Pomifera Taps Veteran Strategist to Supercharge Clean Beauty Growth

MIAMI, FL – December 18, 2025 – In a strategic move signaling a deepened investment in its direct sales channel, Shaklee has appointed Christina Maniscalco as the new Sales Strategist for its science-backed beauty brand, Pomifera. The appointment aims to fortify the support systems for its independent sales partners and accelerate growth in the fiercely competitive clean beauty market.

Maniscalco, a seasoned executive with nearly two decades of experience in direct selling and field leadership, joins Pomifera from prominent roles at clean beauty competitors Beautycounter® and Crunchi®. Her hiring is seen by industry observers as a deliberate effort by Shaklee to leverage proven expertise to optimize its sales force, a critical component of the direct-to-consumer model that defines the brand.

A Strategic Hire for a Competitive Landscape

Christina Maniscalco’s resume reads like a playbook for success in the modern direct sales beauty industry. Having held leadership positions including Head of Sales and Development at Crunchi, she has a deep, first-hand understanding of what it takes to build and motivate a large, decentralized sales organization. Her experience is not just theoretical; it’s rooted in a career that began in the field as a top seller and recruiter for Pampered Chef before she transitioned into corporate leadership at companies like Stella & Dot and Beautycounter.

This background makes her uniquely qualified to navigate the challenges facing Pomifera. The brand, known for its signature Pomifera oil and commitment to sustainable, clean-ingredient skincare, operates in a market where brand loyalty is often built through personal connection and education. Competitors like Crunchi have built their success on empowering their advocates to become trusted advisors, while Beautycounter set industry standards for ingredient transparency with its famous “Never List.”

Maniscalco's appointment suggests Pomifera is looking to refine this high-touch educational model. Her mandate will focus on enhancing the entire “Partner experience,” from initial training to long-term leadership development. “Christina's operational strength and deep field insight will elevate communication, readiness, and the Partner experience,” said Samantha Ballard, President of Pomifera, in a statement. “We're thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

Architecting the Partner Experience

The role of a Sales Strategist in a direct selling company extends far beyond sales charts and revenue targets. It is about building the infrastructure that allows a network of independent entrepreneurs to thrive. Maniscalco’s responsibilities will touch every aspect of this ecosystem, including Pomifera's field systems, communication channels, and leadership development pathways. Her work is expected to bring greater clarity and streamline operational processes, removing friction points that can hinder field performance.

In the world of direct sales, effective partner engagement is the linchpin of sustainable growth. Best practices revolve around creating a comprehensive support system that includes robust training, clear and consistent communication, and motivating incentive programs. Maniscalco’s experience directly aligns with these needs, having led initiatives in all these areas. Her focus will be on equipping Pomifera’s Partners with the tools and confidence needed to effectively share the brand's story of science-backed, sustainable beauty.

This involves more than just product knowledge. It means fostering a strong sense of community, providing clear pathways for career advancement, and ensuring that product launches and promotions are executed seamlessly. By investing in the success of its individual partners, Pomifera aims to drive collective brand growth and solidify its market position.

From the Field to Corporate Strategy: A Proven Playbook

Perhaps Maniscalco’s most significant asset is her dual perspective, having excelled both as a field representative and as a corporate executive. This experience provides an invaluable bridge between the strategic objectives set at headquarters and the day-to-day realities faced by the sales force. She understands the personal drive required for success in this industry, often speaking about the importance of commitment, consistency, and aligning passion with products.

This field-level empathy is critical for designing programs that resonate. An effective sales strategy in this space isn't imposed from the top down; it’s cultivated through an understanding of what motivates, supports, and empowers individuals. Maniscalco’s track record suggests a focus on creating systems that are not only efficient but also inspiring, helping partners connect with their personal “why” to build a sustainable business.

Her work at Pomifera will involve collaborating with leadership on all Partner-facing processes, from onboarding new sellers to developing seasoned leaders. This holistic approach ensures that every stage of the partner journey is optimized for engagement and success, ultimately translating into a stronger, more effective sales organization.

Elevating a Science-Backed Brand

While the strategy focuses on people, the foundation of Pomifera's appeal is its product. As part of the Shaklee portfolio, a wellness company with a 70-year history and a pioneer in corporate sustainability, Pomifera benefits from a legacy of scientific rigor and environmental consciousness. The brand’s commitment to clean, effective, and sustainably crafted skincare, centered on its unique, domestically sourced Pomifera oil, gives its partners a powerful and authentic story to tell.

Maniscalco’s task will be to ensure this story is told effectively and consistently across the entire network. By strengthening training and communication, she can empower partners to move beyond simple transactions and become true brand ambassadors who can articulate the science and sustainability that set Pomifera apart. This is especially crucial in the “clean beauty” space, where consumers are increasingly skeptical of “greenwashing” and demand transparency and efficacy.

Shaklee's vast network of over two million members and ambassadors provides a fertile ground for Pomifera's expansion. By bringing in a strategist of Maniscalco’s caliber, the company is making a clear statement: it is doubling down on the human-centric model of direct selling, betting that investing in its people is the most effective way to drive the next chapter of growth for its burgeoning beauty brand.