Brand Spotlights

  The Story Of NCLA Beauty Late at night in 2010, in a small studio apartment in Los Angeles, two sisters Elin and Anh-Thu Dannerstedt were pulling together what would become known as NCLA Beauty. Inventory boxes lived in closets. Prototypes cluttered desks. Elin, who recently finished up studying in product development, sketched color palettes and formula ideas. Anh-Thu, just finished with high school, was packaging orders, handling logistics, and pushing through long nights. Between them, they had a vision: clean, cruelty-free beauty that feels like dessert for your senses. We are talking fun scents, playful textures, vibrant design, and the kind of packaging that makes you smile when you open it. They didn’t want to just make another brand. They wanted an “OMG moment” every time someone unwraps their product. When your body butter smells so good it takes you back. When your lip balm feels like a treat. When your body scrub revitalize and refreshes you. Products That Speak To The...

  By Cody Jay Silky Gem: How Gia Huynh Turned Crystal Candy Into a Viral & Delicious Empire The beauty of indie brands lies in their ability to create something unexpected, personal, and unforgettable. And few embody that spirit more than Silky Gem, the sweet and polarizing brand founded by Gia Huynh, which skyrocketed to internet fame with its shimmering, crystal-inspired candies and unique textures. What started as a passion project born out of creativity and cultural inspiration has now grown into one of the most recognizable names in artisanal sweets, beloved by foodies, ASMR creators, and curious customers worldwide. As someone who had the pleasure of working alongside Gia and her brand, I have a very unique perspective. Let’s breakdown how Gia Huynh transformed Silky Gem from a niche idea into a viral global phenomenon. The Inspiration: Turning Crystals Into Candies Silky Gem isn’t your average candy company. Gia Huynh was inspired by the beauty of natural gemstones and g...