The Consult Club Podcast

In this Consult Club conversation, Laura sits down with Mary and Leah, the founders of Holy Grail Skin Care, to talk about what it really takes to bring a skincare brand to life.The two met a decade ago over their shared frustration with complicated routines and underwhelming results. What started as a personal search for better skincare turned into a brand built around simplifying, educating, and empowering women to feel confident in their skin.Together, they break down the behind-the-scenes realities of formulation, sourcing, packaging, and brand-building — from finding the right chemist to navigating social media with authenticity. The discussion underscores the role of female collaboration, community, and honest communication in a category often dominated by hype.Whether you’re a skincare lover, entrepreneur, or someone craving more meaning in the beauty industry, this episode reminds you: the best products are born from lived experience, persistence, and a clear purpose.Read all about Holy Grail Skincare Here.Subscribe to The Consult Club wherever you listen to podcasts, and join the conversation on Substack for behind-the-scenes reflections and skincare breakdowns you won’t find anywhere else.CHAPTERS:00:00 — Introduction to Holy Grail Skin Care02:03 — The Birth of a Skincare Brand05:59 — Formulating with Purpose10:31 — The Importance of Clean Ingredients15:37 — Challenges in Product Development18:07 — The Joys and Struggles of Entrepreneurship20:55 — Navigating Authenticity in Marketing22:35 — Building Community and Support24:43 — The Dynamics of Co-Founding27:23 — Understanding the Right Audience29:10 — The Importance of Education in Skincare31:49 — Simplifying Routines for Real Life34:25 — The Value of Consistency37:32 — Making Informed Product ChoicesLINKS:Shop Holy Grail Skincare Co.Follow Holy Grail Skincare Co. on InstagramRead more and join the conversation on The Consult Club SubstackFollow the Consult Club on InstagramFollow Laura on InstagramFollow SHOPDERM on InstagramShop curated products on SHOPDERMShop all of Laura’s Picks Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

Anne Corgan on creative pivots, layered spaces, and trusting your instincts—whether you're styling a room or navigating skincare.In this episode, Seattle-based interior designer Anne Corgan shares her winding, intentional journey—from growing up in the Pacific Northwest to working in fashion and PR in New York, and ultimately landing in the world of interiors.Anne reflects on her early days at Vogue and Club Monaco, her unexpected pivot into buying at Williams-Sonoma, and how that role introduced her to a more supportive, values-driven work culture. She shares what led her to interior design, the risks she took to get there, and what keeps her fulfilled today.We dive into the influence of personal aesthetics, the power of travel, and how our lived experiences shape the way we design and show up in the world. Anne also opens up about balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood—and the clarity that comes from aligning your career with your core values.And in true Consult Club fashion, Anne asks the real questions too: What do you do if you metabolize your Botox too fast? And what happens when you're so overwhelmed by skincare advice that you just... do nothing?This is a conversation about evolving, editing, and learning to trust your gut—on your own timeline.Chapters00:00Journey to Design: From Seattle to San Francisco02:51Finding My Path: The Shift from Fashion to Interior Design05:01The Informational Interview: A Key to Career Exploration08:48Building a Foundation: Experience at Williams-Sonoma10:33The Leap into Interior Design: Starting from the Bottom14:19Returning to Seattle: The Launch of Corgan Design16:38Defining Aesthetic: Balancing Tradition and Modernity19:47The Art of Collaboration: Working with Clients22:08The Designer's Process: Presenting Options and Gathering Feedback27:21The Thrill of Discovery: Sourcing Unique Pieces29:38The Emotional Impact of Design: Creating Meaningful Spaces41:30Navigating the Beauty Industry: Skin Care and Self-Care This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

Evolving Brands, Evolving Women: How personal growth shapes identity, connection, and the way we show up in business and beautyIn this episode, Laura sits down with Hannah Munce, founder of HM Studio, a Charlotte-based PR and design firm. Hannah shares her journey of blending creativity and communication, and why being a multi-hyphenate can be such an advantage in today’s world. Together, they explore the power of connection, the role of problem-solving in PR and marketing, and the importance of celebrating small wins along the way.The conversation also touches on how brand identity evolves over time, often reflecting personal growth, and why truly understanding a client’s energy is at the heart of impactful branding. Finally, Laura and Hannah dive into skincare—encouraging women to feel confident asking questions, setting realistic expectations, and prioritizing hydration and product knowledge.It’s a thoughtful, inspiring exchange about creativity, communication, and confidence—both in business and in beauty.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Collaboration01:07 Hannah's Journey: From PR to HM Studio03:01 The Balance of Design and Communication06:00 The Joy of Connection in Communication08:01 Celebrating Small Wins in Business10:37 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking in PR13:50 The Importance of Creative Exploration16:47 Designing with Intent: Brand Identity Development19:40 Navigating Personal and Brand Identity22:35 The Evolution of Branding and Clarity25:35 Empowering Women in Skincare Education28:11 Realistic Expectations in Skincare30:39 Maintaining Natural Beauty and Aging Gracefully33:36 Hydration and Skincare Essentials36:36 Conclusion and Event Anticipation⁠HM Studio⁠⁠Follow HM studio on instagram⁠⁠Read more and join the conversation on The Consult Club Substack⁠⁠Follow the Consult Club on Instagram⁠⁠Follow Laura on Instagram⁠⁠Follow SHOPDERM on Instagram⁠⁠Shop curated products on SHOPDERM⁠⁠Shop all of Laura’s Picks Here⁠ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

Batik isn’t just a boutique — it’s a love letter to slow fashion, personal style, and the kind of shopping that feels like a conversation. Founded by Katie Harris, Batik reflects her lifelong love of curating beautiful things with meaning — a passion shaped by trunk shows with her mom, summers on the Gulf Coast, and a bold career pivot during the pandemic. Today, she leads Batik with vision and heart, creating a space where women feel both seen and celebrated.Alongside her is Miranda Suerth, the store’s manager, visual merchandiser, and assistant buyer. Miranda’s story is one of purpose — leaving behind a corporate track to embrace creativity, community, and the joy of helping others find pieces that feel like them.Together, Katie and Miranda bring Batik to life through small-batch collections, handmade details, and a deep belief in shopping with intention. Their shared ethos? Fashion should be joyful, not overwhelming. Personal, not performative.This episode of the podcast introduces you to these two remarkable women and the world they’ve built inside Batik. Whether you're a Chicago local or just someone who loves good conversation, good clothes, and good people — this one's for you.Introduction and Greetings (0:00 - 2:00)]Miranda's Journey to Batik (2:01 - 10:00)The Birth of Batik (10:01 - 15:00)Ethos and Mission of Batik (15:01 - 25:00)Community Engagement and Philanthropy (25:01 - 35:00)Fashion and Personal Empowerment (35:01 - 45:00)Upcoming Event in Chicago (45:01 - 50:00)Closing Remarks (50:01 - End)Shop Batik HereFollow Batik on InstagramRead more and join the conversation on The Consult Club SubstackFollow the Consult Club on InstagramFollow Laura on InstagramFollow SHOPDERM on InstagramShop curated products on SHOPDERMShop all of Laura’s Picks Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

How Amanda Horan is Redefining Water Safety and Summer Style.In this engaging episode, Laura Beacham sits down with Amanda Horan, Co-founder of Line + Cleat alongside her husband, Collin. As the only woman-owned life jacket company in the United States, Line + Cleat fills a niche that didn’t exist before—pairing cultivated style with uncompromising safety for children on the water. Amanda shares how her expertly crafted line of children’s life jackets and sun-safe UPF wear was born out of a personal need for safe, stylish options that parents can trust. She and Laura dive into the realities of motherhood—how summer feels so different as a mom than it did when they were kids—and the unique challenges of bringing such a highly regulated product to market. They also discuss the vital importance of water safety, especially for families who spend time boating, and how Line + Cleat exists to give families the freedom to truly enjoy life on the water. Together, they explore the power of community building in e-commerce, the importance of balancing skincare products with in-office treatments, and how authenticity and passion foster genuine connections through social media. Looking ahead, Amanda shares her plans to expand Line + Cleat’s educational efforts around water safety, continuing the mission that sparked her brand in the first place.Chapters00:00 Navigating Summer as Moms02:58 The Birth of Lion and Cleat05:54 Challenges in Developing a Life Jacket09:08 The Importance of Safety in Water Activities11:53 Aesthetic vs. Safety in Life Jackets15:03 Building a Unique Brand in a Niche Market18:00 Creating a Community Around Water Safety21:09 The Journey of Entrepreneurship23:46 Passion and Authenticity in Business26:04 The Joy of Connection in E-Commerce29:06 The Importance of Education and Community31:40 Building Authentic Relationships in E-Commerce36:02 Understanding Life Jacket Sizing38:35 Navigating Skincare Journeys40:25 Products vs. Procedures in Skincare48:05 Maintaining Skin Health Over TimeLINKS:Shop Line+Cleat HereFollow Amanda on InstagramFollow Line+Cleat on InstagramRead more and join the conversation on The Consult Club SubstackFollow the Consult Club on InstagramFollow Laura on InstagramFollow SHOPDERM on InstagramShop curated products on SHOPDERMShop all of Laura’s Picks Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

In this conversation, Laura Beacham speaks with Brittany and Cydney, the founders of Source, about their journey from friendship to business partners in the interior design industry. They discuss the challenges they faced in launching their company, the unique offerings of Source, and the importance of detail and project management in design. The conversation highlights the dynamics of their partnership, the gap they identified in the market, and how they leverage technology to visualize design. In this conversation, Brittany and Cydney discuss the complexities of managing relationships in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, community, and kindness in their work environment. They share insights on fostering a supportive team culture, finding joy in the design process, and the significance of creating budget-friendly solutions for clients. The discussion also covers the intricacies of project costs and collaboration, highlighting their approach to making the construction experience easier for clients.Chapters00:00 The Origins of Source: A Friendship Rekindled03:00 Identifying the Gap in the Market06:02 The Dynamics of a Business Partnership10:05 Navigating Challenges in Business12:05 Understanding the Unique Offerings of Source14:58 The Importance of Detail in Design18:01 Project Management and Collaboration20:57 Visualizing Design: The Role of Technology28:40 Navigating Construction Challenges30:03 Fostering Authenticity and Community32:47 Creating a Supportive Work Environment36:20 Finding Joy in the Process39:09 Budget-Friendly Design Solutions46:16 Understanding Project Costs and CollaborationLINKS:SOURCEFollow Source on InstagramRead more and join the conversation on The Consult Club SubstackFollow the Consult Club on InstagramFollow Laura on InstagramFollow SHOPDERM on InstagramShop curated products on SHOPDERMShop all of Laura’s Picks Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

Meet Emily Shapiro — Founder of TALDEmily Shapiro is the founder of TALD, the digital front door to the architecture and design world. TALD connects homeowners and boutique commercial clients with a curated network of interior designers, architects, builders, and landscape professionals—streamlining the hiring process through flexible, tech-enabled access. Since its launch, TALD has facilitated hundreds of project connections, replacing outdated directories and word-of-mouth referrals with a more modern, intuitive experience.Before launching TALD, Emily spent over a decade in commercial real estate investment and development, helping global brands like Nike and Covergirl secure flagship retail spaces. She now lives in Atlanta with her husband, two sons, and their dog.In this episode we dive into the inspiration behind TALD, the evolving needs of the design industry, and the importance of creating a platform rooted in trust and accessibility. Emily shares her path from corporate real estate to tech founder, the growing pains of disrupting a traditional industry, and the power of meaningful connections—especially among women entrepreneurs.We also touch on skincare and self-care: from daily product habits and realistic expectations in cosmetic consultations to the importance of choosing the right provider and sticking with a plan that works for you. Join us for a wide-ranging, thoughtful discussion about beauty, business, and building something that lasts.Join us for The Consult in Atlanta!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Summer Adventures02:50 The Birth of TALD: Connecting Homeowners and Designers06:05 Navigating the Challenges of Interior Design08:56 Building a Community: The Role of Relationships11:48 Fostering Authentic Connections in Business15:02 The Importance of Collaboration and Support18:03 The Future of TALD and Upcoming Events26:57 The Importance of Daily Habits29:03 Understanding Cosmetic Consultations33:14 Realistic Expectations in Skincare34:49 Navigating Cosmetic Procedures and Products40:57 Choosing the Right Provider for Aesthetic Needs42:22 Personalization in Aesthetic TreatmentsLINKS:Book a Virtual Consultation on TALDFollow Emily on InstagramFollow TALD on InstagramRead more and join the conversation on The Consult Club SubstackFollow the Consult Club on InstagramFollow Laura on InstagramFollow SHOPDERM on InstagramShop curated products on SHOPDERMShop all of Laura’s Picks Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

YARA is proudly owned and operated by a team of badass women — Helena and Rafalea — who believe in the power of self-care. The YARA team understands that your time is sacred and that feeling your best doesn’t have to take a long time. Every part of the experience is seamless, from booking to stacked services. It’s not just about the treatments you receive — it’s about how they make you feel. YARA is designed to deliver the ultimate recharging experience.The handcrafted products at YARA are carefully made in small batches. They avoid single-use plastic and other environmentally harmful materials. YARA also prides itself on being approachable, thoughtful, and empowered. They are warm and welcoming to all. They listen to their guests and treat everyone with respect. They support their community and strive to be inclusive at every touchpoint. They empathize with one another and with their guests. They exude confidence and positivity in everything they do. They are ambitious and committed to providing the very best experience.—Follow YARA on InstagramFollow the Consult Club on InstagramRead more and join the conversation on The Consult Club SubstackFollow Laura on InstagramFollow SHOPDERM on InstagramShop curated products on SHOPDERMShop all of Laura’s Picks Here___00:00 Business Background and Icebreakers01:19 Expansion Plans and Social Media Strategy04:11 Community Building and Events06:37 Founding Yara: The Journey Begins09:19 Navigating Partnerships and Skill Sets11:54 Learning Through Experience14:36 Defining Roles and Strengths16:59 Empowerment Through Beauty18:47 Women in Business: Ownership and Management20:17 Fostering Community and Authentic Relationships24:05 Cultural Influences on Service and Care28:53 Balancing Roles: Women in the Workforce31:29 Skincare as a Ritual: Personal Reflections34:14 Low Maintenance Skincare: Finding What Works39:35 Value in Skincare: Quality vs. Price This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

Caity created Dear Lucy as a love letter to her daughters, Chloe and Lucy—to show them that meaningful change starts with our own actions.A lifelong lover of luxury skincare, Caity often found herself wanting more from the brands she used: more transparency, stronger sustainability efforts, and better clinical results. And as a mother, she also wanted less: less misinformation, less fear-mongering, and less judgment.Out of this desire, Dear Lucy was born—a brand grounded in confidence, not exaggeration. One that prioritizes your skin and the planet, now and for future generations. A brand her daughters can be proud of.—⁠Follow Dear Lucy on Instagram⁠⁠Shop Dear Lucy⁠⁠Follow the Consult Club on Instagram⁠⁠Read more and join the conversation on The Consult Club Substack⁠⁠Follow Laura on Instagram⁠⁠Follow SHOPDERM on Instagram⁠⁠Shop curated products on SHOPDERM⁠⁠Shop all of Laura’s Picks Here⁠ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

In this episode, Laura sits down with Jenny Hall, the visionary founder of Harrington’s, a beloved women’s clothing boutique in Greenville. Jenny shares her journey in retail, the inspiration behind opening her store, and the realities of growing a brand alongside her sisters. Together, they dive into the story of Briton Court—a clothing line born from a dream to create meaningful mother-daughter style moments. Known for its vibrant colors, unique prints, and ultra-comfy fabrics, Briton Court features hand-drawn designs crafted by artists in Brazil and the U.S. Tune in to hear how Jenny blends creativity, family, and entrepreneurship into something truly beautiful.00:00 Introduction and Birthday Reflections03:02 The Birth of Harrington's06:02 Vision and Niche in Fashion Retail08:57 Scaling the Business11:55 Daily Operations and Team Dynamics15:05 Launching a Clothing Line18:01 Sisterly Collaboration in Fashion21:13 Skincare Concerns and Solutions—⁠Follow Harringtons on Instagram⁠⁠Follow Jenny Hall on Instagram⁠⁠Shop Harringtons⁠⁠Shop Briton Court⁠⁠Read more and join the conversation on The Consult Club Substack⁠⁠Follow Laura on Instagram⁠⁠Follow SHOPDERM on Instagram⁠⁠Shop curated products on SHOPDERM⁠⁠Shop all of Laura’s Picks Here⁠ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

An entrepreneur at heart and a Southeast-based stylist, Jenny Pancoast provides wardrobe consulting services to clients and editorial partners in Greenville and across the country.Jenny holds career experiences ranging from working for designer Nanette Lepore in New York, representing fashion brands in Bergdorf Goodman, overseeing ad campaigns for a national shoe retail brand, serving as director of marketing for multiple real estate companies, and consulting on branding and customer experience for an international firm.Through all of this work, Jenny has realized the power of personal branding and the desire of modern women and men to create a style that serves them well through all aspects of life — from impactful careers to the gift of parenthood and everything in between. Jenny believes that wardrobes have the power to impact meaningful points in our lives and in our careers, and she seeks to drive empowerment and elevate confidence with each client she meets.Today, Jenny leverages her expertise in fashion, marketing, and customer experience to guide clients in defining and expressing their personal brands. She encourages fashion partners and clients alike to ‘celebrate their style’ through carefully curated collections and uniquely styled looks for events, weddings, career appearances, photoshoots, and daily wear. Jenny’s bridal styling work has been featured in British Vogue and Charleston Weddings.Most recently, Jenny has added to her portfolio career and advanced yet another passion – a category near and dear to both of our hearts – skincare. This Summer, Jenny is launching twentyfour, an anti-aging skincare brand that brings cutting edge sustained release technology to the skincare industry – creating a first of its kind product line and driving highly impactful, age-reversing results 24/7.A native of Atlanta, GA, Jenny currently lives in Greenville, SC with her husband, Zach; son, Smith; and dog, Tripp.LINKS:⁠⁠Tickets to The Consult x Jenny Pancoast in Greenville  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Book Jenny⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Jenny on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow twentyfourskincare on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the Consult Club on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Read more and join the conversation on The Consult Club Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Laura on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow SHOPDERM on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop curated products on SHOPDERM⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop all of Laura’s Picks Here⁠⁠⁠⁠Jenny Pancoast⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Jenny Pancoast on Instagram⁠⁠ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

Join Eloise, owner of Thirty-One Jane as we chat about starting your own businessThirty-One Jane is a collaboration between this mother/daughter duo that started over 15 years ago with trips to New York City. Here, the two of them would visit their favorite department stores on 5th Avenue, then head down to Soho in search of the latest up and coming brands. When it comes to shopping, Susan & Eloise love the hunt!When Eloise moved back to Charlotte, she saw the opportunity to bring a new kind of retail store to the area, inspired by her many years in the city. She and Susan sought to create a shopping experience that empowers the busy modern woman and reflects their personal style: unexpected, fresh and edgy. Together, they built Thirty-One Jane, which offers a curated mix of women's contemporary clothing, accessories and home goods across a variety of styles and price points. Thirty-One Jane (Street) is the address of the West Village apartment in NYC where Eloise & Susan both lived at different points in time. They fell in love with the building and neighborhood, and knew it was the perfect way to pay homage to the city that inspired the store. Coincidentally, Eloise was also 31 when the store launched.LINKS:Shop Thirty-One JaneFollow Thirty-One Jane on InstagramRead more and join the conversation on The Consult Club SubstackFollow Laura on InstagramFollow SHOPDERM on InstagramShop curated products on SHOPDERMShop all of Laura’s Picks Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

Hannah’s career took off at Hearst Magazines, where she served as a Content Producer for HearstMade, the company’s in-house cobranded content team. In this role, she bridged the gap between publications and brands, creating compelling, on-brand visual stories for both. Her work has been featured in over twenty-five renowned publications, including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmo, ELLE Decor, Esquire, Delish, Good Housekeeping, and across more than a hundred partnering company platforms.Hannah was later approached for a Senior Creative role at the fast-growing, women-led contemporary fashion brand Veronica Beard. Over the course of four years, she worked on an intimate team that reinvigorated the brand’s visuals and marketing. She played a key role in the ideation, communication, execution, and implementation of all visual assets across Veronica Beard’s multiple platforms, collaborating across teams to ensure a cohesive brand message throughout every campaign.Recently, Hannah made the leap from in-house creative to the world of freelance. As a freelance Creative Producer & Art Director, she continues to push creative boundaries, elevating content that tells inspiring stories that resonate with her clients’ audiences and attract new consumers.In a bold new chapter, Hannah is stepping beyond the camera lens to pursue a personal dream: opening a boutique hotel nestled in the foothills of North Carolina. This new venture will allow her to continue her storytelling journey, bringing immersive and unforgettable experiences to life, IRL.LINKS:More about HannahFollow Hannah on Instagram Read more and join the conversation on The Consult Club SubstackFollow Laura on InstagramFollow SHOPDERM on InstagramShop curated products on SHOPDERMShop all of Laura’s Picks Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com

Welcome to the first episode of The Consult Club Podcast! We’re thrilled to have Leah Melby Clinton join us. Working with Leah is a dream come true for our team. She founded and edits In Kind magazine after a successful editorial career contributing to Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Town & Country, and Marie Claire. Now, she focuses on brand-led marketing and storytelling while running Diana, a special community podcast for women that fosters deep connections and meaningful conversations. Leah has a natural talent for creating warm, safe spaces and isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions.Links!⁠Follow Leah on Instagram ⁠⁠Read more and join the chat on The Consult Club Substack⁠⁠Follow Laura on Instagram⁠⁠Follow SHOPDERM on Instagram⁠Shop Curated Products on SHOPDERM This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsult.substack.com