Episode 254: During her trip to LA, Nat had the opportunity to sit down with Steven Vigilante, the first employee and head of growth at OLIPOP, a digestive health drink now widespread and well known across the United States. After spending three years at a venture fund in San Francisco, Steven was drawn to the startup's mission of offering a healthier soda alternative and knew he had to be part of it. He details his transition from investing to the beverage industry, highlighting the importance of a positive work culture, effective networking, and the pivot to e-commerce during the pandemic as key factors in OLIPOP's success. Steven's journey from giving out samples in grocery stores to strategizing celebrity collaborations and digital marketing campaigns illustrates the dynamic role of growth in a startup setting. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Steven offers a behind-the-scenes look at the growth strategies of a successful health beverage company and shares candid advice for aspiring founders in the consumer space. 

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Be sure to follow Steven @stevenparker_ and check out OLIPOP @drinkolipop  

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