Startup to Storefront

Today, we’re sitting down with Matteo Franceschetti, the founder and CEO of Eight Sleep—a company revolutionizing the way we think about rest, recovery, and human potential. Matteo has always been obsessed with performance—whether it was on the slopes as a competitive ski racer in his native Italy, on the tennis court, or behind the wheel of a race car. That same drive propelled him into the legal world and led him to launch not one, but two clean-tech companies across two continents—all before the age of 30. But with success came sleepless nights. Frustrated by the lack of innovation in sleep technology, Matteo set out to change that. He founded Eight Sleep, a company turning the bed into a seamless health platform designed to optimize sleep, improve performance, and even extend longevity. On this week’s episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How elite athletes, including Formula 1 drivers and professional sports teams, are using Eight Sleep to gain a competitive edge. ✅ Why sleep is the next frontier in a multi-billion-dollar wellness revolution—and how technology is transforming the way we rest. ✅ The science behind sleep temperature, and why getting it right can be the key to deeper, more restorative sleep. From athlete to entrepreneur, from restless nights to unlocking the science of better sleep, Matteo’s path to building Eight Sleep has been anything but ordinary. Join us as we explore the intersection of technology and wellness, the future of sleep optimization, and how Matteo is redefining what it means to rest well and perform at your peak. 

Today on Startup to Storefront, we’re sitting down with Troy Taylor, a globally recognized leader in human performance and innovation. With a career spanning seven Olympic Games, Troy has worked with over 500 Olympians and 50 Olympic medalists, helping athletes reach peak performance on the world’s biggest stage. As the former High Performance Director at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, he played a pivotal role in securing 15 Olympic medals—including seven gold—at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. Now, as the Senior Director of Performance & Innovation at Tonal, Troy is bringing his expertise to the world of connected fitness. Tonal, the pioneer behind the world’s smartest strength training system, is redefining how people train by combining revolutionary digital weight technology with AI-powered coaching. From strength training and HIIT to mobility and recovery, Tonal adapts to each user’s needs, helping them break through plateaus and reach their full potential. On this week's episode, you’ll learn:  Why most fitness apps fail—and the science behind keeping people engaged in long-term fitness  The shocking reason 90% of people quit the gym—and how technology is changing the way we approach strength training  Everything you need to know about Tonal—from its game-changing features to cost, installation, and whether it’s worth the investment Get ready for an episode packed with expert insights, industry secrets, and a deep dive into the future of fitness.  

This week on Startup to Storefront: Garrett Markenson, Founder of REVERIE  Over a decade ago, industry-leading hairstylist Garrett Markenson set out to change the way we think about hair. Frustrated by the industry's approach, he created REVERIE—a brand rooted in integrity, innovation, and clean, effective formulas designed to truly nurture hair. Beyond being a visionary in haircare, Garrett shares how becoming a hairstylist was a liberating, life-changing decision—one that shaped his perspective on creativity, business, and sustainability. This week, we dive into:  Haircare secrets you need to know  Garrett’s journey to building a brand that disrupts the industry  The art of hairdressing & why it’s more than just a profession Tune in to hear how he’s redefining beauty, one thoughtful formula at a time. 

 From Celeb Fashion to Women’s Wellness Disruption!    This week on the Startup to Storefront Podcast, we’re sitting down with Alexis McClay, a powerhouse entrepreneur and philanthropist who’s been redefining industries for over 16 years.    Co-founder of NAVEN, the celeb-loved fashion brand worn by icons like the Kardashians, Taylor Swift, J Lo, and Selena Gomez, Alexis has built a career at the intersection of style, innovation, and purpose. She’s collaborated with fashion giants like Revolve and bebe, graced stages like the Forbes Women’s Summit, and even earned recognition at the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards.    Now, she’s disrupting the $5T wellness industry with KOA LIFE, a revolutionary women’s wellness brand bridging the gap between beauty and health. From peptide-infused skincare at CVS and Target to virtual clinics tackling the root causes of aging, Alexis is empowering women to thrive, not just survive.    On this week’s episode, you’ll learn: • Why staying true to yourself and rejecting societal expectations can unlock your greatest potential. • How it’s never too late to start your entrepreneurial journey. • The importance of focus and how prioritizing one goal at a time leads to greater success.    Tune in to hear how Alexis turned personal challenges into entrepreneurial triumphs, what it takes to lead in the beauty and wellness space, and her vision for the future of women’s health.   

To kick off 2025, we’re diving into CANN-uary with a brand that’s redefining the way we socialize. Our guest today is Jake Bullock, founder of Cann, the #1 leading THC-infused beverage brand in America. Jake’s entrepreneurial journey began with a bold idea: finding a better alternative to alcohol that still brings the fun but ditches the hangover. What started as small-scale experimentation with microdosed cannabis and all-natural ingredients has now grown into a thriving business leading the $1.1B cannabis beverage industry. Jake has overcome the challenges of launching a disruptive brand, navigating the complex cannabis industry, and educating a market unfamiliar with THC beverages. In less than five years, Cann has become an industry pioneer and market leader, boasting: 🌱 A 50% repeat customer rate. 🌱 THC beverages outselling Chardonnay in Minnesota, the first state to legalize their sale. 🌱 Partnerships with bars and restaurants nationwide, where Cann has become a must-have menu item. 🌱 A global supply chain that has made Cann the #1 exporter of Sicilian Blood Orange Juice.   In this episode, we’ll explore the grit and innovation it took to launch Cann in 2019, Jake’s entrepreneurial lessons in scaling a disruptive brand, and the exciting future of the cannabis and social beverage industries. And to celebrate CANN-uary, we’re hosting a giveaway! Stay tuned for details—winners will be announced this Friday! Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a fan of innovation, or curious about the booming cannabis market, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Let’s dive in!

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re thrilled to welcome DJ Kaila Troy—an international talent whose career spans music, media, and global influence. As a DJ, Kaila has shared stages with icons like Lil Wayne, Black Eyed Peas, Nelly, Keyshia Cole, and Wyclef Jean, performing in countries across Africa, India, Dubai, France, the UK, China, and more. With over 100,000 followers on Instagram and collaborations with top brands like Nike, Monster Energy, and Puma, Kaila’s influence extends far beyond the turntables. She’s been featured in major publications like Radio Times and Irish Mirror, and even made her mark on daytime TV with an appearance on ABC Chicago. And if she looks familiar, it’s because she brought her charisma to millions on Hulu and ITV Network’s Love Island UK Season 7. On this week’s episode, you’ll discover: • Kaila’s incredible DJ journey • Her unforgettable Love Island experience • What’s next for Kaila as she continues to elevate her career

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re sitting down with Sonia Hounsell and Joelle Flynn, the dynamic Co-Founders of FunkkOFF!®, the lifestyle brand redefining personal and oral care with their innovative, reusable TeethRefreshers®! With decades of experience in marketing, entrepreneurship, and invention, these powerhouse women took their game-changing product from concept to Shark Tank success—securing a deal with Robert Herjavec earlier this year. 🦈💼 On this week’s episode, you’ll learn: • Their experience on Shark Tank: Sonia and Joelle share the behind-the-scenes process of pitching their innovative product to the Sharks, what it was like standing in front of the panel, and how they secured a deal with Robert Herjavec. From preparation to the high-stakes moment, they offer valuable insights into navigating the high-pressure world of reality TV entrepreneurship. How TV transformed their business overnight: Discover how their appearance on Shark Tank catapulted FunkkOFF!® into the spotlight, resulting in increased sales, brand recognition, and invaluable opportunities. They dive into the ripple effects of the national exposure and how it changed the trajectory of their company almost immediately.  The journey of building an innovative brand: Learn how Sonia and Joelle combined decades of experience to create a product that disrupted the personal care industry. 🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts.

On this week’s episode of Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Denis Asamoah, cofounder of @forvrmood—a brand that has quickly become synonymous with luxury self-care.  Together with his partner, Jackie Aina, Denis set out to create a brand that not only delivers high-quality candles but also represents authenticity, individuality, and inclusivity in the lifestyle space. Forvr Mood began with a vision to bring joy and comfort into everyday routines. From their carefully curated scents to their premium packaging, the brand has redefined what it means to invest in self-care. But building a brand like Forvr Mood wasn’t without its challenges. In this episode, Denis takes us behind the scenes, sharing the ups and downs of their entrepreneurial journey. Here’s what you’ll learn: • How Denis and his team faced and conquered entrepreneurial fears while building a standout brand • How Forvr Mood sold an incredible 20,000 candles within hours of launching • How they developed the perfect pricing strategy that balances accessibility with luxury This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, vision, and creating a brand that lights up lives—literally and figuratively. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or just love a good success story, this episode is for you. 

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Brittney Cook, the founder of Something Sweet Dough. Brittney’s story is one of family, resilience, and purpose. What began as a labor of love has grown into a brand known for its rich, brown butter cookie dough that brings joy to kitchens everywhere—all while honoring her late father’s legacy. For Brittney, Something Sweet is more than a business; it’s a heartfelt tribute. She and her family have transformed their grief into meaningful action, channeling love and loss into a mission to spread happiness through the universal comfort of cookies. By staying deeply connected to their “why,” Brittney’s team has made thoughtful decisions to grow their brand strategically, ensuring that every step is rooted in quality and customer connection. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How Brittney built Something Sweet Dough as a tribute to her father’s memory • How her family turned a personal loss into a powerful mission for joy and connection • Why understanding their customers has been the secret to scaling at the right pace without compromising quality Get ready to be inspired by Brittney’s story—a testament to the power of family, resilience, and the simple magic of cookies that bring people together.  

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome back Loren Castle, the powerhouse Founder and CEO behind Sweet Loren’s. Loren’s journey began with a life-changing cancer diagnosis at just 22. Determined to take control of her health, she eliminated processed foods, creating a new lifestyle full of flavor and nutrition. A year later, she was cancer-free and realized her recipes—including her wholesome cookie dough—could help others enjoy delicious food that also felt good.    Fast forward to today, Sweet Loren’s is the #1 selling natural cookie dough in the U.S., available in nearly 30,000 stores nationwide. The brand has expanded to include pre-cut cookie doughs, breakfast biscuits, and an innovative new line of rolled doughs like puff pastry, pizza crust, and pie crust—all plant-based, non-GMO, and free from the top 14 allergens.   On this episode, you’ll learn:     •How Loren’s focus on emotional intelligence became a crucial tool for driving business success, helping her make genuine connections with customers, team members, and partners.     • The challenges Loren faced building Sweet Loren’s from scratch, from finding the right recipes and manufacturing partners to scaling a brand in a competitive industry, and how she navigated these early struggles.     • Loren’s inspiring transformation from cancer survivor to creator of healthy, clean treats that bring joy and indulgence to all—without compromise. Join us as Loren shares the latest developments in Sweet Loren’s mission to bring joy to everyone, one delicious, uncompromising bite at a time.