The Unseen Vision Podcast with Dr. Natasha Henry

A podcast for doers, dreamers, and entrepreneurs ready to take action.

Join Dr. Natasha Henry as she sits down with industry experts, founders, and creatives to uncover the raw, unfiltered truths of building and growing a business.

From early-stage startups to game-changing brands, every episode delivers real strategies, inspiring stories, and a playbook for success.

Whether you're just starting out or leveling up, this podcast is your go-to guide for turning ambition into action.

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The Unseen Vision Podcast with Dr. Natasha Henry

Ep 2: How to Build Buzz and Scale Your Brand with PR and Storytelling- Strategies with Lindsey Smolan

March 09, 2025 • Dr. Natasha Henry • Season 1 • Episode 2

In this episode of The Unseen Vision Podcast, Dr. Natasha Henry sits down with beauty PR expert Lindsey Smolan of VLIV Communications to break down exactly how PR, influencer marketing, and storytelling can elevate your brand in today’s crowded beauty industry.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your products featured in top-tier media outlets like Allure, Birdie, and WWD, or how celebrities like Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner create viral moments for brands through strategic placements, this episode is packed with insights.

Lindsey shares practical, step-by-step PR strategies for early-stage founders who may not have a big budget, including:

How small brands can leverage earned media without hiring a full PR team.
The difference between PR vs. marketing (and which one is right for your startup).
Why storytelling and founder visibility are essential for building a trusted, lasting brand.
How to stand out in a saturated beauty market through authenticity, community, and innovation.
The role of affiliate marketing and how to make it appealing to creators.

Whether you're launching a skincare line, wellness product, or lifestyle brand, Lindsey gives actionable advice on how to become PR-ready, build brand credibility, and create buzz that lasts.

Perfect for beauty founders, creative entrepreneurs, and marketing teams looking to turn their brand into the next big thing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to PR and Marketing
02:27 Understanding PR for Smaller Brands
05:40 The Role of Press Releases in PR
09:18 Lindsey's Journey in PR
11:54 The Importance of Storytelling in Business
17:30 PR: Frontend or Backend of Brand Building?
19:45 Common Misconceptions About PR
22:04 Key Changes in the PR Industry
25:38 The Impact of AI on PR
30:32 Differentiating PR and Marketing
32:14 Marketing vs. PR: Understanding the Balance
36:55 Tactics for Amplifying PR
41:22 Influencer Marketing: Building Trust in a Skeptical Market
45:17 Differentiating in a Saturated Market
49:44 The Future of Substack and Content Creation
52:33 Preparing for PR: Essential Steps for Brands

Connect with Dr. Natasha Henry
@drnatashahenry -Instagram
@drnatashahenry -TikTok

Connect with Lindsey Smolan:

@vlivcommunications -Instagram