Fashion, Beauty, and Beyond: A Conversation with Cara Kagan

Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, the host engages with Cara Kagan, a writer, musician, and author of "The Rise, Fall, and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum." Cara shares her extensive background in the beauty industry, including her roles at Women's Wear Daily, Elle, and Mode. She discusses her journey as a journalist, the evolution of beauty standards, and her proudest accomplishment—creating "Girl Magazine," which promoted inclusivity. The conversation also explores her book, inspired by her life, and reflects on the importance of authenticity and personal connections in an increasingly digital world. About Cara: Cara Kagan is a writer, musician, and author of The Rise, Fall, and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum (Wild Rose Press, 2023). Back when people read actual paper magazines Cara was an editor at Women's Wear Daily, and the Beauty and Fitness Director for YM, Mode, and Elle magazines; she was also a frequent contributor to Harper's Bazaar, Town & Country, Self, Glamour, Real Simple and InStyle. She is most proud of creating Girl magazine, the first and perhaps only magazine for teen girls of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. To connect with her, visit: carakagan.com Timestamps: Guest Introduction (00:01:08) Cara Kagan, writer and author, is introduced along with her accomplishments. Cara's Early Career (00:01:20) Cara shares her journey starting in the magazine industry and her love for beauty. Fact-Checking Experience (00:02:36) Discussion about the role of a fact checker and its importance in journalism. Transition to Beauty Journalism (00:03:10) Cara explains her shift from law to beauty journalism and her passion for the industry. Scoop on Beauty Products (00:05:39) Cara discusses breaking stories on beauty products and gaining recognition. Thrilling Beauty Launches (00:06:52) Cara recalls exciting fragrance launches and glamorous events in the beauty world. Inclusive Magazine Concept (00:09:34) Cara describes her vision for an inclusive teen magazine embracing all body types. Impact of Girl Magazine (00:10:53) Cara shares the powerful feedback and impact of "Girl Magazine" on young readers. Challenges with Advertisers (00:12:06) Discussion on the difficulties of convincing advertisers to support the inclusive magazine. Adaptability in Career (00:14:57) Cara reflects on her ability to adapt her skills and shift industries over time. Inspiration for Writing a Book (00:15:35) Cara explains how caring for her parents led her to take a creative writing workshop. Developing the Book's Characters (00:17:51) Cara discusses the evolution of her book's characters and their connections to her life. Premise of the Book (00:19:13) Overview of "The Rise, Fall, and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum" and its themes. Nostalgia for Pre-Digital Era (00:20:15) Cara reflects on the longing for experiences without digital distractions. Relevance of Past References (00:22:05) Discussion on how younger audiences engage with references to the past in literature. The Importance of Presence (00:23:14) Discussion on the value of physical interactions and nostalgia for past experiences. Grunge and Music References (00:23:53) Cara shares how music from the 90s resonates with readers, especially men. Cultural Exploration (00:25:32) Cara discusses living in a historically significant building in Oakland. Protests and Activism (00:26:22) Cara describes the vibrant social movements and protests during her time in Oakland. Book Availability (00:26:53) Cara shares where listeners can find her book and support independent booksellers. Exciting Future Projects (00:27:48) Cara reveals plans for a sequel to her book, generating excitement. This podcast is produced by the team at Dillie: a marketing agency with a niche focus on beauty and personal care brands. https://dilliecreative.com/