The Story of a Brand

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Dan says, “Our north star is, how do we help our customers improve their wellness not only individually, but the community as well? How do we create the best products to support and provide balance for our customers? Doing that means considering every ingredient in our products? What can we get rid of, and how can we make them as simple as possible?”   Today, we interview Dan Young, Founder and CEO of Black Dahlia. Black Dahlia is committed to groundbreaking science, ethically sourced botanicals, and conscientious craftsmanship. Through their innovative collaborations with leading scientists, artisans and makers, they create inspired hemp-infused products that deliver quality, efficacy and serenity.   We discuss:   * What he’s grateful for * Our discussion about tough challenges and how they ultimately help you grow * Overview and origin of Black Dahlia brand * How their goal is to create an ecosystem of artisanal wellness products * Why they don’t see other CBD products as competitors but main stream brands instead * What is their north star and how it drives them * What challenges they faced creating their unique products * Why they create products that they love for themselves * A review of their products including lollipops, Bonbons, candles, aroma/fragrances and more   Join Ramon Vela and Dan Young as we break down the inside story of Black Dahlia on The Story of a Brand.   For more on Black Dahlia, visit: https://blackdahlia.co/   Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.   *   This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Alright, guys, here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!   This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.   When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.   Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Jaqueline and Narae say, “Cardon is a men's personal care brand that focuses on men's specific concerns, such as shaving irritation. And our products and formulas are all backed by Korean innovation and research and development. That's our secret sauce. Korean skincare is about a decade ahead of the rest of the world, so they have already developed some really amazing formulas that are clean, non-toxic, and very affordable. And so we’re able to leverage all of that technology and bring it to the U.S. and develop our products really focused around meeting where guys are.”   Today, we interview Jacqueline Oak and Narae Chung, Co-founders of Cardon. Cardon is your one-stop-shop for men’s personal care routine, from showering to shaving and beyond. Their cactus-based products soothe irritated skin and gently moisturize and give it the boost it needs.   We discuss:   * How they kept each other accountable when launching the brand * Why they lean on South Korean innovation and R&D * What they see as the opportunity in men’s skincare and why * How they help their customers develop new habits * Why it took the 18 months to develop their innovative 2 in 1 sunscreen and moisturizer * Why providing quality and an affordable price point is critical for them * What Skin concerns do they address: acne, hair loss, skin, dark circles, and more… * How they’ve created a line of products that grow with you * Why they conducted their own clinical research study with their own products * Their commitment to quality   Join Ramon Vela, Jacqueline Oak and Narae Chung as we break down the inside story of Cardon on The Story of a Brand.   For more on Cardon, visit: https://cardonskin.com/   Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.   *   This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Alright, guys, here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!   This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Laura says, “a nootropic is anything that really enhances your brain function. Caffeine itself is a nootropic. Cordyceps are a nootropic because they help with mental performance and fighting fatigue. There are a lot of natural ingredients that help your brain, whether it's boosting brain cells or blood flow to that brain, reducing inflammation. You'll often hear about a nootropic stack, which is when somebody combines these different ingredients that they create on their own for their own concoction. We've taken the guesswork out of it, so this is like your 101. If you're new to nootropics, our item is a great entry point to really help you unleash that focus and energy.”   Today, we interview Laura Brooks, Co-founder of Dojo Labs. Dojo Labs provides health-focused, naturally sourced, non-habit forming supplements where energy and nootropics fuel your mental performance.   We discuss:   * Her gratefulness for her mentors throughout her life * Overview and origin of Dojo Labs * Why coffee and energy drinks just don’t cut it for energy * Nootropics, what is it and why they use them * How to reach flow states * Their unique patent * The benefits of caffeine * Why they use tinctures * Their launch with GNC * How she experienced burnout and how she dealt with it * Advice for other founders * Their vision of the future   Join Ramon Vela and Laura Brooks as we break down the inside story of Dojo Labs on The Story of a Brand.   For more on Dojo Labs, visit: https://shopdojolabs.com/   Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.   *   This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Alright, guys, here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!   This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.   When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.   Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   James says, “when you feel that something's possible, you have this spark. I want people to understand that. That moment happens time and time again when you're using Elmore Pedals. That's the thing we build into the product: that moment of belief and that spark, every time you hit the button to rewind or to pause, it's that spark, that moment of belief that you can learn an instrument.”   Today, we interview James Levin, Founder of Elmore Pedal Company. Elmore Pedal Company offers music student control of their online video lessons without ever taking their hands off their instrument.   We discuss:   * Gratefulness for his wife, who believed in him * Overview and origin story of Elmore Pedal Company * His love of music and his late start in learning to play guitar * His example of Rhys John Stygal, a 14-year-old guitar student who used Elmore to master licks * How Duane Allman inspired him * How he ended up working with Jack White from White Stripes * How the pedal works * Why anyone learning an instrument can use it and other use cases * Why he wants people to believe they learn at any age and why he wants to create joy in the world! * And more…   Join Ramon Vela and James Levin as we break down the inside story of Elmore Pedal Company on The Story of a Brand.   For more on Elmore Pedal Company, visit: https://elmorepedals.com/   Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.   *   This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Alright, guys, here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!   This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.   When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.   Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Anna says, “intermittent fasting is the cheapest and the easiest way to get healthier, to get rid of excessive weight, to get more energy, to get sick less, and not have to get take medications. It's like the cheapest and the easiest way to take care of your health.”   Today, we interview Anna Chernitskaya, Founder & CEO of The Ritual Tea Company. The Ritual Tea Company helps people get rid of excess pounds with zero effort while feeling full of energy for an active life.   We discuss:   * What she’s grateful for * Overview of the brand and origin story * How her father’s passing helped her learn the value of rituals * How therapy played a part in inspiring the brand * What makes her tea special? * Her recommendation of the book “Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb” * How to do an intermittent Fast * And more…   Join Ramon Vela and Anna Chernitskaya as we break down the inside story of The Ritual Tea Company on The Story of a Brand.   For more on The Ritual Tea Company, visit: https://theritualteacompany.myshopify.com/   Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.   *   This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Alright, guys, here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!   This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.   When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.   Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Meha says, "Silk and Sonder is a guided self-care and self-help program and community designed to reduce anxiety and stress and help individuals thrive across all areas of their lives. So what that means is that is proactive part analog, part digital tool that helps you discover who you are and takes you from where you are today to where you want to go."   Today, we interview Meha Agrawal, Founder & CEO of Silk and Sonder. Silk and Sonder is a guided self-care and mental wellness program and community designed to help individuals live a more productive, fulfilling, and positive life.   Inspired by positive psychology, bullet journaling, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, Silk & Sonder’s monthly wellness planners, daily audio programming, and private community offer a holistic solution to elevate emotional health.   We discuss:   * What she’s grateful for * Overview and origin of Silk and Sonder * People are waking up anxious and stressed * Why it’s like journaling but with action * The magic of Silk and Sonder: accountability, and more * What are the biggest issues people are dealing with * Using the free app * Where to start in your journey with Silk and Sonder * What’s ahead for Silk and Sonder   Join Ramon Vela and Meha Agrawal as we break down the inside story of Silk and Sonder on The Story of a Brand.   For more on Silk and Sonder, visit: https://www.silkandsonder.com/   Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.   *   This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Alright, guys, here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!   This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.   When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.   Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Stephen says, “Through the power and magic of photosynthesis, plants eat light. That's their food source. They need water, soil, and light. So we're feeding our plants light from the sun. They turn this light into vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Which means, when you eat these plants, you are filling yourself up with that light and all the good things like vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. So that’s why I’m so passionate about what we’re doing at Beyond Microgreens.”   Today, we interview Stephen Cowan, Founder of Beyond Microgreens. Beyond Microgreens is a US-based startup promoting health and wellness through Microgreens.   Microgreens are super nutrient-dense baby vegetables harvested at the peak of their nutritional density in the 2nd phase in the plant’s life, or around 10-14 days old. The plant never has more nutrients, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants than at its Microgreens phase!   We discuss:   * What he’s grateful for * Overview and origin story of Beyond Microgreens * What soil depletion has done to our vegetables * Why he feels the plants are in charge and he is their humble servant * Boulder as the silicon valley of natural products * The science behind Microgreens * Why Microgreens are so good for many illnesses and the elderly too * Full transparency and why it’s so important * And much more…   Join Ramon Vela and Stephen Cowan as we break down the inside story of Beyond Microgreens on The Story of a Brand.   For more on Beyond Microgreens, visit: https://beyondmicrogreens.com/   Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.   *   This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Alright, guys, here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!   This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.   When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.   Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Courtney says, “we're really intentional about everything we do. We don't just launch a product to launch a product. We do it with a lot of thought behind it. Lots of inspiration. We put a lot into our packaging and into our ingredients. I tried to do things from that mindset and intention before we launch things into the world. That’s what it means to me to be a modern and conscious brand.”   Today, we interview Courtney Somer, CEO & Founder of Lake & Skye. Lake & Skye is a modern and conscious beauty brand focused on long lasting, uplifting scents as wellness, made with transparent ingredients.   We discuss:   * What she’s grateful for * Overview and origin of Lake & Skye * Her health issues and journey as a seeker * Why she considers the brand “intentional” * Trends with scent, fragrance, and aroma * How to choose the right scent * Which form factor do people choose * How they work with their fragrance house * Most curious trend: People are making their own scent * Advice for founders, including challenges * Unforeseen challenges from getting into retailers, scheduling meetings, and legal issues * Why she sees her biggest challenges as a course correction from the universe * Why it’s the gift that people give themselves * A review of products * And more…   Join Ramon Vela and Courtney Somer as we break down the inside story of Lake & Skye on The Story of a Brand.   For more on Lake & Skye, visit: https://www.lakeandskye.com/   Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.   *   This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Alright, guys, here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!   This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.   When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.   Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   They say, “we really expanded based on the principles of nature ultimately being our guide. We look too plants and stones. We take our stone and plant medicine seriously, and also how we align with the cosmos and seek to connect people with a more mindful beauty practice that helps with the way they look, but also their mind, body, and soul. And that's really our driving force, offering natural alternatives that are really effective and time tested.”   Today, we interview the Co-founders of Wildling, Jill Munson, Gianna de la Torre, and Britta Plug. Along with being leading Gua Sha experts, Wildling is also a farm-to-face organic and fair-trade beauty line. Their products are full of botanical and wild foraged plants. All staple ingredients in their potent facial serums and detoxifying tonics.   We discuss:   * What they are grateful for * An overview of the brand and origin story * Being a leader in Gua Sha * Why they take a holistic view * What is stone and plant medicine? * Why they look to the stars for guidance in their product recipes * The integrity that goes into their products * The concept of Skin Longevity and why it’s important * Aging, rest and regeneration from the inside out * A review of products * And more…   Join Ramon Vela, Jill Munson, Gianna de la Torre, and Britta Plug, as we break down the inside story of Wildling on The Story of a Brand.   For more on Wildling, visit: https://wildling.com/    Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.   *   This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Alright, guys, here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!   This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.   When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.   Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Emily says, “MINNIDIPP is the very first designer inflatable pool. So that means that it was the first to market modern, on trend, adult friendly pools that feature patterns that are really fun and festive and not the sad blue pool covered in cartoons for little ones. So, really taking a design approach to reinvent the classic inflatable pool.”   Today, we interview Emily Vaca, Founder & CEO of MINNIDIP. MINNIDIP is the original, first ever modern inflatable pool.   We discuss:   * Her gratefulness for her husband and his support * Overview and origin of MINNIDIP * Why no one was doing pools like MINNIDIP * How they became a top selling product at Target * Why their goal is to make it affordable * Entrepreneurial lessons such as being ready to pivot, how to assess what you need now, control what you can and accept that some things are going to be really hard * How she overcame the struggles with business operations * Why she views every season of design as a “fashion collection” * What’s coming up next * Where to buy?   Join Ramon Vela and Emily Vaca, as we break down the inside story of MINNIDIP on The Story of a Brand.   For more on MINNIDIP, visit: https://www.minnidip.com/    Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.   *   This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.   Alright, guys, here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!   This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.   When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.   Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!