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In Episode of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Ilya Seglin, Managing Director at Raymond James. Ilya dives deep into the world of finance, explaining what it takes for a brand to raise growth capital or achieve a successful strategic exit. They discuss the reality of "alphabet soup" fundraising (Series A, B, and beyond) and why having a "forever brand" is the ultimate goal for major acquirers.
• Key Topics Covered:
The difference between Strategic Acquirers and Private Equity (The "Marriage vs. Divorce" analogy).
When is the right time to stop self-funding and look for outside investors?
The importance of unit economics, repeat purchase behavior, and product differentiation.
Why a Sephora or Ulta launch could either make or destroy your business.
The "Halo Effect": How digital data informs retail success.
3 Things a brand should NEVER do when trying to scale.
• About Ilya Seglin: Ilya Seglin is a seasoned investment banker specializing in the consumer and beauty sectors. With years of experience at firms like Raymond James, he has been a key player in some of the most significant deals in the industry. He helps founders navigate the complexities of raising capital, finding the right strategic partners, and preparing their businesses for long-term sustainability and eventual sale.

Stay Connected with The DARL: Instagram: thedarlagency Facebook: thedarlagency LinkedIn: about X: https://x.com/thedarlagency Website: https://thedarl.com/
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#MarketingCareer #CoffeeN5Podcast #IlyaSeglin #BrandExit #InvestmentBanking #BeautyIndustry #StartupFunding #DigitalMarketingAgency #TheDARL #BusinessGrowth

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THE DARL | 17,178 followers on LinkedIn. We are breaking the rules. We are raising the bar. | We are a boutique agency that’s breaking the rules and raising the bar. We are visionaries who love challenges. We are creative without limits.

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The No-Agency Agency means lean, agile, and transparent marketing built for your brand’s success.

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The Future of Wellness: AI and Luxury Experiences with Tom | Coffee N5

In Episode 248 of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Tom, a leading consultant in the luxury skincare and wellness space. They explore a often overlooked but highly lucrative channel: Hospitality. Tom shares insights on how brands can move beyond traditional retail and tap into luxury hotels and resorts, the reality of "career consultants," and how AI is set to revolutionize the guest experience through advanced diagnostics.

• Key Topics Covered:
  • Execution vs. Theory: Why brands need consultants who are ready to "roll up their sleeves" and execute beyond plan A.
  • The Hospitality Opportunity: How luxury skincare and wellness brands can diversify their revenue through in-room amenities and hotel boutiques.
  • Networking for Growth: Why surrounding yourself with people who contribute to your growth is essential for long-term success.
  • The New Rules of Luxury: Debunking myths about discounting, Black Friday, and why premium brands must adapt to consumer convenience (including the Amazon factor).
  • AI and the Future of Wellness: How AI is moving from a buzzword to a diagnostic tool that will power personalized health and longevity retreats.

About Tom: Tom is a seasoned consultant specializing in luxury skincare, wellness, and high-end hospitality. With years of experience helping brands navigate the transition from retail to experiential models, he is an expert at building B2B partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious hotel groups. He is known for his practical, execution-focused approach to brand building and his deep understanding of the evolving luxury consumer.

Follow tom:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-macpherson-le-maire-32600948/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_mlm_parisien/

🔗 Stay Connected with The DARL:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlagency

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarlagency

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedarl

🐦 X: https://x.com/thedarlagency 🌐 Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!

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Beyond the Business Card: Strategic Networking with Mike Ryan | Coffee N5

In Episode 247 of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Mike Ryan, a true master of professional relationships and a veteran of the PR and marketing industry. In this episode, they dive deep into the world of professional relationship building, the critical importance of "showing up," and how Mike has successfully navigated the digital revolution from the days of hand-typed press releases to creating premium, high-tech unboxing experiences for global brands.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Philosophy of Showing Up: Why being a "social butterfly" is about building genuine human relationships, not just filling a to-do list.
• Networking vs. Strategic Partnering: How to move beyond the traditional "booth" mentality to become a respected authority and a face people recognize at every event.
• The Evolution of the Industry: A fascinating look at the transition from 1980s manual press distribution to the modern era of digital logistics and fulfillment.
• The Art of the Unboxing Experience: Why "white glove" service and customized influencer send-outs are the new standard for brands in the digital age.
• Reputation as Your Only Contract: Mike explains why building a "circle of trust" and maintaining a flawless reputation is more powerful than any legal document.

About Mike Ryan:

Mike Ryan is a seasoned expert in networking and business development with nearly four decades of experience in the communications and fulfillment space. Known as a "Chief Networking Officer" in spirit, Mike has built his career on the principles of loyalty, adaptability, and the power of a handshake. He is a prominent figure in the beauty, fashion, and wellness circles and is the host of the podcast Minutes with Mike.

🔗 Stay Connected with The DARL:

📸 Instagram: / thedarlagency

👍 Facebook: / thedarlagency

💼 LinkedIn: / about

🐦 X: https://x.com/thedarlagency

🌐 Website: https://thedarl.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth!

#NetworkingSuccess #CoffeeN5Podcast #MikeRyan #BusinessStrategy #UnboxingExperience #BusinessEvolution #LaraSchmoisman #TheDarlAgency #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalGrowth

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In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Sara Jensen—serial entrepreneur, author, and Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Hugh & Grace—to explore hormone health, preventative wellness, chemical exposure, and the rise of community-driven commerce.

We'll talk about:

• How 14 years of infertility reshaped Sara’s understanding of hormone health
• The hidden impact of hormone-disrupting chemicals in skincare, haircare, and home products
• Why “clean beauty” lacks a clear definition—and what real preventative wellness requires
• The power of simplifying routines to reduce overwhelm and drive compliance
• Why detoxification should be gentle, daily, and sustainable

For more information, visit Sara's LinkedIn and Instagram

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Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Dr. Brent Ridge—physician, longevity researcher, co-founder of Beekman 1802, and co-author of Goat Wisdom—to explore the science of longevity, microbiome innovation, and why kindness is a powerful long-term business strategy.

We'll talk about:

• Why extreme longevity is influenced more by optimism and social connection than by genetics
• How the “anti-aging” narrative became a fear-based marketing construct
• Why longevity starts at birth—not at 40
• The science behind goat milk, skin pH, and microbiome balance
• How exosomes and oligosaccharides support skin ecosystem health

For more information, visit Brent's LinkedIn and Instagram

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Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Bora Mutluoglu, co-founder of Reacher and Y Combinator alum, to break down the reality of social commerce. Using TikTok Shop as a case study, they explore automation, affiliate strategy, creator relationships, and how AI-generated content is reshaping sustainable growth.

We'll talk about:

• Why the “easy sales” narrative around TikTok Shop is misleading
• How social commerce is maturing into a performance-driven ecosystem
• Why automation tools don’t replace relationship building with creators
• The myth of follower count and what actually drives visibility today
• When large influencers make sense—and when they don’t

For more information, visit Bora's LinkedIn and Instagram

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Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Amina AlTai—holistic business and career coach, proud immigrant, chronic illness advocate, host of the Amina Change Your Life podcast, and author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living—to explore the psychology of ambition. From burnout and hustle culture to core wounds, systemic pressure, and sustainable growth, this conversation reframes ambition as alignment, awareness, and purpose—not endless striving.

We'll talk about:

• Why PR in 2026 is an ecosystem—not a standalone function
• The myth of “just PR” and why siloed teams break brand momentum
• Influencer ROI realities: affiliates, attribution, and what actually converts
• Launch events: when they work, when they don’t, and why most fail
• PR + AI: authority, citations, and why human voice still matters

For more information, visit Amina's LinkedIn and Instagram

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Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Jennifer Bickerton and Lauren Kahn, Co-Founders of Intersection PR, to demystify what PR really looks like in 2026. From AI and media fragmentation to influencer economics, launches, and integrated ecosystems, this conversation breaks down how brands actually build relevance, authority, and momentum today.

We'll talk about:

• Why PR in 2026 is an ecosystem—not a standalone function
• The myth of “just PR” and why siloed teams break brand momentum
• Influencer ROI realities: affiliates, attribution, and what actually converts
• Launch events: when they work, when they don’t, and why most fail
• PR + AI: authority, citations, and why human voice still matters

For more information, visit Lauren's LinkedIn and Instagram and Jennifer's LinkedIn and Instagram

Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter.

Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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