The Story of a Brand Show

From the moment I met Annie Meyer, Co-founder & CEO of Untoxicated, I could tell she was building something special. In this episode, we dive deep into her journey with Untoxicated, a mission-driven skincare brand formulated for people with sensitive skin and built around science, empathy, and real impact. Annie opens up about the personal skin struggles that led her to co-found the brand, how she partnered with an allergist from the Cleveland Clinic, and what it means to create skincare that's not just clean but truly allergen-free. We also discuss entrepreneurship, product-market fit, and what it takes to build a brand that prioritizes people over profit. Annie's insights on distribution, innovation, and bootstrapping are gold for any founder trying to break into the crowded CPG space. Here are some key moments from the episode: * Why "less is more" when formulating products for real skin sensitivities * How saying "no" to retailers helped them stay focused on long-term scale * The power of DTC and Amazon to build trust before entering retail * The decision to price products accessibly, even when investors pushed back * Why partnering with a doctor sets a new standard for skin health Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the full episode and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to launch a truly purpose-driven brand in beauty. For more on Untoxicated, visit: https://www.untoxicated.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. 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 today, you can join the community for $1 for your first 30 days!

As someone who's had the pleasure of working closely with Sachi Singh, the Founder & CEO of Rootless, I knew this episode would be special. Sachi isn't just building a product. She's building a movement rooted in impact, education, and transformation. In this conversation, we explore Rootless's origin story, how seaweed became the brand's "hero ingredient," and the systems thinking that underpins her entire approach to food, wellness, and the planet. We also discuss how Rootless is bridging the gap between food and medicine, creating a daily ritual that empowers women to feel better. Starting with iodine-rich, whole-food bites that taste as good as they are good for you, Sachi shares her philosophy on customer-led product development, the importance of regenerative sourcing, and why the future of women's health is personal, accessible, and community-driven. Here are some highlights from the episode: * Why seaweed could be the future of food and farming, and why your thyroid needs it * How Sachi used systems thinking to turn complex climate and nutrition issues into consumer action * The simple but powerful way Rootless collects feedback from its community * How she's balancing DTC-first growth with a scalable, retention-focused model * Her lessons on gut instinct, building from wholeness, and designing a brand with purpose Join me, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, in listening to the episode and learning what it really takes to launch a mission-driven brand that will change how we nourish ourselves and the planet. For more on Rootless, visit: https://getrootless.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.

When it comes to fueling ambition, some stories are just unforgettable. In this episode, Rose Hamilton, founder of Compass Rose Venture, sits down with Scott Turner and Nick Lagonia, the powerhouse duo behind Misery & Mayhem, a new protein-packed oatmeal brand that's redefining what "fuel" really means for athletes and everyday warriors alike. We dive deep into how two former Peloton team members turned their personal fitness journeys and frustrations into a brand that's all about perseverance, grit, and getting after it — one bowl at a time. I loved this conversation because Scott and Nick embody the heart of entrepreneurship: bootstrapping their way forward, listening closely to their customers, and creating a product that isn't just high-quality, but also emotional, bold, and stands for something. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a fitness enthusiast, or love a good founder story, you'll walk away inspired. Here are just a few highlights from this episode: 💪 How a "no-frills" gym experience sparked the idea for a high-protein, organic oatmeal brand. 🥣 Why combining complex carbs and whey protein in one product became their ultimate differentiator. 🚀 Lessons on bootstrapping, testing, and building a brand community from the ground up. 🎯 Why flavor, texture, and customer feedback were non-negotiables from Day One. 🧠 The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship — and the power of patience and resilience. Join Rose Hamilton in listening to the full episode and get an inside look at launching a disruptive brand in a legacy category. For more on Misery & Mayhem, visit: https://miseryandmayhem.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 a consistent omnichannel presence, 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.

In this episode, I sit down with João Esteves, founder of DiVERGE Sneakers, a brand that's rewriting the rules of footwear from the ground up. We discuss why customization matters, how DiVERGE puts the customer's individuality front and center, and what it truly takes to build a business rooted in purpose, not just profit. João opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, including the emotional resilience required to stay the course and the people who believed in him when the business needed it most. From launching a brand inspired by a Robert Frost poem to becoming a B Corp committed to people and the planet, João shares how DiVERGE is challenging mass production and the wasteful norms of the fashion industry. We also dive into the brand's incredible social impact program that helps underprivileged youth design their own shoes and share their stories with the world. 🎙️ Key Highlights from the Episode * Why João built a brand around personalization and empowerment * The emotional resilience required to start a business later in life * How DiVERGE is combating fashion overproduction and landfill waste * The power of a B Corp to align values with action * Training underserved youth to design sneakers and share their stories Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to how DiVERGE is helping people make their own way, one custom sneaker at a time. Whether you're into fashion, sustainability, or founder stories that go deep, this one's for you. For more on DiVERGE Sneakers visit: https://www.diverge-sneakers.com/en-us 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 a consistent omnichannel presence, 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.

On today's episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I'm joined by Lauren Picasso, the founder and CEO of Cure Hydration. What started as a personal struggle with staying hydrated as an endurance athlete led Lauren to launch a science-backed, clean-label hydration brand that is now available in thousands of retail stores. We talked about how she identified the gap in the hydration category, built Cure from the ground up (including mixing formulas at home), and the strategic choices that helped the brand scale across DTC and retail. Lauren didn't come from the CPG world, but her background in e-commerce and performance marketing helped her build a brand that's both mission-driven and data-informed. She shares how DTC insights led to major pivots in product format and packaging, why launching in CVS was a game-changer early on, and how Cure's clean ingredients and powder format offer a better, more sustainable alternative to traditional sports drinks. Here's what we cover in this episode: * Why coconut water powder + salt = hydration magic * The moment CVS expanded Cure to 3,000+ stores—and what it unlocked * The value of launching DTC before going retail * The surprising reason most customers buy Cure (hint: it's not just for athletes) * Expanding into a kids' line (with flavors kid-tested and approved) Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to the episode and get inspired by how one founder turned a personal need into a rapidly growing wellness brand, redefining what it means to stay truly hydrated. For more on Cure Hydration, visit: https://www.curehydration.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.

In this episode, I sat down with Vicky Pasche, the incredible force behind Dapper Boi, a gender-inclusive, size-inclusive apparel brand with a mission rooted in confidence and authenticity. What began as Vicky's search for clothes that fit her body and identity has grown into a full-blown movement. From scrappy Kickstarter launches to launching on Nordstrom, this is a story of resilience, creativity, and staying true to your why. We talk about the power of fit, why confidence is Dapper Boi's actual product, and the wild ride of building a business from scratch. Vicky doesn't hold back; she shares the highs, the lows, the viral videos, the sacrifices (including selling her house), and what it means to truly serve a community that has long been ignored by mainstream fashion. 🔑 Key Highlights from the Episode: * How Dapper Boi started with two sizes and a dream, and why jeans came before everything else * The low-budget, high-impact pre-order model that scaled the brand from $30K to $1M+ * What happened on Shark Tank (and the win that came after) * Behind-the-scenes sacrifices: selling their home to save the business * Why Vicky believes fashion isn't about gender—it's about confidence Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to this empowering, heartfelt, and fun episode, which proves that clothing can do so much more than dress the body—it can transform lives. For more on Dapper Boi, visit: https://www.dapperboi.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create a consistent omnichannel presence, 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 experienced a significant improvement in their heart health in just two weeks! Visit goodehealth.com today and use promo code STORY30 for 30% off now!

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Bronstad, CEO of Malk Organics, and talk about the journey of not just leading a clean-label brand but rebuilding it from the inside out. Jason shares how a deeply personal career pivot led him to a mission-driven company that's transforming the plant-based milk category, one clean ingredient at a time. We get into the weeds from SKU rationalization and shelf life extension to the emotional lessons of transparent leadership and brand stewardship. What happens when your consumers call you out on social media? You listen, and you learn, and Jason shares exactly how his team responded and evolved. 🥛 Key Moments in This Episode: * The "kerfluffle of '21" and what it taught the team about transparency * Why fewer ingredients = harder formulations (and how they solved for it) * How shelf life innovation unlocked national growth opportunities * What Jason learned from running a company and raising kids at the same time * How leading with humility and gratitude transformed company culture Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to this thoughtful and eye-opening episode that goes beyond CPG and into the heart of leadership, brand building, and consumer trust. Whether you're a founder, a parent, or a plant-based milk fan—this one's for you. For more on Malk Organics, visit: https://malkorganics.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 sit down with Dan Abel, Co-founder and CEO of Pilot Project Brewing, a first-of-its-kind beverage incubator helping brands navigate one of the most competitive and complex CPG categories: beverages. From launching home-brew experiments in his garage to opening multi-location tasting rooms and scaling more than 20 innovative brands, Dan shares the real story behind building an incubator that acts more like a record label than a traditional brewery. We discuss how Pilot Project removes barriers for founders, democratizes access to manufacturing and distribution, and gathers real-time consumer data to help determine which brands will succeed. Dan also shares lessons on entrepreneurship, brand validation, and why beverage founders shouldn't go it alone. Key Moments in This Episode: * How Pilot Project Brewing was inspired by the music industry's support system for creatives * Why real product validation means gathering comparative data, not just compliments * What founders need to know about packaging, shelf presence, and customer experience * The trends Dan sees emerging from over 1,200 brand applications (including what's next) * How this incubator helped a non-alcoholic brand scale and get acquired in under two years Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this episode for a deep look into how smart support systems and shared resources are reshaping the beverage world. Whether you're a founder or a fan of what's next, this one's for you. For more on Pilot Project Brewing, visit: https://www.pilotprojectbrewing.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 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 honor of sitting down with Julie Smolyansky, President, CEO, and Chairwoman of Lifeway Foods, a pioneering brand behind the kefir movement in the U.S. We dive deep into Julie's incredible family story, from escaping the Soviet Union with just $116 to building a nearly $200M company that now owns 95% of the global kefir category. Julie shares how her father's dream, her mother's entrepreneurial spirit, and her own grit helped turn a probiotic-rich dairy drink into a wellness staple for millions. We also discuss the science behind kefir, staying innovative while running a public company, and how Julie is standing strong in the face of a hostile takeover attempt. This isn't just a conversation about dairy; it's about resilience, passion, legacy, and the powerful connection between gut health and life. Key Moments in This Episode: * 🇺🇸 Julie's immigrant journey—from fleeing the Soviet Union to becoming a public company CEO at 27 * 🥛 Why kefir is a probiotic powerhouse—and how it supports digestion, immunity, and mental health * 🔬 The science behind dairy-based probiotics and how they outperform supplements * 💪 The legacy of resilience and why Julie says, "you have to learn how to take a punch" * 🚫 How she's fighting off a hostile takeover and defending the brand her father built Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this powerful and inspiring founder story where food meets science, heritage fuels innovation, and fighting for what matters takes center stage. For more on Lifeway, visit: https://lifewaykefir.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 chat with Charlie Weisman, the creative force behind Staff, a brand that's reimagining the most overlooked items in your home such as plungers, lint rollers, and oven mitts with joy, color, and a whole lot of personality. What started as a quirky side project during the COVID lockdown turned into a design-forward brand now making waves with retailers, collaborators, and even celebrities like Drew Barrymore. Charlie opens up about building Staff from scratch, why he didn't tell anyone what he was working on, and how trusting his instincts (plus a little naivete in the beginning) helped him take a bold, playful idea and turn it into something unforgettable. From early retail wins to lessons in manufacturing and shipping, this one's packed with insights and good vibes. 💡 Key Moments in This Episode: How a cheerful plunger sparked a movement of "happy household helpers" Why Charlie believes in showing, not telling, when launching new ideas The product design process—from colored pencils to customer love How organic social media buzz and retail demand grew the brand fast Staff's approach to unexpected collabs with brands like Clorox and Instacart Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this episode, filled with creativity, optimism, and a whole new way of looking at the most ordinary objects in your home. For more on Staff, visit: https://meetyourstaff.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 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. 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!