The Story of a Brand Show

When it comes to rewriting the rules of women's health, few founders are doing it with as much heart, rigor, and clarity as Tovah Haim. In this episode, I sit down with the founder and CEO of Bodily, a brand transforming the postpartum and reproductive health space by making invisible experiences visible and giving women the support they deserve. We talk about the glaring gaps in education and product design that exist for birthing and miscarriage experiences, how Bodily is changing the narrative with science-backed, radically empathetic solutions, and what it takes to pioneer a new category while honoring a deeply personal mission. Tovah's story is one of courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to serving women on their terms. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: * Why most postpartum products weren't designed with women in mind, and how Bodily is changing that * The role of data and scientific rigor in developing Bodily's product line * Lessons on educating a consumer who's underserved, overwhelmed, and often overlooked * How the brand approaches both DTC and retail with intention and empathy * The power of building from lived experience and staying anchored to purpose as you scale Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and discover how Bodily is reshaping the future of women's health with integrity, innovation, and impact. For more on Bodily, visit: https://itsbodily.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 to learn more. Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above.

When a brand makes you smile just by looking at it, you know there's something special going on. That's exactly how I felt when I discovered IZIPIZI, a company on a mission to bring style, joy, and accessibility to eyewear. In this episode, I sit down with Charles Brun, Co-founder and CEO of IZIPIZI, to explore how they transformed a simple idea into a global lifestyle brand by leading with design, affordability, and human-centered values. Charles and I delve into IZIPIZI's journey from a class project in France to its distribution in over 7,000 stores across more than 80 countries. We talk about the power of simplicity, the discipline of great design, and how his team keeps joy at the center of their brand, even as they scale. Whether you're building a brand from scratch or looking to rediscover your "why," there's so much to learn from their intentional and inclusive approach. Here are a few highlights from the episode: * How three college friends turned a school idea into a multimillion-dollar brand. *Why international expansion starts with listening, not assumptions. * The role of simplicity, functionality, and "smile design" in standing out in a crowded market. * Building retail partnerships without losing the brand soul. * Keeping purpose and product quality aligned as you grow. Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to the full episode and get inspired by a brand that's making vision care both stylish and joyful for everyone. For more on IZIPIZI, visit: https://www.izipizi.com/us_en 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. Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they've generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND" and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.

When you meet someone building a brand with soul, you feel it. That's exactly what happened when I spoke with JW Wiseman, the founder of Curious Elixirs, a line of booze-free cocktails that doesn't just skip the alcohol but adds in adaptogens, bold flavor, and a whole lot of purpose. We discuss how this brand was born out of personal transformation, how JW is rethinking the celebration culture, and why staying curious has become a guiding principle for both life and business. This is a story about conscious consumption, brand intimacy, and staying true to your values, even when it's hard. If you're interested in building something that blends health, flavor, and meaning, this one's for you. Here are a few highlights from the episode: * Why JW calls Curious a "functional celebration" brand, not just a drink. * The role of adaptogens and how they elevate the non-alcoholic experience. * Bootstrapping and finding the right DTC growth model in a nuanced category. * How they've built deep emotional resonance with their community. * The power of naming, storytelling, and ritual in CPG branding. Join us in listening to the full episode to hear what it takes to build a movement around conscious consumption, one bottle at a time. For more on Curious Elixir, visit: https://curiouselixirs.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 to learn more. REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands they believe in. Curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.

When Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, first tried Aplós, she knew there was something different, sophisticated, calming, and beautifully intentional. In this episode, Rose sits down with David Fudge, Co-founder and CEO of Aplós, to unpack how he's not just building a brand—he's reimagining what it means to unwind. From Bonobos to beverage, David's journey is a masterclass in blending creative vision with operational strategy. We dive deep into how Aplós is breaking category codes while anchoring to timeless consumer desires. David shares how his fashion-forward, design-driven mindset helped shape a non-alcoholic spirit brand that's as emotionally resonant as it is operationally sound. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or brand strategist, this episode is full of insights that will have you rethinking what brand-building really means today. Here are a few key moments to listen for: * How David leveraged a non-beverage background to challenge industry norms—and why not knowing the rules can be an asset. * The concept of "disciplined disruption": choosing which category codes to break and which to honor. * Why bartenders—not just consumers—are key to Aplós's advocacy and growth strategy. * Building a go-to-market strategy rooted in both aspiration and data: from DTC learnings to luxury retail partnerships. * David's powerful mantra: "Be convicted in vision, malleable in strategy," and what it means for modern founders navigating fast-changing landscapes. Join us in listening to the episode to discover how David is crafting more than a product. He's creating a cultural shift in how we gather, relax, and connect. This is a story of vision, values, and the bold art of brand building. For more on Aplós, visit: https://www.aplos.world/ 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. Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven, eight, and nine-figure brand operators trade insights, solve problems, and shortcut growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error

When your product is born out of love, necessity, and a mission to help others, it shows. In this episode, I sit down with Jesslyn Rollins, CEO of BIOLYTE, the first medical-grade hydration drink formulated to deliver the benefits of an IV bag in a bottle. What started as a way to help her mom during cancer treatment has grown into a mission-driven brand helping people stay hydrated across healthcare, athletic, and everyday wellness settings. We dive into Jesslyn's inspiring entrepreneurial journey, how she leaned on her background in theater to sell products from the ground up, and how BIOLYTE's science-backed formula is shaking up a legacy category. From packaging evolution to retail expansion and customer education, this episode is packed with lessons in resilience, brand building, and staying true to your mission. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: * How a doctor's IV formula became a game-changing hydration solution * Why improv, persistence, and performance shaped Jesslyn's sales success * The power of packaging: how "IV in a bottle" doubled sales * Why dehydration isn't just about thirst and how BIOLYTE goes beyond water * What it really takes to scale a beverage brand with zero outside capital Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the full episode and discovering how BIOLYTE is helping redefine hydration, one bottle at a time. For more on BIOLYTE, visit: https://drinkbiolyte.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 to learn more. Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? 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.

Few brands impress me the way Kizik has when it comes to everyday innovation that people can use in their daily lives. In this episode, I sit down with Elizabeth Drori, the Chief Marketing Officer leading the charge at Kizik, the brand redefining how we think about footwear. These aren't just shoes; they're hands-free, high-tech, and built for real life. Whether you're a parent juggling kids, an athlete on the go, or someone seeking comfort and ease, Kizik is changing the game. And yes, I've worn the same pair for four years — that's how good they are. Elizabeth shares the evolution of Kizik — from early tech innovation to a growing global brand — and how they're making shoes that are stylish, comfortable, and built to move with you. We dive into marketing strategy, inclusive design, and why hands-free isn't just a feature, it's the future. Here are just a few highlights: * How Kizik is disrupting the footwear industry with hands-free technology * Why their "no-sacrifice" approach balances performance, comfort, and design * Scaling from DTC to retail with stores, Amazon, and international launches * The role of inclusivity and lifestyle in their expanding product line * Marketing to parents, athletes, older adults, and everyone in between Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode and discovering why hands-free might be the only way forward regarding shoes. For more on Kizik, visit: https://kizik.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 to learn more. Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they've generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND" and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lauren Corugedo, Head of Marketing at Chef Merito. Chef Merito is a family-founded Latino brand that has been bringing bold, authentic flavor to kitchens since 1985. We dove into the brand's rich heritage, how it all started in her grandfather's garage, and why staying true to their roots is more important than ever as they grow across the U.S. Lauren shares the emotional connection people have with Chef Merito seasonings, the brand's commitment to quality and innovation, and how they're keeping flavors both timeless and trend-forward. From collaborations at Dodger Stadium to growing demand in B2B and retail, this is a story of passion, perseverance, and flavor that connects generations. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: * The family story behind Chef Merito and its first seasoning, Carne Asada * How the brand balances tradition with innovation in B2B, DTC, and retail * Why adaptability is key in modern marketing and flavor development * The surprising versatility of seasonings—from tofu to stadium fries * How community feedback and family values shape every decision Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the full episode and discover what it takes to build a multigenerational brand that honors its past while cooking up the future. For more on Chef Merito, visit: https://chefmerito.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 to learn more. Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above.

When someone tells me they're going all in, I listen. That's exactly what Tommy Walsh, Founder & Owner of Shroom Bar, did when he launched Shroom Bar, a protein-packed, mushroom-fueled bar designed for focus, energy, and endurance. In this episode, Tommy shares his founder journey, from mixing mushroom powder in his drinks to building a functional bar brand targeting the MMA world (and beyond). We explore what it really takes to bring a product from kitchen to shelf: sourcing ingredients, scaling manufacturing, bootstrapping marketing, and staying committed through long product cycles. Tommy's not just building a brand—he's cultivating a lifestyle for everyday fighters, athletes, and high-performers looking for clean, daily fuel. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: * Why mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Cordyceps aren't just trendy, they're powerful tools for performance and recovery * How targeting the MMA community gave the brand a strong identity and early traction * The cash flow vs. economies-of-scale challenge every CPG founder faces * Why going "mile deep, inch wide" is the smartest early strategy for niche brands * Lessons on going DTC-first, building social as an asset, and staying laser-focused on the long game Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the full episode and hear what it really takes to go all in and build a functional food brand with purpose, grit, and hustle. For more on Shroom Bar, visit: https://eatshroombar.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 to learn more. Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above.

When I say this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom, I mean it. I sat down with Matt Orlic, founder of Qure Skincare, who's built 25+ brands over the past two decades, and survived losing $5 million when a major retailer collapsed overnight. Instead of giving up, he pivoted to DTC and built Qure, a brand redefining the skincare category through innovation, accessibility, and product efficacy. In this conversation, Matt discusses everything from emotional resilience and operating leverage to why he believes the future of skincare is tech-forward, community-driven, and built around real customer needs. His story is one of grit, reinvention, and what it really takes to scale a modern brand in today's market. Here are some key moments from our chat: * How losing millions taught Matt the value of diversification and product-market fit * Why innovation and "leverage points" are Qure's secret to sustainable growth * The power of storytelling and authenticity in an increasingly AI-driven world * How Qure balances DTC-first growth with global retail expansion * What it takes to create FDA-approved hardware and bring clinic-grade tech home Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the full episode and discovering what it takes to build a skincare brand that's not skin-deep. For more on Qure Skincare, visit: https://qureskincare.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Showa 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. Today's Highlighted Brand: Goode Health: https://www.goodehealth.com/ If you have a family history of heart disease, listen up. Now, you can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke by simply eating more polyphenols, the powerful plant nutrients found in fruits and veggies. Goode Health designed and put them all in a tasty superfood shake and conducted a clinical study! Users of Goode Health had a significant improvement in heart health in just 2 weeks! Visit goodehealth.com today and use promo code STORY30 for 30% off now!

As someone who's passionate about brands that lead with purpose and quality, my conversation with Lindsey Hickey, CEO and owner of Simek's, was a true highlight. Simek's isn't just about frozen meals; it's about nourishing people with food made from real ingredients, giving back to local communities, and doing business with integrity. In this episode, Lindsey shares her journey from joining the family business at just 26 years old to leading the company through a complete transformation from running retail stores to building a nationally distributed CPG brand. We talk about product simplification, clean ingredient innovation, what it takes to get B Corp certified, and how she balances leadership and motherhood with authenticity and purpose. Here are a few key takeaways from the episode: * Why simplifying the product line was critical to scaling, and which SKUs made the cut * How Simek's removed artificial ingredients and doubled down on real, clean, small-batch meals * Lessons learned from the brand's CPG transition, trade spend strategy, and digital evolution * Why DTC didn't make sense for frozen and how they partnered with retail to grow smarter * Their mission-driven approach to impact: from donating 13M+ meals to removing 180K+ lbs of ocean-bound plastic Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the full episode to hear how Lindsey is leading with heart, purpose, and a commitment to doing things the right way. For more on Simek's, visit: https://simeks.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 to learn more. Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they've generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND" and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.