It’s Just Lunch!

Aug 28th, 2008

Jeff Falk

GCI editor in chief Karen Newman gathered a group of industry folks together at Michael’s Restaurant in New York City on June 27 for a little lunch and some friendly conversation. The wonderfully diverse group compared notes on an equally broad range of topics while enjoying baby pics and celebrity sightings. Enjoy the snapshots!

GCI Power Lunch 3

GCI Power Lunch 3

Beauty & Care. A House of Science Beyond Wellbeing

Beauty & Care. A House of Science Beyond Wellbeing

Hendrik Reuter, vice president of global R&D and innovation for beauty & care, perfumery & beauty at dsm-firmenich, shares valuable insights into how his team fosters creativity and drives cutting-edge innovation.

Cleverman: Revolutionizing Men's Grooming with Personalization and Confidence

"As an indie brand, you're both the underdog and the innovator. It takes creativity and grit to stand out, but it also gives you the freedom to write your own rules and build something truly meaningful."

'Latinas in Beauty is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing Latina representation and equity across the beauty industry—from founders to C-suite professionals,' says Perez.

Latinas in Beauty: Advancing Equity and Representation in the Beauty Industry

"Despite spending over $12 billion in 2024 and outspending peers by 30% on beauty products, Latinas represent less than 1% of C-suite leadership in beauty and founders receive less than 0.04% in funding," Perez explains.

Kayura: Ayurvedic Skin Care for Sensitive Skin

"I feel consumers are becoming very knowledgeable and vocal about what they want, and an indie brand can play an important role in creating products to answer these needs..."

'After working in the beauty and intimacy space for years, I realized there was a real need for products that help women feel good in their skin—without compromising on quality, ingredients and packaging,' says Mustone.

HighOnLove: Empowering Women Through Luxurious Self-Care Essentials

"I wanted to create a brand that felt empowering, indulgent, and rooted in self-love, specifically for women."

'As a yoga instructor for many years, I spent countless hours coaching women who struggled with body image and age-related skin changes,' says Moffat.

Redefining Aging with Graydon Skincare: Superfood-Powered Solutions for Sensitive Skin

"As a yoga instructor for many years, I spent countless hours coaching women who struggled with body image and age-related skin changes."

The Joyful Transformation Behind the Award-winning Parëva Beauty: Science, Transparency and Skin Longevity

"Running a startup feels like stepping into a boxing ring—every day is a mix of strategy, endurance and staying on your feet through unpredictable hits."

Ki’olal: Mayan Wisdom Meets Modern Skin Care Innovation

"Ki’olal offers the Sacred Sol and Luna Ceremonias—ritual skin care sets designed to detox, reset, balance, nourish, and protect the skin."

ONE Fragrance House: Redefining Luxury Fragrances with Purpose and Individuality

"In the next 18 months, I plan to elevate ONE Fragrance House into more retail locations and cultural spaces while expanding our product line with more intentionally crafted fragrances."

Lasio was founded in New York in the early 2000s by Latina entrepreneur Nadine Ramos, introducing one of the first professional keratin treatments designed for all hair types.

From Vision to Victory: Lessons on Resilience from Lasio's Founder

"Building a brand takes vision, but sustaining it requires grit."

Chemyunion 500x500 Rev

Ecoffea Citrus: Redefining Neck and Décolleté Care