When Data Informs the Gut: Building a Brand Beyond Instinct

Sara, the founder of Gem, shares her journey from the early days of the company. She talks about her previous venture, Plant Water, and her passion for exploring the untapped potential of new age plants. She recalls the moment when she had the idea for Gem and was unsure about its positioning and name. Despite feeling burnt out from her previous company, she wanted to start a profitable company and reached out to Jane and her team, who had previously led a successful crowdfunding campaign. They quickly responded, and together they started working on the idea of Gem.

Sara emphasizes the importance of testing and experimentation in their early stages. They created Facebook ads and tested different positioning and names to see what resonated with people. This three-month journey of testing became a core methodology at Launch Pop. Sara reflects on the challenges of building a team and admits that she initially underestimated the importance of investing in her team and building a strong culture. She shares her struggles with raising money and the setbacks they faced, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personal moments, such as a breakup, also affected Sara during the early years of building Gem. She emphasizes the importance of following one's instincts and wishes she had listened to her gut more often, especially when facing difficult decisions. Despite the challenges, Sara is grateful for the support of her team and the lessons she has learned along the way. She discusses her recent practice of documenting her weekly thoughts and decision-making processes, which allows her to reflect on her instincts and make more informed decisions.

Sara's excitement and passion for the company shine through. She looks forward to the future and is grateful for the experiences that have shaped her as a founder.

Learn more about Sara and GEM:
GEM Website
GEM Instagram

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