In this conversation, Suzanne Martens, founder of Adesse New York, shares her journey from a childhood in Pennsylvania to becoming a leader in the clean beauty industry. She discusses her entrepreneurial spirit, the challenges of starting her own business, and the innovative use of AI in product development. Suzanne emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and the role of cultural awareness in business. She also reflects on her personal growth as an entrepreneur and offers valuable advice for aspiring business owners.

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Bio

I’m the Founder and CEO of Adesse New York, a luxury beauty and wellness brand best known for pioneering Skin Care for Nails™—a clean, high-performance approach to nail care and color. I launched the brand in 2015 after identifying a gap in the market for non-toxic, cruelty-free nail products that didn’t sacrifice quality or luxury. Today, Adesse is a leading global brand, featured on ABC’s The View, QVC, Univision, and the official nail care partner of Canyon Ranch Spa.

Adesse is proudly aligned with major beauty subscription leaders like Ipsy, BoxyCharm, Birchbox, FabFitFun, and Alltrue, delivering millions of full-size products to consumers who crave performance-driven, clean beauty.

My background spans over two decades in the beauty industry, with hands-on experience in product development at iconic brands like Estée Lauder, Revlon, Avon, and Elizabeth Arden. I’ve also held executive roles in media and private equity, venture capital and corporate consulting, bringing a well-rounded, strategic lens to brand building, AI driven product development & innovation and business growth.

I hold an MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Computer Science, with a specialization in Business Systems Analysis. My ongoing commitment to innovation is supported by certifications in AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Data Science Engineering (MIT), Global Finance, and French Language & Culture.

Currently based in Scottsdale, Arizona, I’m passionate about wellness, clean beauty, and empowering the next generation of beauty entrepreneurs. When I’m not building the next innovation at Adesse, you’ll find me deep water diving, hiking desert trails, or on the Pilates Reformer.

Let’s connect if you’re a fellow innovator, beauty founder, or investor looking to disrupt the beauty space.

This podcast is sponsored by Freshwater Investments