Inspiring Change: Technology, Diversity, and Community at the Voices of Beauty Summit

In this episode of the Full Stack Beauty podcast, co-hosts Sarah and Sabrina discuss the highlights from therecent Voices of Beauty summit, that focused on technology and diversity in beauty. They provide insights from both days of the event, discussing panels, guest speakers, and the overall atmosphere and themes of inclusivity and community.

00:00:00 Intro

• Sarah and Sabrina discuss the core subjects of the summit, emphasizing the panel on how technology impacts diversity and inclusion.

00:09:11 Day 1: John Legend and Retail Bootcamp

• John Legend's Speech: The first day featured a notable speech by John Legend, who shared insights from his dual experience as a celebrity and a brand founder. He discussed how his fame provides certain advantages in business, yet emphasized that a brand must stand on its own merits to truly succeed. His candid reflections added a personal and relatable touch to the summit's discussions on entrepreneurship.
• Bootcamp for Brand Founders: Day 1 was initially envisioned as a bootcamp for brand founders, focusing on practical aspects of business management, such as finances and effective collaboration with retailers. The day aimed to be more intimate, providing tactical advice and fostering direct connections among attendees.
• Expanded Attendance: Despite plans for a smaller, more focused event, the actual attendance was nearly half the size of the full summit, creating a bustling atmosphere that enhanced networking opportunities and communal learning.

00:19:20 Day 2: Ciara, Ayesha Curry, and more!

• Main Stage Events: The second day served as the main event, featuring larger panels and more prominent speakers. Discussions broadened to encompass major themes of diversity and technology in the beauty industry.
• Panels on Technology and Diversity: Specific panels addressed how emerging technologies like AI-driven wig technology and shoppable UGC (User-Generated Content) platforms can power initiatives for diversity and inclusivity. These discussions explored the intersection of tech innovations with real-world applications in beauty and wellness.
• Community and Atmosphere: The second day continued the themes of inclusivity, aiming to create an environment that felt more like a communal gathering among friends rather than a typical business conference. The day was designed to foster a sense of belonging and community among participants, which was highlighted as a standout success of the event.

00:32:25 The Million Dollar question

• Will there be another event next year???