Tracy Aschenbrenner, InBeauty Consulting
Picture this: My love affair with cosmetics kicked off in 1988, and boy, what a dazzling ride it's been! Starting with Estée Lauder, I saw retail cosmetics not just as lipsticks and blushes, but as my ticket to college glory. But oh, the universe had grander plans! Before I could say "makeover," I was on a whirlwind adventure at Nordstrom, zipping through promotions in skincare and swooning over prestige fragrances. Talk about a crash course in beauty glam and power moves! Then came my epic leap to the vendor side of the beauty cosmos. Buckle up, because this phase was a rollercoaster of epic wins! From mastering the art of national customer charm to juggling budgets like a pro juggles flaming batons, I was in my element. Building teams from scratch? Check! Wooing merchants and DMMs across all channels? Double-check! And guess what? All this glam-tastic hustle led to some serious year-over-year brand fireworks! So, here I am, feeling like Cinderella with the glass slipper that's a perfect fit. Ready to sprinkle some beauty magic wherever I go!
Kayla Childress, Mindful Luxury
At the fledgling age of fourteen, I started a part-time job answering phones at a local hair salon in Atlanta, GA. This continued throughout high school and college, but I still had no idea the beauty industry would prove to be my long-term career path. By my mid 20’s I found myself in New York City managing the top salon & spa in the world, Frederic Fekkai, where I had the amazing opportunity of being on the development team of Frederic’s first 10 haircare products. Through this experience I fell in love with the product side of the beauty business.
After entering the product side of the beauty world, I’ve gained experience in many different areas including coaching/mentoring teams, product development, training, education, sales and operations. Recently, with 20 years of successful beauty brand work under my belt, I decided it was time to wear an entrepreneurial hat and make the leap of business owner faith!
Fun Fact: Cooking is my therapy.
Amy Rudgard, Tywford Consulting
A seasoned Omni-Channel Marketer, accomplished Brand Manager, and effective Communicator, Amy is a results-driven Fractional Chief Marketing Officer with extensive expertise in brand and product strategy. With over a decade of experience as a CMO and VP of Marketing for various beauty brands across retail, digital, and salon channels, Amy has a proven track record in developing impactful marketing programs that enhance brand awareness, drive sales, and deliver strong ROI. Additionally, her background includes over 10 years as a senior executive with a leading PR agency, where she crafted compelling communications strategies and copy for global campaigns across 15 markets. As an experienced Digital & Social Marketer, she’s delivered growth to e-commerce businesses through improved data analysis, SEO strategies, impactful content creation, and successful digital advertising campaigns. Recognized as an award-winning New Product Innovator, Amy has created profitable products, receiving prestigious accolades such as 3 Allure Beauty Breakthrough Awards and developing best-selling lines in Sephora & Ulta. Leveraging over a decade of TV retail expertise with QVC & HSN, Amy has built businesses exceeding $15 million through compelling on-air presentations, effective spokesperson delivery, and successful product strategies.
Julia Labaton, RED PR
Recipient of two Top Women in PR Awards by PR News, Julia is a respected public relations professional and PR agency owner with over 25 years of experience counseling national and international beauty clients from strategic planning to execution and results. Clients have included Fendi Fragrances, Love Sun Body, Morgan Taylor Lacquer, CND, Gelish, Laura Mercier, Hear Me Raw, FRE Skincare, Miss Jessie's Haircare, Colab Dry Shampoo, Cricket Hair Tools, Zotos, C.O. Bigelow Apothecary, Piguet Fragrances, Diego Binetti, PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics, Tarina Tarantino Jewelry, Andrea DeSimone Facials, and NaturaBrasil.As the leader of RED PR, Julia works closely with each client to define brand messages and strategize PR programs that clearly align with business objectives. She leverages her long-standing media contacts and industry network to deliver sound counsel and valuable results. Specialties included publicity, influencer programs, events, social media, and branding. Julia is an active member of PR Boutiques International, Cosmetic Executive Women, Fashion Group International, Female Founder Collective and the Mount Holyoke Alumnae Association
Vanessa Kuykendall, Market Defense
We grow the world’s best beauty brands on Amazon and other marketplaces. Globally. Market Defense is the go-to partner for prestige beauty brands looking to protect their brand equity and drive profitable growth online. Our comprehensive services include Account Management, Brand Protection, Logistics, Advertising, and Creative, designed to navigate the complexities of global marketplaces. With expertise dating back to 1994 and a battle-tested approach against resellers since 2007, our female co-founded team deeply understands the beauty consumer. We leverage data-driven insights to accelerate growth and enforce pricing policies, ensuring brand integrity. Our transparent partnerships provide access to a suite of experts, from legal to marketing and brand management, handling every aspect of daily operations. Proud of our track record, Market Defense has built profitable Amazon strategies for our clients, contributing to successful acquisition deals. We're committed to transforming digital marketplace presence for beauty brands, offering unmatched expertise and innovative solutions. Discover how we can elevate your beauty brand by reaching out today. After entering the product side of the beauty world, I’ve gained experience in many different areas including coaching/mentoring teams, product development, training, education, sales and operations. Recently, with 20 years of successful beauty brand work under my belt, I decided it was time to wear an entrepreneurial hat and make the leap of business owner faith! Fun Fact: Cooking is my therapy.
Claire Bing, Confiance Cosmetic Group LLC
Confiance Cosmetic Group LLC is a dedicated boutique consultancy firm providing strategic guidance tailored to meet the unique regulatory challenges of the cosmetics, medical device, and dietary supplement industries. We aren't just another regulatory consultancy group you call because you "have" to. We understand and respect that every organization's culture and challenges are unique, and because of this, we don't try to bend you to fit a one-size-fits-all mold. The solutions we offer are sustainable for your organization. Claire Bing is a highly passionate and driven leader specializing in Quality and Regulatory affairs, with over 15+ years of experience in the regulated food, drug, and cosmetic industries. A proven track record of success in resolving regulatory issues and driving accelerated growth in highly regulated environments. Expertise in building and revitalizing teams, implementing standardized and scalable processes, and developing programs and protocols that adhere to legal requirements and industry best practices.
Dina Cianchetti, Founder Missing Ingredient
Dina boasts over 40 years of experience in beauty. Her knowledge, managerial style and sales ability along with her unrivaled passion and tireless work ethic helped her achieve positions with some of the top prestige beauty brands in the industry. Dina has worked for Estee Lauder, YSL, Annick Goutal Parfums and Guerlain. She has also played a strategic role in launching and managing Caudalie, Dr. Perricone and Dr. Brandt Skincare as Dr. Brandt’s first President of Retail Sales.
Dina founded Missing Ingredient with the vision to support the retail development of brands.
Because it is Missing Ingredient’s priority to know the retailers and their protocols well, MI has the expertise to uniquely formulate a plan for every brand. Missing Ingredient employs dedicated leadership strategically positioned across the United States to ensure the brand's plan and message is on point and consistent.
Brands choose Missing Ingredient because of MI’s strong reputation, retail relationships, decades of success in the beauty industry and their ability to help brands scale without the costs, time and demands that come with owning your own field team. Missing Ingredient is proud to be a retailer and client referral-based business supporting a continuous road to retail success.
Ayesha Sultan, Geek Sultan
In the vibrant world of beauty, I blend storytelling with digital artistry to transform brands into digital darlings. With a decade of experience, I’ve become a maestro of digital marketing, creating visuals, videos, and social media ads that don’t just catch the eye—they spark imagination and build lasting connections. As a Senior Project Manager, I lead with agility and innovation, guiding remote teams through the beauty industry's fast-paced digital landscape. My toolkit is rich with skills in web development, UX/UI design, and social media magic, all fine-tuned for beauty’s unique flair. I've woven success stories across various sectors, but my heart beats for beauty, fashion, and creativity. With every project, I aim to blend aesthetics with strategy, making beauty brands shine brighter in the digital cosmos. Let's craft a digital presence for your beauty brand that’s as captivating as it is effective—where every click brings your story to life.
A major challenge for many in the beauty industry is finding brands who are not only invested in the development of natural and organic products, but in quality as well. That is why 2 Beauty Brains works with brands that are transparent to consumers and respectful of the environment. We are here to support you in tackling this challenge and thus contribute to the beauty of tomorrow. Here are some associations we are passionate about working with in tandem with our accounts and clients!
