The power of indies was never more evident than at CEW’s inaugural indie beauty-focused event, Indie Networkshop, at event partner Refinery29’s downtown offices on September 28.

Exclusive to CEW members, the Networkshop brought together executives from emerging indie beauty companies with the founders of more established indie companies and Refinery29 digital editors, to provide the opportunity to network and discuss topics, including how to create an elevator speech, how to be pitch-perfect when meeting with retailers, investors or press; and getting smart about social to increase consumer reach and advocacy.

Financial advice was also on hand from Financo Chief Executive Officer, John Berg, who opened the event with a Q&A on when to seek investment consultation, the current indie beauty M&A climate, as well as the do’s and don’ts for indies at financial meetings.

Refinery29’s Ashley Miles, Executive Vice President of Sales, addressed the crowd, welcoming all 76 attendees, to what will likely be the first of a series of events.

The Indie Networkshop was proud to feature some of indie beauty’s biggest stars, such as Sonia Kashuk, Founder, Sonia Kashuk Beauty; Lisa Price, Founder, Carol’s Daughter and Laura Geller, Founder, Laura Geller Beauty, and others, to serve as advisors to the smaller company executives. Key editors from Refinery29, including Meera Patel, Brand Strategist; Finola Austin, Brand Strategist; Megan McIntyre, Beauty Editor; Ali Meyer, Group Director, Beauty; Jennifer Geller, Executive Group Director, Beauty; and Sari Wong, Beauty Manager, guided the discussions as well.

Feedback from the event exceeded expectations.

Jill Scalisi, Founder of Scalisi Skincare, said the event was “the best I have ever attended. Everything was perfect from start to finish. The partnership with Refinery29 is amazing.”

Stuart Schultz, President, BeautyRx said, “the mentors in the room were so insightful and fantastic. I think it’s rare in any industry that such young brands would gain access to such accomplished executives who were actually listening and giving back.”