Val Emanuel, co-founder of Rif Care, brings her diverse experience from modeling and Goop to the conversation. She shares her journey in creating eco-friendly feminine care products, navigating market gaps, and the challenges of scaling a sustainable brand. Val highlights the importance of social media and influencer partnerships for growth and candidly discusses the unique obstacles faced as a female founder of color. With ambitious plans for 2025, including surpassing $1 million in sales, she offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Val Emanuel highlights the journey of creating sustainable feminine care products, overcoming manufacturing challenges, and finding market gaps in the industry.
She emphasizes the importance of leveraging social media and grant funding for growth while navigating the unique challenges faced as a female founder of color.
Deep dives
The Rise of RiffCare: Innovating Period Care
RiffCare, co-founded by Val Emmanuel, specializes in organic period care products made from hemp fiber. The brand addresses a market gap for elevated and environmentally-friendly feminine hygiene products, focusing on sustainability and the avoidance of harmful toxins. RiffCare's offerings include biodegradable pads and reusable period underwear, emphasizing comfort and health. This innovative approach has become increasingly relevant, as more consumers are prioritizing safer and more sustainable options for their health needs.
Challenges and Triumphs in Product Development
Val faced numerous challenges in developing RiffCare's products, particularly in sourcing materials and overcoming skepticism from manufacturers. Initially, her idea for hemp-based menstrual products was met with resistance, as many factories could not meet her standards or refused to collaborate. However, by thinking bigger and conducting thorough market research, she eventually created successful product samples, attracting interest from potential retailers. This persistence paid off, leading to early approval from key retail partners before the products even launched.
Leveraging Social Media for Growth
RiffCare has effectively utilized social media, especially platforms like TikTok, to connect with audiences and build a following even before their official launch. By engaging with potential customers and sharing insights into women’s health and sustainable practices, Val cultivated a community eager to support the brand. Additionally, incorporating educational content into RiffCare's marketing strategy has proven beneficial in generating interest and driving sales. Despite facing setbacks, the focus on consistent and authentic digital engagement remains a cornerstone of RiffCare's growth strategy.
Navigating the Startup Landscape as a Female Founder
As a female founder of color, Val has encountered unique challenges in the entrepreneurial landscape, including skepticism from investors and biases in the venture capital world. Yet, she has also discovered valuable resources, such as accelerators and grant opportunities, which have supported RiffCare's development. By participating in various accelerator programs and seeking grant funding, Val has been able to secure financial resources and mentorship crucial for growth. Her experiences highlight the importance of resilience and seeking out supportive networks for founders facing similar obstacles.
In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Val Emanuel, the inspiring co-founder of Rif Care, a two-year-old feminine care brand that prioritizes sustainability and wellness. Val shares the journey behind Rif Care's creation, from identifying gaps in the market for elevated, eco-friendly period products to overcoming challenges in manufacturing and scaling the business. She opens up about her diverse career path, the importance of sustainability in product innovation, and the invaluable lessons learned from working at iconic companies like GOOP.
Val delves into key entrepreneurial insights, including building a retail presence with brands like Erewhon, leveraging TikTok and social media for growth. She also highlights the realities of being a female founder of color, the role of grant funding, and the value of accelerators in driving business growth. Plus, Val shares practical advice on scaling a team, pursuing grants, and preparing for Riff Care’s 2025 goals, which include expanding retail partnerships and surpassing $1 million in sales.
Don’t miss these actionable insights on navigating the CPG industry and building a sustainable brand —tune in now!
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