Above The Fold

This week on Above the Fold, I sat down with Kieran Mathew, GM and partner at Equip Foods, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts.We get into his journey from running a marketing agency at 19 years old to scaling a multi-million dollar eCommerce business. Kieran breaks down why transparency, trust, and real customer relationships have been the backbone of Equip’s growth, and how the brand has quietly dominated the beef protein space by focusing on quality over hype.We also get into: 🔥 The power of word-of-mouth marketing (and why “mom-fluencers” are game-changers) 🔥 Why Equip is staying lean, profitable, and intentional instead of chasing trends 🔥 How listening to customers led to first-to-market innovations like colostrum gummies 🔥 That time Gwyneth Paltrow casually gave Equip a shoutout on The Skinny ConfidentialIf you’re scaling a brand, thinking about DTC growth, or just want to hear how Equip is rewriting the rules in supplements, this one’s packed with insights you can actually use.Follow Kieran:Instagram: @kieranmathew_X: @kieranmathewLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kieranmathew/ Follow Equip Foods:Equip Foods: @equipfoodsWebsite: www.equipfoods.com -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/  Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JessCervellon

This week on Above the Fold, we’ve got a BONUS EPISODE coming in hot! Once a month, I go on LinkedIn for AfterHours LIVE—a no-BS breakdown of the biggest DTC moves, plus the kind of raw, unfiltered brand marketing advice you won’t get anywhere else. And this time, the convo was too good not to share.I sat down with the legends behind MixMix—Allison Disney, Katelin Randall, and Matt Sabo—to talk about how they’re shaking up the cannabis industry with customizable, discreet, and low-dose THC crystals.We get into the real challenges of building a CPG brand in a highly regulated space, how to market when you can’t just run ads, why nostalgia works in branding, and how MixMix is making THC consumption more approachable than ever.If you’re a brand builder, marketer, or just curious about where the THC industry is headed, this one’s for you.Listen now for insights on branding, marketing, and the low-dose movement shaping the future of cannabis!--------------------------- 📲Follow the Team:Allison Disney: linkedin.com/in/allisondisneyKatelin Randall: linkedin.com/in/katelin-randall-b0351373/Matt Sabo: linkedin.com/in/matthewsabo/🔗 Follow MixMix:Instagram: @getmixmixWebsite: www.getmixmix.com🎙️Follow Open Late Collective to catch the next AfterHours LIVE show!:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-late-collective/  -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on:  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon  • Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon  • Instagram: instagram.com/jess.cervellon

What happens when you walk away from Harvard Med School, dive into Michelin-star restaurants, and set out to change the wine industry? You get Nomadica—a wine brand that’s rewriting the rules and making fine wine fun, accessible, and cool again.In this inspiring episode, Kristin Olszewski, the founder of Nomadica, shares her incredible journey from dropping out of med school to becoming a wine mogul. Kristin saw the issues with the wine industry—too pretentious, too complicated, and definitely not in touch with younger consumers. So she created something that turned the entire industry on its head. With Nomadica, she’s making high-quality wine accessible to everyone, with fun packaging, playlists, and tasting notes that actually make sense.But before we dive into Kristin’s story, we want to take a moment to address something important. After filming, Kristin’s home was affected by the LA wildfires. While she’s safe, many in the community have lost everything. Kristin’s request? If you can, support Nomadica and donate to help those in need. Every bit makes a difference. If you’d like to make a donation and learn more, click here for vetted fundraising campaigns, and here for more information on the fires. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Kristin turned her vision into a thriving wine brand and why Nomadica is set to revolutionize the industry!--------------------------- Follow Kristin:📸 Instagram: @kristin___oTry Nomadica:📸 Instagram: @nomadica🌐 Website: www.explorenomadica.com--------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/  Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

This week, I sat down with my brothers from another mother to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts, beyond social media hype.We cover entrepreneurship, content marketing, Latino representation in business, and why customer experience is more than just good service. Plus, Josh shares how he’s handled doubt along the way (was it the content or just the abs?) and how a barbershop connection led him to co-host La Platica, one of the fastest-growing Latino podcasts, while Mark breaks down what makes real CX work.If you’re building a brand, leading a team, or just trying to figure out your next big move, this episode is packed with insight you can actually use.Listen now for tips on content, CX, and why great branding is more than just looking good on a shelf!--------------------------- Follow Josh:Instagram: @thejoshleyvaFollow Mark:Instagram: @themarkgalvezFind Taste Salud:Instagram: @tastesalud🌐 Website: www.tastesalud.com Listen to La Platica:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/la-platica/id1491416976  -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

What happens when you mix a YouTube star, startup chaos, and a coffee bean-shaped soap? You get this week’s episode of Above the Fold!Jess Cervellon sits down with Kenzie McAndrew, the powerhouse marketer behind Akira Coffee and Top of the Mornin'. Kenzie shares how her love for branding—and a college hustle redesigning logos—sparked a career that’s equal parts creativity and chaos. From making reed diffusers on an assembly line during COVID to turning Jacksepticeye’s coffee brand into a caffeine-fueled sensation, Kenzie proves that no task is too small when you’re growing a business.We talk about balancing creator-led brands with traditional marketing, navigating customer feedback (spoiler: people love a coffee soap), and designing campaigns that are as fun as they are functional. Kenzie also dishes on bundling, bold packaging, and why her favorite emails aren’t flashy—they’re real and raw.This episode is a blend of marketing genius, startup wisdom, and caffeine-fueled stories you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re building a brand or just love good coffee, grab a cup and tune in.☕ 🎧 Listen now for laughs, insights, and all the secrets behind making absurdly good coffee.Follow Kenzie:📸 Instagram: @kenziemcandrew🌐 Website: www.topofthemornincoffee.com--------------------------Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community!---------------------------Connect with Jess on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

Join dynamic best friends Jess Carroll and Jess Moran, co-founders of Chaser, as they share the hilarious origin story of their beverage brand born from college shenanigans. They delve into the trials of crafting the perfect shot chaser and the story behind their lovable mascot, Buddy. With a sprinkle of 90s nostalgia, they discuss their journey through the chaotic beverage industry and how they’re bringing fun back to the drinking experience. Get ready for laughs, entrepreneurial insights, and the scoop on making shots way better!

What happens when a juicer meets a French press and says, “Hold my pulp?” You get JUV, the brainchild of Jai Patel, who’s here to spill the juice (literally and metaphorically) on how he turned a personal juicing nightmare into a game-changing product.In this chaotic and juice-soaked episode, we channel our inner QVC hosts with a live JUV press demo—yes, things got messy. Jai talks about ditching clunky juicers, winning over influencers, and building a brand that’s as fresh as the ginger in your juice. We go deep into community vibes, scrappy growth hacks, and the fears of scaling without losing your soul (or your pulp).This episode is part entrepreneurial wisdom, part juice ASMR, and 100% proof that turning a problem into a product can be a wild (and delicious) ride. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and the secret to a killer carrot-orange-ginger juice!🎧 Tune in for tips on branding, scaling, and staying true to your vision.Follow Jai and JUV:📸 Instagram & TikTok: @getjuv🌐 Website: https://getjuv.com/🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more founder stories and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of CPG, brand strategy, marketing and customer experience.--------------------------Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community!---------------------------Connect with Jess on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/Twitter: https://twitter.com/justjessssssInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

This week, we’re diving into the world of Can-Tini, the beautifully branded, ready-to-drink espresso martini, with its founder, Henry Rathjen. 🍸✨Henry shares the inspiring founder story of Can-Tini, how it all started with a holiday bar conversation, and the journey of creating a standout product in Austin’s competitive beverage scene. From branding strategies and overcoming manufacturing challenges to building a community organically without paid ads, this conversation is packed with entrepreneurial insights.We also discuss the “Espresso Martini Effect,” how Can-Tini is becoming a lifestyle brand, and why Austin’s community is perfect for launching this innovative product. Plus, Henry teases exciting updates, including a new and improved version of Can-Tini launching soon. 🚀🌟 Topics Covered: • Can-Tini’s founder story & branding journey • Challenges of entering the alcohol industry • The role of customer feedback in product development • Organic marketing, influencer gifting, and building a community • How Can-Tini is redefining the espresso martini experienceFollow Henry and Can-Tini:📸 Instagram & TikTok: @DrinkCantini🌐 Website: https://www.can-tini.com/📍 Discover where to find Cantini near you and request it at your local store!🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more founder stories and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of CPG, brand strategy, marketing and customer experience.--------------------------Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community!---------------------------Connect with Jess on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/Twitter: https://twitter.com/justjessssssInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Ben Segal, a CX innovator who’s worked across startups, big brands, and everything in between. From his early days in hospitality to leading CX at powerhouse brands like Freshly and Thesis, Ben has redefined what it means to create unforgettable customer experiences.We dive into: • Ben’s journey from working at the Bronx Zoo to building CX teams that scale. • The difference between customer service and customer experience—and why it matters. • Why CX is a long game, not a quick fix, and how brands can win with the right strategies. • Lessons Ben learned while scaling teams at startups and how speed and creativity play a role. • The future of CX: what today’s brands need to prioritize to stay ahead.Ben’s passion for putting people first shines through, and his insights will leave you rethinking how to approach CX in your own business. Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading a team at an established brand, this episode is packed with actionable advice, big laughs, and real talk.Connect with Ben Segal • Connect with Ben Segal on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwsegal777/Let’s Connect: • Follow us on instagram: @abovethefoldpodcast • Check out my newsletter for more CX and marketing insights: www.sundaypostcards.co • Have a question or topic you want me to cover? Send an email to podcast@jesscervellon.com

In this episode, we chat with Lucy Samuel, a copywriter and brand voice expert who has lent her creative touch to some of your favorite brands, including The Bouqs, TomboyX, Hedley & Bennett and today Alle (your favorite aesthetics platform. iykyk ;)). With a background in stand-up comedy and CX, Lucy shares how her journey has shaped her ability to craft authentic, engaging content that resonates with customers.We explore the power of humor in branding, the importance of cohesive messaging across all touchpoints, and how great copy can elevate the customer experience. Whether you’re building a brand voice from scratch or refining your messaging, Lucy’s insights will inspire you to think differently about how your brand connects with its audience.[2:30 - 8:00] Transition from CX to Copywriting[8:00 - 15:00] The Role of Humor in Copywriting[15:00 - 20:00] Case Studies: Writing for The Bouqs, TomboyX, and Hedley & Bennett[20:00 - 25:00] Building a Brand Voice[25:00 - 30:00] How Good Copy Shapes Customer ExperienceTune in to hear how Lucy bridges creativity and strategy to help brands stand out and leave a lasting impression!Want to learn more about Lucy and get in touch? Hit the link below!Lucy Samuel Linkedin--------------------------Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community!---------------------------Connect with Jess on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/Twitter: https://twitter.com/justjessssssInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/---------------------------Interested in being a part of the show? Reach out at podcast@jesscervellon.com