Second Life

Missy Tannen: Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Boll & Branch

Mar 31, 2025

Missy Tannen, co-founder and chief product officer of Boll & Branch, once a teacher and stay-at-home mom, reveals her inspiring journey in the world of luxury bedding. She discusses the challenges of launching a brand rooted in ethics and quality, transforming the market with transparent sourcing. The conversation touches on the evolution from a direct-to-consumer model to physical retail spaces, the strategic growth leading to significant revenue, and the importance of self-reflection and kindness in the entrepreneurial journey.

52:12

Episode guests

Missy Tannen

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Missy Tannen's journey from teacher to entrepreneur illustrates the importance of recognizing market gaps and pursuing ethical alternatives.

Boll & Branch's commitment to sustainability and personalized customer experience has been key to its rapid growth and retail expansion strategy.

Deep dives

Early Career and Transition to Entrepreneurship

Missy Tannen began her professional journey as a third-grade teacher after graduating with a degree in elementary education. She enjoyed teaching but left her career to become a stay-at-home mom, fulfilling a lifelong dream of motherhood. In 2014, while shopping for bedding, she recognized a gap in the market for ethical and high-quality options, prompting her to partner with her husband Scott to create Bull&Branch. Their personal connection to the mission of providing accessible luxury bedding led to significant investment in ethical sourcing and supply chain innovation.

Intro

3min

Navigating Dreams: Teacher and Motherhood

9min

Redefining Luxury Bedding

21min

Navigating Success: From Overwhelming Demand to Brand Evolution

3min

Bedding Brand Evolution

11min

Navigating Career Pivots with Courage and Patience

2min

The Importance of Self-Kindness and Reflection

3min

Missy Tannen is the co-founder and chief product officer of the luxury bedding and linens company Boll & Branch. She began her career as a third-grade teacher before transitioning to being a stay-at-home mom to her three children. In 2014, she and her husband (and co-founder), Scott, were hoping to upgrade their bedding but struggled to find quality products at a reasonable price point. Missy began researching the world of bedding and noticed a dearth of quality items available, as well as unethical business practices. So, she and Scott set out to build something better, resulting in Boll & Branch, which they launched in 2014. The company has its own, transparent supply chain and uses 100% organic, fair-trade cotton from a nonprofit farming cooperative in India. The brand carries soft, durable, classic linens and has expanded into new categories like bath towels, pillow inserts, and more. Over the last decade, it’s seen huge growth, topping $200 million in revenue last year. Boll & Branch originally started as a direct-to-consumer company but now has several retail stores and plans to open seven new ones in 2025. It is also carried in major retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.

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