Shampoo Lies, Wallet Cries + Resilliency with Kate Assaraf (part 2)
Thu Feb 05 2026
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Feeling burned out by beauty hype and buried in empty bottles? We sat down with Kate, the founder behind DIP, to unpack how a tiny conditioner bar can outlast liquid bottles, simplify your routine, and actually reduce waste without sacrificing how your hair looks and feels. Kate breaks down the rinse‑off reality of hair care, why most “active‑packed” claims wash down the drain, and how she designed a bar that delivers soft, shiny results through months of daily use.
The journey wasn’t quick—about 40 iterations across four years—but the principles never wavered: performance you can see after one wash, formulas that respect scalp health, and radical longevity that undercuts hyper‑consumption. We also get candid about what didn’t work. Paid SEO and ad packages under‑delivered, while real customers and stylists fueled growth through genuine enthusiasm. You’ll hear how eco‑minded salons stock DIP because it isn’t discounted on Amazon, why minis make plastic‑free services easy to offer, and the surprise win that the conditioner bar helps remove foils painlessly during highlights.
Beyond the shower, this conversation is a manifesto for buying locally and rebuilding human connection. Store owners act as curators in a noisy, algorithmic world, helping people choose sustainable swaps that fit their habits and hair. Kate draws a vivid line from where we spend money to how our towns thrive, reminding us that a refill shop can feel like an old‑school record store—personal, knowledgeable, and fun. We close with a look ahead at a music industry partnership and a creative residency with the Savannah College of Art and Design’s atelier in Lacoste, where the next DIP product will be developed in public view.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The co-hosts of this podcast are not medical professionals. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by the podcast hosts or guests is solely at your own risk.
Pamela Cass is a licensed broker with Kentwood Real Estate
Natalie Davis is a licensed broker with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC
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Send us a text Feeling burned out by beauty hype and buried in empty bottles? We sat down with Kate, the founder behind DIP, to unpack how a tiny conditioner bar can outlast liquid bottles, simplify your routine, and actually reduce waste without sacrificing how your hair looks and feels. Kate breaks down the rinse‑off reality of hair care, why most “active‑packed” claims wash down the drain, and how she designed a bar that delivers soft, shiny results through months of daily use. The journey wasn’t quick—about 40 iterations across four years—but the principles never wavered: performance you can see after one wash, formulas that respect scalp health, and radical longevity that undercuts hyper‑consumption. We also get candid about what didn’t work. Paid SEO and ad packages under‑delivered, while real customers and stylists fueled growth through genuine enthusiasm. You’ll hear how eco‑minded salons stock DIP because it isn’t discounted on Amazon, why minis make plastic‑free services easy to offer, and the surprise win that the conditioner bar helps remove foils painlessly during highlights. Beyond the shower, this conversation is a manifesto for buying locally and rebuilding human connection. Store owners act as curators in a noisy, algorithmic world, helping people choose sustainable swaps that fit their habits and hair. Kate draws a vivid line from where we spend money to how our towns thrive, reminding us that a refill shop can feel like an old‑school record store—personal, knowledgeable, and fun. We close with a look ahead at a music industry partnership and a creative residency with the Savannah College of Art and Design’s atelier in Lacoste, where the next DIP product will be developed in public view. Subscribe to The Reignite Resilience Thinkletter Support the show Subscribe to Our Weekly ThinkLetter Facebook Instagram Check out our Book Series: The Quiet Gift: A Journey of Self Worth and Resilience Magical Mornings Journal Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The co-hosts of this podcast are not medical professionals. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by the podcast hosts or guests is solely at your own risk. Pamela Cass is a licensed broker with Kentwood Real Estate Natalie Davis is a licensed broker with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC