
Beauty Independent Introduces Beauty ❤️ LA: Summit For Recovery In Response To LA Wildfires
In response to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Beauty Independent has changed planned for its highly anticipated BITE LA event and is instead hosting Beauty [loves] LA: Summit for Recovery, a one-day event focused on uniting and uplifting the LA beauty community during this challenging time.
“Holding a large trade event in Los Angeles right now is not feasible,” says Nader Naeymi-Rad, founder and publisher of Beauty Independent. “Local vendors are stretched thin, and out-of-town visitors are understandably hesitant to travel to the area. At the same time, the LA beauty community told us loud and clear that they’d like an event to bring people back together and support recovery efforts. That’s why we’ve reimagined the conference portion of BITE LA into Beauty [loves] LA: Summit for Recovery, a day to reunite the community and aid the recovery process when it’s needed most.”
Beauty [loves] LA: Summit for Recovery will take place on Jan. 30 at the Conrad Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. The proceeds from ticket sales will be entirely donated to Los Angeles charities such as LAFD Wildfire Fund, Los Angeles Humane Society and Baby2Baby supporting recovery efforts for families, businesses and wildlife affected by the fires.
Attendees can look forward to an impressive roster of speakers, including many who were slated to participate in BITE LA. Among the confirmed panelists are Kecia Steelman, the newly announced CEO of Ulta Beauty; Monica Arnaudo, chief merchandising officer at Ulta; Oliver Chen, managing director of TD Cowen; Rachel Shelowitz, CEO of Lawless Beauty; Elana Drell-Syzfer, CEO of RéVive Skincare; Sandy Saputo, CEO of True Botanicals; Isabel Malbois, CEO of Neom Wellness; Jeff Lee, CEO and co-founder of DIBS Beauty; Shani Darden, founder of Shani Darden Skin Care; Allison McNamara, founder of Mara Beauty; Carina Chaz, CEO and founder of DedCool; John Kenney, partner and co-founder of Cult Capital; Deborah Benton, managing partner and founder of Willow Growth; and Jenna Jackson, partner at Cavu Consumer Partners.
The devastation in LA is undeniable, but Steelman believes the Angeleno spirit remains unshaken. “They will prevail, but they need our help, and we will be there,” she says. “Business leaders have a responsibility to step up and support the LA community as they recover and rebuild. We have the influence, resources and infrastructure to make a difference.”
Steelman highlights Ulta’s commitment to assisting LA’s recovery. “The Summit for Recovery exemplifies how businesses and industry leaders can rally to create a positive impact. Ulta Beauty is honored to help bring light to the darkness,” she says. “When we make a commitment, we keep it. We’re here to support not just attendees but the teams working behind the scenes to create something magical. Supporting LA’s beauty enthusiasts and the broader beauty community is at the heart of who we are.”
Headquartered in Southern California, Lawless Beauty has been involved in volunteering, product donation and financial contribution initiates related to the wildfires. For example, clean makeup brand also joined the Beauty Together, a nonprofit program started by beauty entrepreneur Josie Maran. Shelowitz was evacuated from her home due to the fires, but was able to return on Jan. 15. She will be speaking in the session, “Hail to the Chiefs: Leading Beauty Brands without Founding Them,” at Beauty [loves] LA: Summit for Recovery with fellow CEOs Drell-Szyfer, Saputo and Malbois.
“Coming together as an industry sends a message about reaching out and holding hands,” says Shelowitz. “Our business is centered around caring for oneself and that concept, of caring for one another, is more important than ever in times of great pain.”
New York City growth and marketing agency Ogaki was supposed to exhibit at BITE LA. Now, it will be attending Beauty [loves] LA: Summit for Recovery, and its team will be continuing to find ways to serve small businesses in LA. Ogaki founder Renee Ogaki says, “It’s been absolutely devastating to see all the damage and loss caused by the LA wildfires, but the beauty industry has responded with so much love, care and kindness.”
Despite the shift in plans, Naeymi-Rad remains optimistic about the future. “BITE LA was envisioned as the launch of an exciting new concept, and while this debut will have to wait, we’re focused on making BITE NYC in September an even more extraordinary event,” he says. Echoing his sentiment, Ogaki says, “I’m looking forward to seeing the beauty community come together again at BITE NYC. Beauty Independent always curates the best in the industry, creating spaces that encourage connection, learning and growth.”
BITE LA exhibitors will receive two complimentary passes to attend Beauty [loves] LA: Summit for Recovery, and passes will be provided to all previously registered buyers, investors and paid attendees to BITE LA.
Click here for more information about Beauty [loves] LA: Summit for Recovery.
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