The Story of a Brand

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, interviews Eric Malka, Co-founder of The Art of Shaving and now leading Strategic Brand Investments.  Eric’s journey from starting a small business to building an iconic brand is filled with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and brand leaders alike. His insights on intellectual property, execution, and grit will leave you ready to take your business to the next level. In our conversation, Eric shares practical advice on building a brand with long-term value, staying close to your customers, and the challenges of scaling a business. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone! Key Moments: * The importance of building intellectual property for creating lasting brand value. * Why execution is critical and how to turn great ideas into actionable steps. * The role of grit and resilience in overcoming obstacles on the path to success. * How Eric used his brand’s retail store as a customer lab to gain insights and grow the brand. * The difference between being prudent and risk-averse as an entrepreneur. Join us for this inspiring conversation and discover actionable insights that can help you grow and strengthen your brand! For more on Strategic Brand Investments, visit: https://www.strategicbrandinvestments.com/ To purchase his new book, “On the Razor's Edge: The Story of The Art of Shaving,” visit Amazon. 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 Ventures - 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.

In today’s episode, Ramon Vela interviews Seth Casden, Co-founder and CEO of Celliant and Hologenix, LLC, the makers of Celliant. Seth's journey involves perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering belief in his vision.  We dive deep into the fascinating world of infrared-emitting textiles and explore how this technology can enhance performance, recovery, and even improve sleep.  In this episode, Seth and I discuss not only the groundbreaking science behind Celliant's technology, but he opens up about the challenges of building a new market and the lessons learned from over 20 years of commitment to making a difference. Whether you're interested in how infrared works, are curious about what it takes to stay motivated for over two decades, or just want to hear about an inspiring founder's journey, you won't want to miss this one. Key Moments: * Seth shares a powerful story of resilience when Celliant almost had to close its doors in 2015 and how an investor's belief helped them continue. * A deep dive into the science of infrared-emitting textiles and how they enhance circulation, energy levels, and recovery. * The importance of staying committed and the mindset required for pushing through tough times as an entrepreneur. * Seth's thoughts on balancing family life while pursuing a high-risk entrepreneurial venture. * How Celliant focused on partnerships with leading brands rather than creating its own consumer brand. Join us as we explore Seth's journey, the technology that powers Celliant, and the lessons that apply to anyone striving to make an impact. Listen in and let Seth's story inspire you to keep pushing, no matter the obstacles! For more on Celliant, visit: https://celliant.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 Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand Increase customer lifetime value, Expand into the US market, Create an omnipresent and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.   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.

In this podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brad Bennett, the founder of BDBC.  Brad’s company operates in the fascinating space of PR and affiliate marketing, helping brands not only secure valuable press placements but also track real, measurable results from these efforts.  We explore what it takes to succeed in this industry, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how affiliate marketing has transformed the digital publishing landscape. Here are some of the key moments from our conversation: * Brad shares the importance of gratitude and resilience in entrepreneurship, emphasizing how he navigated imposter syndrome. * We discuss how BDBC blends PR with affiliate marketing to drive direct sales for clients while maintaining authentic brand representation. * Brad explains the shift in editorial decisions, where content is often driven by monetization strategies rather than pure editorial interests. * He highlights the importance of setting realistic client expectations and ensuring transparency in PR efforts. * We explore how affiliate marketing is essential for brands seeking coverage in today's digital landscape, especially in top-tier publications. Join us in listening to this insightful episode and gain a deeper understanding of the evolving PR and marketing industry. For more on BDBC, visit: https://bdbc.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: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.    Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret is shared by fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I sit down with Jonathan Grahm, the creative force behind Compartes, the artisanal chocolate brand beloved by celebrities and foodies alike. With over 75 years of history, Compartes has evolved into a unique combination of craftsmanship and artistry, delivering bold flavors like avocado toast chocolate bars and decadent truffles. Jonathan shares the journey of revamping his family business, turning it into a modern-day sensation while staying true to traditional chocolate-making techniques. We dive deep into Jonathan’s passion for innovation, how he brings LA’s vibrant culture into every chocolate bar, and what it’s like being an artist in the world of chocolate. Whether creating a unique Diwali collection or crafting chocolates for the Oscars, Jonathan’s story is one of creativity, dedication, and love for his craft. Key Moments: * The Visit from Mindy Grossman: How a meeting with the CEO of HSN helped catapult Compartes to new heights. * Innovation in Every Bite: Jonathan’s passion for creating unique flavors like avocado toast and coffee-donut bars. * The Heart of the Business: Why Jonathan is hands-on in everything from chocolate-making to shipping orders. * Slow and Steady Wins the Race: How Jonathan’s “slow and steady” approach to business has helped him navigate challenges and build a thriving brand. * Corporate Gifting Revolution: The game-changing success of customized chocolates for brands like Louis Vuitton and American Airlines. Join us in listening to this fascinating conversation with a true chocolate visionary! For more on Compartes, visit: https://compartes.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 Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, Expand into the US market, Create an omnipresent and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.  SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: https://storybrandoffer.com/ SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Try it risk-free with an extended 14-day trial, exclusively for listeners of The Story of a Brand Podcast. Start today! Visit the link above. 

Today, Rose Hamilton, founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Wendy Strgar, the founder of Good Clean Love—a brand leading the charge in women’s health innovation. Wendy’s passion for women’s wellness is truly inspiring, and she shared some groundbreaking insights on how vaginal health is intricately linked to overall well-being. Our conversation touched on everything from the importance of the vaginal microbiome to the challenges women face in getting proper care. In this episode, Wendy opens up about her journey, the inspiration behind Good Clean Love, and the innovative steps her company is taking to improve diagnostics and treatment options for women.   Whether you’re in the consumer goods industry or simply interested in women’s health, this episode is packed with valuable information and actionable insights that you won’t want to miss. **Key Moments:** - Wendy explains the critical role of the vaginal microbiome and its connection to overall health. - Discussion on why so many women are misdiagnosed with vaginal health issues and how this can be improved. - Insight into how Good Clean Love is pioneering safer, more effective products for women’s health. - The innovative work of Vaginal Biome Science, Wendy’s spin-off company, and its impact on diagnostics. - Wendy’s advice for consumer brand decision-makers on how to better serve women’s health needs. Join us in listening to this eye-opening episode and discover how you can make a difference in women’s health and wellness. Let’s dive into this important conversation! For more on Good Clean Love, visit:  https://goodcleanlove.com/   For more on Vaginal Biome Science, visit: https://www.vaginalbiomescience.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 Ventures - 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.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amy Gordinier, the incredible founder of Skinfix.  We dive deep into her journey of taking a century-old balm formula and transforming it into a brand that not only heals but also changes lives. Amy’s passion for creating products backed by clinical efficacy and sustainability shines through, making Skinfix a brand you can trust.  From the challenges of entrepreneurship to building a brand that balances both clean and clinical formulas, Amy shares her inspiring story of growth, resilience, and commitment to skin health. Here’s what you’ll learn from this insightful conversation: * How Amy’s passion for clean, clinically-backed skincare led to Skinfix’s success. * The importance of clinical trials and dermatologists backing in proving the efficacy of products. * The challenges and triumphs of transitioning from founder to CEO and how Amy embraced professional leadership for growth. * Why sustainability is a core value for Skinfix and how it’s recognized as a "Planet Aware" brand at Sephora. * The significance of slow and steady growth in building a brand with longevity. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this engaging episode and learning how Skinfix continues to make waves in the beauty industry by prioritizing skin health and sustainability! For more on Skinfix, visit: https://skinfix.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 Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.  Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What is the secret shared by fast-growing Health & Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a complimentary "influencer strategy plan session" that you own whether you utilize Augmentum or use in-house. Visit our unique link above. 

In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, Ramon Vela speaks with Daniel Faierman, Partner at Habitat Partners and former PepsiCo executive.  Daniel shares insights on what makes a successful CPG business, from strong gross margins to product and value proposition differentiation. He also dives deep into the challenges entrepreneurs face today and how Habitat Partners is helping brands thrive despite market pressures. His expertise in the industry's operational and investment sides offers valuable advice for startups and established brands alike.   Key Takeaways: * The importance of gross margins in the early stages of a CPG business * Why a differentiated product and value proposition is critical to success * How Habitat Partners provides strategic value through Red Antler, their creative agency roots * Balancing growth and profitability in today’s challenging economic environment * Daniel’s advice for entrepreneurs: creativity, cashflow management, and knowing when to pivot Join us in listening to this insightful conversation with Daniel Faierman! For more on Habitat Partners, visit: https://www.habitatpartners.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: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand Increase customer lifetime value, Expand into the US market, Create an omnipresent and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.   Shopline US - 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.

In this episode, I chat with Chris Hobson, the founder of Patchology and CEO of Rare Beauty Brands.  Chris shares his journey from launching Patchology with a focus on innovative skincare solutions to expanding his vision with Rare Beauty Brands. His entrepreneurial wisdom and insights into building successful beauty brands offer a wealth of knowledge for anyone navigating the CPG space. Chris discusses how Patchology evolved from a tech-driven idea to a beloved brand that delivers moments of joy through self-care. He also dives into the challenges of blending creativity with discipline in building a brand and how listening to consumers shaped Patchology’s growth. His reflections on entrepreneurship are truly inspiring. Key Takeaways: - How Patchology’s focus shifted from functional benefits to emotional connections with customers - The importance of blending discipline with creativity in brand building - How Patchology adapted during the pandemic to grow its direct-to-consumer business - The value of testing new ideas through direct customer interactions - Chris’s passion for mentoring through the Lift Beauty Accelerator Join us in listening to this insightful conversation with Chris Hobson! For more on Patchology, visit: https://www.patchology.com/ For more on Rare Beauty Brands, visit: https://rarebeautybrands.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 Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, Expand into the US market, Create an omnipresent and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.  SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: https://storybrandoffer.com/ SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Try it risk-free with an extended 14-day trial, exclusively for The Story of a Brand Podcast listeners. Start today! Visit the link above. 

In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I sit down with Aaron Nosbisch, founder and CEO of Brez, to explore the incredible journey behind his innovative cannabis beverage brand. Aaron opens up about the challenges and triumphs of building a product that provides an enjoyable, alcohol-free alternative and delivers on a mission to help people feel good without the usual downsides. His insights into entrepreneurship, wellness, and the power of making meaningful connections are inspiring and relatable for anyone navigating their own journey. We also explore Aaron’s personal story of perseverance, where he reflects on the importance of support networks, the entrepreneurial hustle, and how gratitude has shaped his life and business. Whether you’re curious about the cannabis beverage industry or looking for ways to foster a healthy, balanced lifestyle, Aaron’s thoughtful perspective is sure to resonate. Key Moments in the Podcast: - Aaron shares how his wife’s words of affirmation helped him through moments of self-doubt and stress. - Insight into the challenges of marketing cannabis products in an industry with many advertising roadblocks. - The unique journey of scaling Brez as a direct-to-consumer cannabis beverage brand, offering a healthier alternative to alcohol. - A look at the powerful role of lion’s mane and other ingredients in Brez, making it a smarter, social drink option. - Aaron’s deep reflections on why feeling good doesn’t have to come with negative consequences and how Brez changes how we think about social drinking. Join us in listening to this episode and discover how Aaron is changing the game with Brez, offering a new way to relax, connect, and feel good without compromise. For more on Brez, visit: https://www.drinkbrez.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 Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand Increase customer lifetime value, Expand into the US market, Create an omnipresent and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.  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.

In this insightful episode, Rose Hamilton, founder of Compass Rose Ventures, welcomes back Marc Washington, the brilliant founder and CEO of Supergut, a gut health nutrition company revolutionizing the wellness space.  Marc shares the deeply personal motivation behind Supergut and his mission to create science-backed, functional nutrition products that improve gut health, help with appetite control, and promote overall metabolic well-being.  His journey from being a health and wellness executive to a passionate entrepreneur is both inspiring and informative as he dives into the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that is both functional and enjoyable. We also explore the fascinating connection between gut health and the body’s natural ability to produce satiety hormones like GLP-1. Marc explains how Supergut offers a natural, prebiotic-packed solution to help consumers stay healthier without relying on pharmaceuticals.  Whether you’re interested in nutrition, health innovation, or entrepreneurship, Marc’s insights will leave you thinking about your gut health in a whole new way! Key Moments in the Podcast:  - Marc’s personal story of loss and how it ignited his passion to create Supergut. The science behind prebiotics and how they naturally enhance gut health and metabolic function. - How the “Ozempic era” opened doors for Supergut to educate consumers about GLP-1 hormones. - The importance of taste and convenience in making Supergut a sustainable part of consumers’ lives. - Marc’s advice on resilience and perseverance for entrepreneurs building impactful brands. Join us for this enlightening episode with Marc Washington as we explore the science of gut health, the power of functional nutrition, and the journey of entrepreneurship. You won't want to miss it! For more on Supergut, visit: https://www.supergut.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 Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.  Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What is the secret shared by fast-growing Health & Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a complimentary "influencer strategy plan session" that you own whether you utilize Augmentum or use in-house. Visit our unique link above.