The Future of Beauty Tech: Perspectives from Kimberly Shenk @ Novi

Show Notes: In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, host interviews Kimberly Shenk, co-founder and CEO of Novi. They discuss Kimberly's background, including her time in the Air Force and her studies at MIT, which led to her co-founding Novi, a company focused on clean beauty and product transparency. They delve into the complexities of the clean beauty industry, the role of data science, and Novi's partnerships with retailers like Sephora and Ulta. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of passion and belief in entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a business, and the significance of delegation. The conversation also explores the potential of AI in the beauty industry, from consumer personalization to formulation assistance and data management. Finally, they touch on the intersection of B2B and B2C marketing and the potential for cross-industry learning. About Kimberly: Kimberly Shenk is the co-founder and CEO of Novi, a company helping consumer brands develop clean, transparent consumer products. Novi was developed out of pain points she experienced first hand as the co-founder of NakedPoppy, an online clean beauty company. She formerly served as Head of Product/Data Science for Domino Data Lab, Eventbrite and Sports Authority, and as a Data Scientist and Officer in the United States Air Force. Kimberly holds an MS from MIT and a BS from the U.S. Air Force Academy. To connect with her, visit: noviconnect.com Timestamps: Kimberly's Background and Journey (00:00:52) Kimberly's career journey from the U.S. Air Force to founding Novi, emphasizing her passion for data science and clean beauty. Starting Novi (00:03:44) The pain points experienced while co-founding a clean beauty company led to the inception of Novi, aiming to democratize information for brands. Educating Brands on Clean Ingredients (00:05:47) Helping brands understand the nuances of clean ingredients, including the sourcing and production processes, to make informed decisions. Connecting Brands with Suppliers (00:09:30) Novi's role in connecting brands with responsible suppliers and manufacturers to facilitate informed decision-making in product formulation. Seal Verification and Data Approach (00:12:18) The role of Novi as a verification engine for clean seals, emphasizing the importance of a data-driven approach in defining clean and non-toxic products. Continuous Learning and Expansion (00:15:34) The continuous evolution of understanding clean ingredients and the potential expansion of Novi into wellness, supplements, and other verticals. Entrepreneurship and Mentorship (00:19:38) Discussion on the challenges and advice for entrepreneurs, including the importance of passion and finding alignment with skills. Scaling a Business (00:22:26) Challenges and strategies in scaling a business, including delegating, hiring, and surrounding oneself with diverse expertise. AI Technology in Beauty Industry (00:25:32) Exploration of the impact of AI in the beauty industry, including consumer-facing applications, formulation, and data structuring. Personal and Professional Growth (00:30:21) Reflection on personal and professional goals, including the intention to reintegrate trail running into a busy lifestyle. Conclusion and Future Outlook (00:32:02) Wrap-up and invitation to connect with Novi, acknowledging the company's impact on the beauty industry and beyond. 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/