Coffee N° 5 with Lara Schmoisman

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Ian Ginsburg, CEO of C.O. Bigelow. Recorded live at Cosmoprof (with a huge thank you to the Cosmoprof team for hosting us!), Ian dives into the rich history of America's oldest apothecary and how it successfully transitioned into a modern retail and e-commerce powerhouse. From creating deeply emotional customer connections in-store to navigating brand licensing, digital transformation, and future longevity trends, this...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Fernando Acosta. Recorded live at Cosmoprof (with a huge thank you to the Cosmoprof team for hosting us!), Fernando shares his journey from Buenos Aires to leading global brands, unpacking what it really takes to build brand equity on an international scale. From the story of Rexona's global brand harmonization to balancing local market adaptation, this conversation uncovers how sensory marketing, AI, and empathetic le...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Lisa Green. Recorded live at Cosmoprof (with a huge thank you to the Cosmoprof team for hosting us!), Lisa shares her deep expertise in retail strategy, customer experience, and the irreplaceable power of the human touch. From building community-driven retail environments to ensuring diversity and representation in product offerings, this conversation uncovers what it takes to connect authentically with modern consumer...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Noah Rosenblatt. Recorded live at Cosmoprof (with a huge thank you to the Cosmoprof team for hosting us!), Noah shares deep insights into the rapid evolution of the beauty industry, digital transformation, and modern brand curation. From building sustainable brand longevity in an oversaturated market to navigating fragrance trends and wellness integration, this conversation uncovers what it takes to expand distribution...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Linda Dang, founder of Sakoshi. Linda shares her expert insights on the evolution of Asian beauty in North America, moving far beyond traditional K-beauty trends. From navigating cultural localization and brand readiness to building seamless omnichannel retail experiences, this conversation uncovers what it takes for emerging skincare and beauty brands to successfully scale, differentiate themselves, and conquer compet...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Oliver Garfield, former COO and Co-President of Cos Bar. Oliver dives into the remarkable history of Cos Bar, founded in Aspen by his mother, Lily Garfield and how it evolved into a premier luxury beauty retailer. From building scalable infrastructure and navigating early-stage growth to mastering retail education, brand positioning, and digital trends, this conversation uncovers what it takes to scale a luxury beauty ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Mara, a powerhouse sales leader and healthcare entrepreneur. Mara shares her inspiring journey from a challenging start in law to building a multi-million dollar career in healthcare sales and leadership. From mastering the art of the pitch to understanding why resilience and rejection are essential stepping stones to success, this conversation uncovers what it truly takes to build, lead, and scale high-performing sale...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Jadon Wyant, CEO of Sorcea. Jadon dives into how data-driven insights are transforming the beauty and wellness industries, sharing how his platform cuts through the noise of an oversaturated market. From collecting authentic consumer experiences to helping brands refine their marketing strategies, this conversation uncovers the methodology behind turning raw data into powerful social proof for skincare, cosmetics...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Quinten Farmer, founder of Portola and creator of Tolan. Quinten dives into his journey of developing an innovative personal AI that acts as a supportive companion to help users navigate overwhelm and life's everyday challenges. From exploring ethical considerations and data privacy to designing a non-human, lovable alien character, this conversation uncovers what it takes to build AI platforms that prioritize emotiona...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Jeannie Jarnot, founder of Beauty Heroes. Jeannie dives into her transition from spa management to pioneering a clean, sustainable, and highly effective beauty marketplace. From establishing strict ingredient standards to navigating a decade of evolving consumer behavior, this conversation uncovers what it truly takes for brands to succeed in highly curated environments while maintaining authenticity, consistency, and ...

Send us Fan Mail How do you climb from an entry-level secretarial role to the executive suites of the beauty world? In this episode of Coffee N°5, we sit down with beauty industry powerhouse Elana S Drell Szyfer. Elana shares her remarkable journey, offering a masterclass in career development, leadership, and the shifting dynamics of the beauty and wellness landscape. Whether you are climbing the corporate ladder in a global powerhouse or navigating the agile waters of a startup, Elana’s ins...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Coffee N°5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Maria Warrington, CEO of Beacon Brands. Maria dives into the evolving world of sexual wellness, sharing what it really takes to build, market, and scale a brand in one of the most restricted yet fastest-growing industries. From breaking taboos to redefining pleasure as part of overall wellness, this conversation uncovers the strategies behind connecting with modern consumers while navigating cultural, political, and di...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Ilya Seglin, Managing Director at Raymond James. Ilya dives deep into the world of finance, explaining what it takes for a brand to raise growth capital or achieve a successful strategic exit. They discuss the reality of "alphabet soup" fundraising (Series A, B, and beyond) and why having a "forever brand" is the ultimate goal for major acquirers. • Key Topics Covered: The difference between Strategic Acquirers and Private E...

Send us Fan Mail The Future of Wellness: AI and Luxury Experiences with Tom | Coffee N5 In Episode 248 of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Tom, a leading consultant in the luxury skincare and wellness space. They explore a often overlooked but highly lucrative channel: Hospitality. Tom shares insights on how brands can move beyond traditional retail and tap into luxury hotels and resorts, the reality of "career consultants," and how AI is set to revolutionize the guest experience throu...

Send us Fan Mail Beyond the Business Card: Strategic Networking with Mike Ryan | Coffee N5 In Episode 247 of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Mike Ryan, a true master of professional relationships and a veteran of the PR and marketing industry. In this episode, they dive deep into the world of professional relationship building, the critical importance of "showing up," and how Mike has successfully navigated the digital revolution from the days of hand-typed press releases to creating ...

Send us Fan Mail In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Sara Jensen—serial entrepreneur, author, and Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Hugh & Grace—to explore hormone health, preventative wellness, chemical exposure, and the rise of community-driven commerce. We'll talk about: How 14 years of infertility reshaped Sara’s understanding of hormone healthThe hidden impact of hormone-disrupting chemicals in skincare, haircare, and home productsWhy “clean beauty” lacks a clear defi...

Send us Fan Mail In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Dr. Brent Ridge—physician, longevity researcher, co-founder of Beekman 1802, and co-author of Goat Wisdom—to explore the science of longevity, microbiome innovation, and why kindness is a powerful long-term business strategy. We'll talk about: Why extreme longevity is influenced more by optimism and social connection than by geneticsHow the “anti-aging” narrative became a fear-based marketing constructWhy longevity ...

Send us Fan Mail In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Bora Mutluoglu, co-founder of Reacher and Y Combinator alum, to break down the reality of social commerce. Using TikTok Shop as a case study, they explore automation, affiliate strategy, creator relationships, and how AI-generated content is reshaping sustainable growth. We'll talk about: Why the “easy sales” narrative around TikTok Shop is misleadingHow social commerce is maturing into a performance-driven ecosyste...

Send us Fan Mail In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Amina AlTai—holistic business and career coach, proud immigrant, chronic illness advocate, host of the Amina Change Your Life podcast, and author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living—to explore the psychology of ambition. From burnout and hustle culture to core wounds, systemic pressure, and sustainable growth, this conversation reframes ambition as alignment, awareness, and purpose—not endless s...

Send us Fan Mail In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Jennifer Bickerton and Lauren Kahn, Co-Founders of Intersection PR, to demystify what PR really looks like in 2026. From AI and media fragmentation to influencer economics, launches, and integrated ecosystems, this conversation breaks down how brands actually build relevance, authority, and momentum today. We'll talk about: Why PR in 2026 is an ecosystem—not a standalone functionThe myth of “just PR” and why siloed te...

Send us Fan Mail In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara sits down with Laura Meyer—Founder & CEO of Envision Horizons and former Amazon insider—to break down why Amazon isn’t “just another sales channel.” They unpack what actually drives revenue on Amazon, the biggest distractions brands fall for, and how to build a profitable, defensible Amazon strategy without burning cash or losing brand identity. We'll talk about: Why Amazon is not “just another channel,” but a full ecosystem with its own l...

Send us Fan Mail In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara sits down with Kat Garcia, Founder of Ground AI, to dismantle the myth of the linear career. They go from Hollywood sets to building revenue engines, getting real about why the traditional funnel is broken and how to use data to build actual momentum—not just noise. We'll talk about: Why the "straight line" career is a myth—and a trap.The reality of the "Broken Funnel" and why you can't track ROI the old way.Why being an early adopter (like Ka...

Send us Fan Mail In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara sits down with Allison McNamara, Founder and CEO of MARA Beauty, to explore the non-linear path from media to building a science-backed skincare brand. A grounded conversation about discipline, focus, and earning clarity over time. We'll talk about: Why non-linear careers often lead to stronger foundersBuilding a science-backed brand without shortcutsHow discipline shapes product and growth decisionsThe reality behind scaling and retail expans...

Send us Fan Mail In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Aaron Alpeter, founder of Izba, Sourcify, and Slotted, to break down the operational reality of scaling product-based businesses. From cash flow and supplier negotiations to packaging costs and operational flexibility, this episode explains why supply chain is a core growth driver—not a backend detail. We'll talk about: What supply chain really is—and why it directly impacts your ability to scaleWhy cash flow and un...

Send us Fan Mail Laurel Mintz, Founder & GP of Fabric VC and CEO of Elevate My Brand, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to demystify venture capital for founders. From bootstrapping vs. raising money and what VCs really look for in pitch decks, to the truth about AI hype and why communication trumps clever branding—this episode breaks down how real funding decisions are made in today’s market. We'll talk about: Why most founders say they’ll bootstrap… until they realize you can’t scal...

Send us Fan Mail In the final Coffee Nº5 episode of the year, Lara Schmoisman breaks down the marketing ecosystem of 2026—an environment defined by AI clarity, human-led storytelling, micro-experts, privacy-first data practices, and integrated teams. This episode explains what it truly takes to operate, grow, and connect in a world where everything is interconnected. We'll talk about: The 2026 ecosystem: why everything in marketing is now interconnected—and why working in silos will break yo...

Send us Fan Mail In this solo episode of Coffee Nº5, Lara Schmoisman cuts through the noise around SEO and breaks down what actually matters: technical performance, quality backlinks, and audience-driven keywords. She explains how SEO fuels organic growth, why structure matters more than shortcuts, and how brands can build long-term momentum in a world shaped by AI. A clear, strategic guide for marketers who want results—not gimmicks. We'll talk about: Why your website—not social media—is sti...

Send us Fan Mail Lara Schmoisman shares why your website is the true heart of your business—and why ignoring its performance can cost you growth, visibility, and conversions. From SEO and site speed to tech stacks and maintenance, this Coffee Nº5 episode breaks down how your site connects every part of your marketing strategy, from paid media to AI readiness. We'll talk about: Your website is your brand’s heart—every transaction and touchpoint starts there.How a slow or poorly optimized web...

Send us Fan Mail Lara Schmoisman breaks down why blogging is still one of the most powerful tools in digital marketing—and what happens when brands stop. From keyword strategy to AI-ready content, Lara reveals how organic traffic, SEO, and conversions are directly tied to consistent, strategic content creation. We'll talk about: What really happens when brands stop blogging: organic traffic drops, and sales follow.The 3 keyword types every brand needs: DNA, competitive, and trending.Why lon...

Send us Fan Mail Lara Schmoisman breaks down her IEMA system on Coffee Nº5, showing how integrated marketing—content that is Informative, Entertaining, Memorable, and Actionable—drives real growth. From SEO and AI to storytelling and strategy, Lara shares practical insights to make your content work harder and smarter. We'll talk about: Why dividing branding and growth is a mistake—and the power of integrated marketingThe IEMA system: Informative, Entertaining, Memorable, ActionableHow to m...

Send us Fan Mail Joanne Murphy, Senior Conference Producer at Kisaco Research, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to pull back the curtain on Beauty Connect LA—one of the industry’s most strategic gatherings for founders, investors, and innovators. From retail readiness and AI-powered insights to the evolution of “clinical credibility,” Joanne breaks down what’s really shaping the beauty ecosystem in 2025 and how connection drives every deal. We'll talk about: How Beauty Connect LA intenti...

Send us Fan Mail Lalla Asmaa Alaoui, architect, luxury designer, and founder of AllMyAI, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to talk about the next frontier of AI—where emotional intelligence meets innovation. From building HorseHub, the world’s first AI-driven luxury equestrian brand, to launching a multi-agent platform that blends creativity and strategy, Lalla shares how she’s redefining collaboration between humans and machines. We'll talk about: The story behind AllMyAI—a multi-agent p...

Send us Fan Mail Hugh Forrest, transformative leader of SXSW and founder of Gather and Grow, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to share how a local music festival became a global hub for technology, culture, and creativity. From building community to reinventing live experiences, Hugh reveals what it takes to lead in the event industry—and what’s next for 2025 and beyond. We'll talk about: How Hugh Forrest grew SXSW from a local music event into a global cultural powerhouseLessons from 35...

Send us Fan Mail Bet Hannon, web accessibility expert and founder of AccessiCart, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to break down what accessibility really means for websites, marketing, and global compliance. From ADA lawsuits to the EU Accessibility Act, Bet shares why inclusive design is not just about avoiding legal risks—it’s about unlocking a $500 billion consumer market. We'll talk about: How Bet pivoted from nonprofit management to leading a digital accessibility agencyWhat “acces...

Send us Fan Mail Courtney Claghorn, co-founder of SUGARED + BRONZED, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to share how she bootstrapped a beauty service out of her apartment into a nationwide brand. From $1,000 in startup capital to 10 stores before raising funding, Courtney reveals the lessons of growth, customer loyalty, franchising, memberships, and creating a product line—all while keeping customer service at the core. We'll talk about: How Courtney turned $1,000 in savings into Sugared ...

Send us Fan Mail Alec Batis, beauty industry veteran and founder of Sweet Chemistry, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to unpack the pursuit of eternal beauty. From organ regeneration science to peptide innovation, he shares how true beauty goes beyond flawless skin—blending performance-driven skincare with wellness, meaning, and social impact. We'll talk about: The personal story that drove Alec to chase beauty through scienceLessons from leading marketing at Victoria’s Secret Beauty and...

Send us Fan Mail Mark Menning, PhD, pharmaceutical scientist and founder of MARK Los Angeles, joins Lara Schmoisman to unpack how flavonoids, clinical trials, and advanced delivery systems are reshaping skincare. From FDA-approved antivirals to cold sore serums and acne care, he shares how science—not hype—is driving the next era of beauty and wellness. We'll talk about: Why drug delivery—not just ingredients—defines whether skincare worksHow a career in pharma led to groundbreaking skincar...

Send us Fan Mail Susanah Zeffiro, Brand Partnerships Lead at BeReal and former Spotify and Epic Games exec, joins Lara Schmoisman to explore the future of social media, authenticity vs. AI, and how brands can win with Gen Z by leaning into raw, unfiltered connection instead of glossy campaigns. We'll talk about: Why Gen Z is rejecting filtered perfection and demanding authenticityThe throughline of Susanah’s career: spotting what’s next before it hits the mainstreamLessons from Spotify, gam...

Send us Fan Mail Steven J. Edelstein, VP of Growth & Partnerships at MyFBAPrep, joins Lara Schmoisman to unpack why most brands fail before they scale—covering pricing strategy, supply chain traps, trade show mistakes, and the future of beauty innovation through personalization and smarter storytelling. We'll talk about: Why pricing strategy must start with your audience—not just your ingredientsThe real margin rules that make or break a brandThe hidden costs in supply chain and trade s...

Send us Fan Mail Henry Barton, Global Head of Network & Community at Duel Tech, joins Lara Schmoisman to reveal how the smartest fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands turn their most passionate customers into unstoppable advocates—and why community is your ultimate growth engine. We'll talk about: Why your most loyal customers are your most powerful marketing channel—and how to activate themThe difference between brand “fans” and true “advocates” (and why it matters)How to find and nurt...

Send us Fan Mail Ken Hughes, known as The King of Customer Experience, joins Lara Schmoisman to share why connection—not product—is the ultimate differentiator in today’s AI-driven world, and how brands can design loyalty that lasts. We'll talk about: Why products and services are now commodities—and why connection is your only real differentiatorThe “goldfish moment” every brand should be creating (and how to scale it)How Taylor Swift built one of the most loyal fandoms on earth—and what b...

Send us Fan Mail Nader Naeymi-Rad, Founder and Publisher of Beauty Independent, joins Lara Schmoisman to unpack the evolution of the beauty industry—from the death of indie beauty to the rise of professional founders, and what it really takes to build a brand that lasts. We'll talk about: Why the “indie beauty” label is outdated—and what founders need to focus on insteadThe harsh truth about brand exits, celebrity equity, and investor-backed hypeHow Nader accidentally launched a movement th...

Send us Fan Mail Daniel Scharff, Founder & CEO of Startup CPG and host of a top 0.5% global podcast, joins Lara Schmoisman to talk brand-building, retail truth bombs, and what it really takes to grow in the crowded CPG space. We'll talk about: How Daniel scaled Startup CPG into the most trusted brand community in the industry.What most CPG founders get wrong when pitching to retailers.The surprising reason brand story is more important than ever (and how to actually tell it).Why “overnigh...

Send us Fan Mail Lara Schmoisman and Don Allen, CIO/CISO of Moda Operandi, discuss the evolution of e-commerce, the impact of AI on user experience and SEO, and strategic technology adoption for competitive advantage. We'll talk about: The surprising truth about SEO today—and why organic reach is (almost) a myth.Why a "compelling website" is now just "table stakes" in e-commerce.The strategic shift: when to build bespoke tech and when to buy off-the-shelf solutions.How AI is revolutionizing...

Send us Fan Mail Lara Schmoisman and Mimi Banks of MB Social dive into real talk about social media strategy, content that converts, and the future of the creator economy—from beauty brands to medical experts. We'll talk about: How Mimi helped turn nail art UGC into one of L'Oréal’s earliest creator strategies.The three types of creators you need to understand—and why the labels matter.Why good content alone isn’t enough without strategy and storytelling.The dangers of AI in influencer mark...

Send us Fan Mail Blair Enns joins Lara Schmoisman to unpack what actually works when experts sell their services. From value-based pricing to client alignment, this episode breaks down smart, integrity-driven growth. We'll talk about: The mindset shift that helped Blair move from chasing clients to choosing them.What not to include in a proposal—and how to avoid giving strategy away too soon.When your sales process is actually shaping the entire client relationship.Why real authority isn’t ...

Send us Fan Mail Board leader and former CEO Chelsea Grayson joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to break down what actually drives business growth. From managing iconic brands to scaling through economic turbulence, this episode is packed with insights on strategy, governance, and real leadership. We'll talk about: Why hiring too fast after one "good season" could tank your brand.The real cost of expanding your footprint—and how to avoid lease regret.What founders must understand about con...

Send us Fan Mail eCommerce connector and community builder Sara Pereda joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to unpack how Smarterships became a global force, what makes partnerships actually work, and how to scale with strategy, integrity, and connection. We'll talk about: Why Sara built a global Slack community—and made it paid on purpose.The real difference between connecting and collecting contacts.How to tell if your partners are helping you grow—or slowing you down.The #1 rule of being ...

Send us Fan Mail Beauty industry leader Liza Rapay joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to unpack the strategy behind Cosmoprof’s global success, how brands can actually win at trade shows, and why purpose-driven leadership always scales better. We'll talk about: Why building a show like Cosmoprof takes strategy—not just sparkle.What most beauty brands get wrong about trade shows.The mindset shift every founder needs before exhibiting.What Beauty New York is—and why it’s being called the Fas...

Send us Fan Mail Lara Schmoisman sits down with Elizabeth Robillard, eTail Portfolio Director, to talk retail strategy, evolving search trends, content that connects, and how to avoid falling for industry buzz. This episode of Coffee Nº 5 is packed with insight for retail marketers, brand leaders, and founders navigating the future of omnichannel commerce. We'll talk about: Why AI fatigue is real—and how to shift the conversation.What consumers are actually searching for (and what they’re i...