Meet Emilie Mascarell, the Founder and CEO of Emilie Consulting, an agency specializing in fragrance and beauty product strategy and development.
With more than 15 years of experience in the beauty industry under her belt, Emilie recognized the challenges smaller companies faced in making informed decisions and achieving product satisfaction. Fueled by her passion to empower such startups, she founded Emilie Consulting to bridge this gap and help emerging ventures create effective, sustainable, and authentic beauty products that align with their vision. Above all, Emilie’s dedication lies in putting her clients first, fueling her commitment to their success and business growth.
We asked Emilie about the story behind her company’s founding, how she’s grown as a leader since starting Emilie Consulting, and what she would tell her younger self if she were to start her entrepreneurial journey all over again.
Q: Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on Emilie Consulting?
A: With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, I've had the opportunity to work with companies of all sizes. Through this, I realized how challenging it can be for smaller companies to make informed decisions and be fully satisfied with the fragrance and beauty products they launch. They often lack the resources to hire all the experts that large companies have access to, which can be a significant barrier to success. I founded Emilie Consulting to bridge this gap and empower startups by helping them create effective, sustainable, and high-quality beauty products that truly reflect their values and vision.
Q: What makes Emilie Consulting different from others in the industry?
A: Our focus on personalized, tailored solutions that reflect each client's unique needs and goals. We collaborate closely to understand their vision and values, helping them develop products that truly embody their brand identity. With first-hand experience in a startup acquisition, I recognize the importance of bringing a unique vision to life, making thoughtful choices, and driving scalable growth.
Q: In what ways has your upbringing or past experiences contributed to how you operate as an entrepreneur?
A: I've been lucky to work closely with founders in a dynamic startup environment, where I've had to juggle multiple roles. This experience has had a huge impact on how I operate as an entrepreneur. I’m a very hands-on person, diving into every aspect of the business to make sure I'm aligned with my clients' vision. I'm all about open and transparent communication, creating an environment where everyone can freely share their ideas and feedback. Above all, my time with founders has taught me to put the client first, fueling my dedication to their success and the growth of the business.
Q: What’s been the hardest and most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey?
A: The hardest part of my journey has been grappling with the absence of guaranteed financial stability and the perpetual unpredictability. As someone who likes having a well-thoughtout plan, the uncertainty of what lies ahead can be challenging.
The best part has been the freedom to focus on what I absolutely love and team up with inspiring entrepreneurs. I get to do what I’m the most passionate about and still have the flexibility to be there for my family.
Q: Have you struggled with self doubt as an entrepreneur? How do you navigate this?
A: I have experienced moments of self doubt, and still do. However, I've learned to navigate it by refraining from comparing myself to others and focusing on my own growth. Being part of supportive communities like Dreamers & Doers has been instrumental in gaining confidence. Through these communities, I receive valuable feedback, encouragement, and actionable strategies to tackle self doubt head-on.
Q: What resources or people have contributed the most to your successes?
A: The key to my successes lies in the incredible people and resources within my network. Mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and industry professionals have played a vital role, offering guidance, support, and valuable insights. Additionally, being part of collaborative communities and professional organizations has provided access to a wealth of resources and a network of like-minded individuals who consistently inspire and motivate me.
Q: How have you grown as a leader since starting Emilie Consulting? What experiences have contributed to this growth?
A: Starting my own company has been a transformative journey for me as a leader. Stepping out of my comfort zone has taught me the importance of showcasing my abilities and communicating the value I bring to the brands I work with. It's an ongoing process, but I've gained confidence in sharing how I can support and make a difference, leveraging my unique background and experiences. This shift in mindset has been instrumental in my growth as a leader.
Q: What would you tell your younger self if you were to start your entrepreneurial journey all over again?
A: First off, don't underestimate yourself and the wealth of experience you bring to the table. Second, make sure to work on a solid financial plan from the get-go to stay on track. And most importantly, never hesitate to ask for help when you need it because getting support from others can make a world of difference.
Emilie is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
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Gesche Haas
Gesche Haas is the Founder/CEO of Dreamers & Doers, a private collective that amplifies the entrepreneurial pursuits of extraordinary women through visibility opportunities, resource exchange, and collective support.
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