The Story of a Brand Show

Today, we have a special episode. We announce and discuss our "New Strategic Alliance" with Compass Rose Ventures! I'm joined by Rose Hamilton, Founder and Principal Advisor of Compass Rose. We discuss the challenges facing brands in 2024, how this strategic alliance addresses those challenges, and other changes to The Story of a Brand Show. Highlights: * Why Compass Rose Ventures * What's stopping brands from moving forward * The SWAT Team approach * Taking a holistic view of a brand * The two reasons why I started the show * Making 1 + 1 = more than 2 * Getting the fundamentals right * Brands: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger * Seeking clarity in decision-making * Growing from Founder to CEO * Communication as a driver of a brand's growth * Why mission-based brands build from within * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Rose Hamilton as we break down the inside story of The Story of a Brand in 2024. For more on Compass Rose Ventures, visit: https://compassroseventures.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

This episode is brought to you by Tidio and SARAL. Today, in our partner series feature, our host, Ramon Vela, interviews Andrew Christison, Co-Founder of Retencity. Retencity works closely with eCommerce, retail, and mobile app brands to build purposeful lifecycle programs that stand out. Whether email + SMS, onsite list growth, push, in-app messaging, or all of the above, they manage programs for optimal ongoing growth. Retencity has also pledged a portion of its revenues and equity towards the planet and collective good. Highlights: * Andrew's Gratitude Story * Deciding That Now Was the Best Time to Start An Agency. * Learning From His Work With Large Brands * Why Onsite List Growth Is So Important! * How Retencity Helps Brands With List Growth * How Privacy Concerns Changed Email & Digital Marketing * How to Market Effectively In A World Full of Privacy Regulations * Email Tactics for Brands Part 1 * Email Tactics for Brands Part 2 * How Retencity is Unique in the Email Agency World * How to Turn Your Current Tech into Your Brand's Superpower * Why It's So Hard for Brands to Run Email Strategy & Programs * Email or SMS? Which One Should You Ask For First? * How Retencity is Addressing Societal Problems With 1 Percent For The Planet Join Ramon Vela and Andrew Christison as we break down the inside story of Retencity on The Story of a Brand. For more on Retencity, visit: https://www.retencity.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade at any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my unique link. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link.

This episode is brought to you by Tidio and SARAL. Today, in our partner series feature, our guest host, Rose Hamilton, Founder and Principal Advisor for Compass Rose Ventures, interviews Lio Pinchevski, Founder and CEO of Finaloop. Finaloop reconciles all financials in real-time, providing e-commerce and DTC brands flawless books, optimized tax returns, and actionable insights 24/7 with 100% accuracy. They replace your accounting software, integrations, bookkeeper, and tax CPA, so you stop wasting your precious time and money, make smarter decisions, and handle taxes on time. Highlights: * One of the most significant barriers to effectively running an e-commerce business * Running performance marketing without numbers is like running blind * What should your marketing agency be asking you? * Beyond ROAS, what other vital numbers should you expect from your agency? * Why is ROAS not the only metric to manage marketing campaigns: * How do you best manage your agency's accountability? * Why are finance and accounting different, and why can't the same person do it all? * Why and when should you hire a fractional CFO or in-house CFO, and at what milestones? * What does a sound accounting process look like? * What's the secret to getting 100% accuracy and no month-end close? How is it always reconciled? * How to speed up due diligence for an acquisition * Advice to other founders about Financial and Marketing IQ Join Rose Hamilton and Lio Pinchevski as we break down the inside story of Finaloop on The Story of a Brand. For more on Finaloop, visit: https://www.finaloop.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade at any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my unique link. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link.

This episode is brought to you by Reviews.io and SARAL. In this episode, we interview Ann Marie Simpson-Einziger and Mike Einziger, Co-Founders of Mother Science. Mother Science is a biotech beauty brand creating next-generation skincare solutions. They believe in pushing the boundaries of skincare with cutting-edge science, beginning with their never-before-used ingredient, Malassezin. Born out of curiosity and a passion for science, they aim to build a community inspired by learning and innovation. Highlights: * The co-founders share a personal story about their father's stroke and how an experimental treatment saved his life * Highlighted the importance of gratitude and mentorship in their tech ventures * How they transitioned from being musicians to biotech entrepreneurs * Finding satisfaction in addressing real-world needs through their business * Comparing the "flow" in learning and business development to being on stage as musicians * Why courage is needed to innovate and overcome fears, especially when taking action * Overview: Developing a molecular "hero serum" with a molecule called Malassezin * How they discovered a treatment for hyperpigmentation * Why no one had discovered the Malassezin before * Addressing the true challenge of innovation in the beauty space * The benefits of Malassezin as a potent antioxidant and its efficacy in clinical trials. * How the facial serum is designed for dark spots but is versatile for use on any body part * How Dr. Pearl Grimes, a skin pigmentation expert, tested the serum on herself and Mike and conducted biopsies to understand its safety and efficacy. * A review of where to go and where to buy * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela, Ann Marie Simpson-Einziger, and Mike Einziger as we break down the inside story of Mother Science on The Story of a Brand. For more on Mother Science, visit: https://motherscience.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: Reviews.io: https://www.reviews.io/front/founders-paradiso-offer The Reviews.io platform drives 18.5% of total online revenue for leading brands. Sign up to get 20% OFF the lifetime of any plan. Risk-free, no contracts, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Visit my unique link to receive the offer: https://www.reviews.io/front/founders-paradiso-offer SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link to receive the offer: http://storybrandoffer.com/

This episode is brought to you by WAIR and SARAL. In this episode, we interview Ratchel Pinlac, Founder and CEO of Pinsy. Pinsy Shapewear is redefining and pioneering the Shapewear Made to be Seen category. In a world saturated with Shapewear companies aiming to hide a woman's body, Pinsy is changing the conversation and building shaping technology that marries body positivity with a vision of shapewear-as-outerwear. Featured in Harpers Bazaar and Instyle Magazine as the #1 Shapewear Bodysuit, #1 Shapewear Bodysuit for Plus Size women, as well as the Top Bridal Shapewear by Forbes. Pinsy Shapewear applies an innovative, performance-driven, technical, and fashion-led approach to the Women's Shapewear market. Highlights: - Share personal stories about immigrant parents and the sacrifices they make - Why Pinsy is set to change the shapewear industry - How Rachel's childhood experiences and societal pressures motivated her to create the brand - Entrepreneurial challenges, such as finding experts in product development and suitable factories - Financial aspects of starting a business, including why you should save before starting a business - The misconceptions about transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship - How Pinsy's shapewear can also serve as a bra, underwear, and bodysuit - Why Pinsy aims to add value to women's lives by reducing the need to buy multiple separate items - The brand's philosophy: to support and accentuate the body, not just slim it down - How Pinsy's features, like adjustable straps and bust support show the brand's attention to detail - Where to start with Pinsy? The solid hourglass bodysuits is recommended for new customers - Pinsy's new collection, which focuses on enhancing the waist, is mentioned. - Plans for the brand including adding more colors and lace styles - Why the brand is considering expanding into new product categories within the shaping market - And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Ratchel Pinlac, as we break down the inside story of Pinsy on The Story of a Brand. For more on Pinsy, visit: https://wearpinsy.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: WAIR - A Must-Have Tool for Apparel Brands: https://www.getwair.com/ This sizing experience IS the difference for shoppers who find a brand that utilizes WAIR to communicate sizing for them. Now, with just a few simple questions, customers have an accurate recommendation based on their unique body shape to support them throughout their shopping session. To provide this service to your shoppers, request a demo at https://www.getwair.com/ SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link to receive the offer: http://storybrandoffer.com/

This episode is brought to you by Rebuy and SARAL. In this episode, we interview Reid Ryan, Founder and CEO, and Mark Mclean, COO of Hardworking Gentlemen. Hardworking Gentlemen (HWG) is built on authenticity. They make natural and sustainable essentials that men can feel good about using daily. All Hardworking Gentlemen's products are packaged in 100% recycled, biodegradable materials. Unlike much of the grooming industry, HWG strives to never use raw plastics. Highlights: - Gratitude story, including becoming fathers and caring for their children - Their motivation to become successful entrepreneurs is to help others - The challenges and motivations behind creating a brand for men's grooming products - Their emphasis on non-toxic solutions and eco-friendly packaging - Why research and improvement in ingredients and packaging is so important to them - Discussing the challenges faced by brands marketing natural products, such as misleading marketing and lack of FDA regulation - How the company pivoted to online sales during the pandemic - Why their videos with themselves have been critical to their success online - How Inventory management is a recurring challenge - The investment from friends and family and reinvestment of profits back into the business - Why authenticity and storytelling are essential in the brand's messaging - Discussing financial controls and coping with work-related stress - Review of their grooming products for men, emphasizing simplicity and empowerment - The Importance of education in men's skincare and products - And so much more… Join Ramon Vela, Reid Ryan, and Mark Mclean as we break down the inside story of Hardworking Gentlemen on The Story of a Brand. For more on Hardworking Gentlemen, visit: https://www.hardworkinggentlemen.com/ Exclusively for The Story of a Brand listeners: Get 20% off, use Promo Code: THESTORYOFABRAND20 (can't be combined with other offers) Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: Rebuy Engine: https://www.rebuyengine.com/foundersparadiso Rebuy uses AI to create personalized experiences for every shopper. Get a no-credit card 21-day trial. Visit my unique link to receive the offer: https://www.rebuyengine.com/foundersparadiso SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link to receive the offer: http://storybrandoffer.com/

This episode is brought to you by Tidio and SARAL. In this episode, we interview Donna Spafford Letier, CEO and Co-Founder of Gardenuity, a company dedicated to making gardening accessible to everyone and promoting well-being. Gardenuity offers various garden kits on its website and provides wellness programs that incorporate gardening experiences. We also explored the importance of self-care, and Donna discussed the need for self-care as an entrepreneur, mother, and wife. Highlights: - We discuss gratitude and positive reframing - Why we should separate our personal life from business when facing challenges - How they recognized the lack of customization in gardening and developed technology for personalized planting choices - Exploring the increased interest in gardening during the pandemic and its wellness benefits - How Gardenuity offers wellness programs using gardening experiences and various garden kits on its website - Donna highlights the connection between gardening and reduced anxiety and depression - The benefits of Gardenuity's approach to promoting well-being through gardening experiences - How gardening and entrepreneurship are similar - Advice for other founders - Advice for those going through a difficult time - And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Donna Spafford Letier as we break down the inside story of Gardenuity on The Story of a Brand. For more on Gardenuity, visit: https://gardenuity.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade at any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my unique link to receive the offer: SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link to receive the offer: http://storybrandoffer.com/

This episode is brought to you by Rebuy and SARAL. In this episode, we interview Coulter Lewis, CEO and Founder of Sunday, a brand that helps you grow, mow, and care for your yard in ways that are better for people, pets, and the planet. Highlights: - Coulter shares his perspective on the importance of gratitude and meditation in coping with life's challenges - Overview and origin story of Sunday, a company that provides digitally enabled experiences for lawn care - Explaining the motivation behind creating Sunday and homeowners' frustration in maintaining their lawns - Why Sunday aims to empower customers through guidance and support - Discussing the negative environmental and health impacts of current lawn care practices are highlighted - Why Coulter believes in transforming neighborhoods through knowledge and tools - How to make land suitable for families and the environment - And so much more! Join Ramon Vela and Coulter Lewis as we break down the inside story of Sunday on The Story of a Brand. For more on Sunday, visit: https://www.getsunday.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: Rebuy Engine: https://www.rebuyengine.com/foundersparadiso Rebuy uses AI to create personalized experiences for every shopper. Get a no-credit card 21-day trial. Visit my unique link to receive the offer. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link to receive the offer.

This episode is brought to you by Reviews.io and Rebuy. In this episode, we interview Mahara Inglis, the CEO of MitoQ, a New Zealand-based company at the forefront of the cellular health movement. MitoQ is uniquely designed to target cell stress, helping you unlock more energy, faster exercise recovery, and healthier aging - empowering you to embrace life on your terms. Highlights: * MitoQ's challenges during the pandemic and supply chain difficulties * Discussion on the MitoQ core product, a patented molecule that improves cellular health and offers various benefits * Benefits of cellular-level supplements and the positive feedback for a recently launched product for adrenal health * His personal experiences regarding improved energy levels, focus, and calmness while taking the supplement were shared * Why they're Aiming to become a leader in the cellular health category * Their focus on adrenal, blood sugar, heart, liver, eye, and joint health * Engaging people in conversations about cellular health and offering tailored products. * Societal trend towards longevity and the potential for cells to regenerate * Emphasis on a holistic approach to health * MitoQ's dedication to healthy aging and cardiovascular health, particularly in women * The importance of educating consumers about the product's science and human benefits Join Ramon Vela and Mahara Inglis as we break down the inside story of MitoQ on The Story of a Brand. For more on MitoQ, visit: https://www.mitoq.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: Rebuy Engine: https://www.rebuyengine.com/foundersparadiso Rebuy uses AI to create personalized experiences for every shopper. Get a no-credit card 21-day trial. Visit my unique link to receive the offer. Reviews.io: https://www.reviews.io/front/founders-paradiso-offer The Reviews.io platform drives 18.5% of total online revenue for leading brands. Sign up to get 20% OFF the lifetime of any plan. Risk-free, no contracts, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Visit my unique link to receive the offer. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link to receive the offer: http://storybrandoffer.com/

This episode is brought to you by Reviews, Nimble, and SARAL. In this podcast episode, we interview Dara Chike-obi, President and Co-Founder of Grio, a brand that seeks to revolutionize early childhood experiences and support parents through innovative products. Highlights * Grio baby bottles are redesigned with input from professionals to promote cognitive development and emotional bonding * Grio offers interchangeable sensory enhancing bases to engage children and support their development * Her journey into motherhood and the isolation she felt * How her personal life motivated her to pursue business school and ultimately led to the creation of Grio * How the company aims to address the lack of postpartum support and societal expectations faced by busy mothers * The importance of involving both parents in child care and building strong bonds * The need for solutions that allow parents to rely on their community for support * The lack of postpartum support and societal expectations busy mothers face * Why parental involvement and community support are essential for building strong bonds * Why Grio focuses on promoting bonding without distractions * Why collaboration with mom groups and nonprofits has yielded positive feedback * Why she plans to raise awareness and educate people about Grio's products Join Ramon Vela and Dara Chike-obi as we break down the inside story of Grio on The Story of a Brand. For more on Grio, visit: https://griobaby.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: Reviews.io: https://www.reviews.io/front/founders-paradiso-offer The Reviews.io platform drives 18.5% of total online revenue for leading brands. Sign up to get 20% OFF the lifetime of any plan. Risk-free, no contracts, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Visit my unique link to receive the offer. Nimble.ai: https://www.nimble.ai/ Do you need to reduce your fulfillment costs to remain competitive? Switch to Nimble's fulfillment services and SAVE! Visit Nimble for more, and please let them know you heard it on The Story of a Brand Show. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link to receive the offer.