Brandidly Speaking

In this episode of Brandidly Speaking, Chillhouse founder and CEO, Cyndi Ramirez, shares her journey from opening a spa in New York City to building a nationally recognized nail care brand. Cyndi discusses the creation of Chill Tips, scaling through retail partnerships, raising capital, navigating an acquisition, leading with intuition, and building a legacy brand in today's beauty industry. This episode covers entrepreneurship, brand building, retail growth, founder-led marketing, beauty industry trends, leadership, and the realities of scaling a modern consumer brand. New podcast episodes drop every other Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn. 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

On this episode of Brandidly Speaking, Cris Gordon takes the mic for a solo deep dive into one of social media's hottest emerging brands: Good Girl Snacks and their viral Hot Girl Pickles. If you've spent any time on Instagram or TikTok, chances are you've seen them. What started as two best friends with a love of pickles quickly grew into a brand people couldn't stop rooting for. By sharing their journey openly from day one, the founders brought consumers along for every win, challenge, and milestone. Cris breaks down the power of ""building in public"" and why transparency has become one of the most effective brand-building strategies today. Plus, Cris tackles a round of 5-Minute PR Advice inspired by real Reddit users and puts influencer Alix Earle under the microscope in a live media training-style interview review, sharing insights on what works, what doesn't, and why. Whether you're obsessed with branding, fascinated by viral consumer products, or looking for practical PR insights, this episode is packed with takeaways you won't want to miss. Listen now and join the conversation. New podcast episodes drop every other Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn. 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

What if your audience is already telling you exactly what they care about? In this episode of Brandidly Speaking, Cris Gordon sits down with Alaina Simon, Senior Client Partner at Reddit, to explore how brands can tap into the real conversations happening on Reddit to better understand their audiences. People are openly sharing what they’re interested in, what they love, what they’re buying, and what they’re looking for, giving brands an incredible opportunity to listen and learn. Cris and Alaina talk about how brands can use these real, unfiltered community conversations to uncover consumer insights, spot cultural trends, and make smarter marketing decisions. Because sometimes the best brand strategy starts with listening to what people are already saying. If you’re building a brand, this is an episode you’ll want to listen. New podcast episodes drop every other Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn. 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

What do you do after building one of the most iconic beauty brands in the world? If you're Alli Webb, you start over. In this episode, Cris Gordon sits down with the founder of Drybar and Messy to unpack what really changed between building a $275 million business and launching a brand in today's creator-first world. They discuss why authenticity is becoming every brand's biggest advantage, what founders get wrong about building community, the lessons Alli carried from Drybar (and the ones she left behind), and why embracing the messy middle might be the smartest business move you can make. Whether you're building a business, growing a personal brand, or looking for your next big chapter, this conversation is packed with honest insights, practical advice, and the behind-the-scenes stories you won't hear anywhere else. New podcast episodes drop every other Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn. 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

Your personal brand is one of the most valuable assets you'll ever build, and it's about so much more than your social media presence. In this solo episode, Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC, breaks down what it really means to have a personal brand and why it matters. Whether you're a founder, executive, creator, or early in your career, these are the practical steps to start building one with intention. If you've ever wondered how to stand out, attract the right opportunities, and become known for your expertise, this episode is for you. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn. 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

In today’s episode, Cris sits down with Olga Fleming, CEO of MMC, the communications agency helping brands earn a place in consumers' everyday lives. Olga shares why the strongest brands go beyond awareness and create meaningful rituals, becoming products and services people rely on daily. When a brand successfully integrates into someone’s routine, it transforms customers into true advocates. Together, Cris and Olga explore what it takes to deeply understand your audience, identify unmet needs, and build messaging that resonates on a human level. They unpack the habits that set successful founders apart, the mistakes that hold brands back, and how AI can be leveraged as an analytical tool without sacrificing the creativity and emotion that make brands memorable Whether you’re a PR professional, marketer, founder, or simply fascinated by the art and science of brand building, this conversation is packed with candid insights and practical takeaways. Grab a notebook, settle in, and get ready for a masterclass in creating brands that people truly believe in and advocate for. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

What separates a business that grows from a business that gets acquired? In this episode, Cris sits down with founder, investor, author, and "Exit Whisperer" Carrie Kerpen to unpack the real lessons behind building, scaling, and selling an 8-figure company. Together, they discuss the biggest mistakes founders make when preparing for an exit, why visibility and PR can impact how buyers perceive your business, the role personal branding plays in increasing company value, and much more. Carrie also shares the story of building one of the world's first social media agencies, scaling it through years of industry change, and ultimately achieving an 8-figure exit before launching her next chapter helping founders navigate their own path to a successful sale. Whether you're years away from an exit or just beginning your entrepreneurial journey, this conversation offers practical insights on business growth, founder branding, PR, visibility, and building long-term enterprise value New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn. 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

From early-stage startups to seven-figure brands, every founder is asking the same questions: How do I grow? Where is my audience? What actually works in PR today? In this SXSW special, we answer those questions in real time – giving founders just 5 minutes each to unlock smarter, more strategic approaches to visibility, storytelling, and growth. From scaling beyond referrals to refining your brand identity and finding the right rooms, these rapid-fire conversations reveal the patterns, mistakes, and opportunities shaping modern business today. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, consider this your fast-track guide to modern PR. This episode is packed with actionable insights you can apply immediately. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

What’s the most powerful metric for your brand? Shares. This week on Brandidly Speaking, Cris Gordon sits down with Jen Hayes Lee, Head of Marketing and Content at The Bump, to unpack how she’s built a brand that parents are actively recommending to one another. From scaling one of the most trusted platforms in parenting to fostering a deeply engaged community, Jen shares how a clear understanding of brand values and audience needs has been central to creating content that consistently outperforms. In the episode we dive into the role of strategic partnerships and how to choose the right ones, how brands can create content that feels human, and what it takes to scale while maintaining the feeling of a small, connected community. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

In today’s healthcare landscape, you must have both the expertise AND the ability to communicate it clearly to build genuine trust with your patients. In this episode of Brandidly Speaking, Cris sits down with Dr. Sheila Farhang, double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology, to unpack what it really takes to build trust as a medical expert in the digital age. From growing her platform organically over more than a decade to becoming a go-to voice across social media, Dr. Farhang shares how she’s navigated the shift from seeing patients to trusted public authority without losing her patient-first values. Cris and Dr. Farhang also explore how brand visibility is now shaped by everything from press coverage to digital footprint, and what founders in healthcare need to understand if they want to reach the right audiences in a meaningful way. This conversation is a must-listen for healthcare founders, doctors, and experts who know they have something important to say, but want to make sure it lands, builds trust, and reaches the people who need it most. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

What does it take to build a brand story that goes beyond surface level in the beauty industry? In this episode, Lisa Hanna, former Miss World, global political leader, and now beauty founder, shares why understanding the entire industry is the foundation for building a brand that truly stands out. After decades on the world stage and in government, Lisa entered the beauty industry to build something with meaning. And that meant learning every layer of the business, from formulation and finance to global markets and strategy. This conversation goes far beyond beauty, and it teaches us about the discipline and leadership it takes to build a brand with depth in an industry driven by noise. If you’re building a brand, or want to, this episode will change how you think about storytelling, strategy, and long-term success. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

How do you break through in the crowded supplement market where new products are getting launched left and right? In this episode, Bridgitte Malinson, founder of Gut Personal, breaks down how she built a cult-favorite wellness brand by blending clinical credibility with community-first marketing. From strategic PR placements to organic storytelling, she focused on building trust through earned media and expert validation, positioning the brand as both authoritative and approachable. Instead of relying on paid ads or empty trends, she focused on real connection, education, and personalized experiences that make customers feel seen. For brand founders, this is a masterclass in modern brand building: how to make your product feel aspirational, how to leverage PR to build credibility and awareness, how to turn affiliates into true brand advocates, and how to stand out in a saturated category without losing credibility. If you’re building in a space that feels crowded, this conversation will show you how to make it matter, make it trusted, and make it grow. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

You’re posting consistently, so why isn’t anyone sticking around? Most founders think they need better content. In reality, they’re over-editing, overthinking, and filtering out the very thing that makes people care. In this episode of Brandidly Speaking, Lilliana Vazquez (former TODAY Show + E! host turned creator) shares what turns content into community, and why it has nothing to do with being perfect. We get into the risks of showing up fully, how to handle criticism, and why trying to be liked by everyone is exactly what’s holding you back. If your content isn’t translating into connection, this podcast episode delivers the insights you need to craft messages that genuinely resonate with your community. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

On this week’s episode, we sit down with Lisa Jauregui, Founder of BK Beauty, to break down how she turned audience feedback into a $25 million beauty brand. Before founding BK Beauty, Lisa worked in advertising, became a MAC makeup artist, and later began creating YouTube makeup tutorials while raising her kids. By consistently sharing expert advice and education, she built a loyal audience that trusted her recommendations. Through affiliate link data, Lisa gained clear insight into exactly what her audience wanted - from product categories and price points to buying behavior and preferences. That data became the foundation for BK Beauty. Instead of guessing what to launch, Lisa used real audience feedback to design products people were already asking for, leading to one of the most successful creator‑led beauty brands today, with massive traction on TikTok and social media. If you’re a creator, influencer, founder, or aspiring entrepreneur looking to turn content into a scalable, multi‑million‑dollar brand, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. Tune in to hear how Lisa leveraged data, audience trust, and education to build BK Beauty, and how you can apply the same strategy to your own brand. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

Finance can feel intimidating for most brand-builders and marketers but understanding the numbers might be the most powerful growth tool you have. In this episode of Brandidly Speaking, we sit down with Chris Polakowski, Executive Director of Global Operations at MMC, to unpack the financial and operational decisions that separate busy brands from profitable ones. From understanding your P&L to managing risk, Chris breaks down how finance can empower creativity and unlock smarter growth. Throughout the conversation, we explore the core financial metrics every business should understand, including revenue, expenses, and cash flow, and why many companies confuse being busy with being profitable. Chris shares how founders and marketers can balance bold ideas with financial realities, how to think about risk in a strategic way, and why operational systems and financial visibility are essential for sustainable growth. Whether you're building a startup, scaling a seven-figure brand, or leading marketing inside a legacy company, this episode offers practical insights on how to make smarter decisions, operationalize growth, and build a business that lasts. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

In this episode of Brandidly Speaking, we sit down with Sarah Chen-Spellings, investor & capital strategist, to talk about why understanding finances is a game‑changer for women business owners. Sarah entered the business world at just 25 and quickly found herself in rooms where major investment decisions were being made. As a young Malaysian woman building her career, she noticed a striking pattern: the people making these decisions were almost always men. That realization exposed a major gap in the industry and ultimately inspired her to help change it. Through her work building Beyond The Billion—mobilizing over $1 billion into women-founded companies—Sarah brings a rare, insider perspective on how wealth is actually built: from ownership and decision-making to long-term value creation. In this episode, Sarah shares the power she’s gained from financial knowledge, what she looks for when investing in a business, and what helps companies succeed long after they receive funding. This conversation is a must‑listen for women founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to better understand investing, capital access, and how financial knowledge creates long‑term opportunity. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn. 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

This week on Brandidly Speaking , we’re joined by MMC’s Dr. Kavin Shah, the medical expert behind our scientific communications work. As consumers become more focused on ingredients and transparency, trust has never mattered more. Dr. Kavin, a board-certified surgeon with a master’s in public health, shares how brands can turn complex science into content that’s clear, credible, and actually drives decisions. Together, Cris and Kavin break down how consumers can spot the difference between legitimate, evidence-based information and marketing masked as science. Kavin also shares how brands can collaborate with medical experts to communicate complex scientific ideas way that are accessible, honest, and compelling. If you’re a brand operating at the intersection of beauty and wellness, or science-backed innovation – or just a consumer trying to make sense of it all - this episode is for you. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

In this week’s episode of Brandidly Speaking, we sit down with Aliett Buttelman, the Co-Founder of Fazit Beauty. A true innovator in the makeup application space, Fazit understands the consumer’s desire for instant confidence, and has built an entire brand around delivering it. From major sporting moments like the Olympics and the Super Bowl to music festivals like Coachella, they’ve mastered the art of showing up at the right moment, in the right way. Many point to the brand’s viral moment when Taylor Swift wore Fazit to a Chiefs game as an overnight success. But the truth is, that moment was anything but accidental. Fazit had spent months behind the scenes laying the groundwork to ensure the team was fully prepared when that opportunity came into fruition. Aliett breaks down exactly how the moment came together, and how the brand was ready to capitalize when it did. She also shares insights into Fazit’s upcoming strategic partnership announcements with sports teams and athletes, including the U.S. Women’s Flag Football Team, the World Cup, and the Olympics, as well as what’s next for the brand. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom and offers a rare look at a brand that built staying power beyond a viral moment. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

Celebrity‑led brands are everywhere now, and they continue to spark curiosity, cultural relevance, and drive sales. In this episode, Kailey Bradt, CEO of Sonsie, takes us behind the scenes of leading the skincare brand founded by Pamela Anderson, and shares what it truly takes to build a brand that resonates beyond a famous name. While Pamela provides the inspiration, Kailey explains how Sonsie is thoughtfully designed to meet their consumer where they are and speak to what they actually want: simplicity, trust, and intention. We explore the power of doing a few products exceptionally well instead of launching an overcrowded line, how to build a cohesive collection that anticipates and solves customer needs, and why leaning into the customer’s values and interests is essential to creating a lasting community. If you’re interested in brand building, marketing to women, or creating products that truly serve your customer, this episode is for you. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com

Consumers today are inundated with marketing from every direction - from social media, email, television, and beyond. As a brand builder, it's more difficult than ever to stand out. In this episode, Cris Gordon breaks down the fastest way to increase brand visibility, credibility, and community by doing one powerful thing: creating an experience. By showing up at events like SXSW, a cultural moment where brands can strategically meet their audience face‑to‑face, you can maximize all three in less than a week. This episode is a must-listen for brands of all sizes. We explore how larger brands can capitalize on tentpole moments like SXSW, and how smaller brands can show up intentionally without wasting budget. Drawing on experience from a legacy communications agency like MMC, we share practical tips and proven strategies to help you make a real impact at your next major moment. New podcast episodes drop every Wednesday, hosted by Cris Gordon, Head of Beauty at MMC. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👍 Follow @Brandidly_Speaking on Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok and MMC on Instagram and LinkedIn . 📲 We'd love to hear from you: hello@hellommc.com