Testimonials
Read what our clients say about working with us. Filter by team member.
“Working with Kelly has been the booster rocket my business needed. Her extensive industry insights, savvy, and network have presented opportunities I was unable to procure, and others I didn’t even know existed. Her manner is warm and diplomatic, yet focused and strategic, and she is the consummate professional right down to her excellent communication skills. I am grateful to have Kelly’s support and guidance as I continue to build my brand.”
- JENNY PATINKIN, FOUNDER

"Kelly is a respected veteran in the beauty industry, and in this rapidly changing environment, it is almost impossible to navigate without an expert on your team. She has strong relationships with most retailers, industry experts, investors etc. I believe Kelly’s true point of differentiation is in her mindful approach to retail distribution. She looks at your brand, provides tangible feedback on social media, DTC website, and brand positioning to determine the best path forward. Kelly understands the definition of success for a brand founder and has been a huge asset to Ranavat!”
- MICHELLE RANAVAT, FOUNDER & CEO

"Kelly St. John and her team at KSJ Collective were tasked with taking over Vella's account management and finding us new business. They did the job with professionalism and aplomb, and were an instrumental extension of our team until which time we grew to the point of moving those positions in-house according to our internal road-map. She’ll be an excellent north star for young brands looking to crack into national retail chains, and KSJ maintains healthy account relationships across the spectrum of retailers. Her flexibility is big plus, too. Kelly and her team were an instrumental part of first-year growth story.”
- NIAL DEMENA, CO-FOUNDERS & CEO, VELLA BIOSCIENCE

"Kelly has been amazing to work with in an advisory capacity. She is attentive, well connected and insightful. She takes the time to understand your brand goals and then works toward setting you up for success. You definitely want Kelly in your corner! She is very well respected and a pleasure to work with.”
- BETH SHUMAN, FOUNDER, 8 FACES

"Simply put, Kelly makes things happen. Her understanding of the beauty industry is paramount. Her dynamic approach combined with her impressive network gives her access that most only dream of. We came to Kelly to better understand retail distribution in the US, but her impact has expanded well beyond that to include strategic guidance and valuable advice on countless aspects of our business. We consider her a part of our small and dynamic team. Kelly will diligently push your business to the next level, and always with the kindest heart.”
- KEVIN MAXIMILLEN LE ROUX, FOUNDER, 27 ROSIERS

"Kelly is a powerhouse. Her wealth of knowledge, attention to detail, and passion for beauty creates ACTUAL results. She is a true ally and extension of our team that will go the extra mile no matter what!”
- KIANA ANVARIPOUR, FORMER GM, BEBOE THERAPIES

"As a new brand, I had so much to learn about the industry and Kelly’s wealth of knowledge has been critical to my continued growth. She takes the necessary time to plan and strategize all business decisions with me, and as a small, lean business, she is the other half of my brain. Kelly diplomatically and effortlessly puts out every fire that arises and is a breath of fresh air in life as an entrepreneur. The amount of knowledge Kelly has in this industry can’t be quantified, and to have someone with this level of experience and expertise as an extension of my team is a Godsend!”
- DANA JACKSON, FOUNDER & CEO, BENEATH YOUR MASK

"Kelly St. John is unlike any brand partner I have ever worked with. We started working together on a small scope of work, but regardless of size, she supported the company like it was her own. Now that we have expanded her scope in the company, I couldn't be happier. She has unbelievable connections and access; she continues to be incredibly responsive, and she tackles our needs both small and large with rigor and poise.”
- GRACE FOODEN, CO-FOUNDER, BIOPHILE

"We approached Kelly when we were ready to grow from primarily spa distribution into retail. She helped in all areas of the business including branding, messaging, repackaging, and business development. I can't overstate her contribution to our transition. In less than one year she played a significant role in the transformation of our business. She orchestrated our roll out with a national, luxury channel and is negotiating our placement into additional channels ...and she is a joy to work with.”
- MAYA CROTHERS, FOUNDER & CEO, CIRCCELL SKINCARE

"It’s always such a great pleasure work with Kelly. Her knowledge and connections in the Beauty industry, especially in the USA have been invaluable. We share a strong belief in the values of honesty and integrity and the importance of relationships, and this is seen time and time again in the respect she garners at all levels with the wide range of brands she works with.”
- AARON CHATTERLEY, FOUNDER, FEELUNIQUE

"We came to meet Kelly St. John through a former client (and dear friend) who was working with her and sung her praises. Coincidentally – another friend - a long time beauty industry veteran who worked at Neiman Marcus with Kelly said… the one person that truly “gets” everything about the beauty/wellness business is Kelly St. John. She truly lives up to her reputation. She and her team are smart, experts in the industry while being thoughtful, instinctual and insightful. They have helped inform our product expansion and will champion our retail outreach plan with their amazing insights – a true partnership toward a successful future.”
- JEN DE KLAVER, CEO + OC-FOUNDER, FIGARO APOTHECARY

"Shortly after we welcomed Kelly to the Honua 'Ohana, she felt like an extension of our team. She fit in so well and complemented our strengths while helping to fill in the gaps. She was able to quickly secure retail presentation meetings and has helped us to strategize ways to achieve sustainable growth with our current retail partners. She is easy to communicate with and very responsive. Looking forward to a successful future with Kelly by our side!”
- KAPUA BROWNING, FOUNDER & FORMULATOR, HONUA SKINCARE

"Kelly is pretty amazing. Not only is she a joy to work with, but she is beyond knowledgeable, connected, and well respected in the beauty industry. Kelly is thoughtful in her plan and execution and delivers results for her clients. Kelly’s professionalism and attention to detail are impeccable, and any brand or brand founder - large or small - would be lucky to work with Kelly.”
- LAUREN BERKOVITZ, FOUNDER & CEO, LAUREN B. BEAUTY

“Kelly and the entire KSJ Collective team have been a strong advocate and partner for us and our entry into the US market. The team has provided us with the right information to make informative decisions and collaborate with the right retail partners. Kelly has a large network in the beauty industry and is able to tap into that for the success of the brands she and the team represent.”
- SHARI JAFARI, CEO, MDO SKINCARE

“I consider working with Kelly St. John to be a great fortune. She is not your garden-variety brand partner. She cares, with passion and with heart. I have worked with many consultants in my day, and I can say with assurance that she is among the very best. Smart, incisive, generosity of spirit, knowledgeable with exceptional instincts and connections to make it happen. And did I say that she cares? I have felt from Day 1 we were more than a number; we have felt her heartfelt investment in our brand, and our future. And I, for one, count ourselves most fortunate that she is a part of our future.”
- SUSANNE NORWITZ, CREATOR, MAYA CHIA

“Kelly is a dynamic, energetic, and highly effective professional who is an absolute delight to work with. She has been an invaluable asset to our team for nearly three years now. Kelly has helped us refine our strategy and be sure we are putting our best foot forward when we have an opportunity to meet with a potential, new wholesale account. Because Kelly only works with brands she loves and believes in, when she opens doors to her vast professional connections she has made over her long, impressive career, she maintains credibility, and her partners trust she is not abusing the relationship or wasting their time. I am grateful to have Kelly’s time and trust- she is a tremendous partner.”
- ALISSA BAYER, FOUNDER & OWNER

“If there were a word I would use to describe Kelly St. John, it would be 'authentic.' She is authentic in her communications, in her beliefs, in her business relationships. A brand champion, Kelly is passionate about growing businesses to be the best they can be. She has an uncanny ability to see the end picture or goal, and a completely genuine ability to help others see it. She has been a true partner to Mila Moursi and has been instrumental in helping me define new paths for success. She operates with good intentions, enthusiasm, passion, positive energy, and always with kindness and integrity.”
- MILA MOURSI, FOUNDER

“Kelly is an incomparable professional and retail industry leader. More than anyone I've ever worked with, she combines smarts, warmth, savvy, and a knowledge of beauty retail – how it works, who the players are, and what strategies best apply to a given situation. Simply put, she gets results. If you need to take your retail strategy to the next level run, do not walk, to work with Kelly”
- JALEH BISHARAT, CO-FOUNDER & CEO

"The amount of time, attention and dedication Kelly gives to you and your brand, it makes you feel like you are the only client she is working with. Her experience, expertise and network in the industry is bar none. I feel so lucky to be working with you, Kelly.”
- SEJAL PATEL, FOUNDER

“Within weeks of meeting Kelly and working with her, I felt that I had known her forever. She is the epitome of a people connector with a rare talent to naturally bring teams together. Kelly is the consummate professional, with an engaging personality and a drive to make a difference with the brands she works with. She brings confidence, resources and amazing talent to help build emerging brands through this ever-changing retail landscape. Kelly is a tremendous asset, and we are so pleased to be working with her.”
- JENNIFER M. HESSEL, PRESIDENT & CEO

“Kelly St. John has been instrumental to the success of Swan Beauty. She has helped our team to both identify and secure key brand partnerships and has provided strategic insight into our overall assortment. Kelly’s guidance, support and knowledge of the beauty industry has really helped to fast track our business. Her Beauty Industry knowledge is unmatched - she is a true asset to our team!”
- LEIGH HUMPHREY, CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

“Kelly was highly recommended by another beauty brand founder. She utilizes her expertise to provide spot on feedback and hands-on approach in helping a founder develop the right plan and positioning that makes the most sense for the brand. Her insights and guidance have been invaluable. She is very quick to understand your brand, as well as the importance of quality over quantity and developing a distribution strategy that matches you with the right partner. Kelly rolls-up her sleeves and thinks out of the box to look at opportunities I had not previously considered. She is not only extremely knowledgeable, professional and extremely well-respected and well-connected, but also a pleasure to work with.”
- VALERIA COLE, FOUNDER

“As a beauty brand founder coming from the editorial side, at places like WWD and Glamour, there was a lot I knew about the business to begin with — but there was definitely a lot that I had to learn. So, choosing an agency to partner with for the launch of Testament Beauty was critical. Kelly St. John was referred to me by two of the most respected beauty editors in the country. It only took one conversation with Kelly to know that I found “the one.” Kelly’s experience, passion for the industry and her allegiance to her clients is nothing short of inspiring. She advises with conviction and respect. Kelly brings a dimension to Testament Beauty that we didn’t know we needed. I feel privileged to have Testament Beauty included in the amazing curation of brands in the KSJ Collective and look forward to growing the business together for many years to come.”
- SOPHIA CHABBOTT, FOUNDER

"Having worked with Kelly when she led beauty at Neiman Marcus, we knew her retail savvy and understanding of beauty would be a huge asset. In our new relationship as part of her collective, we have an appreciation of how her years of helping to launch and develop brands in the beauty space has given her deep insights into what elements of a brand and story truly connect with the customer. She knows how to develop and streamline a brand to go beyond a transaction, but to truly connect and inspire. It is no wonder that she has the respect of not only brand founders and owners, but the broader retail community and investors looking for the right growth opportunities. She partners with brands that have a true point of difference and provides insights and resources to help them realize their best potential.”
- CECIL BOOTH & REBECCA BOOTH M.D., FOUNDERS

"I've had various wholesale partners since starting my business and Kim is by far the most dedicated, diligent and effective. Communication and transparency is so important for indie brands whose time is stretched thin, and Kim does an amazing job of balancing autonomy with consistent updates. On top of everything, she's kind and warm. I feel extremely confident about the way she represents my brand!"
- SHANNON DAVENPORT, FOUNDER

"Working with Kim has been amazing. As a solo entrepreneur, it can be difficult pushing a boulder up a hill on your own. Kim makes me feel like I have a team. I trust her implicitly to help me navigate the retail world, and she has done an amazing job as my guide and cheerleader. This has been our biggest year to date and that is 100% because of KSJC and the retail partnerships that Kim has been able to secure for me. So grateful for her."
- TINA CHOW RUDOLF, FOUNDER

"Being a part of the KSJ Collective family has not only been integral for our brand, but also a truly wonderful experience! KSJC was recommended by a very well-respected clean beauty store owner, who thought they would be a perfect extension to the ASPEN team. We primarily work with Kim, who is the sweetest, most responsive and genuinely helpful asset to our business! She expertly introduced us to several retailers whose values align with our own, while also advising on everything from website structure to brand deck improvements. She is always making sure we are putting our best face forward and her attention to detail is impeccable. Kim and Kelly thrive on helping smaller brands at any stage of development, and have repeatedly demonstrated that they truly care about our brand and its success."
-ASPEN LAPIERRE, FOUNDER

"It is an absolute pleasure to work with Kim! As an entrepreneur, it can sometimes feel like a lonely journey, but I feel so blessed to have Kim by my side through it all. From our very first meeting, and all of our constructive conversations, I've felt Kim's heartfelt investment in AURA, and our future. She quickly understood our brand, products, and exactly how to refine and streamline our strategy, to truly connect and inspire. Kim is a natural extension of our team and I feel so fortunate that she is part of our future!"
- AVALON LUKACS, FOUNDER & CEO, AURA INNER BEAUTY

"Apart from the value gained from working with an industry veteran, Kim is trustworthy, she works effortlessly with our team and demonstrates great respect and appreciation for our brand - which is key when asking someone to help represent it. We greatly regard that Kim understands our brand’s value, positioning & knowledge, which she has used to discover and bring some wonderful gem retailers our way, expanding on Ayuna’s family of wholesale partners."
- TATHIANA CONEJO, GM OF DISTRIBUTION

"Kim is one of those rare individuals who has a powerful combination of intelligence, experience, and energy. She is an adept problem solver and applies an analytical approach to thinking about and making optimal decisions. Her deep knowledge and base of experience in the beauty industry has her always on top of the latest consumer trends and brand positioning. And every day she brings enthusiasm and positivity to her work, turning tough tasks into pleasurable work and putting smiles on the faces of those around her. I highly respect and value her perspective."
- LEE LICHLYTER, OWNER

"I began working with KSJ Collective shortly after launching my company in the beginning of 2020. It was important for D'Isolana, as a new brand and product, to align with a company that had vertical knowledge, relevant experience as well as industry connections that would springboard D’Isolana Skincare into the retail market. I have been extremely fortunate to work with KSJ Collective, as they truly have all these qualities. Working side by side with Kim has been an absolute pleasure. Our collaboration has been a true partnership based on trust and professionalism. I know that my company and brand is in the best hands."
- JENNIFER ESPOSITO, FOUNDER & CEO

"Working with Kim has been pure joy. She is passionate about sharing my brand with retailers and it shows. I love her upbeat demeanor and professionalism. We have made great traction with retailers. I could not ask for more from a representative of my brand."
- TAMI BLAKE, FOUNDER, FREE + TRUE SKINCARE

"We have had the pleasure of working with Kim directly over the last year as we built Swan Beauty from the ground up. It has been an honor to have her as a key teammate, and we truly cannot imagine a day without her. She has brought so much knowledge and organization to Swan Beauty, while proactively anticipating every need of our business. Kim truly wears ‘all hats’ and remains 100 steps ahead, as she focuses on future growth and strategy. She is highly dedicated and invested in our team, business and the success of Swan Beauty. We would not be where we are today without her. She’s a gem - honest and so very kind!"
- LINDSEY REGAN THORNE, CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

"We feel fortunate to be working with Alex, who has become a formidable part of our team. Having joined KSJ Collective at the time of our brand launch, we were delighted to be collaborating with such respected industry veterans. Alex took us under her wing with infectious enthusiasm. She has proven to be a trusted and knowledgeable partner whose dedication is unwavering. She's smart, forthright, upbeat, positive and truly cares. Alex is simply a joy to work with!"
- VÉRONIQUE, FOUNDER & CEO

"Alex has been a key player in the success and growth of Lauren B. Beauty. She is a savvy powerhouse and not only is she a joy to work with, but she is knowledgeable, well connected, and respected in the beauty industry. Alex understands what it takes to launch a brand and combines it with strategies to grow sales and get results for her brands. Alex goes above and beyond to communicate in a straightforward manner, and works diligently through anything. Having Alex as part of our team is invaluable, working with her, you truly feel that she is invested and in the trenches along side as a true partner!"
- LAUREN B, FOUNDER

"I am truly grateful to have Alex in my corner! She brings not only her deep retail and industry knowledge, but a true passion for indie brands, the beauty industry, and people! Alex is extraordinarily dedicated to her clients, always making herself available for honest and constructive feedback paired with experience-backed insights that drive sales and strategic retail wins. She meets every task with sincere enthusiasm and a can-do attitude; simply put, she makes success happen with a smile on her face! Alex is a pleasure to work with, and I feel lucky to have such a dynamic, brilliant, and kind partner on my team. I look forward to many more years of success and partnership together!"
- CLAIRE ELLIS, FOUNDER

"I had the pleasure of working with KSJ's core team member, Alex Kouri, as I went through a massive rebrand. Alex was a delight to work with, she is exceptionally talented and has an eye for what makes an indie brand stand out in the marketplace. Together we created the She Plants Love go to market strategy and retail deck. Alex has a way to connect with brand founders on a personal level. It was a joy working with her and I would do it again!"
- FAR MOMIN FOUNDER AND FORMULATOR

We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Kelly and her powerhouse team! Working closely with Alex Kouri has been a true pleasure. Her "driven to succeed" work ethics, attitude, and professionalism are admirable! She truly understands the beauty industry and what it takes to get a small Indie brand's foot in the door. KSJ Collective is lucky to have her on their team and we're a better brand having her on our side.
-AMRA HAJDAREVIC, CO-FOUNDER

"Alex quickly became a key part of the Vella team. She is tenacious, diligent and thorough. She keeps us all better organized. Plus, she's a delight with which to work. She is as hardworking as she is warm and funny. We all feel lucky to have her on our team and to get to work with her each day."
- CAROLYN WHEELER CO-FOUNDER

"Working with Alex is a true pleasure. She is effective, precise, reliable, and enthusiastic. In a nutshell, Alex is sales-minded, partnership-focused and, while she may demand a lot from her clients, she gives back even more. Long live Alex."
- FRANCESCO URSO, FOUNDER

"Working with retail partners, we found out that our best sales happened when store training and sales support was strong. Such a program requires strong management, and an innate ability to connect with people, with an unparalleled taste for beauty products and understanding of a brand’s unique offering. Danmark is all of that….and more! With him on the team, we feel confident to keep on growing. Not only has Danmark made it possible to streamline our education operations, but he has also unlocked great opportunities."
- KEVIN MAXIMILIEN LE ROUX, CO-FOUNDER

"Danmark is a brilliant shining light of optimism and charm and hustle. He helped us launch Beboe Therapies and has been instrumental in opening doors and maintaining relationships across all of our retail partners. The care and energy he put into every event has eliminated any anxieties I ever had about things going the way we hoped. Everything just works out. Every time. From afar it looks like he's just lucky and everything magically works out for the best, but look closer and its obvious he meticulously plans everything in a way that is stress-free and seemingly effortless. He is a pleasure to be around, and everyone who knows him enjoys working with him, so as much as I would love to say that it is the strength and integrity of our brand that has gotten us favorable placement and treatment with our partners, Danmark is the secret weapon."
- SCOTT CAMPBELL, FOUNDER

"I started working with Danmark, August of 2019 and was impressed immediately. I hired him to oversee Beboe Therapies’ education strategy for the launch at Neiman Marcus. He then went on to successfully launch with every additional retailer such as Nordstrom, Blue Mercury etc. From the start, he worked at a fast and furious pace to secure training for all the 20 doors, leveraging his relationships to elevate the brands’ presence anywhere he went. He continued to build partnerships with not only the leadership teams but also with the sales staff. His tenacity, creativity, and attention to detail were instrumental in driving brand awareness, client acquisition, associate engagement, and experiential collaboration. More than anything he cares and treats any brand he works with as if it is his own."
- KIANA ANVARIPOUR, FORMER GM, BEBOE THERAPIES

"I've enjoyed working with Danmark these last few months. I appreciate how passionately he approaches his work and how he inspires others. I also appreciate how quickly he has been able to put together a field team for Biophile and has risen to the challenge of helping us forecast sales."
- GRACE FOODEN, CO-FOUNDER

"Danmark is wonderful to work with and super reliable. When he is on your account, you can be 100% confident that your brand will hit the best possible performance."
- HELINA FAN, FOUNDER

"Danmark is an asset to my business not just because he is whip smart, uber organized, and has outstanding communication skills - he also exudes kindness and warmth. But what makes him indispensable is his vast experience as a retail management expert with a deep understanding of the retail environment and what it takes to build solid business relationships. Danmark represents me and my brand with integrity and intelligence, and I have complete confidence in his ability to act as a liaison to both our retailer partners and our Brand Ambassador team. Danmark has filled a lot of the gaps I didn't even know my business had."
- JENNY PATINKIN, FOUNDER

"Ashley has helped us grow and foster our relationships with Credo and Detox Market. She has worked tirelessly to make these partnerships a success. She is dedicated, knowledgeable and works incredibly hard for her clients. Ashley and the whole KSJC team feel like part of my internal team, and I would highly recommend them!"
- AMY WELSMAN, FOUNDER

"Ashley impresses me over and over again with her business savvy and creative approach to brand support. Her instincts about how to grow sales, and the steps she takes to ensure loyalty and excitement, are spot on. She has demonstrated a strong sense of collaboration that has helped to build momentum and excitement. I am thrilled to be working with her."
- JENNY PATINKIN, FOUNDER

"Ashley and the KSJC team have a deep knowledge of retail and have been trusted brand partners as we grow our business. They are driven, candid, compassionate and a true pleasure to work with. They understand both the growth levers and the soft side of the retail business and are widely respected in the industry. We've loved having them as an extension of our team!"
- JAYME JENKINS, CO-FOUNDER
