What happens when you see millions of consumers being overlooked—and realize that isn't just a problem, it's a massive business opportunity?
On The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with KJ Miller, Co-Founder and President of Mented Cosmetics and President of Elevated Beauty Group. Mented launched in 2017 with six nude lipsticks created with deeper skin tones in mind, helping prove that inclusive beauty wasn't a niche—it was good business.
We talk about how KJ built Mented into one of the early leaders in inclusive beauty, what it took to expand beyond its original hero products, and how the category has evolved as inclusivity moved from an overlooked opportunity to an industry-wide conversation.
We also dive into the realities of raising outside capital, the toughest lessons KJ learned while scaling Mented, and the brand's 2024 acquisition by West Lane Capital Partners. Today, KJ oversees four beauty brands through Elevated Beauty Group, giving her a unique perspective on what separates a great product from a brand with real staying power.
If you're interested in inclusive beauty, building and scaling consumer brands, raising capital, navigating an acquisition, or what founders learn when they move to the other side of the table, you'll want to hear this conversation. You can find it here or anywhere you listen to podcasts. 🎧