Educational Resources

Product Autopsy: Clairol Herbal Essences and the Rise (and Fall) of "Yes! Yes!"
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

Product Autopsy: Clairol Herbal Essences and the Rise (and Fall) of "Yes! Yes!"

Ah, the 1990s—a time when hair care wasn’t just shampoo; it was a full-blown emotional experience. Enter Clairol Herbal Essences with its infamous “Yes! Yes!” campaign. Bold, sensual, and impossible to ignore, these ads turned hair washing into a multi-sensory event that many still remember today. But what happened after the honeymoon phase?

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Bridging R&D and Reality: Taking Innovative Ideas to Market Without Losing Momentum
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

Bridging R&D and Reality: Taking Innovative Ideas to Market Without Losing Momentum

Innovation is the heartbeat of the food and supplement industry. Every year, new ideas emerge—functional beverages infused with adaptogens, protein-packed snacks, plant-based alternatives, or beauty-from-within supplements. Startups and emerging brands are brimming with creativity, often leading the way with fresh concepts that larger companies eventually follow.

But there’s a critical stage that determines whether a great idea becomes a successful product: the leap from R&D to commercialization.

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From Pantry to Pill: How Everyday Foods Inspire Supplement Innovation
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

From Pantry to Pill: How Everyday Foods Inspire Supplement Innovation

The crossover from pantry staple to pill or powder is no coincidence. It’s a story of culture, science, and consumer curiosity converging to change the way we approach health. Let’s explore how this transformation happens, and what it means for the future of supplements.

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The Beginner’s Guide to FDA Compliance in the Supplement Industry
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

The Beginner’s Guide to FDA Compliance in the Supplement Industry

The supplement industry is booming, with global sales projected to surpass $200 billion in the next few years. But rapid growth comes with responsibility. For new and emerging brands, FDA compliance isn’t just a box to check—it’s the backbone of consumer trust and business sustainability.

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Product Autopsy: Sensa “Sprinkle Diet Crystals” (2008–2014)
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

Product Autopsy: Sensa “Sprinkle Diet Crystals” (2008–2014)

In the late 2000s, diet culture was booming. Weight-loss pills, powders, and programs flooded infomercials and glossy magazines, each promising effortless results. Then came Sensa: a so-called "miracle" product that claimed you could lose weight simply by sprinkling odorless, flavorless crystals on your food. No calorie counting.

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Beggin’ Strips: The 1990s “Humanization” Push That Paved the Way for Today’s Clean-Label Pet Treats
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

Beggin’ Strips: The 1990s “Humanization” Push That Paved the Way for Today’s Clean-Label Pet Treats

In the 1990s, pet owners began to embrace the idea that their dogs deserved more than generic kibble and bland biscuits. Enter Beggin’ Strips: a cheeky, bacon-themed treat that leaned into the growing trend of “pet humanization.” With playful branding and a wink toward indulgence, it felt like the canine equivalent of snack food for people. But while the concept was fresh for its time, the product eventually ran up against shifting consumer expectations.

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Free R&D Project Management Cheat Sheet

Get your quick-reference guide covering the 8 key stages of product development — from kickoff and ideation to testing, scale-up, and launch.