Join us for an exciting discussion on the future of the blue economy and its transformative impact on the beauty industry. In this episode, we’re joined by Diego Lapetina, founder of Blue Economy News, a new voice on marine sustainability and innovation; Margarita Sidorova, founder of the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster and Beauty By The Sea, bringing expertise in aquaculture and marine-derived ingredients; and Courtney Howell, founder of 7 Fathoms Skincare, a brand redefining beauty through sustainably sourced seaweed and ocean-inspired formulations.
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Together, we explore how marine resources are shaping sustainable practices in cosmetics, the opportunities for aquaculture to drive growth, and how brands can integrate blue economy principles into their supply chains. Dive deep into conversations about innovation, regenerative practices, and the role of collaboration in fostering a cleaner, more eco-conscious beauty industry. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast, sustainability advocate, or industry professional, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss!

Now let’s turn our attention to the luxury cosmetics market, where products typically retail for at least $30 - $80+ USD and are positioned to offer both exclusivity and a distinct lifestyle. Unlike mass-market items, luxury brands often thrive on niche appeal, catering to a select audience that values premium formulations, high-end branding, and unique experiences. In many cases, the goal is not simply to sell a product, but to immerse consumers in a refined world that justifies a higher price point. Within this space, numerous niches remain under explored. One example is the marine segment—specifically, yachting. Brands can do far more to address the needs of consumers who spend time on yachts by considering what they wear, when they wear it, and how a product might enhance that environment. Loro Piana, for instance, has illustrated how aligning products with specific lifestyles and activities can fuel luxury growth. When entering the luxury beauty market, it’s important to remember that the true top one-percent is relatively small. Targeting an upper-middle-class demographic with a desire for exclusivity can be more lucrative, as long as the brand maintains its high-end image. Ultimately, success in luxury depends on understanding consumers’ lifestyles—and designing products that elevate their experiences, whether on a yacht or simply in everyday life. The global luxury market, valued at an estimated $360 billion by 2026[1], caters to consumers who seek exclusive experiences and premium products. While those at the very top of the wealth pyramid can purchase whatever they desire without hesitation, the majority of luxury spending actually comes from upper-middle-class individuals who often stretch their budgets—sometimes to the point of financial strain—to access this elevated lifestyle. This dynamic can contribute to periodic economic downturns when large numbers of consumers default on credit.

Within the luxury sector, the marine and aviation industries present significant opportunities for premium cosmetics and wellness products:

Tunbridge Wells, UK – The Upcycled Beauty Company are pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 Zero Waste Beauty Report published in collaboration with Covalo. Wasting products is a waste of resources. This includes materials and energy for production, transportation, and end-of-life disposal, which all contribute to carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions. Our excessive use of finite resources and disposable culture also fuels global biodiversity loss. But it’s not all bad news. The zero waste movement is empowering companies from all corners of the globe to take action, including forward-thinking beauty and personal care brands. Instead of sticking with the linear take-make-waste model, they’re embracing a circular economy, where resources are kept in circulation and waste is eliminated or minimized at every stage.

Typically, this is the time of year when everyone trots out the old “new year, new me” mantra, armed with a mix of ambitious and borderline impossible resolutions. But this year feels... different. People seem tired. The lingering effects of COVID, escalating political instability—the list of things that go wrong ever growing have really taken a toll. So far in 2025 it is more of a new year let’s see how everything goes – slowly. Easy step by easy step. This year, I sense we’re on the brink of a significant commercial slowdown. Take EMSSM or Economically Marginalized Small-to-Medium-sized Businesses (the new word for SMEs because why not confuse people with new acronyms). It feels like every layer of society is under strain. In Canada, for instance, the recent postal strike during the holiday season didn’t help, and inflation continues to be a part of our lives. Let’s be honest, when prices rise faster than paychecks, what’s the point? Isn’t it better to lower prices? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Political instability isn’t going anywhere, and yet we all keep plodding along. I’ve always thought small businesses are some of the toughest endeavors out there—many of you can probably relate. They’re taxed the most, work the hardest, receive the least support, and yet still manage to produce so much.

The term "blue economy" is becoming increasingly common, but what does it really mean, and why is it important? The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean and water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and the health of aquatic ecosystems. Given that approximately 71% of the Earth is covered in water, it makes sense to invest in this vital resource that benefits us all. Our daily lives are closely tied to waterways. Many cities are built near rivers, lakes, or oceans, which serve as critical hubs for transportation, shipping, tourism, and food production. Oceans and waterways are also an emerging frontier for industries like cosmetics. As time goes on, the connection between cosmetics and the blue economy will only deepen, making this an area worth our attention. Personally, I’ve always had a deep love for the ocean and waterways. They’ve been an important part of my life, and preserving them for future generations is essential. It’s time to give back to the deep blue. Protecting our oceans, seas, and freshwater systems is not just about environmental preservation—it’s about ensuring our collective future.

Investing in the blue economy is both a moral and practical imperative. For example, generative aquaculture—such as farming macroalgae like seaweed and kelp or cultivating mussels and sea cucumbers—provides numerous benefits. These practices enhance marine habitats, support biodiversity, and offer sustainable alternatives for producing bioplastics, ingredients, textiles, and more. Such innovations can replace harmful materials in industries ranging from surfactants in cleaning products to fabrics in fashion. Additionally, marine resources are vital for food security. Fish and seaweed are rich in proteins and essential nutrients, feeding millions of people worldwide. Oceans also hold potential as sources of energy and new active ingredients for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The blue economy represents an incredible opportunity to create a sustainable future while reaping economic benefits. Let’s dive deeper into how we can leverage these resources responsibly and ensure they thrive for generations to come.

At the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster, we are passionate about uncovering the stories behind innovative brands in the blue economy space. Today, we are thrilled to spotlight 7 Fathoms, a marine-based skincare brand rooted in resilience and discovery. Co-founded by Courtney and Terrence Howell, 7 Fathoms began as a personal journey to find relief from severe contact dermatitis and evolved into a mission to harness the incredible power of seaweed for skin health and sustainability. Join us as we delve into the inspiration behind 7 Fathoms, the transformative benefits of their seaweed-based formulations, and their dedication to environmental stewardship. From the challenges of introducing seaweed to Western skincare markets to their vision for expanding into North America, this brand is redefining what it means to innovate responsibly in beauty.

This year, at the Cosmetic 360 trade show, we proudly led a delegation of Canadian companies, and it was a truly remarkable experience. We spent an entire week immersed in French culture, forging connections with new companies, and sharing the company of other clusters. One of the most memorable aspects of this trip was reuniting with our global cluster counterparts. For me personally, this was the highlight of the week, as it underscored the incredible journey we have undertaken together over the past decade. Many of us have been involved from the beginning—since 2015 in my case—and this event served as a celebration of our collective achievements. From the opening ceremonies to the parade and everything in between, it was a testament to the collaborative spirit we’ve fostered, overcoming challenges and supporting one another along the way. There’s a profound sense of friendship and community that has grown over the years, and it was palpable throughout the week.

This October, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science) in Scotland as part of the EIT Regenerative aquaculture course. It was an incredible experience where I learned about aquaculture, which is central to our Beauty by the Sea initiative. Understanding where our ingredients come from and the methods behind sustainable farming was invaluable. The course went beyond seaweed, shellfish, and fish; it covered the broader scope of aquaculture, an industry rich in innovation and sustainability. The program featured cutting-edge knowledge, advanced innovations, and insights from various experts. We had hands-on experiences, such as visiting farms, nurseries, and witnessing the latest industry advancements. SAMS is one of the world’s premier institutes in marine sciences, making this a rare and valuable learning opportunity. The course, offered by EIT as a European partnership, brought together members from Poland, the UK, Scotland, and other parts of Europe, adding a diverse perspective to our learning experience.

Uniquely, this program also emphasized entrepreneurship. The business component provided crucial insights into building a sustainable venture in agriculture, making it ideal for startups and those looking to develop a comprehensive understanding of the regenerative agriculture supply chain. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in entering or advancing within this field. It spans about a month, including live lectures in the UK time zone—so be prepared for early mornings if you're joining from different time zones! The experience, however, is immersive and deeply engaging. The knowledge shared by the speakers, combined with the camaraderie among participants, creates an impactful and even life-changing experience.

EIT offers various courses in sustainable food and agriculture; though primarily food-focused, they hold immense relevance for those in cosmetics, materials, and other related industries. This course in particular gave me a fresh perspective on the food industry, which deepened my understanding of supply chains from a cosmetic viewpoint.
Stay tuned for more about the speakers, the EIT program, and all related links below. I’d especially recommend keeping an eye out for future courses, such as those on microalgae, which provide valuable insights for anyone passionate about sustainable and regenerative practices in food, agriculture, and beyond.