Season 2: The Beauty Discourse (2024) is a global conversation platform that dives into hyper-focused topics, in the business of beauty and wellness. The speakers are a mix of founders, C-suite executives, and mid-level operators who offer actionable insight into what it takes to survive a demanding, yet saturated market. Season 1: Fashion Camp (2019) was India’s first inside-fashion podcast. Host, Ilina Luthra, spoke to industry trailblazers like Rahul Mishra, Anaita Shroff Adajani, and others, about building a successful fashion business in a world where fashion is un-serious business. Together, they unpack the zeitgeists of the season, sustainability and social media, and map the difficulties of holding one’s own in the ever-evolving industry.
What gives a Beauty consumer the ick? What would be a good-to-have innovation for true shade-matching? What do Beauty insiders have their eyes on? What could be the future of product education?
How can brands turn community engagement into lifelong loyalty and fandom? What are the benefits of gamifying consumer engagement? What are the advantages of an owned channel like TYB, over traditional social media? How can a brand find the sweet spot between revenue, attribution, and rewards?
What makes dry cutting superior to traditional methods? What are the unique challenges of running a salon in a bustling city like New York? How do hairstylists balance innovation with personalized service? What are the latest trends in hair color?
What is the new beauty visual? How can content be optimized for different channels? What are the considerations for evergreen content production? What is Sensorial Storytelling? How should a producer charge for high-performing content?
What does it take to lead a 40-year-old artistry brand in the modern beauty world? How do you balance a global brand identity with market-level strategies in today's competitive market? How do you empower a team to take the right risks, and scale pilot tests?
How do you blend EMV goals, with consumer engagement? Can emerging brands with small budgets plan thoughtful events? What metrics should a brand prioritize, when planning IRL event programming?
How do you speak to consumers, across different generations? How do you differentiate assortment in Sephora Vs. Ulta? How do you balance effective, targeted solutions with simplicity of use?
What are some of the biggest strategic challenges with scaling early or growth stage beauty brands? How do you integrate ethical considerations into the business strategy of a profitable business?
What are the nuances of international pricing strategy? How can an indie brand enter the European market? How can a brand plan ahead for global regulatory restrictions in their product development cycle?
What are some of the craziest things you've heard about botox and dermal fillers? What should you know before going into your first injetcables appointment? How early is too early for botox?
How do celebrity-founded brands stand out amidst a slew of newness, using PR & Influencer Marketing?
How did a third-generation esthetician build an (uncomplicated) beauty service business in the digital age?
How does a brand formulate and promote skincare products that retain brand equity for decades?
This was a bonus episode, recorded in the midst of the global pandemic. Reigning queen of costume jewellery, Sasha Grewal has been a Forbes 30-Under-30 honouree, a Vogue Fashion Fund winner and a successful entrepreneur since the inception of her jewellery brand, Outhouse, in 2012. Almost a decade later, she sits down with me to discuss the most important lessons in starting your own label, working with her sister, Kaabia, and a lot more. Tune in to learn from her how to expand the horizons of your business, even in the given climate.
Creative consultant and stylist with over 20 years of experience, Ekta Rajani was at the helm of Grazia India for 7 of its most iconic years until she decided to walk the freelance path. Today, she freelances as a stylist and moonlights as a design consultant to leading labels in the industry. Around this time, in 2019, I flew from Delhi to Mumbai and we caught up in her sun lit home, where I witnessed the former Grazia Fashion Director's sunny disposition.
Disclaimer: This is a very endearing episode, with a profusion of giggles and exclamations. A year ago, co-founder of Shivan and Narresh, Narresh Kukreja joined host and ex-intern, Ilina Luthra in a nonchalant tête-à-tête about their exposure to international competitions - everything before the Netflix production, Next In Fashion - becoming India's front runners in swimwear design (a market most thought didn't exist) and taking other bold steps in Fashion.
Co-Founder of Abraham and Thakore, David Abraham sits down with host, Ilina Luthra to discuss his enriching education, the most misused word in the industry, - Sustainability - his 3 decade long career and his world-renowned protégées.
Creative Director of his namesake label and winner of International Woolmark Prize for Menswear, Suket Dhir is force to be reckoned with. He shares with me, the perils of design school and how he followed his heart all while leaving a mark in what's predominantly a womenswear industry
Creative Director at Bhaane India, Nimish Shah sits down with host, Ilina Luthra to discuss the shift in every day clothing, the influence of his time at British fashion house, Burberry and his big plans for Bhaane.
Anaita Shroff Adajania on the Future of Print | Fashion Director at Vogue India, Anaita Shroff Adajania sits down with host, Ilina Luthra to discuss selling aspirational fashion, dynamics of the Vogue family, the power of Instagram and the future of print. Music: Adhiraj Singh For comments, queries, speaker ideas, or sponsorship enquiries, please reach out at therosterradio.podcast@gmail.com