Gone are the days when traditional gatekeepers like Vogue held all the power. In today's fast-paced world, social media has empowered consumers and brands, giving everyone megaphones to amplify their voices. John Cafarelli, the visionary founder of Ernest Supplies and esteemed COO of Beauty Matter, vividly remembers the early days of establishing a beauty brand when formulation was far from accessible, white labeling was an emerging concept, and the health and wellness trend had yet to take center stage. John was at the forefront, leading the charge by introducing one of the first lifestyle-driven beauty pouches to hit the shelves, redefining luxury. As a creative, there's nothing quite like the exhilaration of seeing your product proudly displayed on store shelves or adorning someone's shower at a party. Get ready to squeeze every last drop of wisdom from this episode! We'll talk about: How luxury transforms and transcends consumers’ perspectives The power of persistence: how a “no” simply means “try another way”From followers to gatekeepers: the role of social media influencers in the transformation of the beauty industryThe future of independent beauty brands How to break beauty barriers and thrive in a dynamic industry as an outsiderFor more information, visit Ernest Supplies’s website. Subscribe to Lara's newsletter. Follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman LinkedIn: @laraschmoisman Twitter: @LaraSchmoisman Like and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Join our Facebook Group.  Support the show