Show Notes:In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, Anna Harman, CEO and co-founder of Studs, shares her journey of launching a modern ear piercing brand. Anna discusses overcoming challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights the importance of customer experience, technology, and work-life balance. She reflects on lessons learned as an entrepreneur and mother, offers advice on prioritizing well-being, and shares her beauty must-haves. The episode provides insights into building a successful brand in the beauty industry and Anna’s vision for Studs’ future growth.About Anna: With nearly a decade of extensive experience in operations, retail, finance and consumer companies known for operational excellence, Anna Harman launched Studs with her co-founder Lisa Bubbers in November 2019. After noticing a gap in the piercing and retail market, they created Studs to reimagine the ear piercing and earring shopping experience for the modern consumer. Studs prioritizes safety and expertise in a cool, fun, and welcoming environment, along with a wide earring assortment designed for endless Earscaping® – all at an accessible price point.Anna Harman began her career as an attorney after graduating from Boston University Law School. After four years at Bridgewater Associates, she moved to New York City to join Fitz – an in-home closet organizing and wardrobe editing service that later sold to Tradesy – as the Head of Operations. From there, she became a Director at Store No. Eight, a standalone incubation arm within Walmart, where she focused on developing ideas and technologies that would inform the future of retail. Most recently, she served as the Interim Chief Customer Officer at Jetblack, a text-message based personal shopping service.Time Stamps:Podcast Introduction & Anna’s Background (00:00:25)Our host, Anne, introduces Anna, her experience, and the mission of Studs.Anna’s Piercing Experience & Market Research (00:01:47)Anna recounts her personal piercing experience and the research that led to Studs’ creation.Studs’ Business Model & Growth (00:03:07)Overview of Studs’ focus on ear piercing, earrings, and national expansion.Product Offering & Ear Scaping Concept (00:04:58)Explanation of combining piercing and earring retail, and the concept of “ear scaping.”Impact of COVID-19 on Studs (00:06:10)How the pandemic affected store operations and shifted focus to e-commerce.Fundraising & Investor Response (00:06:50)Anna shares her experience raising capital and pitching Studs as “Claire’s for grown-ups.”In-Store Experience & Customer Referrals (00:07:57)Importance of physical locations, hospitality, and word-of-mouth marketing for Studs.Anna’s Career Path & Entrepreneurship Advice (00:12:13)Anna’s background in law, finance, and operations, and advice on risk aversion in entrepreneurship.Balancing Business and Family (00:16:46)Anna’s experience starting Studs while pregnant and managing work-life balance with young children.Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency (00:21:15)How Anna and her team use AI tools to streamline creative and operational tasks.Advice to Younger Self & Work-Life Balance (00:24:01)Anna reflects on prioritizing balance over work and advice for her younger self.Beauty Must-Haves (00:25:33)Anna shares her favorite beauty products and routines.Studs’ Future & Social Media Trends (00:26:49)How Studs is evolving with jewelry trends, social media, and community building.Personal Growth & Turning 40 (00:28:42)Anna discusses embracing exercise, personal change, and investing in herself as she turns 40.Podcast Closing & Contact Information (00:30:27)Anne wraps up, shares how to connect with Studs, and thanks Anna for her insights.This podcast is produced by Dillie: a content innovation partner leveraging AI to bring beauty and personal care brands into the future of marketing.https://dillie.com/

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