Shining a light on the business of beauty
‘T
he beauty industry is one of constant transformation—dynamic, fast-paced, and rich with opportunity. Today, we are witnessing a remarkable convergence: how the world of beauty has merged with wellness, nutrition, and fitness giving rise to the era of inside-out beauty. At the same time, a quiet revolution has taken place. The balance of power has shifted—from brands to consumers – which is fascinating to see. Informed, tech-savvy, and discerning, today’s beauty consumers demand more than just efficacy. They expect brands to be transparent, authentic and they seek customised solutions to treat their needs. They buy into brands that are aligned to their values.
Building a brand in this industry necessitates a deep understanding across multiple touchpoints: from product development and formulation to packaging, branding, storytelling, marketing, retail, and digital expertise. With the rise of e-commerce, marketplaces, affiliate models, and influencer marketing, the retail landscape has changed significantly over the years, however the principles for success remain the same. Innovate with purpose. Create products that people want and need. And make them effortlessly accessible.’
Janet Milner-Walker brings over two decades of expertise in the beauty, retail and luxury goods industry. With a MA in Strategic Marketing and a Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, her career spans global leadership roles across markets. She has shaped iconic beauty and wellness portfolios for globally renowned brands including M&S, Harvey Nichols, The Body Shop.
In 2017, she founded Bespoke Advantage with a clear vision: to help ambitious brands navigate the complexity in the beauty industry, launch exceptional products and expand across markets with clarity. Together with a hand-picked team of industry specialists, Janet partners with emerging and established brands to deliver bespoke solutions that are creative, strategic, and commercially impactful.