Educational Resources

“The Gut-Skin Axis, Explained Without the Hype”
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

“The Gut-Skin Axis, Explained Without the Hype”

The connection between the gut and the skin has become one of the most popular topics in wellness marketing, especially in skincare and supplement spaces. You’ve likely seen claims like “heal your gut to heal your skin” or “this probiotic clears breakouts.”

And while the gut–skin axis is a real and well-documented biological relationship, the way it’s often presented can be overly simplified — or overstated.

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The Most Misused Words in the Wellness Industry (And What They Really Mean)
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

The Most Misused Words in the Wellness Industry (And What They Really Mean)

Walk through any supplement aisle or scroll wellness TikTok and you’ll see the same words repeated over and over: clean, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, hormone-balancing, and immune-supporting, to name a few. They’re everywhere because they work—they speak directly to consumer desires for control, vitality, and simplicity.

But here’s the problem: many of these terms are used in ways that are vague, misleading, or not supported by actual science. And while they may drive short-term conversions, they also erode trust, invite regulatory scrutiny, and make it harder for a brand to differentiate.

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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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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.