Fashion and Beauty Brands making it in Tech. Miami meeting.
Hosted by Mitali Saxena ( sharing the takeaway) and iconic guest speakers, founders, and investors: Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, Divya Gugnani, and Haniff Brown.
“The Intersection of Fashion, Beauty, and Technology: Insights from
Industry Experts.
The worlds of fashion and beauty are no longer just about creativity and aesthetics — they’re being revolutionized by cutting-edge technology. Recently, I (Mitali Saxena) had the honor of moderating a panel discussion featuring industry leaders, including Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, a seasoned VC, Divya Gugnani, a Beauty entrepreneur and investor and Haniff Brown, a fashion tech startup founder. Together, we explored how technology is reshaping the way fashion and beauty operate, from consumer experiences to business models.
Here are some key insights from the discussion:”
- The Shift Toward Profitability
Alexandra pointed out that the market has changed significantly, with more emphasis on profitability over pure growth. Startups now face more challenges in raising funds, but she encouraged founders not to give up.
● “The market is harder, but it’s not impossible. Focus on building a sustainable business,”she advised.
Divya added to this by highlighting the diverse funding options available today.
● “Don’t just focus on venture funding. Explore private offices, crowdfunding, and other alternatives to fuel your business.”
2. AI’s Impact on Startups and Scaling
Haniff noted that AI has made scaling easier and more affordable for startups.
● “Teams need less funding at early stages because of how AI can automate and streamline operations,” he shared.
The panel agreed that data and AI are critical for the future of fashion and beauty, not just for operational efficiency but also for creating personalized and emotionally intelligent customer experiences.
Divya emphasized:
● “It’s about teaching AI to connect with customers on a deeper level, incorporating emotional intelligence into technology.”
Alexandra addressed the concern of whether AI will take over jobs.
● “Some jobs will be replaced, but new roles will emerge, such as training AI systems. In fashion, emotional connections — like in personal styling — remain irreplaceable.”
3. Sustainability Through Tech Innovation
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a necessity. The panelists discussed how technology
is enabling fashion and beauty brands to become more sustainable.
● From AI-powered supply chain optimization to virtual try-on technology, brands are reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Divya shared:
● “Technology allows brands to build stronger relationships with customers, encouraging them to make mindful and sustainable choices.”
4. The Future of Retail
Looking ahead, the panel envisioned a retail landscape driven by AR, VR, and AI-driven personalization. Virtual try-ons, for instance, are already bridging the gap between physical and digital shopping.
Haniff highlighted:
● “Technology like try-on apps is not just convenient but also enhances the customer
experience, making shopping interactive and enjoyable.”
5. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
To wrap up, the panelists shared their top advice for budding entrepreneurs:
● “Focus on profitability and sustainability from the start,” said Alexandra.
● “Don’t limit yourself to one funding avenue. Be creative and strategic,” added Divya.
● “Embrace technology, but never lose sight of building authentic connections with your customers,” Haniff concluded.
“Final Thoughts:
The conversation reinforced how fashion and beauty tech are on the cusp of an exciting era. As technology continues to evolve, businesses must strike a balance between leveraging
innovation and maintaining human connection.
What do you think is the most exciting trend in fashion and beauty tech? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments!” Mitali
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