Shopify Masters

Jessy Klein-Fofana, Founder of LaRue PR and a former beauty brand entrepreneur, shares her expertise in crafting brand narratives and building media moments. She discusses the evolution of PR in the digital age, emphasizing the crucial shift from traditional methods to social media and influencer marketing. Jessy highlights the rising influence of affiliate marketing and the importance of authenticity in influencer partnerships. Additionally, she offers insights into managing client relationships while navigating the complex landscape of brand visibility and storytelling.

Niki Shamdasani, co-founder of Sani, a fashion brand celebrating South Asian heritage, shares her entrepreneurial journey with her sister. They discuss securing funding through innovative strategies like pitch competitions. Niki explains navigating the challenges of scaling production while upholding ethical standards. She emphasizes the power of social media for authentic connections and adapting brand identity amidst market shifts. Additionally, they explore the complexities of working with family and maintaining emotional stability in business.

Divy Ojha became passionate about creating a solution for food waste as a university student, and began building relationships to start a grocery delivery business. He discusses approaching potential partners and maintaining good relationships, plus the big change he made to make Odd Bunch's value proposition better for both customers and suppliers.For more about Odd Bunch and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/odd-bunch-relationshipsSubscribe to the Shopify Masters YouTube channel for video interviews.

Mike Jajo, co-founder of Waterboy, discusses their journey from a $700 startup to a thriving hydration brand known for its rapid TikTok growth. He emphasizes the importance of strategic restraint and a focused approach, detailing their successful pre-launch engagement and the crucial decision to acquire the waterboy.com domain. Jajo highlights their innovative customer-centric marketing strategies and how building a community has been pivotal to their brand’s identity. The conversation wraps up with insights on scaling cautiously while maintaining product quality.

Join April and Derek Mall, co-founders of Unsolicited Plant Talks, as they share their journey from casual plant care to a flourishing online business. They discuss the mental health benefits of nurturing plants and how they creatively navigated challenges during COVID-19. The couple emphasizes the importance of authenticity on social media for building a loyal community. They also dive into team dynamics, explaining how effective delegation and training help maintain a passionate workforce. Finally, they explore the excitement of live selling to enhance customer engagement.

Danielle Close, the founder of My Skin Feels and former member of the Charlotte Tilbury team, dives into the world of sustainable beauty by transforming food waste into luxury skincare. She shares her journey of creating innovative, eco-friendly products that are both profitable and fun. Danielle emphasizes the importance of intuition in partnership decisions and details the challenges of forging a unique brand identity. Balancing independence with investment opportunities and embracing self-care in the entrepreneurial landscape are also key topics she addresses.

Matthew Scanlon, founder of Naadam and sustainable cashmere innovator, shares his adventurous beginnings, including a daring cash transport across the Gobi Desert. He discusses the dual challenges of securing funding and building a meaningful DTC brand that connects with local herders. Insights into the shift towards e-commerce highlight the impact of storytelling for brand purpose. Matthew also dives into leveraging AI tools to enhance customer service and marketing, emphasizing their role in shaping sustainable business practices.

Cassidy Caulk, Founder of Kindred Label and self-taught shoemaker, shares her remarkable journey in creating a patented luxury shoe brand. She discusses the complexities of product development and the crucial steps in navigating the patent process. Cassidy highlights the importance of clear communication with manufacturers and the emotional rollercoaster of launching a brand. She also shares insights on adapting marketing strategies and the value of real-time customer feedback in enhancing product design. Join her in celebrating innovation and resilience!

Hilary Markinson, President of Reverie, a thriving clean beauty haircare brand, shares her journey of building a multi-million-dollar business without external funding. She discusses the organic growth of her salon affiliate network during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing community and education. Hilary explains the complexities of partnering with Sephora and managing diverse sales channels. She advocates for sustainable growth grounded in passion, highlighting the importance of community feedback in product development and brand loyalty.

Alice Li, the Founder and CEO of First Day, shares her inspiring journey of creating a multimillion-dollar health and wellness brand grounded in family values. She discusses the importance of preventing nutritional trauma and connecting with modern moms through authentic marketing strategies. Alice reveals how her family’s history informed their mission and the essential role of trust in a crowded vitamin market. Listeners will find valuable insights on adapting to consumer trends, building sustainable practices, and the art of effective product development.