to move beyond the traditional "booth" mentality to become a respected authority and a face people recognize at every event.
• The Evolution of the Industry: A fascinating look at the transition from 1980s manual press distribution to the modern era of digital logistics and fulfillment.
• The Art of the Unboxing Experience: Why "white glove" service and customized influencer send-outs are the new standard for brands in the digital age.
• Reputation as Your Only Contract: Mike explains why building a "circle of trust" and maintaining a flawless reputation is more powerful than any legal document.

About Mike Ryan:

Mike Ryan is a seasoned expert in networking and business development with nearly four decades of experience in the communications and fulfillment space. Known as a "Chief Networking Officer" in spirit, Mike has built his career on the principles of loyalty, adaptability, and the power of a handshake. He is a prominent figure in the beauty, fashion, and wellness circles and is the host of the podcast Minutes with Mike.

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📸 Instagram: / thedarlagency

👍 Facebook: / thedarlagency

💼 LinkedIn: / about

🐦 X: https://x.com/thedarlagency

🌐 Website: https://thedarl.com/

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#NetworkingSuccess #CoffeeN5Podcast #MikeRyan #BusinessStrategy #UnboxingExperience #BusinessEvolution #LaraSchmoisman #TheDarlAgency #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalGrowth

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In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Sara Jensen—serial entrepreneur, author, and Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Hugh & Grace—to explore hormone health, preventative wellness, chemical exposure, and the rise of community-driven commerce.

We'll talk about:

• How 14 years of infertility reshaped Sara’s understanding of hormone health
• The hidden impact of hormone-disrupting chemicals in skincare, haircare, and home products
• Why “clean beauty” lacks a clear definition—and what real preventative wellness requires
• The power of simplifying routines to reduce overwhelm and drive compliance
• Why detoxification should be gentle, daily, and sustainable

For more information, visit Sara's LinkedIn and Instagram

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Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Dr. Brent Ridge—physician, longevity researcher, co-founder of Beekman 1802, and co-author of Goat Wisdom—to explore the science of longevity, microbiome innovation, and why kindness is a powerful long-term business strategy.

We'll talk about:

• Why extreme longevity is influenced more by optimism and social connection than by genetics
• How the “anti-aging” narrative became a fear-based marketing construct
• Why longevity starts at birth—not at 40
• The science behind goat milk, skin pH, and microbiome balance
• How exosomes and oligosaccharides support skin ecosystem health

For more information, visit Brent's LinkedIn and Instagram

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Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Bora Mutluoglu, co-founder of Reacher and Y Combinator alum, to break down the reality of social commerce. Using TikTok Shop as a case study, they explore automation, affiliate strategy, creator relationships, and how AI-generated content is reshaping sustainable growth.

We'll talk about:

• Why the “easy sales” narrative around TikTok Shop is misleading
• How social commerce is maturing into a performance-driven ecosystem
• Why automation tools don’t replace relationship building with creators
• The myth of follower count and what actually drives visibility today
• When large influencers make sense—and when they don’t

For more information, visit Bora's LinkedIn and Instagram

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Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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Send us Fan Mail

In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Amina AlTai—holistic business and career coach, proud immigrant, chronic illness advocate, host of the Amina Change Your Life podcast, and author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living—to explore the psychology of ambition. From burnout and hustle culture to core wounds, systemic pressure, and sustainable growth, this conversation reframes ambition as alignment, awareness, and purpose—not endless striving.

We'll talk about:

• Why PR in 2026 is an ecosystem—not a standalone function
• The myth of “just PR” and why siloed teams break brand momentum
• Influencer ROI realities: affiliates, attribution, and what actually converts
• Launch events: when they work, when they don’t, and why most fail
• PR + AI: authority, citations, and why human voice still matters

For more information, visit Amina's LinkedIn and Instagram

Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter.

Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

Support the show