
The Story of a Brand
Welcome to The Story Of A Brand Show. Hear the unique entrepreneurial journeys of 1000+ Consumer Brand founders. We tap into the doubts, failures, wins and inspirations that come with building Consumer Brand startups in extremely competitive times. Whether you own a brand or work for one, you will learn from our guests as they share the building blocks of their brand’s evolution. Who knows, you may even discover a few new products that become faves.
Latest episodes

Jun 11, 2024 • 1h 6min
Digioh - How Digioh is Transforming E-commerce Marketing
In this episode, Ramon Vela sits down with Allison Kelly, Chief Revenue Officer, and Blake Imperl, Vice President of Marketing for Digioh, to explore the intricate layers of career development, personal growth, and the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce marketing. Specializing in direct-to-consumer marketing for brands on Shopify and other platforms, Digioh helps high-revenue clients optimize their tech stacks. As a self-funded company, Digioh offers transparent, honest, and stable solutions free from external pressures. Join us for this enlightening conversation as Allison and Blake from Digioh share their insights and experiences, offering valuable lessons for career development and strategic e-commerce marketing. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you thrive in today’s competitive landscape. For more on Digioh, visit: https://www.Digioh.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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

Jun 10, 2024 • 57min
Roar - It's Hydration With a Lot More
In this episode, host Ramon Vela sits down with Roly Nesi, Founder of Roar Organic, to explore the remarkable journey behind the brand. Roly shares personal stories of gratitude, the challenges of starting a beverage company, and the pivotal moments that shaped Roar Organic into a leading hydration solution. Discover the inspiration behind their innovative flavors, the importance of team dynamics, and the unique approach to staying relevant in a competitive market. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a fan of delicious, functional beverages, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn more about the story of a brand making waves in the beverage industry. For more on Roar Organic, visit: https://roarorganic.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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

Jun 7, 2024 • 1h 23min
Grow Together - Navigating Parenthood and Relationships
In this episode, Ramon Vela interviews Co-founders Aaron Steinberg, MA, PCC, and Jessica Trouillaud of Grow Together. Grow Together is on a mission to normalize the struggles relationships face in parenthood and give couples the tools to overcome them, emerging stronger on the other side. The platform has two virtual courses - one for couples entering parenthood and one for couples already in the thick of it - and a new digital guide focused solely on the largest marital problem in parenthood - the division of roles and responsibilities. * They advocate for normalizing discussions about post-parenthood relationship dynamics, noting the lack of societal resources for this transition. * Utilizing teamwork and emotional connections, focusing on balancing organizational tasks and emotional bonds in relationships. * They stress the importance of combining empathy with effective task allocation to address underlying emotional issues. * They encourage listeners to invest in relationships, seek support, and utilize available guides and courses to strengthen connections. Join us as we discuss relationships, parenthood, entrepreneurship, and more! For more on Grow Together, visit: https://www.thegrowtogetherco.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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

Jun 5, 2024 • 1h 9min
Hostage Tape - Don’t Be Held Hostage by Bad Sleep
In this episode, Ramon Vela sits down with Alex Neist, the founder of Hostage Tape, for an insightful conversation that explores themes of gratitude, upbringing, personal growth, and the health benefits of nasal breathing. The dialogue is rich with personal anecdotes, life lessons, and expert advice, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, self-improvement, and wellness. Key Themes: * Gratitude and Positive Impressions: * Influence of Upbringing: * Journey of Personal Growth: * Self-Realization and Accountability: * Health Benefits of Nasal Breathing: * Branding and Storytelling: Join us to hear Alex’s full journey and the inspiring stories that shaped Hostage Tape. For more on Hostage Tape, visit: https://HostageTape.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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

Jun 4, 2024 • 49min
Mad Rabbit - From Shark Tank to Tattoo Titans
In this engaging episode of “The Story of a Brand,” Ramon Vela is joined by Selom Agbitor, Co-founder of Mad Rabbit, a revolutionary brand in the tattoo care industry. Selom shares the inspiring journey of Mad Rabbit, from its humble beginnings in college to becoming a renowned name after their Shark Tank success. The episode delves into the pivotal role of customer feedback in product development, the challenges of managing inventory, and the necessity of adaptability, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The brand offers 11 tattoo care products, including soothing gel, sunscreen, balm, lotion, body wash, tattoo glide, repair patches, and numbing cream, with plans to expand into piercing care. Their big focus is community building through social media and supporting tattoo artists. Selom also shares insights on future product launches. Join us for this insightful episode, in which Selom Agbitor illuminates the fascinating world of tattoo care and entrepreneurship. For more on Mad Rabbit, visit: https://www.madrabbit.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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

Jun 4, 2024 • 58min
Wildling - Embracing Holistic Beauty with Wildling
In this insightful episode, host Ramon Vela engages with founders Jill Munson, Britta Plug, and Gianna De La Torre of Wildling, a pioneering holistic beauty brand, to explore the myriad facets of their brand. We discussed gratitude, customer testimonials, exciting new product launches, and Wildling’s dedication to creating beauty rituals that nurture skin and emotional well-being through ancient practices and natural ingredients. Key Highlights: * The founders share heartfelt stories of positive customer feedback. * Emphasis on the significance of building strong customer relationships and community. * Introducing innovative products such as the Starnectar Jelly Cleanser and Moonbounce Plumping Moisturizer. * Detailed discussion on the use of natural ingredients and the influence of astrology in product formulation. * Exploration of facial Gua Sha tools and their benefits. * Incorporation of moonstone crystals and a reflexology spoon for enhanced facial massage techniques. * Availability of webinars and tutorials to help users understand facial maps and body points. * Promotion of a holistic self-care approach through guided practices. * Focus on plant-based ingredients like Sea Fennel and Bio Retinol. * Importance of customer feedback in refining and developing products. * Commitment to supporting the skin’s microbiome and integrity. * Addressing conditions like Rosacea and Eczema with gentle, non-disruptive products. * Preference for whole plant extracts over essential oils to prevent skin sensitization. * And more! Tune in to discover how Wildling is revolutionizing the beauty industry with its holistic approach, ancient wisdom, and commitment to natural ingredients. Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or seeking a deeper connection with your self-care rituals, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. For more on Wildling, visit: https://wildling.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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

Jun 3, 2024 • 49min
Elyse Oleksak - A Shark Ate My Bagel - How We Built Bantam Bagels
In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, host Ramon Vela interviews Elyse Oleksak, co-founder of Bantam Bagels and author of the new book "A Shark Ate My Bagel - How We Built Bantam Bagels, A Memoir." Elyse shares the remarkable journey of Bantam Bagels, from a late-night inspiration to a nationally recognized brand. Ramon and Elyse delve into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, highlighting the critical moments, personal sacrifices, and lessons learned along the way. They discuss the importance of human connection, the power of perseverance, and the necessity of taking risks to achieve control and success in business. Elyse recounts vivid stories, including a nerve-wracking yet triumphant appearance on Shark Tank and the challenges of balancing motherhood with a burgeoning business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone who loves a good success story, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and inspiration. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation; check out Elyse's book for more in-depth stories and insights. For more on Elyse Oleksak and her new book, “A Shark Ate My Bagel - How We Built Bantam Bagels, A Memoir,” visit https://howwebuiltbantambagels.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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

May 31, 2024 • 53min
Memo Paris - The Emotional Resonance of Fragrance
In this inspiring episode, Ramon Vela delves into the entrepreneurial journey of John Molloy, Co-founder and CEO of the renowned fragrance brand Memo Paris. From a career path initially carved out in banking to becoming a prominent figure in the fashion and fragrance industries, Molloy’s story is a testament to the transformative power of belief and encouragement. Here are the key themes and highlights from our conversation: A Shift in Path: Discover how Molloy’s university mentor, Nigel, played a crucial role in redirecting his career from banking to the vibrant world of fashion and fragrance. The Birth of Memo Paris: Learn about the inception of Memo Paris, a brand that has successfully expanded its reach to 60 countries. It offers fragrances that capture the emotional resonance of memories and destinations across the globe. The Emotional Resonance of Scents: Molloy discusses Memo Paris's unique approach to creating scents that evoke memories and emotions, a concept that gained even more significance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Creative Collaborations: Get an inside look at how Memo Paris stands out through its collaborations with poets and perfumers and Molloy’s wife’s significant role in overseeing the brand’s creative direction. A Fragrance Wardrobe: Explore the concept of fragrances serving as a wardrobe for different moods and occasions and how Memo Paris prioritizes building enduring relationships with its customers. Join us as John Molloy takes us on a journey through the creation of Memo Paris, the art of fragrance making, and the profound impact that encouragement can have on redirecting one’s career path and life. For more on Memo Paris, visit: https://us.memoparis.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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

May 31, 2024 • 1h 2min
Masami - Secret to Having Healthy, Manageable, Beautiful Hair
In this episode of The Story of a Brand, host Ramon Vela interviews Lynn Power, co-founder of Masami, a clean beauty brand focused on hydrating hair care products. Lynn shares her transition from a successful advertising career, working with major brands like L'Oreal and Clinique, to launching Masami and the Conscious Beauty Collective, a group of clean and sustainable indie beauty and wellness brands currently featured in a pop-up store in Palm Springs, California and around the country. Lynn also discusses her battle with breast cancer and how running Masami helped her maintain a sense of normalcy and purpose. She emphasizes reprioritizing and maintaining a growth mindset during challenging times. Lynn explains how Masami’s products, featuring the hero ingredient Mekabu, provide hydration without leaving hair limp or greasy. She stresses the importance of consumer education about product ingredients and avoiding toxic chemicals found in many mass-market brands. We ended our conversation discussing the role of small brands like Masami in promoting cleaner, safer beauty products. For more information, visit Masami’s website at: https://www.lovemasami.com/ Follow the Conscious Beauty Collective on Instagram at @consciousbeautycollectiveshop 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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

May 29, 2024 • 1h 4min
Afia - Transport Your Tastebuds to the Eastern Mediterranean
In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, dives into the heartwarming and motivating story of Farrah Moussallati Sibai, Co-founder and President of Afia Foods. With no background in the food industry, Farrah embarked on a journey driven by personal challenges and a profound desire to make a difference. From humble beginnings at Texas farmers markets to a successful retail launch, her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and a commitment to values. Farrah Moussallati Sibai’s journey with Afia Foods is more than just a business success story; it’s a narrative about overcoming adversity, embracing community, and remaining steadfast to one’s values. Through her experiences, listeners can find inspiration, practical advice, and the motivation to pursue their dreams, no matter the industry or starting point. Join us for another deep dive into the stories of entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities and the world. For more on Afia Foods, visit: https://afiafoods.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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.