Podcast Summary: Fool Coverage with Manny MUA and Laura Lee Episode: How to Make a MILLION Dollars on TikTok with Made by Mitchell
Release Date: November 8, 2024
Guest: Mitchell

1. Introduction and Guest Appearance

The episode kicks off with hosts Manny MUA and Laura Lee welcoming their special guest, Mitchell, to the show. The conversation opens with light-hearted banter about Mitchell joining the podcast, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual admiration among the hosts and guest.

Notable Quote:
Manny MUA [00:20]: "I never really got to know you guys as much as I probably really wanted to at the time, because I've been watching you guys since the start."

2. Personal Highlights and Experiences

The trio delves into sharing personal "peaks" and "pits" of their weeks, fostering a relatable and engaging atmosphere. Mitchell recounts attending a lively Halloween party where unexpected performances and spontaneous interactions unfolded, showcasing the unpredictability and fun of social gatherings.

Notable Quote:
Mitchell [08:16]: "It was the most insane thing. We're on TikTok shop USA now as well. So let's do one, please."

3. Journey of Made by Mitchell on TikTok

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Mitchell's entrepreneurial venture, Made by Mitchell, and its remarkable success on TikTok. Manny provides an in-depth look into how the brand leveraged TikTok Shop to transition from struggling with wholesale orders to achieving astounding sales figures through strategic live streaming.

Key Points:

• Initial Struggles:
  Mitchell explains the early days of Made by Mitchell, where reliance on platforms like Beauty Bay limited sustainable growth. The transition to TikTok Shop marked a pivotal change.

• Live Streaming Strategy:
  Manny emphasizes the importance of consistent and engaging live streams. Initially dedicating up to 12 hours a day to live sessions, they built a loyal community that significantly boosted sales.

• Milestone Achievements:
  The team recounts a landmark live session that generated $1 million in sales within 12 hours, surpassing their original goal of $500,000. This achievement underscored the potential of social commerce on TikTok.

Notable Quotes:
Manny MUA [44:21]: "I couldn't put the success of Made by Mitchell really on anything else other than TikTok Shop."
Mitchell [45:04]: "If you're listening to the noise, I actually title all of my lives now, QVC with Laura Lee, because for so long, they would rag me on it. That's exactly what I'm doing."

4. Overcoming Business Challenges

The conversation shifts to the inherent challenges of running a beauty brand and being an influencer. Manny and Mitchell discuss the difficulties of maintaining work-life balance, especially when juggling the demands of live streaming, product development, and team management.

Key Points:

• Financial Management:
  Manny shares past mistakes in financial management during the early stages of his brand, highlighting the importance of having a business partner to navigate financial decisions effectively.

• Team Dynamics:
  Both Manny and Laura stress the significance of building a reliable team that can handle various aspects of the business, allowing for sustainable growth and delegation of responsibilities.

• Personal Well-being:
  Balancing intense work schedules with personal life is identified as a critical factor. The hosts discuss strategies to prevent burnout, such as scheduling days off and maintaining personal interests outside of work.

Notable Quote:
Mitchell [58:52]: "It's the balance of it all, isn't it?"
Manny MUA [63:30]: "Life is not just about making money. Life is about making memories."

5. UK vs. US Beauty Standards and Influencer Culture

Manny and Mitchell explore the differences between UK and US beauty standards and influencer cultures. They highlight how the UK's approach tends to be more edgy and less drama-driven compared to the US, where influencers often blend traditional celebrity elements with their online personas.

Key Points:

• Beauty Standards:
  The UK is characterized by a more rugged and bold approach to beauty, whereas the US leans towards a celebrity-inspired, soft glam aesthetic.

• Influencer Drama:
  US influencers often experience more public drama, partly due to the blurred lines between traditional celebrities and online influencers. In contrast, UK influencers maintain a clearer separation, resulting in fewer conflicts and a more laid-back environment.

• Community Engagement:
  The authenticity and relatability of influencers like Jordan LoveScum in the UK foster a more genuine connection with their audiences.

Notable Quote:
Manny MUA [59:10]: "I feel like New York is like the UK. Louisiana is America. That's the best way to describe it."

6. The Power of TikTok in Modern Business

A recurring theme is the transformative power of TikTok as a platform for modern businesses. Manny attributes the rapid growth and success of Made by Mitchell to TikTok's unique ability to support social commerce through features like live streaming and audience engagement.

Key Points:

• Unfiltered Content:
  TikTok allows for authentic, unpolished content that resonates more deeply with audiences compared to other platforms that demand high production values.

• Community Building:
  Consistent interaction through live streams fosters a strong, loyal community that drives word-of-mouth marketing and repeated sales.

• Adaptability:
  The ability to swiftly adapt to platform changes and audience preferences is crucial. Manny underscores the importance of being adaptable to stay relevant and competitive.

Notable Quote:
Manny MUA [55:35]: "I truly think the reason for the success of Made by Mitchell is because you build such a loyal community when you are constantly online."

7. Personal Anecdotes and Humorous Stories

To humanize the conversation, the hosts share personal stories, including a humorous and embarrassing incident where Mitchell flirted with a cousin online, not realizing his true identity. This story highlights the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing personal traits that can impact professional interactions.

Notable Quote:
Mitchell [66:02]: "I love flirting. It's my favorite thing ever. And I'm so good at it."
Manny MUA [67:55]: "I did flirt with my cousin anyway."

8. Upcoming Products and Future Goals

The episode concludes with Mitchell discussing upcoming product launches and future business goals. He expresses excitement about expanding Made by Mitchell into the US market, particularly through partnerships with major retailers like Boots, and the introduction of new products such as foundation, concealer, and primer with extensive shade ranges.

Key Points:

• New Product Launches:
  The introduction of a foundation, concealer, and primer line with a wide range of shades aims to cater to a diverse customer base and meet the demands of different skin tones.

• Retail Expansion:
  Partnering with Boots in the UK and planning entry into the US retail market signifies significant growth and increased brand visibility.

• Community Support:
  Mitchell emphasizes the role of a supportive team and loyal community in achieving business milestones and overcoming obstacles.

Notable Quote:
Manny MUA [73:12]: "We just have a wide variety of shades to cater to the diverse needs of our customers."
Mitchell [73:42]: "It's like a radiance primer and it's like almost a bit of a gel texture, but you can use it for whatever you want to use it for."

9. Closing Remarks and Mutual Appreciation

In the final moments, Manny, Laura, and Mitchell express mutual admiration and appreciation for each other's journeys and contributions to the beauty industry. They reinforce the importance of community, authenticity, and continuous growth in both personal and professional spheres.

Notable Quote:
Manny MUA [75:10]: "I'm so glad I just told you that I flirted with my cousin."
Laura Lee [75:31]: "We loved having you. Thank you for letting us pick your brain."

Conclusion

This episode of Fool Coverage with Manny MUA and Laura Lee provides an insightful exploration into leveraging TikTok for business success, the nuances of influencer culture across different regions, and the personal experiences that shape entrepreneurial journeys. Mitchell's candid discussions, coupled with the hosts' supportive and engaging dialogue, offer valuable lessons for budding entrepreneurs and beauty enthusiasts alike. The episode underscores the significance of adaptability, community building, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance in achieving sustained growth and fulfillment.