The Dodo Group Archives - Michael Dodo

Building Businesses That Last: Lessons From An Operator’s Journey

Building Businesses That Last: Lessons From An Operator’s Journey. After decades of turning potential into performance, I’ve learned that building a successful business isn’t about luck or timing—it’s about structure, strategy and relentless execution. I’ve seen entrepreneurs with incredible ideas fall short because they lacked systems. And I’ve seen average ideas become extraordinary enterprises through disciplined management and vision.

Outlandish Partners with MindgruveMacarta to expand global footprint to Brazil

As TikTok Shop Prepares to Launch, Global Agencies Expand Social Commerce Capabilities in Latin America

Outlandish, a global leader in live shopping and social commerce, is officially expanding into Brazil through a strategic partnership with MindgruveMacarta, a global performance marketing, retail media, and data-tech company. The collaboration provides brands with a seamless entry into TikTok Shop Brazil, offering end-to-end support as demand for live, shoppable content accelerates across Latin America’s largest market.

“Brazil represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving social commerce landscape, and the upcoming launch of TikTok Shop is creating a major opportunity for brands to connect with Brazilian consumers,” said William August, Founder and CEO of Outlandish. “Partnering with MindgruveMacarta ensures that we’re bringing best-in-class expertise across performance marketing, advanced analytics, and localization to help brands succeed in this exciting new frontier.”

With offices in São Paulo and Mexico City, MindgruveMacarta brings deep regional experience and an established track record of helping top global brands like 3M, JBL, and Duracell expand in Latin America. Together, Outlandish and MindgruveMacarta will support brands with a full suite of services — including content production, local influencer activations, fulfillment and logistics, compliance, and advertising — all customized for Brazil’s fast-moving social commerce space.

“As TikTok Shop prepares to go live in Brazil, brands need a partner who understands the intersection of commerce, culture, and content,” said Carlos Corona, Chief Growth Officer at MindgruveMacarta. “We saw that play out firsthand in Mexico, where our collaboration with Outlandish led to the most successful TikTok live shopping event in the country to date. We’re bringing that same momentum and proven approach to Brazil.”

This partnership builds on Outlandish’s broader global expansion and follows the company’s successful entry into Mexico earlier this year. Building on this entry into South America, Outlandish’s expansion plans also target European and Asian markets later this year.

About Outlandish

Founded in 2018 with support from The Dodo Group, a diversified investment firm led by brothers Michael and Jason Dodo, Outlandish is a global leader in live shopping and social commerce, helping brands, creators, and celebrities connect with audiences through immersive, real-time experiences. With a strong presence on platforms like TikTok and partnerships with leading global brands, Outlandish is shaping the future of retail by integrating digital and traditional shopping in new and exciting ways.

About MindgruveMacarta

MindgruveMacarta is a global performance marketing, retail media and data-tech company created from the merger of Mindgruve, Macarta and Icon Commerce. The agency is comprised of strategists, creatives, media and marketplace experts, data scientists, and engineers driven by one common purpose — accelerate business growth through data-driven marketing, creative, and commerce. With over 300 experts across the globe, MindgruveMacarta’s teams provide integrated performance marketing and retail media solutions for global brands.

By Dodo Group
May 20, 2025

FHI Heat UNbrush Launches in Ulta Beauty Stores Nationwide

FHI Heat^®, a professional hair tools and hair care brand known for excellence, precision, and quality, announced today the launch of its award-winning UNbrush hair brush at Ulta Beauty, the nation’s largest beauty retailer. Customers can now shop a selection of UNbrush hairbrushes in over 1,400 stores across the U.S. as well as on Ulta.com.

“Our partnership with Ulta Beauty marks a major milestone for our brand and for UNbrush,” says Gina Ortega, President of FHI Heat. “We are thrilled to expand the brand’s footprint in prestige retail and make one of our most in-demand products more accessible to Ulta Beauty shoppers and hair enthusiasts across the country.”

The FHI Heat UNbrush skyrocketed to fame after going viral on social media for its ease of use on a variety of hair types and textures. The UNbrush has been recognized by the beauty industry for its excellence and performance, garnering notable and prestigious awards from top media outlets.

Known for its gentle and effortless detangling, the UNbrush is designed for all hair types and features a unique blend of 105 dual-length bristles that prevent wet or dry hair from catching or snagging. The FHI Heat UNbrush will be available to Ulta Beauty customers in a variety of colors in stores and online, with prices starting at $18.00.

About FHI Heat:

With nearly 20 years of experience in the professional hair industry, FHI Heat® has established itself as a brand synonymous with excellence, precision, and quality. We are committed to creating technologically advanced tools with the power and performance needed for professionals and consumers alike. Each FHI Heat product works to give you faster, smoother, more professional results. Headquartered in Simi Valley, California, FHI Heat is a part of Luxury Beauty Brands, owned by Michael Dodo. Follow FHI Heat on Instagram @FHIHeat and to learn more about the brand, visit www.fhiheat.com.

YB Cosmetics, owned by the Dodo Group, participate in Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 (Bologna, Italy)

YB Cosmetics, owned by the Dodo Group, participated in the largest trade show in Bologna, Italy – Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025!

Cosmoprof is one of the world’s leading events for the professional beauty sector and an international platform for the cosmetics industry.

Honored to successful exhibit and look forward to our many upcoming collaborations and partnerships. Brittany Dailey bravo!

Luxury Brands LLC, Dodo Group Announce Acquisition of BIA (Bare It All) Skin, Expanding Global Presence in Premium Skincare

LOS ANGELES, California – March 10, 2025 – The Dodo Group, in partnership with Luxury Brands LLC, leading innovators in the beauty and skincare industry, proudly announce their acquisition of BIA Skin (www.biaskin.com), a rapidly growing premium body care brand renowned for its science-backed formulations and high-performance products. This strategic acquisition solidifies Luxury Brands and Dodo Group’s commitment to offering high-quality, effective skincare solutions to discerning consumers worldwide.

BIA Skin has gained a loyal following for its meticulously formulated, results-driven body care products with scientifically proven, clinical-grade ingredients that effectively tackle common concerns like KP, body acne, and premature aging. Among its best-sellers is the Glo-Up Renewal Serum, an anti-aging body serum infused with a potent blend of peptides, caffeine, and antioxidants designed to smooth and tighten the appearance of your skin. Another fan-favorite is the Golden Hour Bronzing Créme, a smoothing, firming and age-defying body bronzer that leaves skin with a sun kissed glow and flawless looking finish. Coupled with their Whipped Body Crémes and Body Polishes, BIA maximizes efficacy without harmful ingredients.

“BIA Skin’s commitment to delivering innovative, results-oriented body care aligns seamlessly with our vision at Luxury Brands and Dodo Group,” said Michael Dodo, Co-founder and Chairman of Luxury Brands LLC. “This acquisition allows us to further elevate our portfolio with high-quality, science-backed skincare. We are thrilled to integrate BIA Skin into our portfolio and bring its best-selling formulations to even more beauty enthusiasts worldwide that resonates with consumers seeking luxury and efficacy in their beauty routines.”

With this acquisition, BIA Skin will benefit from expanded distribution networks, increased research and development capabilities, and greater access to global markets. Luxury Brands and Dodo Group plan to maintain BIA Skin’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing while enhancing its product innovation and availability.

BIA Skin founder Natasha Ingram expressed her enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “This partnership with Luxury Brands and Dodo Group is an exciting new chapter for BIA Skin. It allows us to bring our trusted formulations to a wider audience while maintaining our core values of quality, innovation, and sustainability. With their support, we can expand our product line, reach new consumers globally, and continue developing skincare solutions that empower people to feel confident in their skin.”

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both Luxury Brands and Dodo Group, reinforcing their position as leaders in the luxury skincare market. As the demand for high-performance skincare continues to grow, this partnership ensures that BIA Skin remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

About BIA Skin

Founded in 2021, Bare It All (BIA) is redefining body skincare with high-performance CLEAN-ical formulations that go beyond the face. Backed by science and powered by clinically proven ingredients, BIA’s product lines are designed to smooth, hydrate and restore ageless-looking skin from head to toe. Our formulas work to clear blemishes, smooth bumps, and prevent & reverse signs of aging. With custom routines built to problem-solve, BIA delivers high-efficacy, targeted solutions for every body. To learn more, visit www.biaskin.com or follow us on Instagram @bia_skincare

About Luxury Brands LLC

Founded in 2017, Luxury Brands LLC is a premier conglomerate managing a diverse portfolio of subsidiary companies and brands. Its portfolio includes Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics and Skincare, FHI Heat, STYLUS, NEO BOND, Hair Veil, Daily Beauty, and more. As a globally recognized leader in professional hair and skincare, Luxury Brands delivers cutting-edge, high-quality products and industry-leading hair tools. For more information, please visit www.thedodogroup.com/luxurybrands

About The Dodo Group

Founded in 2011 by investor and entrepreneur Michael Dodo, The Dodo Group is a diversified investment firm with a strong track record specializing in acquiring and revitalizing legacy businesses across beauty, luxury brands, retail, and food & beverage sectors. Focused on fostering growth and innovation, Dodo Group partners with category-leading companies to enhance their market presence and long-term success. Leveraging deep industry expertise, The Dodo Group builds scalable, sustainable brands through strategic partnerships and visionary leadership. To learn more, visit TheDodoGroup.com.

###

Media Contacts
Jeremy Broekman
818-212-9201
jeremy@broekmancomm.com

Media Downloads
For links to images, please click here to download.

Luxury Brands LLC Acquires PRAI Beauty in Strategic Partnership

In a significant move to expand its footprint in the global beauty market, The Dodo Group, in partnership with Luxury Brands LLC, has announced an investment in PRAI Beauty, a US based renowned pro-aging skincare brand. Founder & CEO Cathy Kangas will continue to lead the brand, ensuring continuity and innovation as it enters a new era of growth.

By Dodo Group
February 24, 2025

Dodo Chocolates Transforms Viral Trend into Sweet Success

Dodo Chocolates Transforms Viral Trend into Sweet Success with $5 Million in Sales, 140,000 Units Sold. Dodo Group Partners Propel Newest Brand to Multi-Million Dollar Milestone. Emerging from viral TikTok sensation, Dodo Chocolates has swiftly ascended to prominence in the U.S. luxury chocolate market. Launched in October 2024, Dodo Chocolates debuted in the US skyrocketing to #1 TikTok Shop.

By Dodo Group
February 13, 2025

What we do

I Help Entrepreneurs Build Their Dreams. Strategic Management and Planning. Business Development and Growth. Leadership and Team Management. Operational Excellence.

Welcome to the shopping mall for the TikTok era

There’s a new experiential store in Los Angeles that blends livestreaming with in-person retail.
The space features rows of hosts selling products live on TikTok Shop.
The project is the brainchild of Outlandish, an e-commerce startup with roots in China.

Welcome to the TikTok-era shopping mall.

A new brick-and-mortar store from the e-commerce startup Outlandish is bringing to life the world of TikTok Shop. It sits on a busy street in Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade, wedged between a Sephora and a Chipotle.

Business Insider stepped inside the two-story emporium ahead of its Thursday opening. It features a first floor of branded stalls where a lineup of hosts sit in front of bright lights and product displays as they hawk their wares to a TikTok audience. On its second floor, visitors can shop for goods from those sellers, which include brands like Goli Nutrition and the electronics company Anker.

The aim of the store is to mix live online selling with in-person retail. Passersby can buy viral products, gawk at influencers or merchants as they sell on livestreams, or even join the QVC-style streams themselves. Products and sellers will rotate, as merchants can rent out space by the hour.

The store’s Santa Monica location is in a tourist hot spot. Like TikTok livestreams themselves — which are sometimes interspersed into the app’s main feed — it’s likely to draw in visitors who didn’t originally plan to watch livestream shopping.

On Monday, the yet-to-open space was already packed with live sellers chattering away. It was loud — there were a handful sellers simultaneously recording in one room — but it was still easy to become engrossed in watching a single host.

It’s As Seen on TV, but for the TikTok generation, William August, Outlandish’s founder and CEO, told BI.

“This is ‘As Seen on Livestream,'” August said. “I want people that come in to not feel like they’re in a studio, but to feel like they’re in a space where they can pop in the livestream. They can enjoy the experience. They can grab some free samples, and they can buy in-person. That’s why our livestream rooms are not blocked off.”

Outlandish’s live-shopping concept taps into a broader effort among e-commerce startups, like SuperOrdinary, to make the live-selling model that exploded in China and other parts of Asia take off in the US. It’s a big focus among TikTok Shop merchants who use the e-commerce platform to sell goods in videos, livestreams, and a dedicated shopping tab. TikTok itself is heavily focused on making livestream shopping successful in the US. The company recently hosted a summit for partners where it emphasized live selling.

TikTok and its owner ByteDance are aiming to recreate the success of its Chinese sister app, Douyin, which drives hundreds of billions in annual product sales. Features that are successful on Douyin often get pushed to TikTok next.

In addition to TikTok Shop, Outlandish has experience working with brands to help them sell on Douyin and other social apps.

How live selling could break through in the US

TikTok Shop is still a relatively young e-commerce platform, having launched in the US a little over a year ago. But it’s gaining traction quickly as users become more acclimated to buying from a social app. Content creators on the app are now driving millions in sales in single live-selling sessions, which TikTok recommends should last a minimum of two hours.

In July, TikTok Shop’s US gross sales began topping $1 billion monthly, The Information reported. Outlandish said it helped its partners earn $1.2 million in sales across 1,300 livestreams in a recent four-week window, adding up to nearly 3,000 hours of live streaming.

Live-selling studios are popping up in major cities like Los Angeles and New York. TikTok has some at its offices that it makes available to partners. Outlandish aims to expand beyond Santa Monica into additional locations in Mexico and Spain in 2025.

Outlandish isn’t the only company trying to merge digital shopping with brick-and-mortar. Mall of America kicked off a livestream partnership with the e-commerce platform Popshop Live in 2020, for instance. Other TikTok Shop sellers have experimented with adding livestreaming spaces to their storefronts, such as the New York-based pre-owned luxury store What Goes Around Comes Around. And companies like Amazon have envisioned repurposing mall stores to service other e-commerce functions, such as fulfillment.

“This is a whole new industry that’s just getting built in the US,” August said. “Very soon, it will be a massive job market as well, with a lot of people that will come into the industry, and it’ll be their job to be a live host or to be a live operator or to be a live moderator.”

Outlandish, which began in 2018 as a social shopping agency in China, is an official TikTok Shop partner. Many of the sellers in its Santa Monica space work with the company on other parts of their TikTok Shop strategies, such as influencer affiliate marketing. But the company also hopes to draw in local Santa Monica businesses and influencers, too.

Outlandish makes money from the space by charging management fees for its live-shopping segments. It can get a percentage cut of online sales as well. The company declined to provide information on the cost or length of its Santa Monica lease.

Its US Shop business could get upended if TikTok ends up being pulled from app stores in January, as mandated by a divest-or-ban bill passed by Congress. If that does happen, August said Outlandish’s Santa Monica sellers could pivot to livestreaming on other platforms.

“If TikTok does get banned, I don’t think these people are just going to stop shopping through livestreams,” he said.

★ Outlandish Agency ★

#tiktokagency #livestream #creators #brands #FYP #tiktokshoppartner #ecommerce #agency #grandopening #retail #shopping

Original article published November 20, 2024
Thank you Dan Whateley and Amanda Perelli for this amazing #Outlandish article

https://www.businessinsider.com/creator-startup-outlandish-opens-new-hybrid-shopping-experience-in-la-2024-11

FHI Heat® UNBrush Launches at Target and Expands Retail Distribution

Unbrush: The Brush That Broke The Internet

FHI Heat^®, a professional hair tools and hair care brand synonymous with excellence, precision, and quality, announced their viral UNBrush hairbrush is now available at Target stores nationwide. FHI Heat, who sold one million UNBrush hairbrushes through TikTok Shop last year, is available for purchase in the top 1,200 doors as well as online.

“We are honored to announce our partnership with Target as we embark on this next chapter of UNBrush,” says Gina Ortega, Vice President of FHI Heat. “We couldn’t be more excited to expand retail distribution and the accessibility of our products with new and current consumers. We’re looking forward to the continued success and growth of UNBrush with this new partnership.”

The FHI Heat UNBrush is a widely popular detangling hairbrush that quickly rose to fame on social media last year. Due to its viral success, the brand experienced rapid growth, with hairbrushes selling out week after week. As a result of demand, FHI Heat introduced three new UNBrush collections in Q4 last year, all of which experienced near sellout of inventory after each launch. The hairbrush works on all hair types and features a unique blend of 105 dual length bristles that prevents wet or dry hair from catching or snagging.

The UNBrush hairbrush comes in a variety of designs and colors. The collections available for purchase at Target and at Target.com will be the Original, Neon, Glitter, and Pastel collections. Pricing for FHI Heat UNBrush starts at $18.00 USD.

Media contact:
The Dodo Group | Jeremy Broekman – 818-212-9201 – jeremy@broekmancomm.com

About FHI Heat:
With nearly 20 years of experience in the professional hair industry, FHI Heat^® has established itself as a brand synonymous with excellence, precision, and quality. We are committed to creating technologically advanced tools with the power and performance needed for professionals and consumers alike. Each FHI Heat product works to give you faster, smoother, more professional results. Follow FHI Heat on Instagram @FHIHeat and to learn more about the brand, visit www.fhiheat.com.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the professional hair industry, FHI Heat® is a world-renowned provider of Professional Hair Care products, offering the industry’s highest quality and most technologically advanced hair tools. STYLUS, the award-winning tool innovation, is part of a collection of thermal styling brushes that has generated buzz from fans worldwide. It’s the winner of the Stylist Choice Award for Favorite New Innovative Hair Tool. Hair Veil Powder Hair Filler is a game changer for fine hair, creating the appearance of thicker, richer, fuller hair while eliminating shiny spots, exposed scalp and camouflaging scars. Daily Beauty care and styling products provide smooth, shiny, frizz-free hair. Neo-Bond is a revolutionary formula that instantly repairs and protects the hair during and after all chemical services. For more information, please visit: https://www.fhiheat.com/pages/about.

About The Dodo Group:

Founded in 2011 by investor and entrepreneur Michael Dodo, The Dodo Group specializes in acquiring and revitalizing legacy businesses across beauty, luxury brands, retail, and food & beverage sectors. Leveraging deep industry expertise, the group builds scalable, sustainable brands through strategic partnerships and visionary leadership. To learn more, visit TheDodoGroup.com.

The Dodo Group

Building Businesses That Last: Lessons From An Operator’s Journey

Outlandish Partners with MindgruveMacarta to expand global footprint to Brazil

FHI Heat UNbrush Launches in Ulta Beauty Stores Nationwide

YB Cosmetics, owned by the Dodo Group, participate in Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 (Bologna, Italy)

Luxury Brands LLC, Dodo Group Announce Acquisition of BIA (Bare It All) Skin, Expanding Global Presence in Premium Skincare