Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary: "Mitchell Halliday Sold $1M in One Day on TikTok With Innovative, Inclusive Products"
Episode Information:
- Title: Mitchell Halliday Sold $1M in One Day on TikTok With Innovative, Inclusive Products
- Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
- Release Date: December 6, 2024
Introduction to Mitchell Halladay
The latest episode of Gloss Angeles welcomes Mitchell Halladay, a dynamic 26-year-old makeup artist and founder of the rapidly growing beauty brand, Made by Mitchell. Hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan introduce Mitchell as a trailblazer in the makeup industry, recognized for his innovative, inclusive products that have gained substantial traction on platforms like TikTok.
Notable Quote:
- Kirbie Johnson [02:28]: "When you get her approval, then you know you're doing something right."
- Sara Tan [02:28]: "She loves you."
From Music to Makeup: Mitchell's Unique Journey
Mitchell shares his unconventional path from aspiring musician to makeup entrepreneur. Initially passionate about singing, he pursued a music diploma and even participated in a boy band on The X Factor. Despite the exhilarating experience, the intense competition and the shift towards monetization led him to explore other passions.
Key Points:
- Transition from music to makeup after a challenging stint on The X Factor.
- Started as a weekend makeup artist at a local salon, Pal Patrol.
- Inspired by fellow makeup artists, particularly Patty Baston at Selfridges in Illamasqua.
Notable Quote:
- Mitchell Halladay [07:05]: "It's our job to educate ourselves."
Founding Made by Mitchell: A Vision for Inclusivity and Innovation
In October 2020, amidst the global pandemic, Mitchell launched Made by Mitchell. The brand was built on his commitment to inclusivity, ensuring products cater to a diverse range of skin tones and needs. Mitchell emphasizes that his brand goes beyond just creating products; it's about fostering a community where everyone feels represented.
Key Points:
- Importance of inclusivity inspired by a personal experience with inadequate foundation options.
- Made by Mitchell aims to be more than a beauty brand, embodying a lifestyle.
- Emphasis on education and representation in product development and marketing.
Notable Quote:
- Mitchell Halladay [06:03]: "Blush, which is obviously a made-up word. But yeah, I think it's about having fun, but also about innovating as well."
Product Innovation: Naming and Development
Mitchell discusses the creative process behind his product names, such as "Blursh" and "Curvecase," highlighting how each name reflects the product's purpose and feel. The unique naming strategy not only differentiates the brand but also enhances the customer experience by making each product memorable and fun.
Key Points:
- "Blursh" – A liquid blusher combining the words "blur" and "blush" to signify its blending properties.
- "Curvecase" – A versatile palette designed to accentuate facial curves with both bronzers and blushes.
- Focus on color theory and texture to ensure products meet diverse needs.
Notable Quote:
- Mitchell Halladay [20:37]: "I wanted every part of the brand to be almost like a visual and an emotional experience as well."
Harnessing TikTok Shop: A Game-Changing Strategy
One of the standout moments in the episode is Mitchell's discussion on leveraging TikTok Shop to catapult his brand to unprecedented success. Initially skeptical of the platform, Mitchell experimented with TikTok Live sessions to sell his products, leading to explosive growth. Notably, his brand sold $2 million in one week and $1 million in a single day on TikTok, highlighting the platform's potential for indie brands.
Key Points:
- Early adoption of TikTok Shop before its widespread popularity in the US.
- Initial challenges with low sales demonstrated the platform's potential.
- Strategic collaborations and viral marketing efforts led to significant sales milestones.
- TikTok Shop allowed Made by Mitchell to partner with major retailers like Boots in the UK.
Notable Quotes:
- Mitchell Halladay [29:04]: "We went from doing those 20 orders in a month, the first live we did, we did 20 orders in two hours."
- Sara Tan [36:44]: "Climb cringe mountain."
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Mitchell candidly shares the struggles faced in building his brand, including managing inventory during slow sales periods and overcoming initial resistance to using TikTok as a sales channel. His resilience and willingness to embrace new strategies were pivotal in transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth.
Key Points:
- Dealing with excess inventory and low initial sales.
- Overcoming skepticism towards TikTok Shop and its impact on brand image.
- Continuous adaptation and innovation to meet market demands.
Notable Quote:
- Mitchell Halladay [37:03]: "Sometimes that ego is something that can really stunt someone's growth."
Advice and Insights for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Mitchell offers valuable advice to fellow entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, embracing new platforms, and maintaining an open mind towards feedback and criticism. He stresses that staying true to one's vision while being adaptable is crucial for sustainable growth.
Key Points:
- Embrace fearlessness and be willing to try new things.
- Maintain humility and keep ego in check to foster growth.
- Listen to customer feedback and continuously refine products.
Notable Quote:
- Mitchell Halladay [40:30]: "Don't follow the rules. Break them."
Rapid Fire Highlights
In the concluding rapid-fire segment, Mitchell reveals personal preferences and fun facts that give listeners a glimpse into his personality.
- Favorite TikTok Account: Matt and Josh, a couple from Australia.
- Must-Have Product: Curvecase – Described as a game changer.
- Beauty Icon: RuPaul.
- Dream Makeup Client: Beyoncé, though he admits he's too nervous to work with her.
- Best Beauty Tip: "Don't follow the rules. Break them."
Conclusion: The Heart Behind Made by Mitchell
Mitchell Halladay's journey from a budding musician to a successful makeup brand founder is a testament to his passion, resilience, and commitment to inclusivity. Gloss Angeles effectively captures his entrepreneurial spirit and the innovative strategies that have positioned Made by Mitchell as a beloved brand in the beauty industry. Through candid conversations and insightful anecdotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of what sets Mitchell apart and the impact of his contributions to makeup artistry.
Final Note: Mitchell encourages listeners to explore his products through various platforms, including TikTok Shop, Instagram, and retail partnerships, ensuring that Made by Mitchell remains accessible and continues to grow its inclusive legacy.
Where to Find Made by Mitchell:
- TikTok Shop USA: @MBM_USA
- Instagram: @madebymitchell
- Retail Partners: Available at Boots in the UK and upcoming international locations.
End of Summary