How Do You Build A Beauty Empire In 2026? With Conserving Beauty

The beauty industry is worth more than $450 billion globally. So what actually makes us buy one product over another? Sarah sits down with Natassia Nicolao, founder and CEO of Conserving Beauty, to unpack what it really takes to build a beauty brand in an industry obsessed with virality, celebrity launches, dupes and the next “must-have” product. From creating the world’s first dissolving makeup wipe to getting stocked in MECCA, Natassia reveals how science and sustainability became her competitive edge, why 12-year-olds are suddenly using actives, and just how much of a product’s success comes down to clever marketing or genuine innovation. Plus, she takes us behind the scenes of building a business from scratch, the education that helped her get there, and what she’s learned about taking the leap before you feel completely ready. This episode is brought to you by Deakin University. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.