Coffee N° 5 with Lara Schmoisman

Latest Episodes:

The Future of Beauty: Trends and Insights with Noah Rosenblatt Sep 29, 2026

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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 channels while prioritizing speed, service, and consumer personalization.

• Key Topics Covered:

Strategies for building brand longevity and disrupting traditional market channels.

The development of digital platforms and modern e-commerce experiences.

Evolving consumer behavior, personalization, and shifting retail expectations.

Market expansion tactics for brands aiming to establish a strong presence in the US.

Emerging trends in fragrance innovation and the convergence of beauty and wellness.

• About Noah Rosenblatt:

Noah Rosenblatt is a prominent leader and executive in the beauty and retail space, recognized for his strategic vision in brand curation, digital transformation, and market expansion. With extensive experience in scaling retail platforms and developing strategic brand partnerships, Noah plays a pivotal role in identifying next-generation beauty trends. He is passionate about helping innovative skincare, fragrance, and wellness brands navigate retail channels and connect authentically with the modern consumer.

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🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #NoahRosenblatt #BeautyIndustry #Cosmoprof #DigitalTransformation #BrandStrategy #WellnessTrends #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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Asian Beauty is so much more that K-Beauty: What Brands get dead wrong Sep 22, 2026

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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 competitive new markets.

• Key Topics Covered:

The evolution of Asian beauty in North America and expanding beyond K-beauty.

Strategies for market entry readiness, brand onboarding, and retail expansion.

Balancing authentic brand heritage with localized marketing and packaging.

The power of customer education, storytelling, and skin analysis in-store.

Building omnichannel retail strategies that drive engagement and retention.

Key criteria for product assortment, curation, and clean beauty innovation.

• About Linda Dang:

Linda Dang is the visionary founder behind Sakoshi, a premier platform and retail destination dedicated to bringing the best of Asian beauty to North America. With a strong background in retail operations, brand curation, and market expansion, Linda specializes in bridging the gap between Asian beauty innovators and Western consumers. She is passionate about authentic storytelling, omnichannel growth, and helping ethical brands scale successfully.

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🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #LindaDang #AsianBeauty #KBeauty #RetailStrategy #BrandBuilding #MarketExpansion #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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Aspen's Little Dirty Secret: How Cos Bar Secretly Built a Luxury Empire Sep 15, 2026

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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 brand while maintaining customer trust and capital efficiency.

• Key Topics Covered:

The founding story of Cos Bar in Aspen and its evolution into luxury beauty retail.

Lessons in scaling early-stage businesses, managing cash flow, and building operational infrastructure.

The role of retail partnerships, sales education, and staff training in driving brand success.

How beauty retail is shifting across D2C, social media, wholesale, and prestige vs. mass-market lines.

Key considerations for early-stage investing, brand positioning, and working with beauty incubators.

• About Oliver Garfield:

Oliver Garfield is an experienced retail executive and investor who served as Chief Operating Officer and Co-President of Cos Bar, the original luxury multi-brand beauty retailer founded by his mother, Lily Garfield. Growing up alongside the family business, Oliver played an instrumental role in modernizing Cos Bar’s operations, expanding its retail footprint, and building scalable processes across physical and digital channels. Today, he brings deep expertise in luxury retail strategy, capital management, and early-stage brand development.

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🌐 Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #OliverGarfield #CosBar #BeautyRetail #BrandStrategy #LuxuryBeauty #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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What Law School Didn't Teach Her About Sales Sep 08, 2026

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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 sales teams.

• Key Topics Covered:

Mara’s unconventional career transition from law to healthcare sales leadership.

The critical role of failure, resilience, and rejection in building long-term success.

Practical qualifying questions and sales strategies designed specifically for healthcare.

Core leadership qualities: why charisma, grit, and authenticity outperform traditional tactics.

How to identify, recruit, and mentor top-tier sales talent for high-growth environments.

The mindset shift required when transitioning from individual employee to visionary leader.

• About Mara:

Mara is an accomplished sales leader, executive, and healthcare entrepreneur known for driving exceptional revenue growth and building high-impact teams. With a career defined by grit, adaptability, and strategic execution, she has scaled businesses across the health and wellness sectors. Passionate about talent development and authentic leadership, Mara empowers teams to embrace hard work, overcome rejection, and turn sales strategies into sustainable business growth.

🔗 Stay Connected with The DARL: 📸 Instagram: / thedarlagency

👍 Facebook: / thedarlagency

💼 LinkedIn: / about

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🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #SalesLeadership #HealthcareEntrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipSkills #SalesStrategy #TheDARL #CareerAdvice

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The Death of Guesswork: How Sorcea Decodes Real Consumer Reviews Sep 01, 2026

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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, and beyond.
• Key Topics Covered:
How data-driven insights are revolutionizing market intelligence in beauty and wellness.
The origins of Sorcea and solving the consumer problem of product overwhelm.
Methodologies for collecting, verifying, and ensuring authentic user data across regions.
How emerging brands leverage consumer data to improve SEO, copy, and targeted marketing.
Targeting Gen Z, expanding into color cosmetics, and scaling a tech-driven platform.
• About Jadon Wyant:
Jadon Wyant is the CEO and founder of Sorcea, a data platform transforming how beauty and wellness brands understand consumer behavior. Combining a background in accounting and data analytics with a passion for innovation, Jadon builds tools that deliver verified consumer insights and social proof. Under his leadership, Sorcea helps brands optimize their product strategies, build trust, and drive sustainable growth across dynamic demographics.
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🌐Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth! #CoffeeN5Podcast #TheDARL #JadonWyant #Sorcea #BeautyIndustry #ConsumerInsights #DataAnalytics #BeautyTech #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #GenZMarketing #SkincareTrends #BrandStrategy

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Therapy Is Expensive, so We Built an AI Alien Guardian Angel Aug 25, 2026

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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 emotional safety, user connection, and responsible future growth.

• Key Topics Covered:

The vision behind Tolan and the development of a supportive personal AI.

Why Portola chose an alien guide persona to make digital interactions feel lovable and safe.

Navigating ethics, user privacy, and misinformation in AI-driven conversations.

AI’s emerging role in supporting mental health and helping users manage daily stress.

Understanding business models and monetization strategies for consumer AI platforms.

Future technology trends and the evolving relationship between consumers and AI.

• About Quinten Farmer:

Quinten Farmer is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Portola, the company behind Tolan. With a strong background spanning finance, SaaS, and emerging tech, Quinten is now focused on blending cutting-edge artificial intelligence with creative storytelling. Through Tolan, he is exploring how character-driven AI can serve as a grounded, privacy-conscious reflection tool that enhances everyday human experiences.

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👍Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarlagency

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedarl/

🐦X (Twitter): https://x.com/thedarlagency

🌐Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #QuintenFarmer #TolanAI #AITechnology #FutureOfAI #BrandStrategy #DigitalInnovation #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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How Beauty Heroes Revolutionized Clean Skincare Shopping Jun 09, 2026

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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 a consumer-first approach.

• Key Topics Covered:

Jeannie Jarnot’s background in spa management and how it shaped her strict brand standards.

The reality of ingredient curation and why Beauty Heroes strictly bans components like phenoxyethanol.

How consumer behavior and awareness around clean beauty have evolved over the last 12 years.

Proven strategies for independent brands to pitch, survive, and thrive in curated marketplaces.

The role of authentic content, long-term brand engagement, and consistency in driving growth.

Integrating holistic wellness into the traditional beauty space and anticipating future industry trends.

• About Jeannie Jarnot:

Jeannie Jarnot is the founder of Beauty Heroes, a trailblazing marketplace and discovery service dedicated to clean, healthy, and sustainable skincare. With a rich background as a spa director, Jeannie revolutionized the beauty shopping experience by enforcing unparalleled ingredient standards and championing a "less is more" philosophy. She is a recognized leader in the wellness industry, passionate about helping consumers make conscious choices and helping ethical brands scale with integrity.

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🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #JeannieJarnot #CleanBeauty #BeautyHeroes #SkincareMarketing #BrandStrategy #SustainableBeauty #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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From Secretary to Industry Leader: Elana S Drell Szyfer's Journey Jun 02, 2026

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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 insights on humility, continuous learning, and adaptability are essential listening. We dive deep into why modern careers are no longer a straight line, how the convergence of health and beauty is changing the market, and the irreplaceable role of mentorship in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Key Takeaways From This Episode:

Start Somewhere: Why taking an entry-level role (even as a secretary) can give you the foundational tools to build an empire.
The Corporate vs. Startup Shift: Critical leadership lessons learned when transitioning from massive global corporations to agile, small brands.
The New Career Landscape: Understanding the evolution of career stages and the exciting convergence of beauty, health, and wellness.
The Power of Mentorship: Why asking questions and actively supporting future leaders is the ultimate key to industry growth.

Connect with Elana:

LinkedIn: Connect with Elana S Drell Szyfer

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women): cewbeauty.org (Note: double-check link spelling for CEW)
Industry Insights: Women's Wear Daily (WWD)

💡 Sound Bites to Remember:
"Start somewhere, even as a secretary."
"Be humble and entrepreneurial."
"Ask questions, build your own path."

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Breaking Taboos in Sexual Wellness: The Future of Women’s Pleasure with Maria Warrington May 05, 2026

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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 digital advertising barriers.

• Key Topics Covered:
The challenges of marketing sexual wellness products in highly regulated digital environments.
How to break taboos and build authentic, stigma-free brand conversations.
The role of community and medical professionals in building trust and credibility.
Expanding beyond pleasure into wellness, menopause, and holistic women’s health.
How brands like Plus One innovate to stay relevant across major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
The shift in consumer openness and how it’s reshaping the future of the industry.

• About Maria Warrington:
Maria Warrington is the CEO of Beacon Brands, a leader in the sexual wellness and consumer goods space. She oversees a portfolio of brands including Plus One, focused on empowering women through accessible, innovative, and stigma-free products. With extensive experience in brand building, retail expansion, and navigating complex marketing restrictions, Maria is at the forefront of redefining how wellness and pleasure are positioned in today’s market.

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#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #MariaWarrington #SexualWellness #WomenHealth #BrandStrategy #DigitalMarketing #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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Raising Capital & Scaling: What Investors REALLY Look for in Beauty Brands Apr 27, 2026

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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 Equity (The "Marriage vs. Divorce" analogy).
When is the right time to stop self-funding and look for outside investors?
The importance of unit economics, repeat purchase behavior, and product differentiation.
Why a Sephora or Ulta launch could either make or destroy your business.
The "Halo Effect": How digital data informs retail success.
3 Things a brand should NEVER do when trying to scale.
• About Ilya Seglin: Ilya Seglin is a seasoned investment banker specializing in the consumer and beauty sectors. With years of experience at firms like Raymond James, he has been a key player in some of the most significant deals in the industry. He helps founders navigate the complexities of raising capital, finding the right strategic partners, and preparing their businesses for long-term sustainability and eventual sale.
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Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!
#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #IlyaSeglin #BrandExit #InvestmentBanking #BeautyIndustry #StartupFunding #DigitalMarketingAgency #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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