Ep. 56 | 100 Million in Sales with Saie Beauty Founder, Laney Crowell
laney"FEARLESSNESS IS A SKILL. THE MORE YOU DO IT, THE BETTER YOU GET.
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Laney Crowell is the founder and CEO of Saie, a clean beauty brand known for high-performance, chic cosmetics that prioritize wellness and sustainability. You’ll hear us talk about her career journey, the challenges of fundraising and growing a brand, Saie’s commitment to clean ingredients, and how she balances motherhood and leadership.
description:
In this episode of It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, Delina sits down with Laney Crowell, founder and CEO of Saie, the clean beauty brand redefining high-performance cosmetics.
Laney shares how her adventurous upbringing as the daughter of a diplomat, global experiences, and passion for clean, effective beauty created the foundation for Saie. She opens up about dealing with acne, her career transition from Estée Lauder’s first Executive Director of Online Global Communications to founder, and how listening to her community sparked the launch of Saie.
Laney walks us through pitching to Sephora, fundraising challenges, and the resilience required as a founder. We explore Saie's commitment to eliminating harmful ingredients, promoting sustainability, and building a wellness-centered global community mindful of the planet. This episode offers insight and motivation for anyone curious about clean beauty, entrepreneurship, and making a real impact.
Show Topics:
Laney’s early experiences with acne and skincare
Career journey from beauty editor to Estée Lauder executive
Launching Saie inspired by community demand for clean, chic makeup
Fundraising battles and pitching to major retailers like Sephora
Saie's mission to ban harmful ingredients and champion sustainability
Building a brand that centers wellness and environmental responsibility
Expanding into new markets like Sephora Middle East
Insights into Laney’s daily routines, family life, and leadership
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
00:57 Saie Beauty's Success and Marketing Insights
01:38 Personal Testimony: Acne and Saie Beauty Products
02:36 Laney's Acne Journey and Product Philosophy
03:45 Laney's Upbringing and Love for the Outdoors
09:07 Global Childhood and Cultural Influences
15:02 Early Career: From Assistant to Magazine Editor
19:46 Transition to Digital and Founding Saie Beauty
20:43 Naming the Company and Community Engagement
24:15 The Importance of Storytelling in Business
26:51 Corporate Beginnings and Marketing Insights
28:19 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing
30:53 Career Journey: From Magazines to Estee Lauder
31:35 Sustainability and Social Responsibility
38:50 Founding a Brand: The Journey of Saie
46:13 Navigating Challenges and Achieving Success
55:10 The Importance of Community and Support
57:25 Conclusion and Where to Follow
ABOUT laney crowell
Laney Crowell is founder and CEO of Saie, a clean beauty brand dedicated to high-performance, easy-to-use cosmetics made with pure, safe ingredients. Before Saie, Laney was Estée Lauder’s first Executive Director of Online Global Communications, leading digital strategies during the rise of social media. Inspired by her global upbringing and a desire for luxurious, clean makeup, she launched Saie to fill a gap for sophisticated products that are also wellness- and earth-conscious. Laney lives in the Hamptons with her family, balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood.
Follow Laney on all social media platforms
Learn more: Saie Climate Initiative | The Saie Way
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