Shopify Masters

Amanda McClements, owner of Salt and Sundry and a former journalist, shares her transition to retail, emphasizing the importance of community in small business. She discusses integrating storytelling into her shop to connect with customers and makers. Amanda offers insights on overcoming early entrepreneurial challenges, creating an authentic in-store experience, and balancing ambition with caution during expansion. She underlines the value of unique perspectives in crafting personal shopping experiences and highlights the ongoing demand for authenticity in a competitive market.

Ryan Bartlett, Founder of True Classic, shares how he transformed a vision for better-fitting men’s t-shirts into a nearly billion-dollar apparel brand. He dives into the power of content marketing, clever Facebook ads, and a dash of comedy to drive conversions. Ryan discusses his journey from audio design to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of understanding return on ad spend. He highlights the balance between brand development and immediate sales, showcasing their innovative customer engagement strategies and commitment to philanthropy.

Michelle Jimenez-Meggiato and Andrea Meggiato, co-founders of Incredifulls, dive into the exciting process of launching their Breakfast Cups, expanding beyond their popular Pizza Cupcakes. They discuss the importance of market feedback in product development and the challenges of scaling while maintaining quality. The duo shares insights on partnering with major retailers and the thrill of their participation in Expo West, where their new offerings were enthusiastically received. They also reflect on the strategic decisions made during their growth journey and the transformative impact of appearing on Shark Tank.

Steven Farag, CEO of Campus Ink and the NIL Store, shares his journey from a college side hustle to a thriving sports merchandising business. He discusses how their print-on-demand model empowers college athletes to monetize their personal brands. Steven also highlights the impact of generational workplace diversity and the importance of persistence in securing investments, including funding from Mark Cuban. Additionally, he explores sustainable merchandising practices that enhance community engagement and athlete empowerment.

Diaspora Co. founder Sana Javeri Kadri disrupted the 500-year-old spice industry by paying farmers fairly and establishing community-driven growth to build a multimillion-dollar ethical business.For more on Diaspora Co. and show notes click here.  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Ecommerce expert and agency founder Andrew Faris shares how he uses "P&L design" to increase margins and run online businesses efficiently. He's now applying some of these strategies to launch his own upcoming consumer brand. Andrew shares his tips for iterating and testing creative, spending more efficiently on ad creative, and saving on variable costs like manufacturing and shipping.For more about Andrew Faris: https://www.shopify.com/blog/andrew-faris-pnl  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Morgan Cross, founder of Original Duckhead, shares her inspiring journey of turning a classic product into a sustainable umbrella brand. She emphasizes innovative retail strategies by forming partnerships with established retailers and leveraging customer data. The conversation touches on the alarming rate of umbrella waste and the shift towards e-commerce for enhanced customer engagement. Morgan also discusses the importance of team culture, strategic design collaborations, and the crucial role of data-driven decision-making in scaling her business.

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. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.