Starting a clean beauty brand can feel overwhelming, especially when doubts creep in. Maybe you think you don’t have the right credentials or that the market is too saturated. In this episode, I’m tackling the top five limiting beliefs that stop aspiring beauty founders in their tracks—and I’m giving you real, actionable ways to push past them.

Plus, I’ll introduce you to the 12 biggest challenges in clean beauty and how this podcast will help you overcome them.

If you’re serious about launching or scaling your clean beauty brand, this podcast is for you. And if you need more guidance, be sure to check out my Start and Scale Accelerator—a program designed to help you build your brand the right way.

Overcoming the “I don’t have enough expertise” belief:

• Leverage your unique experience—your story is your biggest asset.

• Keep learning: take online courses, attend workshops, network with experts.

• Partner with professionals like formulators, dermatologists, or sustainability experts.

• Be transparent—customers love authenticity.

Standing out in a “saturated” market:

• Define your niche—don’t try to sell to everyone.

• Innovate with unique packaging, sustainability efforts, or a strong brand mission.

• Build a community—engage with your audience and share your brand story.

Starting a brand without a big budget:

• Start small—focus on one hero product instead of a full line.

• Use pre-orders or crowdfunding to raise initial funds.

• Minimize costs—work with small-batch manufacturers and indie formulators.

Competing with big brands:

• Highlight your brand’s unique selling point (USP).

• Small-batch brands have the advantage of high quality and personal connection.

• Offer top-tier customer service—make each customer feel valued.

Overcoming fear of failure:

• Reframe failure as feedback—it’s part of the process.

• Set realistic milestones instead of chasing overnight success.

• Surround yourself with support—join entrepreneur groups and find mentors.

• Start and Scale Accelerator | Discover the Ultimate A-Z Blueprint to Launch, Grow and Dominate the Clean Beauty Industry!

• Amy Galper’s Website | amygalper.com

• Instagram | @AmyGalper

In this episode, Amy talks to Brandon Frank, President of PPC Packaging. Brandon is one of the most influential thought leaders currently when it comes to sustainable packaging in the beauty and cosmetic market. He is a sought-after speaker, advisor, and advocate about what "sustainability" actually means, and in this conversation, he pulls the curtain back on some of the harsh truths about cosmetic packaging. Can a clean beauty brand actually use truly sustainable packaging? Does zero waste exist? And what can an emerging clean beauty brand due to be more mindful about the containers and packaging they use? Tune in for this eye-opening conversation, and become more educated about what's really happening in the industry.

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Clean beauty is the harmonious symphony where science and nature converge, revealing the transformative power of conscious choices. In this episode, Amy talks with Clean Beauty Chemist Krupa Koestline, Founder of KKT Consulting, and member of the Credo Clean Beauty Council. Krupa explains what it means to work with a clean beauty cosmetic chemist, and what the process is. She also shares her insights on upcoming plant-based minimally processed ingredients that are the hottest new trends. Tune in and learn about the importance of a clean beauty chemist and their impact on creating safe and effective beauty products with Krupa.

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“When in doubt, just smell the oil.” Olfaction doesn’t get the credit it deserves. People tend to forget that when we inhale essential oils, we are taking those vapors into our body, and we are reaping their benefits. There is so much disconnect from olfaction in the current paradigm of aromatherapy education. That needs to change. In this episode, Amy talks with Certified Aromatherapist and Artisan Distiller Amy Anthony. They cover topics ranging from making aromatherapy training and education more accessible, to how they both feel frustrated by the overemphasis on aromatic chemistry rather than olfaction, when it comes to aromatherapy certification training. Amy Anthony is the host of her own podcast, Essential Aromatica, and the founder of NYC Aromatica. You can find her podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-aromatica/id1681863893. and her website here: https://nycaromatica.com/.

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Big changes are happening in the beauty industry with the Modernization of the Cosmetics Regulatory Act of 2022. In this episode, Amy Galper sits down with the founder of Oh, Oh Organic, Inc., Gay Timmons, to talk about these new cosmetic regulations, AKA the new MoCRA regulations, that are set to impact indie beauty brands. Gay has been a leading voice in the space for clean beauty and organic and sustainable raw materials for use in the beauty industry for decades. In this conversation, she offers some great advice and inspiration for emerging clean beauty founders who are feeling anxious about how to comply with new federal regulations. Full of great information and wisdom, today’s show is going to help you navigate the complexities of regulations that are shaking up the beauty industry.

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Biolandes is an independent family-owned French company whose core activity is the production of aromatic plant extracts for professionals in the beauty, well-being and nutrition sectors. Recently they acquired Eden Botanicals, a US-based essential oil company. In this episode, Amy Galper talks with Lin Corte, the General Manager of Biolandes in North America. The conversation explores how the essential oil industry is growing and changing and how flavor and fragrance companies are navigating these shifts. Are you interested in getting some real insights into the fragrance industry? Join us for this eye-opening and honest conversation.

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The air is thick with the aroma of accomplishment. And Amy Galper’s guest smells of success! In this episode, she interviews Valerie Bennis. Valerie is the creator and original founder of the brand, Essence of Vali, one of the first women-owned aromatherapy brands based in New York City. Here, she shares her aromatherapy entrepreneurship story of starting and growing her business. The impact of her work on the aromatherapy industry is never short of being an inspiration. Valerie holds nothing back as she shares her frustrations with the current aromatherapy climate. Plus, she offers three great pieces of advice for anyone starting their own aromatherapy business.

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Self-care is an integral part of our lives. While personal growth begins with self-care, choosing the right products to enhance our quality of life is essential. As we dive into clean beauty entrepreneurship, we must value self-care. In this episode, Amy talks to Jessica Morelli, the founder of a beautiful clean beauty skincare brand called Palermo Body. Jessica's story of entrepreneurship is truly inspiring, and she details her ups and down as a founder of this clean beauty brand. Jessica is a former student of Amy and has made a real impact in the world of handmade botanical beauty - plus, the love of essential oils and aromatherapy has grounded and guided her throughout her journey! Let's appreciate the value of nature and products with earth-derived ingredients that benefit our body and mind by tuning in to this episode.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://amygalper.com/