In this second part of our mini-series, we explore our unique approach to working with clients that breaks away from the traditional agency model. Last episode, we touched on why the traditional retainer model could be tedious and inefficient for both client and creative—be sure to catch up if you haven’t already. Today, we’ll delve into how our immersive workshop model puts you at the heart of the creative process, making the work more engaging, productive, and perfectly tailored to your brand.

To book a discovery call by clicking here or email hello@smartbeautycreative.com

In this episode, host Viola Levy shares invaluable lessons from her time working with two of the most influential women in beauty retail, Alexia Inge, founder and former CEO of Cult Beauty, and Rhea Cartwright, who until recently was Head Beauty Buyer at Liberty London.

Having known and worked closely with both women, Viola looks at what it takes to get your brand into top retailers, she discusses the power of strong brand identity, the importance of understanding your market, and how brands can position themselves to stand out in a crowded space. She highlights the nuances of retail relationships, emphasising the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and staying true to brand values. With insights on how the buying process works and what retailers are really looking for, Viola's experiences provide a playbook for brands aspiring to secure coveted shelf space.

To book a discovery call, click here or email hello@smartbeautycreative.com

The perfume world is notoriously tricky to succeed in. (How do you market an invisible product that everyone will experience differently?) In today’s episode, I’m delighted to welcome two of my favorite people in the British fragrance world, Pia Long and Nick Gilbert, the fiercely intelligent and wonderfully unfiltered founders of Olfiction. Known for their bespoke perfumery and consultancy services, as well as their own candle and perfume range Bougie Bougie, Nick and Pia represent everything that’s great about the independent British fragrance industry.

Pia Long is a Finnish-born perfumer with a unique perspective shaped by her twin passions for writing and fragrance, and a wealth of experience across every corner of the industry. Nick Gilbert, Olfiction’s Creative Director, brings his expert touch to brand development and consumer engagement, with a reputation for insightful commentary and engaging presence on BBC radio. As we chat, you’ll see why these two are so in demand—busy, brilliant, and always authentic. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

olfiction.com

boujeebougies.com

instagram.com/nickrgilbert

instagram.com/perfumer.pia

In this episode of the Smart Beauty Podcast, host Viola Levy discusses why her branding agency proudly identifies as feminist. Viola delves into the historical male dominance in the beauty industry, the rise of female founders, and the importance of creating authentic, empowering marketing strategies that resonate with modern consumers. She also explores the misconceptions around feminism and beauty, advocating for a fresh approach that prioritizes empowerment and self-care over playing on insecurities. Tune in to learn how Smart Beauty Creative is helping to reshape the beauty industry with a feminist perspective.

Today, we're talking to Arooba Anwar, founder of Arooba Beauty and an expert in the Middle Eastern beauty market. With Euromonitor International valuing this market at over $46 billion, projected to reach $60 billion by 2025, it undoubtedly has lucrative potential – especially if you're a brand founder. Arooba Beauty launched into the UAE last year followed by a UK launch this February. Arooba herself is based in Dubai, and the brand reflects her own cultural heritage and the needs of makeup users in this region which we'll delve into. The range focuses on eye makeup palettes, with eyes being identified as the most expressive feature among Middle Eastern women. Their formulas are dubbed "skincare/makeup for the eyes", and star Middle Eastern botanical ingredients with skincare benefits. There are so many reasons why it makes sense for beauty brands to tap into the Middle Eastern market, but as Arooba points out, it's important to understand the variety of cultural differences and sensitivities in this region and adapt your messaging accordingly. We really enjoyed this chat and I hope you will too.

aroobabeauty.com

At SBC, we work a little differently to the traditional agency model, based on Viola's experiences working at such agencies as a copywriter. She witnessed firsthand the pitfalls of the retainer model: bloated budgets, lagging timelines, and inefficient use of creative talent. These challenges not only inflated costs but also hampered productivity, particularly for smaller brands with limited budgets. In this first of a three-part miniseries, she talks about what led her to create the Smart Beauty Method.

smartbeautycreative.com

@smartbeautycreative

Drop us a line: hello@smartbeautycreative.com

Beauty journalist and copywriter Keysha Davis brings over 20 years of industry experience to the table. She has collaborated with numerous hair and makeup brands and her byline has appeared in a wide range of publications, including Glamour, Stylist, Hairdressers Journal, and Black Beauty and Hair. Additionally, she writes trend reports for Cosmetics Design Europe so it’s safe to say she knows how to sift through a multitude of press releases and identify compelling brand stories. Keysha excels in advising on the best ways to approach journalists, particularly in the realm of Black beauty and hair. In addition to her freelancing work, she is also working with us here at Smart Beauty Creative on a new offering, providing consultancy and auditing services to refine your brand's messaging and boost its appeal to a diverse market. For more details, email hello@smartbeautycreative.com

https://www.instagram.com/msquiche/

This week, we dive into the exciting world of rebranding with a spotlight on Huda Kattan, the influencer-turned-beauty mogul behind Huda Beauty. Huda has just unveiled a sleek new look for her brand, sharing all the details in a YouTube video about the rebrand and why it was absolutely necessary.

In this episode, we'll explore the reasons behind Huda Beauty's stunning transformation and discuss why so many of our clients are eager to revamp their brand story, tone of voice, and copy. If you're a founder or CEO wondering if it's time to shake things up, tune in to discover compelling reasons and actionable insights that could give your brand the fresh, vibrant boost it needs.