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Every episode
Coffee N° 5 with Lara Schmoisman
30 episodes
How Beauty Heroes Revolutionized Clean Skincare Shopping
Ep 2 · Jun 9, 2026 · 30 min
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 a c…
From Secretary to Industry Leader: Elana S Drell Szyfer's Journey
Jun 2, 2026 · 33 min
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 insigh…
Breaking Taboos in Sexual Wellness: The Future of Women’s Pleasure with Maria Warrington
May 5, 2026 · 26 min
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 digit…
Raising Capital & Scaling: What Investors REALLY Look for in Beauty Brands
Apr 27, 2026 · 28 min
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 Equi…
The Future of Wellness: AI and Luxury Experiences with Tom | Coffee N5
Ep 248 · Apr 22, 2026 · 33 min
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 through ad…
Beyond the Business Card: Strategic Networking with Mike Ryan | Coffee N5
Ep 247 · Apr 14, 2026 · 31 min
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 premi…
The Future of Hormone Health: Community, Clean Living, and Preventative Wellness with Sara Jensen
Ep 52 · Mar 10, 2026 · 24 min
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 health The hidden impact of hormone-disrupting chemicals in skincare, haircare, and home products Why “clean beauty” lacks a clear definition—an…
The Power of Kindness: Longevity, Entrepreneurship, and Building a Legacy with Dr. Brent Ridge
Ep 51 · Mar 3, 2026 · 33 min
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 genetics How the “anti-aging” narrative became a fear-based marketing construct Why longevity sta…
The Reality of Social Commerce: Creators, AI, and What Actually Drives Sales with Bora Mutluoglu
Ep 50 · Feb 24, 2026 · 31 min
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 misleading How social commerce is maturing into a performance-driven ecosystem Wh…
Redefining Ambition: From Burnout to Purpose with Amina AlTai
Ep 49 · Feb 17, 2026 · 24 min
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 stri…
Demystifying PR with Jennifer Bickerton & Lauren Kahn
Ep 48 · Feb 10, 2026 · 49 min
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 function The myth of “just PR” and why siloed team…
Amazon Is Not a Channel. It’s part of the Ecosystem: What Brands Get Wrong with Laura Meyer
Ep 47 · Feb 3, 2026 · 29 min
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 laws. Th…
From Artist to AI Founder: The Power of a Non-Linear Path with Kat Garcia
Ep 46 · Jan 27, 2026 · 39 min
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 Kat…
The Non-Linear Path to Building a Science-Backed Skincare Brand with Allison McNamara
Ep 45 · Jan 20, 2026 · 30 min
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 founders Building a science-backed brand without shortcuts How discipline shapes product and growth decisions The reality behind scaling and retail expans…
Is Supply Chain Sexy?: Cash Flow, Control, and Scaling Reality with Aaron Alpeter
Ep 44 · Jan 13, 2026 · 27 min
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 scale Why cash flow and unit e…
Funding the Right Way: Venture Capital, Marketing & Founder Strategy with Laurel Mintz
Ep 43 · Jan 6, 2026 · 25 min
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 scale without…
2026 Is Calling: What Marketers Need to Know with Lara Schmoisman
Ep 42 · Nov 25, 2025 · 12 min
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 your g…
SEO Without the Nonsense: What Actually Drives Organic Growth with Lara Schmoisman
Ep 41 · Nov 18, 2025 · 6 min
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 still…
The Heart of Your Business: Why Every Strategy Starts with Your Website
Ep 40 · Nov 11, 2025 · 7 min
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 website…
When Content Stops, Growth Stops: The Truth About Blogging & SEO with Lara Schmoisman
Nov 4, 2025 · 6 min
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 long-t…
Integrated Marketing in Action: The IEMA System with Lara Schmoisman
Oct 28, 2025 · 5 min
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 marketing The IEMA system: Informative, Entertaining, Memorable, Actionable How to make…
Beauty Connect LA: Behind the Trends Driving the Industry with Joanne Murphy
Oct 21, 2025 · 22 min
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 intentionall…
The Future of Creativity: Building Emotionally Intelligent AI with Lalla Asmaa Alaoui
Oct 14, 2025 · 25 min
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 platfo…
Inside SXSW: 35 Years of Community, Creativity, and Constant Reinvention with Hugh Forrest
Oct 7, 2025 · 27 min
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 powerhouse Lessons from 35 yea…
Accessibility, Compliance, and Conversions: Why Digital Inclusion Is a Business Imperative with Bet Hannon
Sep 30, 2025 · 25 min
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 agency What “accessibi…
Bootstrapped to Beauty Powerhouse: Scaling SUGARED + BRONZED with Courtney Claghorn
Sep 23, 2025 · 26 min
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 + Bro…
Eternal Beauty: Redefining Skincare and Self-Worth with Alec Batis
Ep 32 · Sep 16, 2025 · 37 min
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 science Lessons from leading marketing at Victoria’s Secret Beauty and NAR…
The Science of Skincare: How Pharma Innovation is Redefining Beauty with Mark Menning, PhD
Ep 31 · Sep 9, 2025 · 26 min
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 works How a career in pharma led to groundbreaking skincare in…
The Authenticity Shift: Rethinking Social Media with Susanah Zeffiro
Ep 30 · Sep 2, 2025 · 28 min
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 authenticity The throughline of Susanah’s career: spotting what’s next before it hits the mainstream Lessons from Spotify, gaming…
The Hard Truth About Beauty Innovation with Steven J. Edelstein
Ep 29 · Aug 26, 2025 · 28 min
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 ingredients The real margin rules that make or break a brand The hidden costs in supply chain and trade shows th…
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