From Scratch with Jessica Harris

Martine is a pioneer in the satellite industry, launching companies including Geostar, PanAmSat, and Sirius Satellite Radio. She also founded United Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company focused on cardiopulmonary disorders. In 2013, she became the highest paid female CEO in America. Martine is a helicopter pilot and a parent of four children. She also used to be a man named Martin. Martine speaks with Jessica Harris about her experience transforming gender, satellites, and life duration, from scratch. Listen to the interview

Andrew launched Theory, a contemporary clothing company, in 1997 with co-founder Eli Tahari. Theory used the stretchy fabric lycra to create a more modern, slender look initially for young professional women. Theory was sold in 2003 to the Japanese company Fast Retailing and IPO’ed in 2005. In addition to his role at Theory, Andrew has been an advisor and investor in several other clothing companies ranging from Rag & Bone to Alice and Olivia. Andrew speaks with Jessica Harris about his family’s deep history in the fashion industry, and how he launched Theory, from scratch. Listen to the interview

Hot Bread Kitchen is an organization that teaches immigrant women to bake artisanal breads from their home country. HBK provides culinary and management training and English classes to these women who have come to New York City from countries including Bangladesh, Mexico, and Morocco, among others. HBK’s breads are available at select grocery stores including Whole Foods and Dean & Deluca, farmer’s markets in the tri-state area, and at restaurants including Danny Meyer’s Gramercy Tavern, and The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art. Prior to HBK, Jessamyn worked in the bakery of Chef Daniel Boulud’s Michelin three star restaurant Daniel, where she was the first women ever hired. Jessamyn speaks with Jessica Harris about how she launched HBK, from scratch. Listen to the interview

Sometimes the company you start looks a lot different from the company you end up with; Azim Premji turned his cooking fat company into one of India’s largest technology companies. With over 70,000 employees and $3Bn in sales, Wipro provides software solutions, research and development, and information technology outsourcing to multinational corporations. Azim is the Chairman of Wipro, and one of India’s five wealthiest men. Azim explains how he turned his father’s company into a technology leader, from scratch. Listen to the interview

AuthenTec makes fingerprint sensors that could unlock mobile phones and computers. AuthenTec was sold to Apple in 2012 for $356 million, and the fingerprint sensor first appeared on the iPhone 5s in 2013. Scott speaks with Jessica Harris about how he launched AuthenTec, from scratch. Listen to the interview

Sir Kensington’s is a condiment company that sells ketchup, mayo, mustard, etc. Mark and his partner Scott tried to create a gourmet alternative to Heinz and started tinkering with recipes in their off-campus apartment while they were students at Brown University. Unilever acquired the company in April, 2017. Mark speaks with Jessica Harris about how he launched Sir Kensington’s, from scratch. Listen to the interview

Fabrice Penot, Founder of Le Labo perfume company, explores the significance of scent in triggering memories. He discusses the evolution of smell to include pleasure and beauty, as well as the unique ecosystem and traditions of perfume creation in Grass, France. Fabrice also reflects on his introverted childhood and early desire to escape through his mind, and shares insights into the mechanics of perfume and the challenges of building the Le Labo brand. Additionally, he provides insights into his personal life and home in Brooklyn.

Entrepreneur Coss Marte, who developed ConBody in prison, shares his inspiring journey of weight loss and launching a successful fitness business. From selling drugs to running a legitimate operation, he discusses his unique approach to fitness training and the impact of his program on the community.

Jo Malone is a fragrance entrepreneur. She launched Jo Malone London in a retail shop in London in 1994. The company was bought by Estee Lauder in 1999. Jo launched her next company, Jo Loves, in 2011 after a five year hiatus from the fragrance industry. Jo is the author of Jo Malone: My Story. Jo speaks with Jessica Harris about how she launched her fragrance businesses, from scratch. Listen to the interview

KIND is a food company that produces sweet and savory bars with whole nuts, spices, and fruit, among other products. KIND is sold in a diverse array of locations including Whole Foods, Walmart, convenience stores and newspaper stands. Daniel launched KIND in 2003. Daniel is also the founder of PeaceWorks, which sells Mediterranean spreads. PeaceWorks aims to foster peaceful relationships among neighbors in the Middle East and other groups in conflict through joint business ventures. Daniel speaks with Jessica Harris about how he launched KIND, from scratch. Listen to the interview