

The Story of a Brand Show
CommerceFocused Media, Inc.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

May 28, 2024 • 1h 11min
Cien Chiles - Adding Flavor to Anything and Everything
In this episode of "The Story of a Brand," host Ramon Vela interviews Maria Covarrubias, Founder and Culinary Magician of Cien Chiles. Maria shares her inspiring journey from Guadalajara to becoming an entrepreneur, emphasizing her passion, resilience, and dedication. She discusses the pivotal role of gratitude in her life, highlighting a supportive Whole Foods cashier who believed in her vision. Maria delves into the challenges and triumphs of building Cien Chiles, emphasizing the importance of non-GMO certification for consumer trust. She describes the creation of her sauces, inspired by family recipes and crafted with wholesome ingredients to complement meals without overpowering them. She offers practical tips for using her sauces in various dishes. Maria's commitment shines through as she talks about running Cien Chiles with her husband, successfully placing their products in over 200 retailers. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs on patience, steady growth, and building the right partnerships. Visit cienchiles.com for recipes and follow them on social media for updates. This episode celebrates vision, gratitude, and sharing authentic flavors. For more on Cien Chiles, visit: https://cienchiles.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 23, 2024 • 56min
Scentbird - The Fragrance Destination of the World
Welcome to our latest episode, in which Ramon Vela delves into Scentbird's fragrant journey, exploring the transformative power of fragrance and the entrepreneurial insights that have driven the brand's success. Andrei Rebrov, Co-Founder and CTO of Scentbird reflects on the critical support from Murat Aktihanoglu of Entrepreneur Roundtable Accelerator (ERA) during their early days in the US, highlighting the significance of kindness for immigrant entrepreneurs. In this episode, you'll also discover how Scentbird has evolved from offering fragrance samples to pioneering a subscription model, enhancing customer engagement through innovative technological integrations. We'll also explore people's emotional connections with scents and how Scentbird leverages customer data to create personalized fragrance experiences. Tune in for valuable business advice, fragrance highlights, and insights into the future of Scentbird technology. For more on Scentbird, visit: https://www.Scentbird.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 18, 2024 • 44min
Elo Health - Ari Tulla on the Future of Health, Authenticity, and the Power of Small Changes
In this enlightening episode, Ramon Vela dives deep with Ari Tulla, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Elo Health, exploring the evolving landscape of health and wellness and the role of technology in shaping our daily habits. Here's what we covered: * Authenticity in Branding * Social Media and Transparency * The Power of Routine * Overcoming Health Habit Hurdles * Tech Meets Health * Medication vs. Natural Methods for Weight Loss * Market Dynamics and Consumer Preferences * Elo Health's Innovations * Ari's Personal Health Practices Whether you're a health enthusiast, a tech-savvy individual, or simply looking to improve your well-being, this episode offers valuable insights into making healthier choices in our fast-paced world. Join us as we uncover the trends shaping the future of wellness, guided by one of the industry's leading voices, Ari Tulla. For more on Elo Health, visit: https://www.elo.health/ 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 16, 2024 • 1h 3min
Cerebelly - Give Your Little One a Smarter Start
In this insightful episode, Ramon Vela delves into the captivating journey of Don Clark, the CEO behind Cerebelly, a trailblazing organic baby food company committed to nurturing cognitive development from infancy. From his early days in retail at Target to spearheading Cerebelly, Don shares his vision, including how the Whole Foods model inspired him to venture into the organic baby food industry with a strong emphasis on health and cognitive development. He also discusses Cerebelly's ambitious plan to revolutionize baby food and foster a healthier future generation through informed nutrition choices. Tune in to uncover the pivotal moments, challenges, and inspirations that propelled Don to redefine organic nutrition for the younger generation. For more on Cerebelly, visit: https://cerebelly.com/ This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and Shopline USA. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand a rating and review on Apple and Spotify. Plus, don't forget to follow us! 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 14, 2024 • 1h 4min
Wildfang - However YOU Want to Show Up in the World, They Got YOU
In this episode, Ramon Vela dives deep into the heart of Wildfang with its CEO, Emma Mcilroy. Wildfang, known for its groundbreaking approach to fashion and inclusivity, owes its success to early supporters like soccer icon Megan Rapinoe. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a fashion enthusiast, or someone passionate about inclusivity and sustainability, this conversation with Emma Mcilroy offers valuable insights, inspiring stories, and a reminder of the power of community and shared values in creating impactful brands. Join us for an insider's view of how Wildfang has navigated the fashion world with resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to making a difference. For more on Wildfang, visit: https://www.wildfang.com/ For full show notes, visit: https://www.thestoryofabrand.com/ This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and Shopline USA. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand a rating, review, and a follow 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 8, 2024 • 54min
Pandia Health - Revolutionizing Women's Health Through Innovation
In today's episode, Rose Hamilton takes a deep dive into the heart of innovation in women's health with guest Sophia Yen, MD, MPH, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Pandia Health. This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and Shopline USA. Launched in 2016, Pandia Health has been at the forefront of revolutionizing access to birth control and is now expanding its horizon to tackle issues in menopause and obesity. Join us as we explore the journey, challenges, and future of women's healthcare through the lens of a pioneering company. Key Themes of Our Episode: * Pandia Health's Mission: Discover how Pandia Health is solving the accessibility challenges women face in obtaining birth control, providing not just delivery services but also personalized options and telemedicine consultations. * Expanding Care to Menopause and Obesity: Understand the company's future plans to include specialized care in menopause symptoms, osteoporosis risk management, and obesity, emphasizing the importance of personalized healthcare. * Challenges in Advertising Women's Health: Hear about the obstacles Pandia Health faces with advertising restrictions on major platforms and how they overcome these through organic SEO, educational content, and strategic partnerships. * The Role of AI and Marketing in Healthcare: Delve into the significance of AI in marketing, the essential need for trustworthy content, and why diversity in algorithms matters in promoting women's health effectively. * Navigating Fundraising and the Startup Ecosystem: Gain insights into the fundraising difficulties women's health startups face, the advocacy for ethical practices, and the pivotal role of women-led companies in the healthcare sector. * The Importance of Diversity in Venture Capital: Learn about the push for more diversity in venture capital, the encouragement of women investors, and the support needed for women-founded businesses to thrive. * Empowerment and Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Dr. Yen shares her message for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing persistence, the value of diverse representation, and seeking support from communities and resources. Closing Thoughts: Dr. Sophia Yen's journey with Pandia Health is about more than creating a company; it's about fostering a movement toward accessible, personalized, and comprehensive healthcare for women. By addressing the unique challenges in women's health, advocating for diversity and ethical practices, and leveraging technology, Pandia Health stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment. We hope this episode inspires you to support and advocate for advancements in women's healthcare. For more information about Pandia Health and how you can be a part of the change, visit: https://www.pandiahealth.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating, review, and a follow 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 7, 2024 • 1h 2min
Shopware - Empowering Mid-Market Merchants
In this enlightening episode, Ramon Vela sits down with Jason Nyhus, General Manager of Shopware, to unravel the intricacies of the e-commerce industry and the unique position Shopware holds within it. This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands. Our conversation unveils Shopware's journey from its roots to becoming a beacon for mid-market businesses navigating the e-commerce waters. We delve into how Shopware's ethos, architecture, and innovative features set it apart in a competitive landscape and the vision that propels it forward. Key Highlights: * The Mentorship Impact: Jason starts by sharing his professional journey, accentuating the influential role a mentor played in his career development. * Shopware's Niche Focus: Unlike the broad targeting of platforms like Shopify, Shopware zeroes in on the mid-market segment, offering tailored solutions that address their unique challenges and budget constraints. * Innovative Architecture and Features: Launched in December 2019, Shopware 6 is the culmination of modern architecture and a robust codebase, backed by significant investments from heavyweights like the Carlyle Group and PayPal. Features like the Digital Sales Room, AI co-pilots, and advanced rule and flow builders highlight Shopware's commitment to innovation. * Global Strategy and English First Approach: Despite its German origins, Shopware prioritizes English for its global operations, emphasizing its intention to cater to a worldwide audience with superior support and a transparent pricing model. * B2B Commerce and Digital Transformation: The episode explores the complexities of B2B commerce, the need for technology to resonate with existing business practices, and how Shopware's Digital Sales Room is revolutionizing client services in the B2B sphere. * Contrast with Shopify and the Path Ahead: Jason and Ramon discuss Shopify's recent strategic shifts, highlighting how Shopware's approach is distinctly poised to meet the needs of businesses looking for specialized platforms with robust B2B functionalities. Whether you're a merchant navigating the e-commerce domain, a technology enthusiast, or someone intrigued by the evolving digital commerce landscape, this episode offers a comprehensive look into what makes Shopware a formidable player in the market. Tune in to this captivating episode to explore how Shopware is reshaping the future of e-commerce for mid-market merchants and setting new industry standards. For more on Shopware, visit: https://www.shopware.com/en/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating, review, and a follow 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. SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit using our unique link.


