Christa Pitts

Adult collectors have recently become the #1 demographic in the toy industry, surpassing preschool and 6-11 year old consumers. It's not because the kid's segment is shrinking. 1) Adults are engaging their fandom. 2) Collectors are embracing toys as a viable asset sub-class alongside trading cards, comic books, and original art.... So, it doesn't surprise me that we're hurdling toward the very first MILLION DOLLAR assets within the toy category. Compare toys to comic books where the highest graded grails will smash through $10 million this decade (Action 1, Superman 1, Amazing Fantasy 15 Spiderman debut, Marvel 1, Batman 1, Detective Comics 27)... or compare to trading cards where the highest graded grails will break $50 million (1952 Topps Mantle PSA 10 pop 3 or PSA 8 T206 Wagner pop 1)...or non-sport trading card games (PSA 10 Pokémon Pikachu Illustrator $5+ million, CGC 10 Magic The Gathering Alpha Black Lotus $3+ million)... or even traditional pop art where Warhol's Shot Sage Blue Marilyn sold for $194 million in 2022. Pop culture is no joke. It's investible. I'm not a proponent for putting all of your eggs in one basket. Diversify. Don't put more than 10% of your assets into any one category (other than your personal home). But in a world that seems to agree on very few things, content, fandom and collectibility is widely embraced. Two ideologies can have vastly different perspectives, but agree on pop culture. Pop culture brings people together... And, rare, high grade toys have been under-appreciated as a sub-asset under investment level collecting. I do believe this 1979 Kenner Star Wars Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Mailer J-Slot V2 / 2 Missiles AFA Graded 85+ has a shot to be the very first $1 million action figure. Maybe not this go around... but you never know. 15 days left in the auction and currently at $360,000 with buyer's premium. Oh... and if anyone knows where I can get my hands on a 1969 Rear Loading Beach Bomb in Spectraflame Hot Pink... call me. That's a grail in vehicles, and my best bet for another million dollar item. PS - My opinion. No guarantees in life except for taxes and RIP. ❤️.

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Helping Andres, Gloria, Rachel, and WestRock Company find their perfect agency was smooth sailing. The biggest takeaway from this search has nothing to do with the search itself. It's about relationships and the long game. Many many moons ago, while working at an agency, my old pal Brenda got me in to Georgia-Pacific as a vendor, and eventually introduced me to Gloria, who eventually introduced me to Rachel. The circle of life if you will. This was all set into motion roughly a decade a go, maybe longer. You should...no -- you MUST play the long game with relationships. People do business with those that they like, know, trust. The older we all get and the more established in our careers we become, the bigger the stakes become. When the stakes are bigger, trust is even more important. Long term thinking > short term gain always and forever.

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A Story of Unbreakable Resilience and Impact: Crafting Beauty with Culture Jenn Harper’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the remarkable capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity. As the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics INC, Jenn has not only built a brand that promotes inclusivity and sustainability, but she has also created a beacon of hope, channeling personal pain into purpose. Picture this: An e-commerce business launches. Friends and family show support, but the true test of resilience comes when Jenn faces life’s darker moments. Amidst preparing for her company's big reveal, she was grappling with an immense personal sorrow; her brother's suicide. This tragedy became the fuel that powered Jen’s mission—Cheekbone Beauty was destined to be more than just a cosmetics line; it became a lifeline to indigenous communities dealing with loss and despair. "I really believe it's the creator of the universe that's helped me get through these things"~says Jenn. In the wake of such a personal tragedy, many might have retreated. But for her, this was a call to action. She knew her brand had to stand for something greater. Cheekbone Beauty was born out of a dream to uplift indigenous faces, grounded in Jenn’s Ojibwe culture and a recognition of the depth of generational trauma affecting her people. Its mission was clear—to provide hope and tangible help through education via scholarship funds. Her heartfelt recollection of conversations with her brother highlights the impact of her endeavor. His awe at the concept of a business with a social mission proves that her vision was compelling. Cheekbone Beauty didn’t just talk about making an impact; it took action, steadily increasing the number of scholarships funded each year, touching lives in a palpable way. Her drive and determination are rooted in sobriety—an achievement that is a testament to her strength. Sobriety provided Jenn with clarity, unearthing an unshakable confidence and enabling her to face the daunting task of entrepreneurship with an “I-can-do-anything” (aka YES YOU CAN)attitude. Each sober year marks not just personal triumph but also signifies the growth of Cheekbone and its social imprint. 🌿💄 I so love Jenn‘s authenticity and willingness to share her painful journey for the betterment of others. She is such a beautiful soul! Watch the full video episode on YouTube https://lnkd.in/g-YApYyu Or listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon or any of your favourite streaming apps. Read Jenn’s Feature Article https://lnkd.in/gMcz-Xmd #IndigenousBeauty #Women #SocialImpact #podcast #MakeupWithMission #SustainableCosmetics #BeautyWithPurpose #IndigenousRepresentation #HopeThroughBeauty #GivingBack #iamunbreakable #iamunbreakablemagazine #yesyoucan #podcasts #iam #iamunbreakablepodcast #iamunbreakable #rockstar #rockstarconfidence #unbreakable #WomenLeaders

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✔ On today's episode, our guest is Isabella "Bella" Hughes, co-founder of Better Sour. ✔ We talk about challenging the candy industry's norms, the power of global flavors, and the importance of building a brand with a meaningful story in retail. ✔ Bella reveals the secrets behind Better Sour’s retail success, emphasizing the power of data-driven decision-making and understanding consumer preferences. 🎧 How to Tune In: ✔ Apple: apple.co/3K0fCjE ✔ Spotify: spoti.fi/3QGLiyf #podcast #podcasting #CPG

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Quick mid-year check in on the macro situation for health & wellness focused #emergingbrands. Key point IMO: this remains one of the best times (literally) ever to be selling premium better-for-you products in the US. Consumer incomes, Inflation moderation, & wealth-effect are all good (and improving) driving very strong demand. Higher end shoppers are continuing to power right now. Continued bifurcation between high & low HH’s is real and not great, showing value & showing up in the right channels has never been more important. Retailers everywhere looking for great innovation and brands that can deliver real growth. The energy that was evident at #expowest was real and continues. I've seen no real evidence of any significant movement away from healthier options across HH income levels or channels. Consumers do seek value (always), but they want the products to meet their health needs too. Brands delivering both $ and unit growth are in the drivers seat. There could be pockets or categories I cannot see where this is not the case, but I think the big picture holds. The #emergingbrand financing environment remains terrible, especially at friends & family, seed & A rounds before scale. I'd have thought that would be better as the year has gone on but I've seen or heard no evidence of that yet. Seen lots of great brands you'd expect to raise easily just getting squashed. Investors remain cautious, careful, and outside the big deals you hear about everyone chasing, it remains a financing nuclear winter. Hope this changes soon because the macro environment is one of the best ever and there are some potential big brands of the future out there just needing the capital to scale. Please share if you see anything different, love to hear perspectives across the brand and investor landscape.

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My friend Michael Tiffany recently invited me to join him on Fulcra Dynamics' podcast, The Augmented Life, to share some of my insights about biohacking for skin.   After 15 years in the beauty industry, I've come to realize that truly effective skincare involves deeply understanding how our skin functions, and strategically optimizing its natural processes. Here's a sneak peak of what we got into in our conversation: How modern consumers are becoming their own skincare scientists, demanding real proof. Why the ingredients in your products might not even be reaching your skin! The secret world of your skin's microbiome, and how easily it can be disrupted. Sleep is your skin's most powerful regeneration tool. Your skin actually has its own circadian rhythm! Learn more in the full episode, now live at: https://lnkd.in/dau92pbD

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As an person who is passionate about candles, I've cherished every moment spent at pop-up markets, connecting, and sharing the story behind each handcrafted creation. However, after thoughtful consideration, I've made the decision to pivot away from pop-up markets. I currently have three schedule pop-ups for the rest of year. I will honor my commitment then I will focus on other business aspects. #CandleBusiness #Entrepreneurship #StrategicDecision

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Great Article Read. In alignment with True Beauty Ventures + Christina's perspective, I agree with the notion that consumers are increasingly demanding more from their beauty products. According to data projections on consumer spending in the beauty industry for 2024, there is a notable trend of consumers expecting greater value from their purchases, even as they strive to be more mindful of their expenditure habits. In light of this evolving landscape, there is a unique opportunity to cater to consumers who seek premium products that not only meet their beauty needs but also provide added value and efficiency At TwoFold Wellness our core mission revolves around addressing the needs of modern women who prioritize self-care and are investing in themselves, yet may face time constraints in their daily routines. As we strive to serve this discerning demographic, our focus is on exceeding expectations by offering beauty products that go above and beyond “traditional” standards. Through innovative solutions and a commitment to enhancing the self-care experience, we are dedicated to providing a range of products that resonate with individuals seeking quality, efficacy, and convenience in their beauty routines. We hope this trend is one we can promote and see other brands carry through! #beauty #wellness #beautyindustry #wellnessindustry #selfcare #startup #raisingcapital #womenfounders

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So, I've decided to shake things up a bit. I've launched a Substack. Why? Because after more than a decade of creating and innovating products for major beauty and wellness brands, I've got some thoughts. And they need somewhere to go besides my Notes app and my friends' ears. Why should you listen to me? Well, I've been the person behind the curtain: - Developing products you probably have in your bathroom right now - Witnessing firsthand what really goes into your "miracle" creams and supplements - Navigating the complex world of corporate beauty and wellness - Transitioning from corporate innovator to independent consultant - Now, building my own brand in the women's health space I've seen it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly of this industry. And now, I'm ready to share those insights with you. This isn't just another wellness blog. It's a deep dive into the industry from the inside out, someone who's been in the trenches. You'll get: - Insider knowledge on product development and marketing - Unfiltered takes on wellness trends and cultural commentary - The real challenges of building a brand in women's health - Interviews with experts who challenge the status quo - Raw, honest stories from my journey in beauty, wellness, and entrepreneurship If you're curious about what really goes on in the world of beauty and wellness, or if you're tired of the glossy, airbrushed version of health, this is for you. I'm here to offer clarity, honesty, and a healthy dose of skepticism.

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What are you willing to leave behind in humanity for innovation? AI is evolving faster than humanity. Digital wellness is a non-negotiable, and so is preserving our most innate human traits. I had the honor to share the future of digital wellness on the stage at the Global Digital Wellness Conference at Ithra. 🌍✨ It's larger than a policy or a study; it's a collective consciousness shift. A revolution of thought.

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Huge round of applause for Dianna Cohen and the team at Crown Affair for their spectacular $9M Series B round. To close such a sized round in today's tough capital environment validates Dianna's strategy which can be boiled down to three words: focus, Focus and FOCUS. Focus on clear branding and consistent messaging. Focus on a tight assortment of great products supported by efficacious formulas. Focus on key channels (DTC and Sephora) and geography (US). While the business is delivering impressive numbers, what is equally important is that Dianna and team are building a brand--that hard-to-define series of emotional trigger points that must be invoked to help a consumer fall in love with an idea. There is absolutely no (read zero) shortage of high-quality shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, tools and accessories on the market today. To stand out, grab share and succeed, you need to build a brand that makes a consumer look past all the other great options and say "I choose you". Winning that critical moment is what Dianna is remarkably good at.

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Allbirds reported its third quarter earnings yesterday and while the stock got a modest bump on the report, I am absolutely not liking what I see. Overall, I'm continually frustrated by this brand. There are MANY brands on Iris that are bigger than Allbirds, and they are running their businesses much differently, and much BETTER. So much so, that I propose that we buy the whole thing at $80m. Lets dive in into the earnings 👇 👇 1/ Revenue Allbirds’ revenue continues to shrink. This is not necessarily a problem since they're rightsizing, but YoY revenue shrinkage is actually ACCELERATING from -21% in 3Q23 to -25% in 3Q24 3Q23 Revenue: $57m 3Q24 Revenue: $43m 2/ Gross Margin We saw some 90 basis points of gross margin expansion year-over-year, but still below the IPO point, with no real path to recovery or expansion beyond 3Q21 Gross Margin (IPO Roadshow): 54% 3Q24 Gross Margin: 44% The stock is down 98% since IPO. What's more, Allbirds announced they are moving their international businesses to a distributor model with players like Primer group handle that distribution for huge brands like Birkenstock and The North Face. This limits gross margin upside, a head scratching move - until you dig in a little: CEO Joe Vernachio was the VP of Ops at The North Face from 2011-2017 3/ Marketing OK, fine. Revenue is still shrinking rapidly and margins won’t get better. I can live with that at a reasonable scale. What I have a hard time with is their marketing initiatives that are driving that revenue. You're not going to believe this. The big announcements for marketing plans are..... 🥁 🥁 ....partnering with Marriot Bonvoy and Uber eats. Like they are Lululemon or Costco. I mean seriously, is this a joke? My brother in christ, let’s try facebook ads. Now to the marketing line - where $BIRD spent a modest $10M in the quarter on marketing for an MER of 4.36 and contribution margin ratio of 21%, which is still on a downward trend Contribution Margin Ratios: 3Q21: 34% 3Q24: 21% 4/ Profitability “But Drew, if gross margins and marketing aren’t driving meaningful steps toward profitability, surely they’ve cut their fixed expenses and are profitable by now.” No, of course not. They have cut SG&A expenses meaningfully, from $44m/qtr to $31m in the most recent qtr. The problem is that the cuts aren't fast enough, with sales shrinking faster - causing fixed expenses as a % of rev to shoot UP, at over 70% of sales. Must be those critical teams managing the Uber Eats deal! Overall, Allbirds is an iconic DTC brand and Existing management has it all wrong, coming from legacy operational backgrounds. Did you know Allbirds has 14k followers on TikTok? I mean cmon. Tomorrow we will be doing the full deep dive on allbirds' latest earnings report and my proposal to take the company private in my NEWSLETTER make sure to SUBSCRIBE (pinned to my profile) and I will also be sharing the data used to create the analysis

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Check out my latest podcast interview on Startups in Stilletos!!

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Ready to elevate your brand to iconic status? I’m back, blending the allure of legendary fashion brands with a few surprises—one being my own ARP Visuals (soon to be iconic) and another, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, which played a crucial role in the growth of V2M2 Group, Inc., my digital marketing agency. Can you name all the brands featured below? Let’s see how many you can get right! But this is just the beginning. Are you struggling to craft a compelling brand story? Do you want to stand out in a crowded market? With the power of AI, creating captivating visuals and telling your brand’s story is more accessible than ever—but here’s the reality: it’s still time-consuming and requires more than just pushing a button. Check out the stats from this video project: - Production Time: 36 hours - Images Produced: 300 - Project Size: 1.2 GB - Software Used: 7 As a business owner, you know that time is money, and mastering all the tools and techniques needed to produce high-quality videos can be overwhelming. It’s more than just using AI—each tool, from AI image generators to animation engines, has its own strengths and nuances. The process of choosing the right combination to create something extraordinary takes expertise and dedication. So why do I pour so much effort into projects like this? Because I believe this is the future of marketing and advertising, especially for small businesses that need to maximize impact without breaking the bank. Video dominates social media, and by embracing this technology now, you can position yourself ahead of the competition. Let’s create something amazing for your brand. Drop me a message below, and let’s start the conversation. #ai #aifashion #filmmaking #aifilmmaking #marketing #digitalmarketing #branding #iconic

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Color is a quick cue for brand recognition. It’s why businesses have brand colors. Tiffany even got a registered trademark for Tiffany Blue in 1998, to protect others from using it. It’s also why some business owners wear their primary brand color when public speaking, networking, at large conferences, or in their headshots. There can be benefits to doing this: » You reinforce your brand color by wearing it » You’ll be recognized if your brand color is distinctive or it’s a color most business owners don’t wear at events » Photos of you will work easily across your website, social media, and marketing materials But think twice before you automatically decide to wear the brand color of your business. Here are some situations in which you may not want to do it: » Your brand color doesn’t look good on you » Your brand color overpowers you, so you get lost wearing it » Your brand color is hard to find in clothing (or don’t care to make the effort) Bottomline, you can still build brand recognition with color, without wearing it! If you’re the face of your brand and business, you can build brand recognition through your unique point of view and your signature style. #brandcolors #personalcolors #brandrecognition

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Selling to consumers is hard. Mastering the art and science of that process takes a lot. Selling to retailers is also hard. Mastering that process is what provides your trajectory for scalable success. Selling into beauty supply stores provides lower financial stakes and is an avenue that could be considered by most brand founders selling to Black consumers in the US. But how do you sell your products into the stores? You start by going into the local ones that are closest to where you live and the consumer you want buying your products. Typically stores are purchasing from other wholesale distributors but they do have the ability to one off purchase your products. They do however have to be sold that once they take your products into the store that they will move. That responsibility will reside with you as the brand owner so having some creative marketing plans in place before going into the store works to your benefit.

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📖 📱FOR YOUR WEEKEND READING 📖 📱 I wrote a full article on my Substack (free) about value-driven shoppers and the behaviors they plan to stick with, even if they had more money to spend. This article is illustrated with examples, including a few names you might not have heard of yet, like MILE, Quince, The Frankie Shop, SESSÙN, WoodChuckSato, etc. Feel free to check out my Substack newsletter, The Gen Z Disruption, where I dive deeper into the strategies brands use to connect with Gen Z’s shifting values. https://lnkd.in/gJ5mgJyF #fashion #luxury #shopping

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We had an amazing conversation with Maggie Malek, the CEO of Crispin, on the latest episode of the BrandBusters Pod. Maggie gives great career advice and talks about how brands should think about finding the right agency for them based on their size and needs. Search "BrandBusters Podcast" on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube to check out the latest episode. Whether you work for an agency or a large brand, you won't want to miss the conversation. #cpg #founders #ecommerce

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