The Story of a Brand

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. 

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Meredith Mills-Merritt, Founder of The Original Southside, and this was such a fun and refreshing conversation, literally.  From the very first sip of her canned cocktail, I was blown away by how crisp, light, and perfectly balanced it tasted. What really struck me, though, was how much heart and thoughtfulness went into every detail of this brand, from the family recipe it was inspired by to the intentional choice of organic, clean ingredients. Meredith’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and considerable grit. Coming from a background in the beauty industry, she made the leap into the ultra-competitive world of ready-to-drink cocktails, despite having no prior experience in the beverage industry.   What she did bring was a deep love of ingredients, a family gin recipe, and the determination to create something better than what was on the shelf. In our conversation, she shares the highs, the hurdles, and the very personal wins that keep her pushing forward. Here are a few highlights from the episode: * How a friend choosing Southside as her wedding drink became a powerful reminder of why Meredith started the brand   * The family recipe origins behind The Original Southside and how Meredith perfected it for the can   * Why being Whole Foods–compliant was a non-negotiable from day one   * The unique challenges of breaking into the alcohol industry’s three-tier distribution system   * Meredith’s go-to strategies for building awareness, from real-life tastings to word-of-mouth advocacy   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and get inspired by Meredith’s journey of turning a family recipe into a modern, better-for-you cocktail brand. For more on The Original Southside, visit: https://www.drinksouthsides.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:   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. 

When I think of founder stories that move me to my core, Octavia Morgan’s journey is right at the top.  In this episode, I sit down with Octavia Morgan, CEO and Creative Director of Octavia Morgan, to discuss building a fine fragrance brand rooted in intention, courage, and community. From her early mornings in meditation to the emotional moment a customer cried after finally finding a scent she could wear, this is a conversation about listening to your calling, even when it’s scary. Octavia left a stable nursing career to create a fragrance brand for people like her—those with scent sensitivities who still wanted complexity, boldness, and beauty in what they wear. She shares how she took her brand “to the streets,” grew through word of mouth, and developed a fragrance line that’s now carried by Ulta Beauty nationwide. This isn’t just about perfume—it’s about purpose. Here are a few highlights from the interview: * The meditation that sparked Octavia’s leap from nursing to entrepreneurship—and the fear she had to face head-on.   * How a tearful customer showed her the deep emotional impact her product could have.   * Why Octavia sells $100+ fine fragrances at upscale markets—and how it built a grassroots community of superfans.   * The real reason so many people suffer from scent sensitivity, and how her clean, filler-free formulations are changing that.   * Her powerful advice for anyone with a dream they’re too scared to pursue: “Why not you?”   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and discover the story of a founder who’s redefining what it means to follow your intuition and create beauty with integrity. You’ll walk away inspired and probably wanting to smell every scent she’s ever made. For more on Octavia Morgan, visit: https://octaviamorgan.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.

When I first saw the product from NoNormal, I was intrigued. A coffee paste… in a tube? I’d never seen anything like it. But as someone who loves coffee and spends a lot of time outdoors, I instantly got the appeal.  In this episode, I chat with Alexander Haberlin, co-founder of NoNormal, about how a backcountry hike in Switzerland sparked a completely new way to experience coffee and how it evolved from a spray-painted tomato paste tube to a beautiful, functional, adventure-ready product. We go deep into the product story, the entrepreneurial journey, and the intentional choices behind flavor, packaging, and mission.   As I sipped the coffee while we talked, I was blown away. Not only is it incredibly convenient, but it also tastes great. You can drink it hot, cold, or even spread it on toast. What started as a creative solution for outdoor coffee drinkers has evolved into a ritual and is now a growing brand with a passionate community. Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation: * NoNormal’s coffee paste is a first-of-its-kind, shelf-stable product made with Fairtrade Arabica beans and housed in recyclable aluminum tubes—born from a love of hiking and a need for better trail coffee.   * Alexander and his co-founder hand-filled the first prototypes in their Swiss kitchen, validating the idea via crowdfunding before going all-in on manufacturing.   * The product found early success through a mix of “chaos packaging” buzz and genuine functionality for outdoor adventurers—and even jungle explorers!   * Their biggest lesson: validate early, prototype fast, and don’t be afraid to mix form and function with love and obsession over the details.   * Whether it’s stirred in hot water, blended into peanut butter, or licked off a spoon during a jungle trek, NoNormal coffee is all about that magic moment of pause and pleasure in the outdoors.   Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to the episode and discover how a bold, unusual idea can become a beautiful, purposeful product. This isn’t just a coffee story; it’s a story of creativity, intention, and building something remarkable from the ground up. For more on NoNormal visit: https://nonormal.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: 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 a blast sitting down with Dan Schaefer, Founder & CEO of Native Pet.  We kicked things off with gratitude. Dan shared how his wife was his “first angel investor,” backing his leap from BCG into entrepreneurship while raising a young family. From there, we got into the big idea behind Native Pet: “around-the-bowl nutrition.” Instead of trying to replace what’s in your dog’s bowl, Native Pet helps pet parents customize it with clean-label, effective supplements dogs actually love to eat. Dan walked me through their earliest wins, such as transforming messy canned pumpkin into a shelf-stable powdered pumpkin with a smart fiber blend, and their breakout hit, The Daily (an all-in-one scoop inspired by human greens routines). We also dug into hard-earned lessons (hello, Target packaging panic) and a huge upcoming launch that brings today’s human gut-health wave into pet wellness. Highlights * Gratitude that fuels the journey: Dan credits his wife and co-founder Pat’s family for believing early, packing boxes, cheering them on, and making “zero to one” possible.   * The Native Pet thesis: Focus on supplements to personalize health “around the bowl,” so pet parents can keep their preferred food and add targeted support.   * Simple, smart innovation: From powdered Pumpkin to Omega Oil, clean-label formats and taste are non-negotiable—if dogs won’t eat it, nothing else matters.   * Breakout product: The Daily—their one-scoop daily multivitamin—became Native Pet’s best seller and even hit #1 in multivitamins on Amazon right after Prime Day.   * Where to find them: Online at nativepet.com, Amazon, Chewy, and nationwide at Target, Petco, PetSmart, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Tractor Supply, Meijer, Pet Supplies Plus, and more.  Plus, try the website quiz to get the right plan for your dog.   * One more thing I’m excited about: Native Pet’s new GutWell line (launching August) targets specific outcomes through the microbiome—Clean Breath, Trim Down, Stress Support, Itchy Skin, and Power Poop—in a tasty, clean-label, cold-pressed pellet with bold, premium packaging. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode: If you care about helping your dog live a happier, healthier, and longer life—and want practical ways to personalize their nutrition—you’ll love this conversation. Hit play to hear the full story, the lessons learned, and what’s next for Native Pet.   For more on Native Pet, visit: https://nativepet.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 pleasure of sitting down with James Reynolds, Co-CEO and Co-founder of Coco5, and what a conversation it was.  From the South Side of Chicago to Wall Street to the beverage aisle, James’s journey is packed with powerful lessons on grit, reinvention, and staying true to your purpose. He opened up about a pivotal moment in college that transformed his life — when he walked away from basketball to pursue academics — and how that same clarity of purpose led him to fall in love with a product called Coco5. What started as a health-conscious investment turned into a mission-driven beverage brand that's redefining coconut water. James and his team, including NBA stars like Devin Booker and D’Angelo Russell, took a product they genuinely loved and scaled it into a clean hydration brand backed by real athletes — and more importantly, beloved by moms and kids. Here are some key takeaways from this episode: * James shares the moment he "stopped playing small" and took charge of his future — a life-altering decision that still fuels his discipline today.   * How a chance encounter with Coco5 led him from investment banking to CPG founder, driven by a passion for health and hydration.   * The surprising truth about their core customer: it's not just athletes — it's health-conscious moms buying for their kids.   * Why saying “no” to 2,000+ Walmart stores helped them win — and how going narrow and deep created long-term success.   * The secret behind their flavor-first strategy: “Kids don’t care if it’s good for them — it has to taste amazing.”   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode — it’s a powerful story of reinvention, discipline, and building a brand with lasting impact. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to succeed in CPG without experience, this is a must-listen.   For more on Coco5, visit: https://coco5.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: 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. 

In this episode of The Story of a Brand, I sit down with Gary Redmond, co-founder of BusterBox, a subscription box that delivers joy straight to your dog’s doorstep.  What started as three friends looking to create something fun and meaningful quickly became one of the fastest-growing dog subscription brands in Europe. Gary shares the ups and downs of starting a business from scratch, from packing boxes by hand in a tiny apartment to now serving thousands of happy dog parents every month. What I loved most about this conversation is how scrappy and determined Gary and his co-founders were in the early days. They didn’t wait for the perfect funding or ideal setup—they just got started. Along the way, they learned how to build customer loyalty, scale their logistics, and make dogs (and their humans) incredibly happy.  It’s a story about building with heart, hustling through hard times, and chasing big dreams one treat at a time. Here’s what we cover: * How BusterBox started from a small apartment in Dublin with no investors * Why direct feedback from dog parents shaped their entire product strategy * The moment they knew they had product-market fit—and how they doubled down * Lessons from scaling a subscription business in the European market * Why “the dog is the customer, but the human is the buyer” Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this fun and insightful conversation with Gary. Whether you're a dog lover, an entrepreneur, or both, this episode is packed with inspiration (and probably a few tail wags too). For more on BusterBox, visit:  https://busterbox.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand 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 they believe in. Curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.