Social Currency with Sammi Cohen

Dive into the chaotic launch of a Tribeca grocery store that sparked wild social media reactions. From undercooked chicken nuggets to a viral mouse sighting, discover how one store's opening became a cultural phenomenon. Explore the founder's journey from investment to retail and the hype fueled by TikTok. Delve into the idea of food as a modern status symbol and how luxury perceptions twist our shopping habits. Get ready for a rollercoaster of PR disasters and social commentary on consumerism!

Babba Rivera, Founder and CEO of Ceremonia, a haircare brand celebrating Latin heritage, shares her inspiring journey from agency work to building a culturally-rooted business. She reflects on blending her Swedish upbringing with her Chilean roots, early beauty rituals, and tough lessons from leading teams at Uber. Babba discusses rapidly growing Ceremonia, securing funding during COVID, and how she turned marketing cuts into profitability. She emphasizes a community-first approach in beauty and the importance of supporting Hispanic consumer narratives.

A deep dive into the acquisition of Hailey Bieber's Rhode by e.l.f. reveals groundbreaking transparency in financials. Discover the impressive 9x marketing efficiency and why low production costs are key to Rhode's business model. The record launch at Sephora and the brand's unique challenges with limited SKUs are also discussed. Plus, insights on how Rhode's approach to cultural capital compares to Fenty show the evolving landscape of celebrity beauty brands. Hailey’s personal involvement is highlighted as a major asset.

Julia Cheek, Founder and CEO of Everlywell, revolutionizes health diagnostics with her at-home testing company. She shares her journey from a frustrating lab experience that sparked her entrepreneurial spirit to the pivotal moments during COVID when Everlywell scaled rapidly. Julia also recounts her Shark Tank experience, the challenges of fundraising as a female founder, and her vision for the future of proactive healthcare, including biohacking and telehealth innovation. Her insights on consumer trust and insurance integration are particularly enlightening.

Discover the allure of The Row, where silence speaks volumes in luxury fashion. Dive into the chaos of a sample sale that sparked nine-hour lines and TikTok frenzy. Sammi explores the Olsens' brand evolution and examines a surprising breakup with a major influencer. Can a label known for exclusivity maintain its mystique amid rapid growth? Tune in to unravel the tension between luxury and accessibility in today's fashion landscape.

Jaclyn Johnson, founder of Create & Cultivate, and Marina Middleton, its CEO, dive into their remarkable journey of building and reclaiming a powerful community for women in business. They discuss the nuances of scaling events while fostering intimacy, the balance between profit and accessibility, and effective brand partnership strategies. Jaclyn reveals the motivations behind her audacious decision to reacquire the company, and both share insights on why in-person events still reign supreme as they navigate the future of community.

Discover the thrilling saga of PayPal’s rise from chaotic rivalry to startup powerhouse. Delve into the infamous coup that saw Elon Musk ousted on his honeymoon. Uncover how a group of ambitious misfits revolutionized financial trust and tech culture, leading to the creation of giants like Tesla and LinkedIn. Learn about their grueling work ethic, tribal loyalty, and the unique principles they spread across Silicon Valley. Explore how this iconic origin story reshaped the founder archetype and continues to influence today's tech landscape.

Marina and Ricardo Larroudé, dynamic co-founders of Larroudé, share their journey from job loss to launching a successful footwear brand. Marina, a former Teen Vogue fashion director, focuses on innovative design, while Ricardo, an ex-financier, drives operations and strategy. They discuss their unique direct-to-demand model, building a factory in Brazil, and using pre-orders to manage costs. The duo emphasizes product quality and customer satisfaction, while navigating challenges like return-to-vendor dynamics. Their inspiring story showcases resilience and creativity in business.

Discover the rise of microdramas, those addictive 90-second shows reshaping entertainment. Sammi Cohen explores how they generate billions, outpacing traditional Hollywood blockbusters. With a focus on AI-driven production and phone-first formats, these stories cater to diminishing attention spans. Learn why platforms like YouTube are thriving while Quibi faltered. Dive into the psychology behind viewer engagement, the business models at play, and what this all means for the future of storytelling in a digital age.

Gwen Whiting, co-founder of The Laundress, reflects on her journey transforming laundry into a luxury brand before its acquisition by Unilever, which led to unforeseen challenges. She discusses the stark culture clash between indie startups and corporations, facing a massive product recall, and the gender dynamics in business. Gwen shares her resilience in launching The Fill, a home wellness company, focusing on sustainability and community. Her candid insights on acquisitions and navigating entrepreneurial pitfalls are essential for any founder.