Dani Kagan and Victoria Marshman - Co-Founders at Mave and Chez

In episode 20 of The Venture Podcast we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dani and Victoria, co-founders of Mave and Chez—the revolutionary slipper brand that is transforming comfort and style for women.From launching their first business out of college to creating a company that’s reshaping the slipper industry, Dani and Victoria's story is a masterclass in starting a business. Their biggest lesson: you don’t need to have everything figured out from the start. Just take the leap, surround yourself with people who support your vision, and adapt as you go.Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:Start Before You're Ready: When CBC’s Dragon’s Den came calling, Mave and Chez hadn’t even fully launched yet. Instead of hesitating, they seized the opportunity and turned it into an incredible moment of exposure for their brand. Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them.Resilience and Pivots Are Critical: Dani and Victoria quickly learned that success isn’t a straight path. From running events to launching a product in the middle of a pandemic, they mastered the art of pivoting fast and turning challenges into triumphs.Focus on What Matters: While many might aim for a broad market, these founders honed in on creating a high-quality, ergonomic slipper tailored specifically for women—prioritizing both style and support. Knowing your audience and serving them well is key to growth.Strong Partnerships Make All the Difference: Co-founder relationships aren’t easy, but the bond between these two founders is incredible. They credit their success to their mutual trust, open communication, and the emotional intelligence to clear any misunderstandings before they become an issue.