Hot on the kitten heels of the 29th annual 2023 CEW Beauty Awards on Tuesday, CEW’s Amy Synnott joined Cindy Hsu on CBS News, New York yesterday morning to talk award-winning beauty. Among the award winners Synnott discussed with Hsu, across various categories, were Dyson’s AirWrap, Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in iconic Black Honey, SkinCeuticals’ A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced anti-aging formula, and Amika, the brand that scooped this year’s award for Sustainability Excellence, presented By DSM-Firmenich.

Here at CEW, we’re turning the spotlight on creating a positive work culture in an interview with Joy Atkinson, President and CEO of Presperse, the leading ingredient supplier renowned for the high quality of its formulas and commitment to sustainability. The company was named Great Place to Work 2023-2024, for the second year running. Profits have increased and revenues tripled since Atkinson came on board. “Under the leadership of Joy Atkinson, who joined the company in the fall of 2020, Presperse has cultivated a culture that empowers and develops its employees, provides meaningful and rewarding opportunities, and prioritizes social responsibility,” writes Genevieve Monsma. Among the strategies Atkinson discusses are her initial SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis tool, and the introduction of an anonymous question box (Atkinson herself will reply, or pass the query on to a relevant manager). “I am a person who believes in surrounding myself with great people—and then I get out of their way,” says Atkinson. “I try to provide employees with an environment where they can grow and their gifts are utilized—and also where they can feel like mistakes are okay. It’s a continuous-learning culture.”

Looking to the future of retail, Revieve’s latest report, Navigating Retail’s Future: Connecting Dots for Success in 2023 and Beyond, has just been released. Described by Happi as “a roadmap for businesses aiming to succeed in the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of retail”, it emphasizes the importance of creating the best customer experience both in-person and online.

Read more on these and other stories below. 

What Makes For A Happy Workplace? Joy Atkinson, Presperse’s President and CEO, breaks down her Great Place To Work award-winning approach with Genevieve Monsma. (CEW)

Revieve’s ‘Navigating Retail’s Future: Connecting Dots for Success’ Report Releases. “The report emphasizes the strategies and technologies that are reshaping customer engagement, providing actionable insights to empower businesses for success in the years to come,” notes Happi of the leading personalized digital brand experience company’s 2023 report. (HAPPI)

Nykaa Holds India’s First Beauty Festival. Drawing 15,000 visitors, including a reported 800 influencers and beauty professionals, the Indian retail giant’s debut event in Mumbai was attended by 80 brands, including Estée Lauder, The Ordinary, Bath & Body Works, MAC Cosmetics, Maybelline New York, Nykaa Cosmetics, Huda Beauty, Lancôme, Benefit Cosmetics, Charlotte Tilbury and Pat McGrath. (WWD)

The E-Commerce Updates B2B Brands Should Know About. With Amazon and Walmart accounting for nearly half of US E-commerce beauty and personal care sales, it has never been more important for brands and suppliers to stay on top of global regulatory changes. (COSMETICS DESIGN)

YSL Beauty’s New Campaign Raises Awareness Of Domestic Abuse. YSL has launched Mistaken for Love, a new series dedicated to the brand’s commitment to raising awareness of domestic abuse. (VOGUE BUSINESS)

Decree Completes Financing Round Led by Natalia Vodianova. “I am excited to be partnering with this scientifically and sustainably focused, female-founded brand,” says Vodianova, who will also join the doctor-led skin care company’s Board. (GLOBAL COSMETICS NEWS)