Earned: Unlocking the Power of the Creator Economy

In Ep. 125 of Earned, Conor sits down with Jackie Pimentel, Senior Director of Creators and Threads at trillion-dollar social networking conglomerate Meta. To start, we dive into the origin story of Facebook, and learn how our previously fragmented world has become increasingly more connected. Jackie shares why Meta keeps users at the center of everything they do, and how that contributes to a constantly evolving platform. We then pivot to Reels, and Jackie reveals that they’ve grown to over two billion views per day. We dive into Meta’s newest platform—Threads—and hear how the team incorporated “FOMO” into the launch strategy. Jackie reveals the secrets to a successful product launch, and we discuss the diverse and vibrant communities that have grown within each of Meta’s platforms. We then explore Jackie’s own publishing journey, and hear how she found her authentic voice, before she praises creators for everything they do. To close the show, Jackie shares how she strives to live a balanced life as a leader and a mother. In this episode, you’ll learn: How strategically balancing technology and human insight propelled the growth and evolution of Meta's product suite. How Meta leverages community feedback to drive successful product launches and increase user engagement. Why Meta encourages its users to embrace their humanness and share their authentic selves on social platforms. Resources: Meta - https://about.meta.com/ Connect with the Guest: Jackie’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-pim/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 124 of Earned, Conor sits down with Courtney Shields, social media icon (with over 1M Instagram followers) and Co-founder of fast-growing beauty brand DIBS. To start, we dive into the ups and the downs of product creation, and learn the story behind two of DIBS Beauty’s most successful product launches. Courtney shares why she needs to feel 100% confident in a product before putting it out in the world, and how that only enhances the excitement of seeing DIBS “in the wild.” With over 10 years of experience in social media and a passion for beauty, Courtney explains how the idea for DIBS Beauty came out of understanding her community’s needs and wanting to create a solution for them. We unpack how Courtney built a loyal fanbase for DIBS Beauty in its early stages by finding people who truly love and use the brand organically, before hearing why the DIBS Beauty team focuses on the entire experience of the product to take the guesswork out of beauty. Next, Courtney reveals the secret to her success co-founding a brand as a creator, and how her personal experiences as a creator have helped inform DIBS Beauty’s influencer marketing strategy. We then dive into Courtney’s life as a creator and hear where her “line” is when it comes to sharing her personal life online. Courtney reveals her “evolve or die” mindset when it comes to ever-changing social media platforms, and how she approaches Instagram versus TikTok. To close the show, Courtney reminds us that what you see on social media is a packaged polished version of people, and that if you don’t like following someone—unfollow them! In this episode, you’ll learn: How balancing transparency and privacy in personal branding can foster an authentic connection with audiences without compromising personal boundaries. The importance of evolving content strategies across platforms, like shifting from Instagram to TikTok, to stay relevant and engaged with your community. The critical role of personal experiences in shaping a brand's narrative and product development, as seen through the creation of DIBS Beauty. Resources: Dibs - https://dibsbeauty.com/collections/all Connect with the Guest: Courtney’s Website - https://courtneyshields.com/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

Today not only marks Earned’s 123rd episode, but also its fourth birthday! To celebrate this milestone, Conor sits down with an esteemed guest: Michelle Crossan-Matos, Chief Marketing Officer of retail powerhouse Ulta Beauty. We kick off the episode by diving into what Michelle calls a “fabulous year of results and people.” While Michelle only joined the Ulta Beauty team one year ago, we learn that she’s had over a decade’s worth of experience in the beauty industry. We hear why Michelle believes Ulta has “a responsibility to change consumer’s lives,” before learning how the retailer is shaping beauty as a force for good, for all. Beyond her role as Chief Marketing Officer, Michelle shares that her other job—being a mother of two—is what gives her a bigger sense of purpose, before reflecting on the importance of finding happiness and joy in life—which also happens to be Ulta Beauty’s inherent mission. Switching gears, we discover that not only is Ulta the largest beauty chain in all 50 states with over 1,400 doors, it also boasts the largest loyalty program—with over 42 MILLION members in the U.S. alone. We unpack the challenges of being a multi-brand retailer with over 600 brands, and Michelle shares the advice she gives to brands hoping to earn a spot in Ulta’s doors. To close the show, Michelle talks about her own publishing journey before ending on the concept of energy—which clearly isn’t lacking from anyone in this episode! In this episode, you’ll learn: The power of community engagement in loyalty programs and how community building is essential for driving brand success. The value of our core fundamental goals as humans to find happiness and joy, which leads into Ulta Beauty’s inherent mission to help people enjoy their lives. The importance of authentic leadership and how Michelle Crossan-Matos curates her energy to inspire, build confidence, and have fun, contributing to her success as a natural leader. Resources: Ulta Beauty - https://www.ulta.com/ Connect with the Guest: Michelle’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecrossantheweeklycmo Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ Timestamps: [2:53] How Michelle and Ulta Beauty are planning on positively impacting the world [10:57] Challenges Michelle faces while managing Ulta Beauty [14:58] What encouraged Michelle and Ulta Beauty to start sending out newsletters [18:47] How Michelle effectively manages and uplifts her team at Ulta Beauty

In Episode 122 of Earned, Conor sits down with Taylor Frankel, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Nudestix. To start, we dive into the founding story of Nudestix. Back in 2014, at the young age of 17, Taylor launched the brand in collaboration with her mother (Jenny Frankel) and sister (Ally Frankel) back in 2014. With a desire to create a product for those wanting “just enough” to feel more put together, the mother-daughter trio was armed with Jenny’s experience at beauty brand CoverFX. With Nudestix’s EMV surging 99% over the last four months, we learn about the data-driven strategy behind the brand’s growth—and Nudestix has utilized CreatorIQ to achieve this momentum. Next, we explore how Nudestix views relationship-building with creators, and how being community-driven has gotten the brand to where it is today. Taylor speaks to her personal goals as a founder, and how even as a public face of the company, she still finds balance when it comes to sharing her content. By enforcing boundaries, Taylor has built and maintained her own following, sharing some of the day-to-day tasks she performs as a founder and what it takes to build a business. We then learn about how Nudestix formed partnerships with high-profile celebrities such as Hillary Duff and Sophia Ritchie Grange, and how these partners truly immersed themselves in the success of the business. Between the virality of Sophia’s wedding and the collaboration that Hillary inspired, Taylor praises both partners for their investment in the brand from the start. Taylor then lets us in on Nudestix’s entry strategy for the skincare and bodycare categories, which includes making sure that each line has its individualized moment. To close the show, Taylor and Conor chat about their email inbox numbers, and the goal to have it at zero each day—which reminds me…. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. How embracing viral moments can catalyze long-term brand growth and deeper community engagement. 2. How Nudestix leverages their social media community to drive product innovation and maintain a dialogue with consumers, reinforcing trust and loyalty. 3. The balance of personal branding and privacy with Taylor's candid discussion on the intersection of the founders' identity with the brand narrative in the digital age. Resources: NUDESTIX - https://www.nudestix.com/ Connect with the Guest: Taylor’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-frankel-0ab0b5102/?originalSubdomain=ca Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ Timestamps: [5:31] Challenges Taylor faced in the initial stages of NUDESTIX [15:02] The viral wedding look and revenue growth [20:00] What led NUDESTIX into skincare [25:03] How Taylor balances her personal and professional lives [30:01] Strategies NUDESTIX employs to build and maintain trust within their community

In Ep. 121 of Earned, Conor sits down with Chris Ruder, CEO of Spikeball—the world’s largest supplier of roundnet equipment. To start, we dive into the background of Spikeball, which originally launched in 1989, before learning how Chris revived the name in 2004. With his original job being a sales position at Microsoft, Chris shares that he had no idea what steps to take, but that inspiration struck after seeing the game on a family vacation. Next, we explore the journey of building up to the re-launch, and how Chris was able to use his resources to create the product we know as Spikeball. Chris speaks to how he balanced running the Spikeball brand while simultaneously working his corporate job, and claims that the energizing work he did on Spikeball was what kept him going. We discuss what Chris loved about having the autonomy to build a consumer-forward brand, and how it led to feeling fulfilled in his career. By following the community of Spikeball players and monitoring what they’re asking for, Chris empowered a group of avid-roundnet players into a loyal fanbase itching to participate in tournaments. We then learn how Spikeball has maintained its focus on its competitive community while also maintaining the balance of making “at-home players” feel valued. Between the way Spikeball motivates its customer service to treat players as friends, the ‘Spikeballer of the week newsletter,’ and its social media strategy, Spikeball is always chasing the idea of being fully human. To close the show, Chris shares his own level of skill at the game, and how much he admires those who dedicate themselves to the craft. In this episode, you will learn: Resources: Spikeball - https://spikeball.com/ Connect with the Guest: Chris’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisruder/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ Timestamps: [4:01] How Chris initially approached marketing and distribution for Spikeball [14:46] How Chris balanced the needs of competitive players with those who play Spikeball casually [25:01] How Spikeball infiltrated niche groups, like Christian youth organizations [35:31] The importance of brand protection and becoming a proprietary eponym

For Ep. 120 of Earned, we decided to spice things up. Conor sits down with Alex Rawitz, CreatorIQ’s own Director of Research & Insights, and author of the renowned newsletter, “How to Build Brands and Influence People.” Conor puts Alex in the hot seat by tackling the famed Hot Ones challenge, wherein they both eat progressively spicier chicken wings throughout the interview. To start the show, we dive into Alex’s background, and learn why the New York native turned Stanford graduate decided to join a little-known influencer marketing tech company called Tribe Dynamics back in 2016. The pair reminisce about what it was like to be in the center of a then-nascent industry, and how it’s since turned into a thriving creator economy. We take a step back and explore Alex’s passion for reading, and learn more about how he uses writing as a way of processing the world around him. Next, we talk HBBIP: what it is, why it started, and why it’s been so successful since its launch. Alex berates Conor for not finishing his chicken wings, then shares the tried-and-true strategies and patterns he’s observed among successful brands over his last eight years researching the industry. We hear about the latest brands that are doing influencer marketing right—from Raising Cane’s to Balenciaga—before unpacking the evolution of the influencer marketing space since Alex first joined in 2016. To close the show, Alex shares his predictions for the future of the creator economy, then tries the hottest wing in the lineup—The Last Dab—as he unveils a special announcement. In this episode, you will learn: How the influencer marketing space has evolved since Alex joined the industry in 2016, and where he thinks its headed next. Alex's process for researching and writing his "How to Build Brands and Influence People" newsletter (and why we're turning it into his own podcast!). Who has the higher spice tolerance: Conor or Alex. If you'd prefer to watch this interview, check out the interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6kdo_Je90nM Resources: "How to Build Brands and Influence People" Newsletter - https://www.creatoriq.com/newsletter-sign-up Connect with the Guest: Alex’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-rawitz-1a8353b2/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 119 of Earned, Conor sits down with Kyle Leahy, CEO of Glossier—the skin first, makeup second, multi-generational brand that generated nearly $300M in retail sales last year. To start, we dive into Kyle’s philosophy to “work hard and be nice to people,” which has guided her through not only her professional career, but her personal life as well. With Glossier's impressive revenue in 2023, we learn about the strategy behind the rapid growth that has led to the brand’s massive comeback success. Next, we explore how Kyle works with Emily Weiss (Glossier’s founder) to propel the company forward, chasing their 100-year trajectory of becoming a “generation-defining” brand. Kyle speaks to Glossier’s entirely female executive team, and how proud she is to work with such accomplished and driven women with notable experiences at companies such as Conde Nast, L’Oreal, Stripe, Snapped, and Chanel. We discuss what makes Glossier uniquely Glossier, and Kyle shares that the idea of continuity for the brand is what excites her the most. By keeping strategy at the forefront of everything they do, Kyle describes the brand’s employees as a “mosaic of talent” who are empowered to “run in the same direction, to the same north star.” We learn about how Glossier has worked to genuinely meet their community where they’re at, generating immense success with creators. Between growing up on Instagram, their 2.7 billion mentions of “#glossier,” and viral moments on TikTok, Kyle walks us through how Glossier built the muscle to react and respond, organically. Kyle then lets us in on Glossier’s intentions behind the brand’s recent entrance to beauty retail giant Sephora. To close the show, Kyle shares how, as a mom, unique experiences fill her cup while she works to build a world that her little ones will enjoy. In this episode, you will learn: The art of balancing creativity with analytical thinking to foster brand authenticity and community-driven success. The pivotal role of intentional influencer partnerships in creating viral brand moments and genuine audience engagement on platforms like TikTok. The significance of customer-driven decisions in retail expansion and how it can lead to a halo effect on a brand's own channels. Resources: Glossier - https://life.glossier.com/ Connect with the Guest: Kyle’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-leahy-7898844/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 118 of Earned, Conor sits down with Cassandra Thurswell, founder and CEO of Instagram’s favorite haircare brand, Kitsch. (Use code “EARNED20” at checkout for 20% off Kitsch products!) We start by hearing Cassandra’s journey to launching Kitsch, including the sacrifices she had to make to fund the business. Cassandra explains how building the brand was like “building the plane in the air,” and why she listened to her customers’ feedback to continue to improve her products. Next, we learn Kitsch’s strategies for entering the retail space, starting with specialty stores before launching in Ulta. Cassandra emphasizes how the product should be able to sell itself on the shelf with educational, tactile, and aesthetic packaging. We then hear how the pandemic forced Kitsch to build up its digital channels and communities, before unpacking the factors behind the brand’s 2023 surge in EMV. Cassandra shares the success of Kitsch’s expansive product line, which helps consumers throughout their entire day, and how the brand’s licensing collaborations have helped Kitsch reach a new audience through common interests, like Harry Potter. We dig into Kitsch’s thriving Facebook community of over 40k members, and hear why the platform has been so valuable in connecting with the brand’s passionate fans. To close the show, Cassandra reveals why she was born to be an entrepreneur, and how she deals with the pressures of having to have great hair. In this episode, you will learn: The importance of listening to customer feedback when building out your brand. Kitsch's strategies for successfully entering the retail space. How thoughtful licensing collaborations have helped Kitsch reach a new audience through common interests. Resources: Kitsch - https://www.mykitsch.com/ (Use code "EARNED20" at checkout for 20% off Kitsch products!) Connect with the Guest: Cassandra’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-thurswell/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 117 of Earned, Conor sits down with Taylor Lorenz, Technology Columnist at The Washington Post, and author of “Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet.” We start the episode with an excerpt from Taylor’s recent essay in Marie Claire, and hear how she deals with the hate and harassment that runs rampant on the internet. Taylor explains what attracted her to journalism and why she’s a “techno-optimist,” before sharing which indie social platforms she’s into. Next, Conor asks Taylor how social media platforms could have a more positive impact on society, and Taylor shares why she believes more in data privacy than regulation. We switch gears and learn about Taylor’s career in journalism, diving into her experiences writing for The Atlantic and The New York Times before joining The Post. Taylor reveals why she believes more journalists should get out of the traditional media structure and build up their own independent, personal brands, before sharing her thoughts on how AI will impact the publishing industry. We then talk about Taylor’s experience as a creator in her own right, and how she grew her own large following by breaking impactful stories. To close the show, we hear about the genesis of Taylor’s book, and what she learned during the writing process, before she reveals the biggest misconception people have about her. Resources: The Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/ Connect with the Guest: Taylor’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorlorenz/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In our 116th episode of Earned, Conor sits down with Lucia Ruehlemann, President of Saie—a clean makeup brand that prioritizes superhero ingredients and high-performance outcomes, all while maintaining sustainable packaging and products. To start, we dive into Lucia’s decade of experience building successful indie brands such as Fresh and Drunk Elephant. Unlocking what makes Lucia who she is, we learn how she balances her family of six, and finds joy through the evolving situation that she calls “controlled chaos.” Lucia credits her children with reverse mentoring her, and shares insights on what’s culturally relevant to younger generations. Next, we explore how Lucia brings the same idea—creating love beyond reason—from her family to the brand she’s working on. Lucia shares with us how her family has processed the tragic loss of her eldest son, Jeremy, and turned it into core lessons that can be applied to everyone’s lives. While unpacking Lucia’s personal relationships, she shares that you’re “in it together” with the people you work with, and that having deep respect and admiration can help people through tough times and conversations. We learn about how the beauty industry is relationship-based, and how mission-critical it can be to chase core business, rather than viral moments. By tapping into creators who have a genuine love and affinity for your brand, Lucia emphasizes that these are the individuals who can truly share your brand story. Lucia then describes her experience working at powerhouse beauty conglomerates LVMH and Estée Lauder, which she characterizes as best in class, and shares how they equipped her with an edge that allowed her to be more effective at indie brands. To close the show, Lucia shares her goals of learning to live well, re-focusing on gratitude and mindfulness, and staying playful. In this episode, you will learn: How naturally building brand love and advocacy can set the stage for organic viral marketing moments. Why maintaining a product-first approach in marketing, coupled with creative and intimate gifting strategies, can lead to success. How genuine relationships with retailers like Sephora can enhance collaboration throughout the brand building process. Resources: SAIE - https://saiehello.com/ Connect with the Guest: Lucia’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-lucy-perdomo-ruehlemann-4273397/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In our 115th episode of Earned, Conor sits down with Rea Ann Silva, Founder and CEO of Beautyblender—the egg-shaped sponge that took the makeup industry by storm. To start, we dive into the creation of Beautyblender, and Rea Ann’s journey along the way. Rea Ann explains that by cultivating her love of dreaming big, she was introduced to new things, people, and experiences that shaped her life into what it is today. Rea Ann’s time in Hollywood production honed her desire to be a makeup artist, and with the assistance of superstars early on in their careers, Rea Ann’s celebrity makeup artist career took off with no end in sight. Rea Ann reveals that the majority of her lessons have been learned through catastrophes—like the one she experienced when trying to recreate airbrushed makeup without the airbrushing machine. We explore how Rea Ann’s fellow celebrity makeup artist, Kelsey Frye, gave her insights into “on set” procedures, which led to the creation of the iconic sponge. Rea Ann explains that even though the Beautyblender is well known and well loved, there were still growing pains as she evolved from being a “creative at her core” to becoming a business owner. While unpacking Rea Ann’s journey to becoming the successful business woman she is today, we learn that managing people was the trickiest part for her to master. Rea Ann explains the double-edged sword that is owning the business all on her own, as well as her thoughts on celebrity-founded beauty brands. Rea Ann emphasizes that in the beginning of the founding journey, every decision matters, and that a lack of passion can be a roadmap to failure. To close the show, Rea Ann speaks about her goal of Beautyblender eventually becoming a heritage business—with someone in her family taking the reins! In this episode, you will learn: How leveraging personal skills and relationships can transform a practical solution into a successful business. How to turn "catastrophes" into valuable learnings that empower you to make better decisions in the future. Why creating a product that satisfies a distinct need in the market can lead to organic growth and endorsement by top industry influencers. Resources: Beautyblender - www.beautyblender.com Connect with the Guest: Rea Ann’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reaannsilva/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 114 of Earned, Conor sits down with Ahmet Mercan, the CEO of Red Bull’s premium fashion line AlphaTauri. First, we dive into why the beverage brand decided to foray into fashion, and hear how innovation is the throughline across the Red Bull family of brands. Ahmet details his experience building the AlphaTauri brand from the ground up, and shares why he believes the brand has been successful amid a challenging market. Ahmet explains why, despite AlphaTauri’s impressive accomplishments over the last few years, he never lets his team get complacent, and constantly encourages them to push the boundaries of innovation. We then switch gears to the world of F1 racing, and discuss how AlphaTauri’s involvement in F1 helped fast-track the brand’s growth, as well as how AlphaTauri overcame the challenge of being known as a racing brand rather than a fashion brand by hosting memorable brand activations. Next, explore the differences of marketing a luxury brand, before learning how technology plays a major role in AlphaTauri’s product development. To close the show, Ahmet shares the challenges and opportunities that have come with expanding the European brand’s footprint into the U.S. market. In this episode, you will learn: Resources: https://alphatauri.com/en-int/ Connect with the Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmet-mercan-805301160/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: @conormbegley@creatoriq Follow us on social: @TribeDynamics@creatoriq@creator.iq@CreatorIQ

In Episode 113 of Earned, we sit down with Sarah Gibson Tuttle, the Founder and CEO of Olive & June—the industry leader holding the No. 1 spot in the nail category. To start, we dive into the overall journey of Olive & June, with Sarah explaining how she got her inspiration for the original business model from Drybar, the premium blow-out hair salon. To reach the full potential for what Olive & June could do, Sarah reveals that her goal was an affordable and accessible salon manicure in whatever time the customer had to spend. Next, we explore how the brand navigated the pandemic and pivoted into becoming a product-driven company. Sarah explains how mindful the team at Olive & June is about holding their consumers in the highest regard, and keeping their focus on delivering the right product to the right market at the right price. While unpacking her 10 year finance career, Sarah shares that she’s a firm believer in the idea that you only get to live your life once, and then imparts the wisdom to dig deep and make a change when you know something isn’t right, or could be better. We learn about Olive & June’s approach to the influencer space, and how the brand’s goal is to solve consumer pain points, which leads to a philosophy of only launching products that fulfill actual customer needs. Sarah emphasizes that today’s beauty consumer wants REAL recommendations from real people, which is why creating stellar products is key to success. In her own publishing journey, Sarah prides herself on being very authentic—showing her audience that relationships aren’t always transactional, while still protecting her own boundaries. To close the show, Sarah speaks to her goals of eventually taking a more active role in investing in other female-founded brands, which she hopes will break down barriers for women to come. In this episode, you will learn: Resources: https://oliveandjune.com/ Connect with the Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gibsontuttle/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: @conormbegley@creatoriq Follow us on social: @TribeDynamics@creatoriq@creator.iq@CreatorIQ

In the 112th episode of Earned, we sit down with Christiane Pendarvis, Co-CEO of Pattern Beauty and former Co-President of Savage X Fenty. To start, we dive into what it was like for Christiane as she came into the top role at Pattern: CEO. After years of working in the fashion industry, the jump to beauty was daunting, but Christiane explains how she took a humble approach and understood that listening would help to build a solid foundation. Next, Christiane shares her advice to not lose sight of the clarity you once had on the outside of an organization, as it can quickly dissipate once you’re immersed in the day-to-day. We explore Christiane’s strategy of urgency awareness, which she uses to decide if the situation is mission-critical and requires a clean slate, or whether it requires smaller levels of change. Unpacking the success factors behind Rihanna’s brand Savage X Fenty, Christiane explains that the market was “ripe” for this brand, which promotes confidence, inclusivity, and fearlessness for women. We then learn about how a brand’s foundation, product assortment, and perfect-storm opportunities can lead to massive success. Christiane emphasizes the importance of a founder being ingrained in the brand’s story, which she has seen firsthand with both Tracee Ellis Ross (Pattern Beauty) and Rihanna (Savage X Fenty). When people are genuine and authentic in their product and brand creation, it translates into opportunities that consumers can relate to, and products they want to buy. Christiane then reveals her own pivot to passion- and purpose-driven brands, and shares that as she’s progressed in her career, the quality of an idea has become increasingly important. To close the show, Christiane speaks to the growth of the gaming industry, and where she (and her children) think it's headed next. In this episode, you will learn: Resources: https://patternbeauty.com Connect with the Guest(s): https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianependarvis/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: @conormbegley@creatoriq Follow us on social: @TribeDynamics@creatoriq@creator.iq@CreatorIQ

Drumroll please…today’s guest is Terence Reilly, president of TikTok’s favorite water bottle brand, Stanley 1913. While the brand went mega-viral in November for replacing a woman’s car after her Stanley cup survived a fire, it’s enjoyed remarkable growth over the last few years, jumping from $70M in annual revenue in 2020 to $750M in 2023. We start the episode by unpacking Stanley’s explosive growth in recent years, and Terence explains why he has a bias for action. Of course, we then dive into the brand’s decision to buy Danielle a new car, and Terence shares why he believes more brands can—and should—take similar action. Next, we take a step back and discuss how the 110-year-old brand appealed to a new consumer base by repositioning from “male, green, and hot” to “female, colorful, and cold,” thanks largely to early endorsements from The Buy Guide and Terence’s learnings from his time as CMO at Crocs. Terence then discusses the brand’s increased investment in building out its community of consumers and social media advocates, and reveals how Stanley’s rapid rise in popularity allowed the business to expand beyond DTC and take up entire walls of shelf-space at top retailers. We learn about Terence’s approach to collaborations with other brands and creators, like Post Malone x Crocs and Stanley x Lainey Wilson, before hearing his guiding principles to brand building and leadership—and whether he wants to continue being the face of Stanley. Resources: https://www.stanley1913.com/ Connect with the Guest(s): https://www.linkedin.com/in/terence-reilly-193198/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: @conormbegley @creatoriq Follow us on social: @TribeDynamics @creatoriq @creator.iq @CreatorIQ

Drumroll please…today’s guest is Terence Reilly, president of TikTok’s favorite water bottle brand, Stanley 1913. While the brand went mega-viral in November for replacing a woman’s car after her Stanley cup survived a fire, it’s enjoyed remarkable growth over the last few years, jumping from $70M in annual revenue in 2020 to $750M in 2023. We start the episode by unpacking Stanley’s explosive growth in recent years, and Terence explains why he has a bias for action. Of course, we then dive into the brand’s decision to buy Danielle a new car, and Terence shares why he believes more brands can—and should—take similar action. Next, we take a step back and discuss how the 110-year-old brand appealed to a new consumer base by repositioning from “male, green, and hot” to “female, colorful, and cold,” thanks largely to early endorsements from The Buy Guide and Terence’s learnings from his time as CMO at Crocs. Terence then discusses the brand’s increased investment in building out its community of consumers and social media advocates, and reveals how Stanley’s rapid rise in popularity allowed the business to expand beyond DTC and take up entire walls of shelf-space at top retailers. We learn about Terence’s approach to collaborations with other brands and creators, like Post Malone x Crocs and Stanley x Lainey Wilson, before hearing his guiding principles to brand building and leadership—and whether he wants to continue being the face of Stanley. Resources: https://www.stanley1913.com/ Connect with the Guest(s): https://www.linkedin.com/in/terence-reilly-193198/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: @conormbegley@creatoriq Follow us on social: @TribeDynamics@creatoriq@creator.iq@CreatorIQ

In the 110th episode of Earned, Conor sits down with Lilly Ghalichi, social media star and founder of creator favorite brand, Lilly Lashes. To start, we dive into the founding of Lilly Lashes, and hear the story of why Lilly classifies it as ‘accidental.’ A lawyer by trade, Lilly explains that it was her love of all things glam that led her to creating the brand. Next, Lilly shares that in the world of founders, what you’ll be remembered for is what succeeds, and all you need is one winning idea. We explore Lilly’s three secrets to winning with a social media business, which she definitely should’ve charged us for. Unpacking Lilly’s approach to strategy for Lilly Lashes, we start with her founding principle that the product was disruptive. We then learn about how Lilly utilized the organic conversation from high profile makeup artists to track sales, and how she came to the conclusion that this posting led to a surge in sales. Lilly emphasizes the acceleration we’ve all seen in the creator community, as well as the importance of investing in the right people to forge relationships that will propel your brand forward. With increased competition and greater saturation of brands, we explore the diverse ways that companies can bring creators into their brand development. Lilly reveals her own Instagram journey, shares her thoughts on the two kinds of influencers, and explains how she intentionally chooses what to focus on. To close the show, Lilly shares her dream to eventually build a brand with her daughter—so keep an eye out! In this episode, you will learn: Resources: https://www.lillylashes.com/https://www.instagram.com/lillylashes/ Connect with the Guest(s): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilly-ghalichi-a93654139/ Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: @conormbegley@creatoriq Follow us on social: @TribeDynamics@creatoriq@creator.iq@CreatorIQ

In Ep. 109 of Earned, we sit down with David Neyman, Global Lead of Talent and Content at Logitech. We dive into Logitech’s innovative approach to marketing, and David explains how the brand builds “cultural cachet” with consumers by partnering with talent (like Lizzo) on creative campaigns. David emphasizes the importance of aligning internally and externally on the purpose and goals of a creator partnership, and striving for the right balance of art and science when determining brand partners and initiatives. Conor and David discuss how Logitech actually sits at the center of technology and lifestyle by connecting consumers to their favorite digital experiences with best-in-class tech. We also hear how Logitech tailors its product marketing to resonate with its diverse, target demographics, from software engineers to social media creators. David shares why Logitech is looking to expand its creator strategy from brand awareness to conversion, and unpacks the challenge of identifying the “holy grail” creators that can actually influence purchase intent. Next, we explore Logitech’s participation in the metaverse, and David reveals the origins of the brand’s Song Breaker Awards activation with Roblox, which aimed to shine a light on impactful yet underrecognized creators, before learning how Logitech co-created the “Own The 8 Count” short film about choreographer JaQuel Knight. To close the show, Conor asks David about his predictions for the future of VR. In this episode, you will learn: Resources: https://www.logitech.com/https://www.instagram.com/logitech Connect with the Guest(s): https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-neyman Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: @conormbegley @creatoriq Follow us on social: @TribeDynamics @creatoriq @creator.iq @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 109 of Earned, we sit down with David Neyman, Global Lead of Talent and Content at Logitech. We dive into Logitech’s innovative approach to marketing, and David explains how the brand builds “cultural cachet” with consumers by partnering with talent (like Lizzo) on creative campaigns. David emphasizes the importance of aligning internally and externally on the purpose and goals of a creator partnership, and striving for the right balance of art and science when determining brand partners and initiatives. Conor and David discuss how Logitech actually sits at the center of technology and lifestyle by connecting consumers to their favorite digital experiences with best-in-class tech. We also hear how Logitech tailors its product marketing to resonate with its diverse, target demographics, from software engineers to social media creators. David shares why Logitech is looking to expand its creator strategy from brand awareness to conversion, and unpacks the challenge of identifying the “holy grail” creators that can actually influence purchase intent. Next, we explore Logitech’s participation in the metaverse, and David reveals the origins of the brand’s Song Breaker Awards activation with Roblox, which aimed to shine a light on impactful yet underrecognized creators, before learning how Logitech co-created the “Own The 8 Count” short film about choreographer JaQuel Knight. To close the show, Conor asks David about his predictions for the future of VR. In this episode, you’ll learn: Resources: https://www.logitech.com/https://www.instagram.com/logitech Connect with the Guest(s): https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-neyman Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: @conormbegley @creatoriq Follow us on social: @TribeDynamics @creatoriq @creator.iq @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 109 of Earned, we sit down with David Neyman, Global Lead of Talent and Content at Logitech. We dive into Logitech’s innovative approach to marketing, and David explains how the brand builds “cultural cachet” with consumers by partnering with talent (like Lizzo) on creative campaigns. David emphasizes the importance of aligning internally and externally on the purpose and goals of a creator partnership, and striving for the right balance of art and science when determining brand partners and initiatives. Conor and David discuss how Logitech actually sits at the center of technology and lifestyle by connecting consumers to their favorite digital experiences with best-in-class tech. We also hear how Logitech tailors its product marketing to resonate with its diverse, target demographics, from software engineers to social media creators. David shares why Logitech is looking to expand its creator strategy from brand awareness to conversion, and unpacks the challenge of identifying the “holy grail” creators that can actually influence purchase intent. Next, we explore Logitech’s participation in the metaverse, and David reveals the origins of the brand’s Song Breaker Awards activation with Roblox, which aimed to shine a light on impactful yet underrecognized creators, before learning how Logitech co-created the “Own The 8 Count” short film about choreographer JaQuel Knight. To close the show, Conor asks David about his predictions for the future of VR. In this episode, you will learn: Resources: https://www.logitech.com/https://www.instagram.com/logitech Connect with the Guest(s): https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-neyman Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: @conormbegley@creatoriq Follow us on social: @TribeDynamics@creatoriq@creator.iq@CreatorIQ