Shopify Masters

Ryan Rouse, the President of MALK, shares his journey scaling the organic plant-based milk brand to $100M in revenue. He reveals how his finance background informed his approach to direct-to-consumer sales. Ryan discusses shifting MALK's messaging to focus on taste and the importance of organic user-generated content in amplifying visibility. He emphasizes the need for diverse sales channels and hiring experienced talent to scale effectively. Throughout, he shares strategies to maintain enjoyment in business while navigating growth challenges.

In this episode, Julie Brown, co-founder of Province of Canada, shares her inspiring journey of turning a $1,500 investment into a thriving apparel brand with seven-figure revenues. She explains how community building and daily content creation fueled organic growth while discussing the impact of her Canadian roots on the brand's identity. Julie also emphasizes the importance of customer feedback in product development and reflects on the challenges and triumphs of operating a retail store, especially during COVID.

Adrian Solgaard, founder of Solgaard, transformed ocean-bound plastic into a successful travel brand focused on sustainability. He shares his journey from video production to launching innovative products like the solar-powered LifePack backpack. Adrian discusses the power of storytelling in crowdfunding, the importance of customer-first product design, and how he uses collaborations to tackle user pain points. He emphasizes impact over profit, his sourcing methods for eco-friendly materials, and gives insights on navigating business growth and team dynamics.

Dan Demsky, Co-founder and CEO of Unbound Merino, shares his journey from an Indiegogo launch to nearly $100M in sales. He reveals how friendships can fuel entrepreneurial success and recounts the discovery of merino wool during a trip that inspired his stylish t-shirts for travelers. Dan discusses mastering Meta marketing, breaking even on first purchases, and transitioning from founder to CEO. He emphasizes the importance of community and word-of-mouth, particularly among women, and envisions Unbound as a leading lifestyle brand.

Launched with $4000 in 2020, footwear brand Larroudé scaled to 550 staff and nine-digit revenue within five years using vertical integration and a direct-to-demand model.For more on Larroudé and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Fashion entrepreneur Stephanie Ibbitson shares how writing a solid business plan transformed her struggling handbag brand into a profitable company. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Arjun Sofat, founder of Free Soul, shares his inspiring journey from a bootstrap startup to an eight-figure wellness brand focused on women's health. He discusses innovative ways to find customers without a marketing budget, including grassroots outreach and sample giveaways at gyms. Arjun emphasizes the importance of unit economics and first-order profitability before advertising. He also highlights how customer feedback drives product development and the significance of aligning with supportive investors for sustainable growth.

Michelle Shemilt developed Numi undershirts after realizing women lacked sweat-proof undergarments. Learn how to scale a million-dollar fashion brand with no previous experience.For more on Numi and show notes click here.   Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Stratus owner Ricky Jones turned a $4000 buy into a thriving ski brand—doubling revenue with passion, niche focus, and authentic community.For more on Stratus and show notes click here. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Teek Chandler, founder of Chandler Honey, shares her journey of transforming a family beekeeping legacy into a booming specialty honey brand. She reveals how she managed to grow her business by $10K monthly during a four-month maternity leave through effective systems, email automation, and strategic delegation. Teek discusses the importance of organic marketing and choosing the right retail partners, while emphasizing the value of keeping production control and exploring wellness trends in gourmet honey.