Brand Spotlights

  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...

  Marlena Stell: From Makeup Geek Innovator To Luxury Fragrance Visionary With Marsté By: Cody Jay When you think about the beginning of the YouTube beauty community, one name always rises to the top: Marlena Stell . As the founder of Makeup Geek, one of the first-ever influencer-driven beauty brands, Marlena didn’t just build a company, she helped shape the modern beauty industry and created a beauty empire. Today, Marlena has embarked on a new chapter with Marsté , a luxury brand currently focused on fragrance, but expanding back into cosmetics, that fuses her passion for beauty, fashion, and empowerment into something truly elevated. But how did she get from a small YouTube channel to running a globally recognized makeup brand, and now reinventing herself with Marsté? Let’s dive in. The Makeup Geek Era: A Digital Beauty Revolution Back in 2008, Marlena Stell uploaded her first makeup tutorials to YouTube, years before the platform became the influencer powerhouse it is today. ...