| Page 179 | Kisaco Research

Chaired by:

Author:

Kirbie Johnson

Co-Host and CEO
Gloss Angeles

Kirbie Johnson is a multi-hyphenate host-writer-producer-reporter living in Los Angeles. A veteran journalist, Kirbie has become a sought-after (no BS) authority on makeup, skincare, and wellness at the intersection of entertainment. She has appeared in 500+ on-air segments, reported on the grounds of the GRAMMYs and the Golden Globe Awards, on set of shows like Euphoria, and as a trusted interviewer has secured celebrity sit-downs with Kim Kardashian West, Rihanna, and Hailey Bieber. For years as POPSUGAR’s on-camera beauty reporter, Kirbie worked to explore the connection between beauty and entertainment, and now she thrives at the intersection of both industries. She co-hosts the much-loved and listened-to Gloss Angeles podcast, covering the latest launches, social trends and a guest roster of who's-who industry A-listers. With her (manicured) finger on the pulse, she breaks news on her own platforms, including her best-selling Substack newsletter, and contributes to pubs like Allure, Harper’s BAZAAR, The Hollywood Reporter, and has appeared on the 'Today' show, Freeform, and the BBC.

... read more

Kirbie Johnson

Co-Host and CEO
Gloss Angeles

Kirbie Johnson is a multi-hyphenate host-writer-producer-reporter living in Los Angeles. A veteran journalist, Kirbie has become a sought-after (no BS) authority on makeup, skincare, and wellness at the intersection of entertainment. She has appeared in 500+ on-air segments, reported on the grounds of the GRAMMYs and the Golden Globe Awards, on set of shows like Euphoria, and as a trusted interviewer has secured celebrity sit-downs with Kim Kardashian West, Rihanna, and Hailey Bieber. For years as POPSUGAR’s on-camera beauty reporter, Kirbie worked to explore the connection between beauty and entertainment, and now she thrives at the intersection of both industries. She co-hosts the much-loved and listened-to Gloss Angeles podcast, covering the latest launches, social trends and a guest roster of who's-who industry A-listers. With her (manicured) finger on the pulse, she breaks news on her own platforms, including her best-selling Substack newsletter, and contributes to pubs like Allure, Harper’s BAZAAR, The Hollywood Reporter, and has appeared on the 'Today' show, Freeform, and the BBC.

Strategically grow your product portfolio while protecting your profitability and brand integrity. Align with retailer expectations and market opportunities through private label strategies, accelerating growth and managing risk, for sustainable success.

eCommerce & Retail
Growth & Scaling Strategies
Product Innovation & Development

Author:

Samantha Burd

Owner
Lady Burd Cosmetics

Samantha is the 3rd generation owner of Lady Burd Cosmetics, a Long Island-based contract manufacturing company, specializing in private label and custom formulation for beauty brands. She’s passionate about product development, brand building, and helping beauty entrepreneurs bring their visions to life. Under her leadership, the company is scaling with a focus on innovation, customer experience, legacy, and family-driven values.

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Samantha Burd

Owner
Lady Burd Cosmetics

Samantha is the 3rd generation owner of Lady Burd Cosmetics, a Long Island-based contract manufacturing company, specializing in private label and custom formulation for beauty brands. She’s passionate about product development, brand building, and helping beauty entrepreneurs bring their visions to life. Under her leadership, the company is scaling with a focus on innovation, customer experience, legacy, and family-driven values.

Make science your brand's strongest growth engine, with AI-designed peptides creating hero ingredients and securing first-to-market advantages. See how microbiome science is becoming a foundation for product personalization and consumer trust, and how generative AI is transforming complex science into compelling marketing stories and consumer education.

Product Innovation & Development
Growth & Scaling Strategies

Author:

Dr. Lun Yu

Co-Founder and CTO
Metanovas Biotech
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Dr. Lun Yu

Co-Founder and CTO
Metanovas Biotech

You know money talks, but do you know what it’s saying about your brand?

Learn key financial & growth indicators that signal it’s time to raise, strategies to identify & connect with the correct consumer investors, formulas for pitch crafting, and deal structuring tactics that align with your goals.

Funding & M&A
Growth & Scaling Strategies
Legal & IP

Author:

Ilya Seglin

Managing Director, Investment Banking: Consumer, Retail & E-Commerce
Cascadia Capital
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Ilya Seglin

Managing Director, Investment Banking: Consumer, Retail & E-Commerce
Cascadia Capital

Author:

William Susman

Managing Director: Consumer and Retail Investment Banking
Cascadia Capital
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William Susman

Managing Director: Consumer and Retail Investment Banking
Cascadia Capital
 

Anna Keller

Principal Analyst, BPC
Mintel

Anna Keller is an analyst on Mintel’s US Beauty and Personal Care team, and she joined Mintel with a strong background in the skincare industry translating trends and technologies into new products. Prior to her time with Mintel, Anna gained extensive experience at a contract manufacturer working across departments to drive product development. While Anna has focused on the beauty and personal care space in her professional career, sustainability, eco-minded innovation, and environmental policy have long been passions of hers.

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Anna Keller

Principal Analyst, BPC
Mintel

Anna Keller

Principal Analyst, BPC
Mintel

Anna Keller is an analyst on Mintel’s US Beauty and Personal Care team, and she joined Mintel with a strong background in the skincare industry translating trends and technologies into new products. Prior to her time with Mintel, Anna gained extensive experience at a contract manufacturer working across departments to drive product development. While Anna has focused on the beauty and personal care space in her professional career, sustainability, eco-minded innovation, and environmental policy have long been passions of hers. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a unique degree in Ethics, History, and Public Policy with a concentration in Technology and Policy.