The Story of a Brand

I had such a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Cara Dumaplin, the CEO & Founder of Taking Cara Babies.  Cara shared her deeply personal journey—from her background as a neonatal nurse and wife of a pediatrician to her own struggles with sleep deprivation as a new mom. What I loved most about this interview is how Cara took her hardest moments, the valleys of her life, and turned them into seeds that grew into a mission to help parents everywhere. We talked about how sleep impacts not only babies but the entire family, and how Cara’s work is about so much more than swaddles or schedules—it’s about empowering parents to believe in themselves, find grace in the learning process, and realize they are the true experts of their own children. Her wisdom, compassion, and dedication shine through every word. Here are a few highlights from our conversation:   How Cara’s darkest moments as a new mom inspired her mission   Why helping parents get just a few extra hours of sleep is life-changing   The philosophy behind Taking Cara Babies: empowering parents as the experts   Practical guidance for parents at any stage, from newborns to toddlers   Why grace, compassion, and presence are essential in parenting   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and hear how Cara is transforming the lives of parents and babies with wisdom, heart, and hope. For more on Taking Cara Babies, visit: https://takingcarababies.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors: REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today. Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cynthia Sakai, Founder & CEO of EvolveTogether, and this conversation was both inspiring and deeply human.  Cynthia shared how her journey from jewelry design to launching a wellness-focused essentials brand began during the pandemic's chaos.  What started with masks for frontline workers quickly grew into a mission-driven company rooted in connection, intentional design, and products that make people feel truly cared for. What struck me most is how much thought Cynthia puts into every detail—whether it’s the clean formulations, sustainable packaging, or even the way a soap fits in your hand. She’s not just building products; she’s building trust and raising expectations for what consumers deserve.  Here are a few highlights from our conversation: * How a background in jewelry design shaped Cynthia’s meticulous attention to detail   * The origin story of EvolveTogether and why masks were just the beginning   * Why the brand’s ethos is about being “for humans,” not just for consumers   * The importance of industrial design in making daily essentials feel seamless   * Lessons on trusting your gut and staying rooted in your “why” as a founder   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and hear how Cynthia is reshaping everyday essentials into products worth buying and a brand worth supporting.   For more on EvolveTogether, visit: https://evolvetogether.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors: Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above. 

I had such an inspiring conversation with Noelle O’Connor, the founder of Tan Organic and Skin Magic. From building one of the cleanest sunless tanning brands in the world to creating a multi-use balm that families can trust, Noelle’s story is packed with passion, resilience, and purpose. She opened up about the early struggles of running high-end spas during the recession, the pivotal moment when Simon Sinek helped her discover her “why,” and the values that continue to guide her company today—kindness, gratitude, integrity, quality, and innovation. What I loved most was hearing how Noelle’s personal journey is woven into her brands. From overcoming setbacks to insisting on the highest-quality, sustainable ingredients, her drive is contagious.   We also explored the real challenges of competing as an indie brand against global beauty giants, the growing awareness of what we put on our skin, and the exciting growth Tan Organic and Skin Magic are experiencing in the U.S. Here are just a few highlights from our conversation: * How gratitude and kindness shaped Noelle’s entrepreneurial journey   * The role of Dragon’s Den and a chance meeting with Simon Sinek in launching Tan Organic   * Why clean, organic ingredients cost more—but deliver so much more value   * The story behind Skin Magic’s 30+ uses and its recent launch at Costco.com   * Lessons on resilience, asking for help, and staying true to your “why”   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and discover how Noelle is redefining beauty with purpose-driven brands that care for people, planet, and skin health. For more on Tan Organics, visit: https://tanorganic.com/ For more on Skin Magic, visit: https://www.skinmagic.ie/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors: Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they’ve generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.    1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand becomes harder the bigger you grow, especially when you’re limited to selling on just one channel.  While you’re focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you’re missing. That’s where 1-Commerce comes in.  They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do.  As a Story of a Brand listener, you’ll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper. 

I had such an inspiring conversation with Luna Aziz, the CEO & Founder of Legendairy Milk.  What started as her personal struggle with breastfeeding and milk supply has grown into a mission-driven brand that supports women through every stage of life—from trying to conceive to postpartum and beyond.  Luna’s story is rooted in resilience, family support, and a deep commitment to women’s health. Her candid honesty about motherhood and entrepreneurship made this conversation both powerful and refreshing. We talked about the realities of new motherhood, the stigma that still surrounds breastfeeding, and the importance of building products—and a community—that truly support women. Legendairy Milk isn’t just about supplements; it’s about breaking barriers, creating safe spaces for moms, and ensuring products are backed by science and integrity.  Luna also shared what it’s been like to grow her business over 10 years, the sacrifices she’s made along the way, and her advice to other founders navigating the entrepreneurial journey. Here are some key moments from our conversation: * How family support, especially her mom stepping in, made Legendairy Milk possible. * The personal struggles with milk supply that inspired her first product formulations. * Why humor and honesty are built into the brand’s packaging and community. * How Legendairy Milk prioritizes education and support first, products second. * The certifications, testing, and research that set their supplements apart in a crowded market. Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and hear how Luna turned her challenges into a brand that has supported moms for over a decade. Whether you’re a parent, a founder, or someone passionate about women’s health, you’ll walk away inspired. For more on Legendairy Milk, visit: https://www.legendairymilk.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors: REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today. Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

I had such a fascinating conversation with Anthony Boldin, Founder of LiveComplete. This isn’t just another protein brand; what Anthony and his team are building could truly change how we think about food, nutrition, and even the future of plant-based eating. What struck me most was his passion, not just for creating a product, but for creating a platform that delivers “no compromises, sacrifice nothing.” We delved into the science behind LiveComplete’s unique protein blends, including its groundbreaking concept of match rate. Anthony explained how they’ve engineered plant-based proteins to replicate the amino acid profiles of human muscle, making them more effective for building strength, recovering faster, and even maintaining a lean physique.   This isn’t just for vegans; it’s for anyone who wants the most efficient and effective protein available. Here are some key moments from our conversation: * Anthony shares how a personal journey into veganism led him to discover protein imbalances and eventually write an algorithm to solve them.   * We delve into match rate, the measurement that determines how well a protein matches the components of our bodies, and why most proteins fall short.   * The story of LiveComplete’s 30+ co-founders and their restaurant-owner energy: passion, sacrifice, and personal commitment to building something better.   * A look at upcoming products like baking mixes and plant-based egg replacements designed to deliver taste, texture, and nutrition without compromise.   * Why Anthony believes LiveComplete is more than a product—it’s a platform for the future of food.   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and discover why LiveComplete is creating one of the most fascinating food innovations I’ve come across in a long time.   If you’ve ever wished for protein that’s truly optimized for your body—and better for the planet—you’ll want to hear this one. For more on LiveComplete, visit: https://livecomplete.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors: Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above. 

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Lolita Sanders, Founder of Umthi.  From the very first moment, it was clear how deeply personal her mission is—Umthi isn’t just a skincare brand, it’s rooted in family, culture, and the wisdom passed down through generations.  Lolita shared how her journey began with her grandmother’s teachings and how she’s transformed that legacy into a brand that blends tradition with modern wellness. What struck me most about this conversation was Lolita’s commitment to creating products with integrity. She emphasized the importance of staying connected to the earth, honoring her heritage, and creating products that genuinely nurture.  It’s rare to find a founder who brings such authenticity and care into every part of their business, and listening to her, you can feel that Umthi is about more than beauty—it’s about healing and connection. Here are a few key moments from the episode: * How Umthi was born from her grandmother’s influence and a desire to preserve cultural wisdom.   * The meaning behind the name “Umthi” and how it reflects the brand’s roots and purpose.   * Why integrity and intentionality guide every decision, from sourcing to formulation.   * The role of nature and spirituality in her approach to skincare and wellness.   * The challenges and lessons of building a purpose-driven brand in today’s market.   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and discover how Umthi is weaving heritage, authenticity, and healing into the world of skincare and beyond. For more on Umthi, visit: https://www.umthi.co.uk/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors: Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error. REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands they believe in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.

I had such a great time talking with Dario Phillips, Co-founder of Slowtide. What started as a simple idea—a better beach towel—has grown into a lifestyle brand that’s as much about art and culture as it is about function.  Dario shared how Slowtide turned a category often overlooked into something exciting, combining creativity, collaboration, and sustainability in a way that truly resonates with today’s consumer. What really stood out to me was the way Dario approaches brand building. Slowtide isn’t just about selling towels; it’s about creating products that people connect with and want to showcase in their everyday lives. From artist collaborations to pushing the boundaries of what a towel can be, this is a story about vision, persistence, and transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Here are a few key moments from the episode: * How a love for surf, art, and culture inspired the very first product idea.   * The journey from a side hustle to a full-fledged brand stocked in major retailers.   * Why artist and brand collaborations have become such a powerful part of their identity.   * The challenges of scaling while staying true to their creative roots and sustainable values.   * Insights into how Slowtide turned a utilitarian product into a lifestyle statement. Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and discover how Slowtide transformed a simple towel into a cultural canvas, building a brand that inspires creativity and community. For more on Slowtide, visit: https://slowtide.co/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors: REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.   Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

I loved this conversation with Clive Sher, President & Co-founder of Little Bellies.  As a parent myself, I’ve heard many brands talk about “organic” or “better-for-you” snacks, but I’ve never heard anyone break it down the way Clive did. From the very start of our chat, I could tell how thoughtful and intentional he and his team are about what goes into their products.   Their mission goes beyond just offering snacks; it’s about guiding parents and children through each age and stage of development in a way that feels supportive, safe, and truly considered. What struck me most was how Clive described the philosophy behind Little Bellies’ product design, encompassing everything from motor skill development to palate shaping, and avoiding what he calls “health washing.”   It’s a level of care that’s rare in this space, and it gave me a whole new perspective on how much food choices at an early age matter. Honestly, I was blown away. Here are a few highlights from the episode: * The story of how a family need, his nephew’s severe food sensitivities inspired the founding of the company nearly 20 years ago.   * Why organic is only the starting point, and how Little Bellies avoids “pseudo-confectionery” by creating truly age-appropriate foods.   * The challenges of launching in North America in 2020, right as the pandemic hit, and how agility helped them adapt.   * A fascinating look at their “age and stage architecture” that supports children from seven months through toddlerhood with carefully designed textures, shapes, and flavors.   * The commitment to brand integrity and why they refuse to compromise, even when retailers request products that don’t align with their values.   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and discover why Little Bellies isn’t just another snack brand; it’s a partner for parents who want the very best for their children. You’ll find this conversation inspiring, thoughtful, and eye-opening. For more on Little Bellies, visit: https://littlebellies.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors: 1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand gets harder the bigger you grow, especially when you’re stuck selling on just one channel.  While you’re focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you’re missing. That’s where 1-Commerce comes in.  They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do.  As a Story of a Brand listener, you’ll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper.    Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they’ve generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year.   Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning. 

I had such an inspiring conversation with Lorraine Corcoran, Founder & CEO of Nyrah Beauty.  Her journey into skincare was deeply personal, sparked by her own search for products that truly worked for her sensitive skin.  What began as frustration turned into a passion for formulating clean, effective solutions that honor both the science of skincare and the integrity of natural ingredients. Lorraine’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best brands are born from solving problems for ourselves first. What stood out to me was Lorraine’s intentionality, whether it’s choosing every ingredient with care, building a brand rooted in authenticity, or ensuring that Nyrah Beauty empowers people to feel confident in their own skin. She opens up about the challenges of breaking into the crowded beauty space, the role of education in building trust, and how she stays grounded while scaling a mission-driven brand. Here are a few highlights from the episode: * How personal skincare struggles became the foundation for Nyrah Beauty   * The philosophy of combining science with clean, natural ingredients   * The challenges and opportunities of standing out in a saturated beauty market   * Why education and transparency are central to building customer trust   * Lorraine’s vision for the future of Nyrah Beauty   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and discover how Lorraine is reshaping beauty with purpose, passion, and authenticity. For more on Nyrah Beauty, visit: https://nyrahbeauty.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors: REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.   Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

I had such a fascinating conversation with Olivia Landau, Co-founder & CEO of The Clear Cut.  What started as her passion for educating people about diamonds has evolved into a thriving modern brand that’s revolutionizing the way couples shop for engagement rings. Olivia shared how she went from being a gemologist and content creator to running a direct-to-consumer company that blends education, transparency, and trust at the heart of every customer interaction. What struck me most was how The Clear Cut’s growth has been fueled not just by beautiful diamonds but by storytelling, social media, and community building. Olivia pulled back the curtain on the early days, the challenges of scaling while staying true to her mission, and how she’s shaping the next chapter of a category that’s been slow to evolve. Here are some highlights from the episode: * How a side hustle Instagram account turned into a full-fledged business   * Why education and transparency are the keys to disrupting the diamond industry   * The role social media has played in building community and brand trust   * Challenges of scaling while maintaining personalization in the customer experience   * What’s next for The Clear Cut as they continue to grow and innovate   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and get inspired by Olivia’s journey of turning her expertise and passion into a brand that’s redefining the engagement ring experience. For more on The Clear Cut, visit: https://theclearcut.co/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors:   Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above.