From Corporate to Consultancy: Bethany Ramsay's Inspiring Journey in the Beauty Industry

Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, host Dillie interviews Bethany Ramsay, founder of Honeybee and co-founder of The Beauty Brief. Bethany recounts her journey into the beauty industry, starting with journalism and marketing, and her evolution into a beauty industry expert. She discusses the importance of authenticity, understanding consumer needs, and the power of storytelling in brand strategy. She shares personal challenges, the unpredictability of corporate roles, and the value of mentorship. The episode touches on the balance between specialization and a broad marketing perspective, and Bethany's aspirations in creative writing. About Bethany Ramsay: A 360 beauty marketing and communications pro specializing in skincare, Bethany is particularly passionate about the adult acne space. She is currently working as a full-time consultant with her business, HONEY B, focusing on the beauty, health and wellness industries and offering full-service marketing, brand strategy, and product development services. Other projects include founding the networking community, Seattle Beauty Collective, developing a podcast, Brand Baby, launching in 2024, and co-founding indie beauty media outlet, The Beauty Brief. Previously, Bethany has worked in corporate skincare marketing and product development as a Product Marketer at HydroPeptide, Brand Manager for ARTISTRY Skin Nutrition, and with countless other beauty brands including Pendrell, Vacaville, stealth start up's, and more. She is based in Seattle and holds a BA in Editorial Journalism and Public Relations from Columbia College Chicago. Timestamps: Bethany's journey into the beauty industry (00:01:10) Unconventional path, diverse experiences, and finding a home in the beauty industry. Navigating the dynamic world of the beauty industry (00:04:41) Changes in the beauty industry, focus on skincare, and evolving consumer needs. Helping brands understand consumer needs (00:07:57) Importance of brand values, social listening, and transparency in consumer-led marketing. The Beauty Brief's approach to product launches (00:13:59) Aggregating top news articles, curating product launches, and providing unique value. Vacation brand's innovative marketing (00:15:54) Innovative product formats, playful approach to SPF, and effective brand synergy. Starting Honeybee consulting (00:18:13) Entrepreneurial spirit, building own company, leveraging LinkedIn, and embracing vulnerability. Seizing Opportunities (00:21:40) Bethany shares her experience of having her vehicle stolen and using the insurance money to invest in her consultancy Embracing Uncertainty (00:22:32) Bethany and the host discuss the uncertainty of entrepreneurship and the empowerment gained from taking leaps in a rocky job climate. Creating Stability (00:24:03) Bethany emphasizes the importance of creating stability as an entrepreneur and not letting imposter syndrome get in the way. Mentorship and Advice (00:25:01) Bethany talks about her lack of professional mentorship, her passion for mentoring young people in the beauty industry, and the advice "what's yours will find you." Finding Joy and Transformation (00:27:35) Bethany discusses finding joy and transformation in discomfort and the importance of fighting for a career that brings happiness. Expanding Skill Sets (00:29:26) The conversation focuses on the importance of gaining exposure to various marketing aspects to avoid being pigeonholed too soon. Committing to Goals (00:30:53) The host asks Bethany about areas in her life where she feels she's sitting in the stands, and Bethany discusses her commitment to her business and her struggle with finding time for creative writing. 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/