Episode 299 - Grace Choi and Emily Kammeyer Sumner - Superpowers, Side Hustles and the Business of Influence

Episode 299 of Where Brains Meet Beauty™ brings together two very different kinds of “technicians” who both turned specialized skills into flexible, creative lives. AR and AI developer, content creator and Cannes Lion winner Grace Choi sits beside fashion industry veteran, technical design consultant and creator Emily Kammeyer Sumner for a conversation that moves from X-Men superpowers to tax codes for dogs, and somehow makes it all make sense.Grace shares how a makeup printer startup led her into AR filters, where she now builds the viral effects that other creators and brands rely on. She pulls back the curtain on being an “influencer’s influencer,” why a single well made filter can unlock hundreds of thousands of videos for a brand, and what it really means to bet on yourself without a safety net. She also teases her next chapter, shifting from building inside platforms like TikTok to building a platform of her own.Emily traces her path from sewing in a neighbor’s pattern room to becoming a technical design leader in fashion, then walking away to build a life as a full time beauty and fashion creator and consultant. She talks about fit as a true loyalty driver, her work in size inclusive design, and the moment a routine doctor visit made her realize she was secretly working two full time jobs. She opens up about IVF, why she chose to let her community be part of that journey, how she navigates putting her son in content, and even how her dog Roxy is becoming an “entrepreneur” in the creator economy.Together, Grace and Emily dig into the realities behind the grid: setting revenue goals, choosing the right manager, saying no to work that does not fit, and resisting the constant pull to turn every beautiful moment into content. From flexible schedules to burnout warning signs, from villa baby moons to late night laptop hours, this episode is a masterclass in building a career that is ambitious, sustainable and still deeply human.

Episode 298 of Where Brains Meet Beauty is one of the most emotional and human conversations of the season. Celebrity Esthetician Miranda Sturce and creator, former Miss South Carolina and Bachelor alum Davia Esther Bunch join the show for a raw discussion on ambition, burnout, healing and finding your way back to yourself.Miranda shares how caring for others has been part of her identity since childhood, soothing her father’s hands after long labor-filled days. That instinct led her into luxury hotel spas and ultimately her own practice, where touch becomes both artistry and therapy. She talks openly about the emotional weight of being a solo esthetician, the pressure to hold everyone together and the importance of slowing down long enough to feel your own feelings.Davia’s story mirrors Miranda’s in surprising ways. She trained for years to become a professional ballet dancer, performed in Russia, then had to walk away after injury. That loss spun into pageants, where she won Miss South Carolina and went on to compete at Miss America. Then came The Bachelor, a move that gave her visibility but also forced her to face everything she had been running from. Now she balances content creation with a full-time beauty marketing role, and she speaks candidly about negotiating fair rates, unlearning people-pleasing and finding grounding in storytelling. Her newest dream: writing a memoir, one memory and one messy truth at a time.Together, Miranda and Davia explore what it means to hustle without losing yourself, how to stay human in an industry built on performance and the quiet courage of asking for a pause when emotions break through. It’s a reminder that careers anchored in care require caring for yourself too.

In Episode 297 of Where Brains Meet Beauty, founder and CEO of Glamazon Beauty Cosmetics Kim Baker and content creator and Your Glow Guide author Felicia Walker sit down to talk about building careers that did not exist when they were kids.Kim’s path starts at 13 as a model with Elite, crossing paths with legends like Andy Warhol and Basquiat, then being pulled out of the industry for her own safety. She later returns, co-pioneers plus-size modeling and eventually pivots into makeup artistry after years of struggling to find foundation that matched her skin. Mixing shades behind the counter at brands like Prescriptives and Bobbi Brown became an education in undertones and inclusivity that now powers Glamazon Beauty. Today, she is part artist, part founder, part motivator, writing handwritten notes to customers and using public speaking to help women feel “beautifully empowered.”Felicia’s journey began in a different place: HR executive by day, beauty obsessive by night. She launched a blog simply to pour out everything living in her head about skincare, ingredients and routines. That curiosity turned her into an early “digital beauty space architect,” breaking down formulas and skin types long before ingredient education was mainstream. Blogging opened doors to editorial, product development and now authorship. Her focus has evolved into helping people truly understand their skin and spotlighting 50+ skincare and longevity, a demographic she rarely saw represented.Together, Kim and Felicia talk about listening to the “whisper” of a calling, balancing data with gut, handling comments with grace (and a bit of edge when needed), and using influence to educate rather than just sell. One builds confidence with a foundation stick, the other with a framework for skincare, but both are expanding what it means to have a career in beauty on their own terms. Check out more from Kim at glamazonbeauty.com & Felicia's book Your Glow Guide.

In this Artistry & Influencer episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, content creators Jess Martinez (@jessstheblessed) and Kirti Tewani (@kirtitewani) share what it really looks like to build a career online while staying grounded offline.Jess calls herself an “accidental creator.” After casually posting hair videos, one went viral - 46 million views in under three weeks, while she was still working full-time in criminal justice. The sudden visibility was thrilling and disorienting, but with support and boundaries, she found a rhythm: mission-driven work by day, creativity by night. Kirti’s journey began after motherhood made the long, unpredictable schedule of makeup artistry unsustainable. During the pandemic she launched a supplement brand, posted on TikTok for marketing, and unexpectedly went viral. She soon gained 80K followers in a month, then jumped from 4K to 120K on Instagram in a week.Both now navigate two worlds - the everyday one and the digital one. To stay centered, they set firm boundaries. Jess keeps work and content separate and even created a “So You Want to Start a Business” group at her agency to manage questions. Kirti refuses all family-based partnerships, keeping her kids fully offline for their safety and privacy, even when turning down major money.Their advice for creators: slow down, learn the craft, trust your intuition and stop chasing comparison. Growth does not need to be rocket-fast to be meaningful. Jess reframes consistency as a habit that builds over time. Kirti uses data to improve content without compromising her values.Their message for brands: give creators creative freedom. Kirti’s community recognizes her in a simple black tank top, forcing a neon look makes the content feel less authentic. Jess rejects rigid scripts that don’t sound like her voice. And both prefer opt-in PR over surprise boxes at the door.Together, they show that influence is not about going viral, it’s about boundaries, integrity and building a career that feels true to who you are.If you are a creator trying to navigate your own boundaries or a brand trying to build better partnerships, this episode is full of nuance and real talk from two women who live it every day. For more information on these guests check out their socials @kirtitewani & @jessstheblessed and Jess’s new website jessstheblessed.com!

In this episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, Jodi Katz sits down with Dr. Ariel Ostad Dermatologist, Cosmetic Surgeon & Brand Founder and Kelsie Johnston, Former GM/Head of Beauty & Personal Care TikTok Shop US to explore how artistry, influence, and authenticity shape the future of beauty.From a middle school dream of becoming a buyer to helping launch TikTok Shop in the U.S., Kelsie shares how pairing data with creativity unlocked massive growth transforming e-commerce into a community-driven experience. She explains that the brands thriving today are those that let creators and customers co-author the narrative instead of trying to control it.As both dermatologist and brand founder, Ariel reflects on the artistry behind his work from subtle aesthetic enhancements to reconstructive surgery. For him, dermatology is where science meets sculpture. He also discusses launching his own skincare line, built on evidence-based formulas and a deep sense of empathy for patients.The conversation turns to AI, community management, and the importance of preserving humanity in a hyper-digital world. Both guests highlight the loneliness behind the influencer lens and the need to foster real relationships through coffee chats, connection, and care.When the talk shifts to balance, Kelsie shares her go-to box-breathing ritual before major meetings, Ariel describes his daily meditation and visualization routine, and Jodi admits that her best reset is lying on the floor with her legs up the wall plus keeping social media off her phone.Tune in to hear how data, design, and human touch come together to shape the next chapter of beauty. And if you’d like to try any products from Dr. Ariel he gave us a code it’s WBMB20 for 20% off your purchase on drarielostadskincare.com 

In Episode 294 of Where Brains Meet Beauty, host Jodi Katz sits down with Annie Robertson Hockey, President & Head of Consulting Skytale Group and Lauren D’Amore, Vice President Prelude Growth Partners to explore the intersection of personal passion and professional success in the booming beauty and med spa industries. From nearly becoming a ballerina or a doctor to leading investment and consulting firms, these two powerhouse women share how their early experiences shaped their careers.They dive into the evolution of med spas into mainstream brands, the importance of building loyalty over chasing trends, and how leadership and mentorship fuel sustainable growth. Whether it’s scaling a brand or investing in one, Annie and Lauren bring sharp insight, candid stories, and advice on what success really looks like as your career matures.Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation and yes, there’s even a book club moment at the end.Thank you to our sponsor Beauty Connect - get 10% off tickets with code WBMB at beautyconnectla.com.

In this episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty with Jodi Katz, we explore how legal and financial experts fuel the growth of beauty and wellness brands. Guests Kara Posner, Partner at Gianuzzi Lewendon and Thomas Cunningham, Director of Business Development at Physician Growth Partners share how they help founders navigate funding, scale strategically, and prepare for exits.From childhood dreams of animation and pro sports to careers in law and investment banking, Kara and Thomas reveal how early passions shape their approach to high-stakes advisory work. They dive into what it means to be true partners to entrepreneurs, offering not just strategy but empathy, creativity, and commitment.Expect insights on M&A, fundraising, managing strong personalities, and why real human connection still beats any app. A must-listen for anyone building a beauty, wellness, or med spa business.Thank you to our sponsor Beauty Connect - Get 10% off tickets with code WBMB.

In Episode 292 of Where Brains Meet Beauty, host Jodi Katz sits down with Sarah Foley, Managing Partner at InviNext Growth Partners and Caroline Chiaroni, Vice President at TJC for a compelling conversation at the intersection of private equity, consumer brands, and personal passion. From childhood dreams of veterinary clinics and art galleries to managing multi-million-dollar investments in beauty and wellness, these two trailblazers share how creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking shape their careers. They discuss the evolving role of technology in finance yes even AI, while emphasizing the irreplaceable power of human connection in brand building. You'll hear behind-the-scenes insights on spotting breakout brands, nurturing founder relationships, and balancing data with instinct. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or just brand-curious, this episode delivers a refreshing look at the heart behind high-growth consumer investing.Bonus: Don’t miss the fun wrap-up game as Sarah and Caroline reveal their favorite art picks in a game of “museum tour, this or that.”Thank you to our sponsor Beauty Connect - get 10% off tickets with code WBMB.

In Episode 291 of Where Brains Meet Beauty with Jodi Katz, the spotlight turns to two investors redefining what it means to back beauty and wellness brands: Kara LaForgia, Founder & Managing Partner at Hive Ventures, and Rich Gersten, Co-Founder & General Partner at True Beauty Ventures. Their paths to venture capital could not be more different, yet both reflect the persistence, gut instincts, and passion that this industry demands.Kara’s story is one of constant reinvention. A lawyer by training, she started her career as an NFL sports agent, worked with Birdman and Lil Wayne at Cash Money Records, and went on to become the first employee at multiple startups before launching her own consulting business. From there, she began investing off her balance sheet, eventually managing capital for others and institutionalizing her approach under Hive Ventures. She describes herself as hands-on, gritty, and opportunistic, never afraid to step into an unfilled role or claim an open lane. For her, the ideal founder to back is someone who “eats, breathes, sleeps” their company, often an operator with deep experience at an early-stage brand who impresses her enough to think about them long after a meeting ends.Rich’s trajectory looks more traditional, but with its own twists. After business school, he entered private equity as a generalist, covering consumer companies across food, supplements, and retail. More than 20 years ago, he stumbled into his first beauty investment, Avalon Natural Products, followed by DDF Skincare. What began as an assignment from the founder of his firm “spend half your time on beauty” became a lifelong focus. Though initially skeptical, Gersten came to see beauty as uniquely resilient and endlessly dynamic. He recalls attending his first Women’s Wear Daily CEO Summit as the only private equity investor in the room, a stark contrast to today, where investors and bankers crowd those events alongside brand leaders. Five years ago, he co-founded True Beauty Ventures, a sector-specialized fund that now manages 20 brands across categories, channels, and geographies.Together, their perspectives reveal how beauty investing blends strategy with soul. The capital matters, but so do the founders, the vision, and the consumer connection. Both Hive Ventures and True Beauty Ventures may run lean teams, but they bring something more valuable than scale: deep expertise, empathy for founders, and an insider’s feel for where consumer trends are headed. As Gersten puts it, to invest successfully in beauty, you have to love it. Anything less just doesn’t stick.Thank you to our sponsor Beauty Connect. Get 10% off tickets with code WBMB.

In this episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty we meet Kevin Kim the Director of Beauty & Personal Care Investment Banking at Raymond James. His career journey didn’t begin with balance sheets and deal rooms it began with medicine.As the oldest son of two psychiatrists, Kevin grew up assuming he’d follow in their footsteps. But by late high school, he realized his path needed to be his own. Drawn to a more global career, he pivoted from pre-med aspirations to business, ultimately landing in investment banking.His early years at Houlihan Lokey provided a crash course in analytics and resilience. But financial services M&A, mortgage servicing rights and insurance deals left him craving work that was more dynamic, more connected to culture. That pivot came when he joined boutique bank Financo in New York, where a chance partnership with beauty M&A legend Vennette Ho introduced him to founder-led brands and the artistry of storytelling in finance.From helping Lily Gordon of First Aid Beauty raise early capital, to later selling the brand to P&G, Kevin learned that beauty transactions are never just about numbers, they’re about people. Founders bring vision, quirks, and dreams to the table, and he leaned on skills inherited from his psychiatrist parents: listening deeply, decoding motivations, and helping brands show up as their best selves when it matters most.Today at Raymond James, Kevin has worked on more than 25 beauty deals, guiding brands through capital raises, acquisitions, and exits. He and his team specialize in founder-led businesses, translating brand “sparkle” into financial value while advising buyers on how to preserve the magic post-acquisition. His lens is global covering fragrance booms in Paris, K-beauty trends from Seoul, and indie darlings in Sephora aisles.His leadership style reflects the same ethos: hands-on, people-first, and rooted in immersion. New analysts join him on “Sephora field trips,” learning that to advise in beauty, you must love the category, feel the consumer pulse, and respect its nuances.For Kevin the real thrill isn’t just closing a deal it’s knowing that a beloved brand has a shot at its next chapter, that founder visions are honored, and that beauty continues to evolve as a global language.Thank you to our sponsor Beauty Connect - get 10% off tickets with code WBMB.