Beauty Connect LA 2023

Beauty Connect LA

Driving brand growth through innovation, investment & partnerships across the beauty, personal care, and wellness industry

Download 2023 Program
Los Angeles, USA
6-8 November, 2023

Interested in partnering with us in 2023? Find out more by calling us at +44 (0)20 3696 2920 or emailing us at [email protected].

JOIN US IN 2023

Personalize your own Beauty Connect experience as we bring you more opportunities than ever to connect. Expect multiple brand workshops, private and public pitching opportunities, intimate roundtables focused on industry challenges, and pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, all running alongside main-stage content.

Beauty Connect is committed to ensuring every brand can make the connections to accelerate their brand growth.

Beauty Connect is the forum for your business to:

  • Foster partnerships with the future investors of your brand or the future brands of your portfolio
  • Position yourself for a successful strategic partnership by connecting with beauty conglomerates and gaining insight into their strategy
  • Scale your brand while maintaining talent, brand values and driving inclusivity and diversity practices at every touchpoint
  • Make meaningful retailer connections and gain confidence in your distribution strategy
  • Meet and rise above the demands of the conscious consumer by engaging with industry-leading vendors and sustainability experts

ARE YOU AN INDIE BRAND?

(Annual revenue 0-$10M)

Click Here

ARE YOU A MID-SIZED INDIE BRAND?

(Annual revenue $10M - $100M)

Click Here

ARE YOU A RETAILER?

CLICK HERE

THANK YOU TO OUR ADVISORY BOARD

Author:

Ju Rhyu

Co-Founder & CEO
Hero Cosmetics

Ju Rhyu

Co-Founder & CEO
Hero Cosmetics

Author:

Carla Ruiz

Senior Vice President, Global M&A
Shiseido Group

Carla Ruiz

Senior Vice President, Global M&A
Shiseido Group

Author:

Nyakio Grieco

Co-Founder, Thirteen Lune
Founder, Relevant

Nyakio Grieco

Co-Founder, Thirteen Lune
Founder, Relevant

Author:

Alicia Sontag

Co-Founder & Partner
Prelude Growth Partners

Ranked one of Beauty's 50 Most Powerful Women by WWD (2015), and two-time honor of Fortune Most Powerful Women conference (2015/2016), Alicia is a Co-Founder and Partner at Prelude Growth Partners. Prelude Growth Partners is a New York City based growth equity firm focused on providing capital and value-added operatingsupport to high potential, fast-growing consumer brands. Prelude seeks to make investments of $3million to $15 million in each company, across branded consumer categories including personalcare/beauty, food & beverage, baby, pet, health & wellness and other consumer categories.

Alicia Sontag

Co-Founder & Partner
Prelude Growth Partners

Ranked one of Beauty's 50 Most Powerful Women by WWD (2015), and two-time honor of Fortune Most Powerful Women conference (2015/2016), Alicia is a Co-Founder and Partner at Prelude Growth Partners. Prelude Growth Partners is a New York City based growth equity firm focused on providing capital and value-added operatingsupport to high potential, fast-growing consumer brands. Prelude seeks to make investments of $3million to $15 million in each company, across branded consumer categories including personalcare/beauty, food & beverage, baby, pet, health & wellness and other consumer categories.

Author:

Rich Gersten

Co-Founder & Managing Partner
True Beauty Capital

Mr. Richard Gersten is Co-founder & Managing Partner of True Beauty Capital. Mr. Gersten has over 25 years of experience in the private equity industry and has spent the last 19 years focused exclusively on the consumer and retail sector, with an emphasis in the beauty and personal care industry. He currently sits on the board of directors of Algenist, Cos Bar, This Works, Active Ride Shop, NEST Fragrances, Deva Curl, and formerly sat on the board of directors for Laura Geller Beauty.

Rich Gersten

Co-Founder & Managing Partner
True Beauty Capital

Mr. Richard Gersten is Co-founder & Managing Partner of True Beauty Capital. Mr. Gersten has over 25 years of experience in the private equity industry and has spent the last 19 years focused exclusively on the consumer and retail sector, with an emphasis in the beauty and personal care industry. He currently sits on the board of directors of Algenist, Cos Bar, This Works, Active Ride Shop, NEST Fragrances, Deva Curl, and formerly sat on the board of directors for Laura Geller Beauty.

Author:

Nicola Kilner

Founder & CEO
Deciem

Nicola Kilner

Founder & CEO
Deciem

Author:

Conor Begley

Co-Founder, Tribe Dynamics & Chief Strategy Officer
CreatorIQ

Conor Begley is the Co-founder Tribe Dynamics and Chief Strategy Officer at CreatorIQ. In September 2021, Tribe Dynamics was acquired by CreatorIQ to create the leading influencer marketing platform for the creator economy, bringing together influencer performance management and analytics solutions to help brands and businesses. Conor has been named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Influencer Marketing by Influence Weekly, and was recognized as one of the 100 Leaders of Tomorrow by St. Gallen’s Symposium.

Conor Begley

Co-Founder, Tribe Dynamics & Chief Strategy Officer
CreatorIQ

Conor Begley is the Co-founder Tribe Dynamics and Chief Strategy Officer at CreatorIQ. In September 2021, Tribe Dynamics was acquired by CreatorIQ to create the leading influencer marketing platform for the creator economy, bringing together influencer performance management and analytics solutions to help brands and businesses. Conor has been named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Influencer Marketing by Influence Weekly, and was recognized as one of the 100 Leaders of Tomorrow by St. Gallen’s Symposium.

3
DAYS OF CONTENT
50+
INDUSTRY LEADING SPEAKERS
1-2-1
DEDICATED MEETINGS
500+
EXECUTIVE ATTENDEES
10
BEST IN CATEGORY SHOWCASE FINALISTS

EXPOSURE OPPORTUNITIES

INDIE BRAND SPOTLIGHT

Grab the attention of future investors, retail partners, and M&A executives during your main stage pitch. Showcase your brand in front of a captive and lucrative audience in our spotlight pitch to enhance industry interest.

Open to brands looking for investment opportunities, our Spotlight welcomes applications from brands across all beauty and wellness categories. All applications will be reviewed by our Investor-led Selection Committee with 10 finalists being selected to pitch their brand on the main stage at Beauty Connect 2023.

Applications now closed.


Please Note: All finalists MUST be registered to attend the event. Pitching will take place at this year's Beauty Connect in LA (November 6-8).
Finalists will present a 1 minute video of their brand followed by a 3 minute pitch from one company representative.

PERFECT YOUR PITCH WEBINAR

Make the most of your Indie Brand Spotlight application in a deep dive session with our Selection Committee:

  • Joseph Atencio, Partner, Yellow Wood Partners
  • Chisom Amaechi, Vice President, New Voices Fund
  • Alicia Sontag, Co-Founder & Partner, Prelude Growth Partners
  • Tina Bou-Saba, Co-Founder & Co-Managing Partner, Verity Venture Partners
  • Joel Palix, Founder, Palix Unlimited
  • Ann Chung, Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Consumer, Blackstone
  • Jana Bobosikova, CEO, Epic FutureLabs
  • Chris Speier, Vice President, VMG Partners

Discover how to perfect your pitch and: 

  • Gain a better understanding of the current investment landscape
  • Understand how to best prepare your brand when looking for investment
  • Find out what you should include in your Spotlight application to grab the attention of our Selection Committee and give you the best chance of being selected as a Finalist

WATCH NOW 

PRODUCT POP-UP

Get your products in the hands of some of beauty’s most influential names, and on our first ever pop-up shelves! 

Our product pop-up offers up-and-coming brands the chance to receive real time feedback from industry leaders, strategic partners and peers, as well as exposure at the show. Don’t miss out on being seen next to an array of the hottest, hand-selected brands in our first ever display, in partnership with Beauty Barrage!

Fill out the free application form below to be in the chance of being featured. Accepted brands require two individuals to be registered to Beauty Connect in order to have the product featured.

Apply Now

SELECTION COMMITTEE

Author:

Joseph Atencio

Partner
Yellow Wood Partners

Joseph Atencio

Partner
Yellow Wood Partners

Author:

Chisom A’Marie

Vice President
New Voices Fund

Chisom A’Marie

Vice President
New Voices Fund

Author:

Alicia Sontag

Co-Founder & Partner
Prelude Growth Partners

Ranked one of Beauty's 50 Most Powerful Women by WWD (2015), and two-time honor of Fortune Most Powerful Women conference (2015/2016), Alicia is a Co-Founder and Partner at Prelude Growth Partners. Prelude Growth Partners is a New York City based growth equity firm focused on providing capital and value-added operatingsupport to high potential, fast-growing consumer brands. Prelude seeks to make investments of $3million to $15 million in each company, across branded consumer categories including personalcare/beauty, food & beverage, baby, pet, health & wellness and other consumer categories.

Alicia Sontag

Co-Founder & Partner
Prelude Growth Partners

Ranked one of Beauty's 50 Most Powerful Women by WWD (2015), and two-time honor of Fortune Most Powerful Women conference (2015/2016), Alicia is a Co-Founder and Partner at Prelude Growth Partners. Prelude Growth Partners is a New York City based growth equity firm focused on providing capital and value-added operatingsupport to high potential, fast-growing consumer brands. Prelude seeks to make investments of $3million to $15 million in each company, across branded consumer categories including personalcare/beauty, food & beverage, baby, pet, health & wellness and other consumer categories.

Author:

Tina Bou-Saba

Co-Founder & Co-Managing Partner
Verity Venture Partners

As a partner and advisor, Tina is open-minded, inclusive, trustworthy, and enthusiastic.  Extremely hands-on in her work, she listens intensely and celebrates collaboration.  Tina has sharp instincts for commercial opportunities, honed through her experience in strategy at Victoria’s Secret and in equity research analyzing public retailers. From exploring international expansion opportunities for a major retailer to crafting marketing strategy for a consumer start-up, she is an independent thinker who loves digging into hard problems.

Tina Bou-Saba

Co-Founder & Co-Managing Partner
Verity Venture Partners

As a partner and advisor, Tina is open-minded, inclusive, trustworthy, and enthusiastic.  Extremely hands-on in her work, she listens intensely and celebrates collaboration.  Tina has sharp instincts for commercial opportunities, honed through her experience in strategy at Victoria’s Secret and in equity research analyzing public retailers. From exploring international expansion opportunities for a major retailer to crafting marketing strategy for a consumer start-up, she is an independent thinker who loves digging into hard problems.

Author:

Joel Palix

Founder
Palix Unlimited

Joel Palix

Founder
Palix Unlimited

Author:

Ann Chung

Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Consumer
Blackstone

Ann Chung

Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Consumer
Blackstone

Author:

Jana Bobosikova

CEO
Epic FutureLabs

Jana Bobosikova

CEO
Epic FutureLabs

Author:

Chris Speier

Vice President
VMG Partners

Chris Speier

Vice President
VMG Partners

CEO & FOUNDERS FORUM

Come together with like-minded leaders in the beauty, personal care, and wellness space to learn, network, and grow. Share experiences, strategic insights, and how to best tackle the key challenges of running your own business whilst building new connections and life long friendships.

The CEO & Founders Forum is an application-only event and we will be in touch to let you know if your application was successful.

Please Note: You MUST be registered to attend the event to attend the CEO Forum.

SPACES ARE LIMITED, APPLY NOW! 

APPLY NOW

GIFT BAGS

Our much loved Beauty Connect Gift Bag is back for 2023, this year with more products than ever before! Interested in having your product featured in our gift bags this year?

Submit your interest below and we'll be in touch to let you know if your product has been selected for this year's gift bag!

With over 500+ expected at this year's Beauty Connect, this is an invaluable opportunity to get your product in the hands of senior decision-makers from across the beauty & wellness space!

We're looking for brands that can provide between 100-600 units of one full or sampled-sized product. Please note we will only consider brands that can provide a minimum of 100 units.

Please Note: You MUST be registered to attend the event to be included in the gift bags.

SPACES ARE LIMITED, APPLY NOW 

APPLY NOW

2023 INDUSTRY SPEAKERS

 

Akshay Talati

VP Product Development – Beauty & Wellness
Goop

Akshay Talati, a pharmacist, is an expert in cosmetic research and innovation, having championed hundreds of successful products at 22 multinational and indie brands over his 30 years career. Currently, as head of product development for Goop, a trending wellness and lifestyle brand, he leads expansion beyond skincare into several other product categories.

Akshay Talati

VP Product Development – Beauty & Wellness
Goop

Akshay Talati

VP Product Development – Beauty & Wellness
Goop

Akshay Talati, a pharmacist, is an expert in cosmetic research and innovation, having championed hundreds of successful products at 22 multinational and indie brands over his 30 years career. Currently, as head of product development for Goop, a trending wellness and lifestyle brand, he leads expansion beyond skincare into several other product categories. He also serves as Vice President-Elect on the board of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, is an executive advisor, speaker, and writer for several trade shows and publications, co-founded Skindie™, and actively engages in mentoring professionals seeking guidance in the beauty industry.

 

Alisa Williams

Partner
VMG Partners

Alisa Williams

Partner
VMG Partners

Alisa Williams

Partner
VMG Partners
 

Amy Elisa Jackson

VP Global Marketing for PATTERN
Beach House Group

Amy Elisa Jackson has worked in a variety of industries, but no matter the role, she is a storyteller first. She is currently the VP of Global Marketing for PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross. Amy Elisa leads the management, development and implementation of operational and product marketing strategies, creative campaigns, retail expansion and innovation for the award-winning haircare brand dedicated to exceed the beauty needs of the curly, coily & tight-texture community. 

Amy Elisa Jackson

VP Global Marketing for PATTERN
Beach House Group

Amy Elisa Jackson

VP Global Marketing for PATTERN
Beach House Group

Amy Elisa Jackson has worked in a variety of industries, but no matter the role, she is a storyteller first. She is currently the VP of Global Marketing for PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross. Amy Elisa leads the management, development and implementation of operational and product marketing strategies, creative campaigns, retail expansion and innovation for the award-winning haircare brand dedicated to exceed the beauty needs of the curly, coily & tight-texture community. 

In previous roles at tech companies like Glassdoor and Facebook, to publishers including People Magazine, EBONY and MSN, she has overseen global editorial content and integrated marketing strategies. She has developed content for brands across lifestyle, digital, culture and news brands, and has interviewed celebrities, policy makers and top executives across the platforms of podcast, digital media, television, and print.

Amy Elisa earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications & Middle Eastern Studies from Stanford University. She lives in Los Angeles with her Chihuahua rescue dog, Shug Avery.

 

Angela Caglia

Co-CEO
Angela Caglia Skincare

A master esthetician of 28 years, Angela Caglia has spent more than 30,000 hours practicing and perfecting her craft. Trained by skincare experts in France and guided by her robust knowledge of natural ingredients learned from her childhood spent on a California farm, her unique approach to skincare is grounded in biocompatible treatments that protect the skin barrier.  

Angela Caglia

Co-CEO
Angela Caglia Skincare

Angela Caglia

Co-CEO
Angela Caglia Skincare

A master esthetician of 28 years, Angela Caglia has spent more than 30,000 hours practicing and perfecting her craft. Trained by skincare experts in France and guided by her robust knowledge of natural ingredients learned from her childhood spent on a California farm, her unique approach to skincare is grounded in biocompatible treatments that protect the skin barrier.  

Formulated without synthetic or harsh ingredients of any kind, her products and practice focus on nourishing and strengthening the lipid barrier to offer better aging support for the skin. Working with leading scientists, Angela Caglia products marry naturally-occurring ingredients with cutting-edge skincare technology to deliver transformational results—all without sensitizing the skin. 

 

Ann Chung

Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Consumer
Blackstone

Ann Chung

Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Consumer
Blackstone

Ann Chung

Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Consumer
Blackstone
 

Beatrice Dixon

Founder
The Honey Pot Company

Beatrice Dixon

Founder
The Honey Pot Company

Beatrice Dixon

Founder
The Honey Pot Company
 

Brandon Ford

Chief Accelerator Director
Lubrizol Life Science

Brandon L. Ford, Chief Accelerator Director of the Lubrizol Life Science Accelerator Program, brings his entrepreneurial mindset, passion for learning and curiosity toward life to his role operating a startup within the walls of a 90-year-old company. Brandon is a nurse and attorney with a BSN from Case Western Reserve University and JD /MBA from The University of Akron.

Brandon Ford

Chief Accelerator Director
Lubrizol Life Science

Brandon Ford

Chief Accelerator Director
Lubrizol Life Science

Brandon L. Ford, Chief Accelerator Director of the Lubrizol Life Science Accelerator Program, brings his entrepreneurial mindset, passion for learning and curiosity toward life to his role operating a startup within the walls of a 90-year-old company. Brandon is a nurse and attorney with a BSN from Case Western Reserve University and JD /MBA from The University of Akron.

For the past four years, Brandon has led the Accelerator, a program that leverages Lubrizol technology, manufacturing and beauty and home care science expertise to provide market-ready solutions, brand development, and quick innovation. Hundreds of entrepreneurs have benefitted from his charismatic leadership to launch and develop their beauty and home care brands. The Accelerator has launched over 100 products globally.   Brandon currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and two sons.

 

Brian Grady

Senior Marketing Specialist
dsm-firmenich

Brian Grady

Senior Marketing Specialist
dsm-firmenich

Brian Grady

Senior Marketing Specialist
dsm-firmenich
 

Brook Harvey-Taylor

Founder & CEO
Pacifica Beauty

Brook Harvey-Taylor

Founder & CEO
Pacifica Beauty

Brook Harvey-Taylor

Founder & CEO
Pacifica Beauty
 

Carol Hamilton

Group President, Luxe Division
L'Oreal USA

Carol Hamilton

Group President, Luxe Division
L'Oreal USA

Carol Hamilton

Group President, Luxe Division
L'Oreal USA
 

Carolyn Cipolla

Director
Anchin

Carolyn Cipolla

Director
Anchin

Carolyn Cipolla

Director
Anchin
 

Celeste Hilling

Founder & CEO
Skin Authority

Celeste Hilling

Founder & CEO
Skin Authority

Celeste Hilling

Founder & CEO
Skin Authority
 

Chanaan Thomas

Senior Director of Merchandising Strategy & Insights
Ulta Beauty

Chanaan Thomas

Senior Director of Merchandising Strategy & Insights
Ulta Beauty

Chanaan Thomas

Senior Director of Merchandising Strategy & Insights
Ulta Beauty
 

Chelsea Riggs

Global President
Amika

Chelsea Riggs

Global President
Amika

Chelsea Riggs

Global President
Amika
 

Chisom A’Marie

Vice President
New Voices Fund

Chisom A’Marie

Vice President
New Voices Fund

Chisom A’Marie

Vice President
New Voices Fund
 

Conor Begley

Co-Founder, Tribe Dynamics & Chief Strategy Officer
CreatorIQ

Conor Begley is the Co-founder Tribe Dynamics and Chief Strategy Officer at CreatorIQ. In September 2021, Tribe Dynamics was acquired by CreatorIQ to create the leading influencer marketing platform for the creator economy, bringing together influencer performance management and analytics solutions to help brands and businesses. Conor has been named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Influencer Marketing by Influence Weekly, and was recognized as one of the 100 Leaders of Tomorrow by St. Gallen’s Symposium.

Conor Begley

Co-Founder, Tribe Dynamics & Chief Strategy Officer
CreatorIQ

Conor Begley

Co-Founder, Tribe Dynamics & Chief Strategy Officer
CreatorIQ

Conor Begley is the Co-founder Tribe Dynamics and Chief Strategy Officer at CreatorIQ. In September 2021, Tribe Dynamics was acquired by CreatorIQ to create the leading influencer marketing platform for the creator economy, bringing together influencer performance management and analytics solutions to help brands and businesses. Conor has been named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Influencer Marketing by Influence Weekly, and was recognized as one of the 100 Leaders of Tomorrow by St. Gallen’s Symposium.

 

Courtney Armstrong

VP, eCommerce Sales Planning and Acceleration
L’Oréal

Courtney Armstrong

VP, eCommerce Sales Planning and Acceleration
L’Oréal

Courtney Armstrong

VP, eCommerce Sales Planning and Acceleration
L’Oréal
 

Cristina Nuñez

Co-founder & Partner
True Beauty Ventures

Cristina Nuñez

Co-founder & Partner
True Beauty Ventures

Cristina Nuñez

Co-founder & Partner
True Beauty Ventures
 

Daniel Hodgdon

Co-Founder & CEO
Vegamour

Daniel Hodgdon

Co-Founder & CEO
Vegamour

Daniel Hodgdon

Co-Founder & CEO
Vegamour
 

Darryl Thompson

Chief Investment Officer
New Voices Fund

Darryl Thompson

Chief Investment Officer
New Voices Fund

Darryl Thompson

Chief Investment Officer
New Voices Fund
 

Dave Smith

Senior Vice President M&A, Investments & Licensing
Estée Lauder Companies

Dave Smith

Senior Vice President M&A, Investments & Licensing
Estée Lauder Companies

Dave Smith

Senior Vice President M&A, Investments & Licensing
Estée Lauder Companies
 

David Baker

Chief Digital Officer
Beekman 1802

David Baker

Chief Digital Officer
Beekman 1802

David Baker

Chief Digital Officer
Beekman 1802
 

David Gaylord

Co-Founder & CEO
Bushbalm

David Gaylord

Co-Founder & CEO
Bushbalm

David Gaylord

Co-Founder & CEO
Bushbalm
 

Emily Perez

Founder
Latinas in Beauty

Emily Perez

Founder
Latinas in Beauty

Emily Perez

Founder
Latinas in Beauty
 

Ilya Seglin

Managing Director
Threadstone

Ilya Seglin

Managing Director
Threadstone

Ilya Seglin

Managing Director
Threadstone
 

Jana Wright

Partner
Moss Adams

Jana Wright is a partner with Moss Adams, LLP where she has practiced public accounting since 2007.  She provides assurance and consulting services to clients in the beauty and fashion industries. Jana’s specific experience includes managing audit and review engagements, acquisition accounting, cash flow projection preparation, and evaluating internal control and financial reporting processes. Her key to success is building strong, long-lasting client relationships.

Jana Wright

Partner
Moss Adams

Jana Wright

Partner
Moss Adams

Jana Wright is a partner with Moss Adams, LLP where she has practiced public accounting since 2007.  She provides assurance and consulting services to clients in the beauty and fashion industries. Jana’s specific experience includes managing audit and review engagements, acquisition accounting, cash flow projection preparation, and evaluating internal control and financial reporting processes. Her key to success is building strong, long-lasting client relationships. Jana is actively involved in the firm’s mentor program and is the firm’s lead recruiter for California State University, Long Beach. She is also a leader in Moss Adams’ Forum W initiative. Jana was nominated for CalCPA’s Emerging Leader Award in both 2018 and 2020.

 

Jenn Harper

Founder & CEO
Cheekbone Beauty

Jenn Harper

Founder & CEO
Cheekbone Beauty

Jenn Harper

Founder & CEO
Cheekbone Beauty
 

Joel Palix

Founder
Palix Unlimited

Joel Palix

Founder
Palix Unlimited

Joel Palix

Founder
Palix Unlimited
 

Ju Rhyu

Co-Founder & CEO
Hero Cosmetics

Ju Rhyu

Co-Founder & CEO
Hero Cosmetics

Ju Rhyu

Co-Founder & CEO
Hero Cosmetics
 

Kara Posner

Partner
Giannuzzi Lewendon

Kara Posner

Partner
Giannuzzi Lewendon

Kara Posner

Partner
Giannuzzi Lewendon
 

Kinta Gates

VP Supply Chain & Operations
Glossier

Kinta Gates

VP Supply Chain & Operations
Glossier

Kinta Gates

VP Supply Chain & Operations
Glossier
 

Krystal McNear

Global Director Multicultural Marketing
L’Oreal

Krystal is a distinguished and forward-thinking marketing executive who brings more than ten years of extensive experience driving brand elevation and robust strategies positioning the organization as an industry leader in a highly competitive landscape. She was recognized as a “Top 40 Under 40 Emerging Leader” within the Home Furnishing industry and featured in the Home Furnishing Magazine in April of 2017.

Krystal McNear

Global Director Multicultural Marketing
L’Oreal

Krystal McNear

Global Director Multicultural Marketing
L’Oreal

Krystal is a distinguished and forward-thinking marketing executive who brings more than ten years of extensive experience driving brand elevation and robust strategies positioning the organization as an industry leader in a highly competitive landscape. She was recognized as a “Top 40 Under 40 Emerging Leader” within the Home Furnishing industry and featured in the Home Furnishing Magazine in April of 2017. Krystal develops and drives powerful digital marketing campaigns and operational plans aligned with the enterprise objectives delivering extraordinary measurable results to move the organization forward. She oversees multi-million-dollar budgets ensuring margin growth and cost control.

 

Lauren Bowker

Founder
T H E U N S E E N

Lauren Bowker is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers and innovators in beauty of our time. As a Material Alchemist Lauren founded the T H E U N S E E N in 2014, with the curiosity to explore and the ambition of applying material science to improve lives. Since then, she has taken her revolutionary transformative compounds to the epicentre of fashion, industry, and society, collaborating with a variety of high-profile global brands and organisations from Virgin Galactic to the NHS.

Lauren Bowker

Founder
T H E U N S E E N

Lauren Bowker

Founder
T H E U N S E E N

Lauren Bowker is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers and innovators in beauty of our time. As a Material Alchemist Lauren founded the T H E U N S E E N in 2014, with the curiosity to explore and the ambition of applying material science to improve lives. Since then, she has taken her revolutionary transformative compounds to the epicentre of fashion, industry, and society, collaborating with a variety of high-profile global brands and organisations from Virgin Galactic to the NHS. Her work has been exhibited worldwide and has inspired material innovation and user experience in the automotive, aeronautics, technology, healthcare, retail, fashion, textiles, and beauty sectors.

In February 2017, Lauren released F I R E, the world’s first colour-changing hair dye that responds to the environment, receiving more than 80m views online in the hours after its unveiling, and in 2021 launched T H E U N S E E N Beauty with the vision of becoming the forefront of intelligent beauty by offering true innovation in the beauty industry.

Lauren is an ambassador for STEM, a spokes person for climate activitsm for the UN and on the board of The British Beauty Council, helping to bring about transformation and innovation in the beauty industry. As T H E U N S E E N, Lauren is a curious person that sets out to explore the unseen.

 

Lizbeth Zuniga

Founder & CEO
Acquire Beauty

Lizbeth Zuniga, the Founder and CEO of Acquire Beauty, brings her profound expertise to the beauty industry. She is recognized for her leadership in end-to-end supply chain operations consulting. With over 15 years in the Beauty Industry, Lizbeth is an expert in spearheading transformative business initiatives. Before establishing Acquire Beauty, Lizbeth played a pivotal role in the Consumer Goods industry, where she excelled in acquisitions, brand expansions, and system implementations.

Lizbeth Zuniga

Founder & CEO
Acquire Beauty

Lizbeth Zuniga

Founder & CEO
Acquire Beauty

Lizbeth Zuniga, the Founder and CEO of Acquire Beauty, brings her profound expertise to the beauty industry. She is recognized for her leadership in end-to-end supply chain operations consulting. With over 15 years in the Beauty Industry, Lizbeth is an expert in spearheading transformative business initiatives. Before establishing Acquire Beauty, Lizbeth played a pivotal role in the Consumer Goods industry, where she excelled in acquisitions, brand expansions, and system implementations. Her insights and dedication have earned her a reputation as a trusted authority in supply chain excellence for beauty brands.

 

Lizbeth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Rutgers University. She spends her time living between NJ and Peru with her dog Lina.  In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and volunteering with Fuller Center and Habitat for Humanity International. 

 

Luc-Henry Rousselle

Managing Director
DC Advisory

Based in the US, Luc-Henry is a Managing Director on DC Advisory’s Consumer, Leisure and Retail team, specializing in Beauty & Personal Care.

Luc-Henry’s previous investment banking experience includes advisory roles at Lehman Brothers, Barclays and Moelis & Company in London and New York. Luc-Henry’s operating experience consists of five years at the Estée Lauder Companies where he held leadership roles in the corporate development team and at MAC Cosmetics.

Luc-Henry Rousselle

Managing Director
DC Advisory

Luc-Henry Rousselle

Managing Director
DC Advisory

Based in the US, Luc-Henry is a Managing Director on DC Advisory’s Consumer, Leisure and Retail team, specializing in Beauty & Personal Care.

Luc-Henry’s previous investment banking experience includes advisory roles at Lehman Brothers, Barclays and Moelis & Company in London and New York. Luc-Henry’s operating experience consists of five years at the Estée Lauder Companies where he held leadership roles in the corporate development team and at MAC Cosmetics.

Luc-Henry received his M.Sc. in Management from ESCP Business School with a Major in Finance. He is fluent in English, French and Spanish.

 

Maria Contino

EVP & Western Region Sales Manager
Rosenthal & Rosenthal

Maria Contino

EVP & Western Region Sales Manager
Rosenthal & Rosenthal

Maria Contino

EVP & Western Region Sales Manager
Rosenthal & Rosenthal
 

Mary Berry

CEO & Founder
Cosmos Labs

Mary Berry

CEO & Founder
Cosmos Labs

Mary Berry

CEO & Founder
Cosmos Labs
 

Mathieu Joubert

AVP, eComm Supply Chain, D2C
L’Oréal

Mathieu Joubert

AVP, eComm Supply Chain, D2C
L’Oréal

Mathieu Joubert

AVP, eComm Supply Chain, D2C
L’Oréal
 

Melissa Butler

Founder & CEO
The Lip Bar

Melissa Butler

Founder & CEO
The Lip Bar

Melissa Butler

Founder & CEO
The Lip Bar
 

Melissa Dixon

Director of Marketing Content
BigCommerce

Melissa Dixon

Director of Marketing Content
BigCommerce

Melissa Dixon

Director of Marketing Content
BigCommerce
 

Michele Miyakawa

Managing Director
Moelis & Company

Michele Miyakawa

Managing Director
Moelis & Company

Michele Miyakawa

Managing Director
Moelis & Company
 

Michelle Yip

Business Development Specialist
Croda

Michelle Yip is the Business Development Specialist for Sederma at Croda Inc and has over 5 years of experience in the Beauty Industry. She has a diverse background having roles in Marketing, Synthesis Development, and Sales. Along with ACS accreditation, she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology. She furthered her studies by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with a concentration in Biomedicinal Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Michelle Yip

Business Development Specialist
Croda

Michelle Yip

Business Development Specialist
Croda

Michelle Yip is the Business Development Specialist for Sederma at Croda Inc and has over 5 years of experience in the Beauty Industry. She has a diverse background having roles in Marketing, Synthesis Development, and Sales. Along with ACS accreditation, she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology. She furthered her studies by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with a concentration in Biomedicinal Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology. At Croda, she collaborates with the sales team in the West Coast and Midwest regions to foster innovation and drive successful projects with key customers. She has a passion for working with indie brands and sharing her expertise to help them grow and navigate the ever-evolving beauty landscape.

In addition, she loves to volunteer at local schools for STEM outreach to promote and inspire interest in STEM disciplines. In her spare time, she enjoys performing in community theater, hiking, and finding the newest, trendy foodie spots!   

 

Mimi Ghosh

Financial Sponsors Coverage
Bank of America

Mimi Ghosh

Financial Sponsors Coverage
Bank of America

Mimi Ghosh

Financial Sponsors Coverage
Bank of America
 

Muffy Clince

Director of Emerging Brands
Ulta Beauty

Muffy Clince

Director of Emerging Brands
Ulta Beauty

Muffy Clince

Director of Emerging Brands
Ulta Beauty
 

Neha Singh

Founder & CEO
Obsess

Neha Singh is the Founder and CEO of Obsess, an experiential e-commerce platform enabling brands and retailers to create immersive 3D virtual stores. She was previously the head of product at Vogue, where she was responsible for the company’s digital business. Neha began her career at Google, where she was a software engineer and tech lead. She holds an Undergraduate Degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a Graduate Degree from MIT.

Neha Singh

Founder & CEO
Obsess

Neha Singh

Founder & CEO
Obsess

Neha Singh is the Founder and CEO of Obsess, an experiential e-commerce platform enabling brands and retailers to create immersive 3D virtual stores. She was previously the head of product at Vogue, where she was responsible for the company’s digital business. Neha began her career at Google, where she was a software engineer and tech lead. She holds an Undergraduate Degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a Graduate Degree from MIT. In working with brands and retailers in her previous roles, Neha noticed that they were having a hard time translating the visual, interactive, sticky experience of physical stores into digital environments. Obsess was created to bridge the gap between consumer engagement and digital commerce—all in a highly branded, elevated way.

 

Noah Rosenblatt

President North America
SpaceNK

Noah Rosenblatt

President North America
SpaceNK

Noah Rosenblatt

President North America
SpaceNK
 

Nyakio Grieco

Co-Founder & Founder
Thirteen Lune & Relevant

Nyakio Grieco

Co-Founder & Founder
Thirteen Lune & Relevant

Nyakio Grieco

Co-Founder & Founder
Thirteen Lune & Relevant
 

Patrick O'Keefe

VP Integrated Marketing Communications
E.L.F BEAUTY

Patrick O'Keefe

VP Integrated Marketing Communications
E.L.F BEAUTY

Patrick O'Keefe

VP Integrated Marketing Communications
E.L.F BEAUTY
 

Rich Gersten

Co-Founder & Managing Partner
True Beauty Capital

Mr. Richard Gersten is Co-founder & Managing Partner of True Beauty Capital. Mr. Gersten has over 25 years of experience in the private equity industry and has spent the last 19 years focused exclusively on the consumer and retail sector, with an emphasis in the beauty and personal care industry. He currently sits on the board of directors of Algenist, Cos Bar, This Works, Active Ride Shop, NEST Fragrances, Deva Curl, and formerly sat on the board of directors for Laura Geller Beauty.

Rich Gersten

Co-Founder & Managing Partner
True Beauty Capital

Rich Gersten

Co-Founder & Managing Partner
True Beauty Capital

Mr. Richard Gersten is Co-founder & Managing Partner of True Beauty Capital. Mr. Gersten has over 25 years of experience in the private equity industry and has spent the last 19 years focused exclusively on the consumer and retail sector, with an emphasis in the beauty and personal care industry. He currently sits on the board of directors of Algenist, Cos Bar, This Works, Active Ride Shop, NEST Fragrances, Deva Curl, and formerly sat on the board of directors for Laura Geller Beauty.

 

Richard Kestenbaum

Partner
Triangle Capital, LLC

Richard is a co-founder and Partner of Triangle Capital and has been an investment banker for over 35 years. Richard has a great deal of experience advising clients in merchandising businesses, particularly in the Retail & Consumer sector. Richard is an often-quoted expert on the retail and merchandising industries. He is a Contributor to Forbes.com where he writes a regular blog about trends in retail and consumer product businesses. He also appears regularly in print and other media as well as industry panels and speaking programs.

Richard Kestenbaum

Partner
Triangle Capital, LLC

Richard Kestenbaum

Partner
Triangle Capital, LLC

Richard is a co-founder and Partner of Triangle Capital and has been an investment banker for over 35 years. Richard has a great deal of experience advising clients in merchandising businesses, particularly in the Retail & Consumer sector. Richard is an often-quoted expert on the retail and merchandising industries. He is a Contributor to Forbes.com where he writes a regular blog about trends in retail and consumer product businesses. He also appears regularly in print and other media as well as industry panels and speaking programs.

Before co-founding Triangle, Richard was a Managing Director at a boutique investment banking firm called Financo, Inc. While at Financo, Richard was responsible for a majority of the firm’s apparel industry transactions. Prior to joining Financo, Richard was a Partner and First Vice President at Drexel Burnham Lambert Inc. At Drexel, Richard was responsible for a group of 14 professionals doing middle-market mergers and acquisitions around the world.

Richard is the co-author of three books on finance and computer programming. He is formerly an Adjunct Assistant Professor of International Business at the graduate program of the Stern School of Business at York University.

Richard received a BS in Accounting from New York University and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Harvard University. Richard is married and lives in New York.

Click here to read Richard’s blog and follow him on Forbes.com.

 

Romain Gaillard

Founder & CEO
The Detox Market

Romain Gaillard

Founder & CEO
The Detox Market

Romain Gaillard

Founder & CEO
The Detox Market
 

Ron Robinson

Founder & CEO
BeautyStat

Ron Robinson

Founder & CEO
BeautyStat

Ron Robinson

Founder & CEO
BeautyStat
 

Samantha Kimmel

Creative Partnerships
TikTok

Samantha Kimmel

Creative Partnerships
TikTok

Samantha Kimmel

Creative Partnerships
TikTok
 

Shai Eisenman

Founder & CEO
Bubble

Shai Eisenman

Founder & CEO
Bubble

Shai Eisenman

Founder & CEO
Bubble
 

Sid Mikhail

Founder/CEO
Luminize

Sid Mikhail

Founder/CEO
Luminize

Sid Mikhail

Founder/CEO
Luminize
 

Sonia Summers

Founder & CEO
Beauty Barrage

Shielded Beauty Founder & CEO Sonia Summers began her career working in-house for global powerhouses like Avon, where her team won WWD’s highly coveted “Best Executed Brand Launch” award in 2014. In 2015 she launched Beauty Barrage, an outsourced sales management agency complete with a highly successful and modern field team – helping to create signature experiences and a “human touch” at retail.

Sonia Summers

Founder & CEO
Beauty Barrage

Sonia Summers

Founder & CEO
Beauty Barrage

Shielded Beauty Founder & CEO Sonia Summers began her career working in-house for global powerhouses like Avon, where her team won WWD’s highly coveted “Best Executed Brand Launch” award in 2014. In 2015 she launched Beauty Barrage, an outsourced sales management agency complete with a highly successful and modern field team – helping to create signature experiences and a “human touch” at retail. Beauty Barrage represents an impressive portfolio of brands including: L’Oreal, PerriconeMD, The Proactiv Company, Unilever, Coty, Nudestix, Dermaflash and many others.


Back in 2020 when the COVID crisis unfolded, Sonia found herself constantly searching for a safer way to protect our skin — but she couldn’t find any highly-effective purifying products that also prioritized nourishing the skin’s microbiome. Sonia felt like she shouldn’t have to compromise on luxury for efficacy, she decided to start developing the products that she was desperately looking for herself!

 

Susie Willis

Founder & CEO
Romilly Wilde

As a wellness entrepreneur and self-confessed science geek, Susie was early to the Biotechnology stage. With the range of energetic, biotech ‘max-load’ skincare, this certified and clinically proven brand has a skincare system that has a clear philosophy.  Substantiation, Sustainability and Science. 

Susie Willis

Founder & CEO
Romilly Wilde

Susie Willis

Founder & CEO
Romilly Wilde

As a wellness entrepreneur and self-confessed science geek, Susie was early to the Biotechnology stage. With the range of energetic, biotech ‘max-load’ skincare, this certified and clinically proven brand has a skincare system that has a clear philosophy.  Substantiation, Sustainability and Science. 

With a very clean method of classic skincare formulation from conception (no white label here), the tech side of beauty truly inspired Susie and The Romilly Wilde ethos has always been to disrupt the norm and lead from the position of future proofing a brand, not taking short-cuts and embedding the business in integrity, substantiation and ethics.

“From the start, we have wanted to create something unlike anything else on the market. We offer our customers something that not only stimulates, but that is sensorial and joyful to use. Our products create an immediate sense of quality, integrity and energy for a transformative impact on the skin and a respect for the environment. We are changing the way people think about skin biology and skincare. We are so proud of our awards and accreditations from leading industry bodies who recognise our efforts. I couldn’t be more excited to share our journey, and for you to see the extraordinary results possible with Romilly Wilde – where science collides vibrantly with nature.”

 

Suveen Sahib

Co-Founder & CEO
K18

Suveen Sahib

Co-Founder & CEO
K18

Suveen Sahib

Co-Founder & CEO
K18
 

Tara Lamont

Director, Walmart.com: Marketplace Beauty
Walmart

Tara Lamont

Director, Walmart.com: Marketplace Beauty
Walmart

Tara Lamont

Director, Walmart.com: Marketplace Beauty
Walmart
 

Timothy Sousa

Director
Whipstitch Capital

Timothy Sousa

Director
Whipstitch Capital

Timothy Sousa

Director
Whipstitch Capital
 

Tina Bou-Saba

Co-Founder & Co-Managing Partner
Verity Venture Partners

As a partner and advisor, Tina is open-minded, inclusive, trustworthy, and enthusiastic.  Extremely hands-on in her work, she listens intensely and celebrates collaboration.  Tina has sharp instincts for commercial opportunities, honed through her experience in strategy at Victoria’s Secret and in equity research analyzing public retailers. From exploring international expansion opportunities for a major retailer to crafting marketing strategy for a consumer start-up, she is an independent thinker who loves digging into hard problems.

Tina Bou-Saba

Co-Founder & Co-Managing Partner
Verity Venture Partners

Tina Bou-Saba

Co-Founder & Co-Managing Partner
Verity Venture Partners

As a partner and advisor, Tina is open-minded, inclusive, trustworthy, and enthusiastic.  Extremely hands-on in her work, she listens intensely and celebrates collaboration.  Tina has sharp instincts for commercial opportunities, honed through her experience in strategy at Victoria’s Secret and in equity research analyzing public retailers. From exploring international expansion opportunities for a major retailer to crafting marketing strategy for a consumer start-up, she is an independent thinker who loves digging into hard problems.

 

Tony Morales

VP of Brand Growth
Luminize

Tony Morales

VP of Brand Growth
Luminize

Tony Morales

VP of Brand Growth
Luminize
 

Zach Thomann

President & COO
PFS

As Chief Operating Officer and President, Zach is responsible for the direction and management of all PFS activities, including fulfillment and distribution operations, client financial services, contact center, and omnichannel operations on behalf of PFS’ clients. Working with his leadership team across those areas, Zach leads the efforts to identify new revenue opportunities while maintaining an efficient and profitable operation for PFS clients.

Zach Thomann

President & COO
PFS

Zach Thomann

President & COO
PFS

As Chief Operating Officer and President, Zach is responsible for the direction and management of all PFS activities, including fulfillment and distribution operations, client financial services, contact center, and omnichannel operations on behalf of PFS’ clients. Working with his leadership team across those areas, Zach leads the efforts to identify new revenue opportunities while maintaining an efficient and profitable operation for PFS clients.

Zach joined PFSweb, Inc. in 2003 and has held roles of increasing responsibility in both the Business Management and Client Implementation departments, including serving as Vice President of Business Management. Previously, Zach worked as a program manager at AmerisourceBergen, a Fortune 50 company. With extensive experience in 3PL and end-to-end eCommerce solutions, Zach brings consultative expertise and a proven track record for bringing success to PFS’ clients.

Zach holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas and an MBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Dallas.

HOSTED BRANDS & RETAILERS PROGRAM

Low risk & high reward, this opportunity enables brands and retailers to join Beauty Connect at no cost, by committing to eight prescheduled meetings in person at the event. Applications are now open for review, with those selected receiving a complimentary ticket to attend our show with travel and expenses covered*.

*T&Cs apply

ARE YOU A BRAND?

APPLY HERE

ARE YOU A RETAILER?

APPLY HERE

OUR 2023 PARTNERS

Headline Ingredients Partner

Headline Logistics Partner

Platinum Partners

Gold Partners

Silver Partner

Event Partners

Brand Partner

Headline Media Partners

Media Partners

OUR 2023 PROGRAM

Download Our 2023 Program

REGISTER

Sending Your Team? Group Discounts Available!

Applicable for Primary Market, Service Provider and Industry Rates Only. Not available for Academic or ‘Start-Up’ rates

Book a Team of 3+ - Save an Additional 10% Off
Book a Team of 5+ - Save an Additional 15% Off

If you would like to register a team of 3 or more, please email [email protected] for your discount coupon code before registering. PLEASE NOTE: Discounts cannot be combined with Early Bird Pricing or any other discount or offer. If you have any questions about your registration, please call us on +44 (0)20 3696 2920

We accept the following cards through Stripe:

Ticket price will increase in

— October 21, 2023 —

Sunday, November 6, 2022 to Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Investors (Private Equity/ Venture Capital)
$1,499
Saturday, September 23, 2023 to Friday, October 20, 2023
Independent Consumer Brands Below $99mil Annual Revenue
$1,099
30 tickets remaining, save $100 (Standard Price $1,199)
Saturday, September 23, 2023 to Friday, October 20, 2023
Consumer Brands Above $100mil Annual Revenue/ Multinationals
$1,299
Book before October 20, save $100 (Standard Price $1,399)
Saturday, September 23, 2023 to Friday, October 20, 2023
Industry Supporting
$3,699
Book before October 20, save $200 (Standard Price $3,899)
Suppliers
Distributors
Service Providers
Consultants
Investment Banks
Preparing registration...

Venue

Loews Hollywood Hotel, 1755 North Highland Avenue Hollywood, CA 90028

Book Accommodation

We have a limited number of discounted rooms available for $239++.

Book Now

About Kisaco Research

Kisaco Research produces, designs and hosts B2B industry conferences, exhibitions and communities – focused on a specialized selection of topic areas.

Meet industry peers that will help build a career-changing network for life.

Learn from the mistakes of your peers as much as their successes—ambitious industry stalwarts who are happy to share not just what has made them successful so far but also their plans for future proofing their companies.

Note down the inspired insight that will form the foundation for future strategies and roadmaps, both at our events and through our online communities.

Invest both in your company growth and your own personal development by signing up to one of our events and get started.

CONTACT US