Today we are learning from Shai, the founder of Bubble.

We’re talking through the approach they took with community and a specific blueprint for how they actually got 5000 teens involved before launch, they use gene pap too btw - which I thought was really cool - and a few thoughts on fundraising and why we should question what’s being celebrated in the media.

If you haven’t heard of it just yet, Bubble is a skincare brand for teens that’s replace those brands we’ve been using for decades, while being super fun. Highly recommend checking them out on tiktok. it’s definitely a vibe.

Community First, Product Second

Shai and her team didn’t just guess what teens would want. They went straight to the source. Bubble’s launch wasn’t your typical “release a product and hope it sticks” strategy. Instead, the brand took an entirely community-focused approach. Shai explains how they started with extensive research: “We ran focus groups with 200 teens, followed by full quantitative research with 900 teens. Then, we built a community of 4,600 teens who, for months, gave us feedback on everything.”

This wasn’t just a one-off consultation, either. The teens Bubble worked with are now a permanent part of the team, acting as brand ambassadors who try new products, share insights, and help shape the company’s direction. “We have about 2,000 ambassadors who are truly part of the team. They’re in constant contact with us, and we use their feedback to make decisions,” Shai adds. It’s a strategy that’s not only about launching products but also about building a long-term relationship with their customers.

Building Bubble’s Brand Through Research

What makes Bubble so unique is its commitment to understanding its audience before jumping into the deep end. The brand’s extensive research isn’t just about creating a product—it’s about creating something teens would actually love and use. Bubble didn’t just rely on trends or assumptions. They dove deep into understanding what excites Gen Z and what sets them apart from millennials. This allowed them to create a brand that feels authentic, not forced.

But how did they even find these teens to get involved? Shai shared the secret: a simple Instagram ad that asked, “Do you want to be part of a skincare launch?” It struck a chord. “Lots of teens joined, and it allowed us to scale our ambassador program really quickly,” Shai notes. From there, they kept the momentum going, creating a relationship that benefited both sides—Bubble got valuable feedback, and the teens got access to skincare experts and dermatologists during the isolation of quarantine. They even used the Geneva app to foster a sense of community when teens needed it most.

What’s Cool About Bubble?

If you haven’t checked out Bubble Skincare on TikTok yet, you’re missing out. The brand is fun, fresh, and gives off a vibe that’s hard to resist. It’s clear that the team behind Bubble knows their audience well—because they listened to them from the start. Bubble isn’t just replacing outdated skincare brands we’ve used for decades; it’s setting a new standard for what teen skincare can be.

On Fundraising and Media Hype

Shai also shared some insights on fundraising and the lessons she’s learned along the way. While fundraising is a crucial part of getting any business off the ground, she encourages people to question what’s being celebrated in the media. Not every massive funding round or media shout-out tells the full story of what it takes to build a brand that resonates deeply with its audience. Bubble’s journey wasn’t just about raising money—it was about using that capital wisely to continue listening to and engaging with their core customers.

Shai’s Market Research Hack

Here’s a cool nugget from Shai—when asked what she would do with $1,000 no-strings-attached cash, she immediately said she’d use it for market research on the platform Perksy. That was the first time anyone had mentioned Perksy, and it’s a great reminder that understanding your audience is everything when you’re building a brand.

So, if you’re looking for some inspiration on how to build a brand that truly speaks to its customers, Bubble Skincare and Shai Eisenman are definitely worth watching. From day one, they’ve proven that when you take the time to listen, engage, and evolve with your community, you can create something that doesn’t just look good—it lasts.