Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to Retail Gets Real via Apple Podcasts, Google Play or Stitcher.
Gregg Renfrew used to shop at local farmers markets, thinking she was buying safe and clean beauty products for her family. Then she learned existing federal laws dating back to the 1930s allowed harmful ingredients to be included in health and beauty products and misrepresented on labels. “Passionate and somewhat obsessed” with making high-performing, safe beauty products, Renfrew launched Beautycounter in 2013 with three foundational pillars: advocacy, education and quality products.
On this episode of Retail Gets Real, Renfrew discusses Beautycounter’s exponential growth over the past five years, her mission of advocacy and education, and the importance of empowering other women and nurturing them as business leaders.
Renfrew built a network of consultants — which has grown to 30,000 strong — to reach customers directly. “Our story is best told from person to person,” she says; 70 percent of consultants join the company because they believe in product safety and a healthy lifestyle. “Armed with information, people make better choices,” Renfrew says.
Gregg Renfrew (center) chats with co-hosts Katie McBreen (right) and Bill Thorne (left).
As founder, Renfrew has a remarkable connection with her coalition of messengers. “I do think that the world would be a better place if there were more women in charge,” she says, encouraging young women to have confidence and be passionate about what they want to do.
As part of its mission for safer products, Beautycounter advocates for updating federal health and beauty laws, meeting with members of Congress and providing a medium for the community to tell their story in Washington, D.C. “Regulation does not stifle innovation,” Renfrew says.
Listen to this episode to hear how the company is gearing up for the future generation of customers. If you missed our holiday special, listen for exclusive insights on all things holiday shopping this season.
Katie McBreen is a co-host on NRF’s Retail Gets Real podcast. Meet all the co-hosts and learn more about the show.
Suggested
