Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, the host interviews Tennille Kopiasz, CEO of FEKKAI. Tennille shares her extensive career journey in the beauty industry, including roles at L'Oréal, Coty, and LVMH. She discusses the evolution of the industry, the impact of social media on marketing, and the current haircare boom. Tennille emphasizes the importance of mentorship, setting actionable goals, and finding personal fulfillment in one's career. She also predicts a future of consolidation in the beauty sector and highlights the irreplaceable value of human creativity despite advancements in AI. About Tennille: Tennille Kopiasz has over 25 years of beauty marketing experience across prestige, designer & mass brands, having held positions in both global developmental and US executional operational roles, with expertise across multiple product categories including cosmetics, fragrance, skincare & hair. Ms. Kopiasz is currently Chief Executive Officer of Blue Mistral, overseeing both the FEKKAI & Bastide brands, portfolio companies of Cornell Capital. Her objective is to clearly position & define the global strategy roadmap for the long-term growth of FEKKAI, positioning it for future global success amongst the highly competitive & dynamic luxury hair category. Tennille is a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology’s Master of Professional Studies & Bachelor of Science degree program in Cosmetic and Fragrance Marketing & Management. She currently sits on the advisory board of the program as the first alumni to take on this role, as well as the Bachelor’s degree board & the FIDM Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising board. She is an adjunct Professor at FIT co-teaching Advanced Topics in Leadership & is actively involved in their mentor program as she strongly supports developing the next generation of beauty talent and female leadership. Timestamps: Tennille's Career Journey (00:00:56) Starting in Fashion (00:01:39) Tennille describes her initial interest in fashion and her transition to beauty marketing. Internship Experience (00:02:03) She recounts her unpaid internship in beauty buying and her shift to cosmetic marketing. Working at L'Oréal (00:03:29) Transition to Coty (00:05:11) Joining LVMH (00:05:46) Tennille shares her recruitment by LVMH while pregnant and her work with Dior. Current Role at FEKKAI (00:07:58) She describes her recent role at FEKKAIand revitalizing its heritage brand. Changes in the Beauty Industry (00:08:28) Tennille reflects on the rapid changes in consumer behavior and brand competition. Impact of Social Media (00:09:25) Challenges of Content Creation (00:10:14) Haircare Trends (00:12:45) Tennille highlights the current boom in haircare and FEKKAI's strategy to leverage it. Transformation in Branding (00:13:53) She emphasizes the importance of emotional storytelling in brand positioning. Advice for Climbing the Corporate Ladder (00:14:54) Mentorship Importance (00:17:49) Mentorship and Advice (00:19:36) Discussion on the importance of mentorship and how to crowdsource advice for career development. Future of the Beauty Industry (00:21:24) Insights on industry changes, brand survival, and the role of AI in beauty marketing. Balance and Prioritization (00:23:40) Tennille discusses the concept of balance and the importance of prioritizing personal happiness. This podcast is produced by the team at Dillie: a marketing agency with a niche focus on beauty and personal care brands https://dilliecreative.com/

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