Shopify Masters

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.

Laura Schubert and Lillian Tong, co-founders of the intimate skincare brand Fur, share their inspiring journey of breaking beauty norms with a focus on pubic hair care. They discuss overcoming initial skepticism and the importance of persistence and trust in entrepreneurship. The duo highlights their revolutionizing approach to luxury intimate care, the power of community engagement, and adapting marketing strategies in the age of social media. With humor and openness, they tackle taboo topics while fostering loyalty amongst customers.

Lindsay Silberman, founder of Hotel Lobby Candle, shares her unique journey from magazine editor to luxury candle creator. She discusses the power of storytelling in branding and the importance of authentic connections for effective PR. Lindsay reveals her experiences managing social media while maintaining creative control and the challenges of inventory management in retail. Excitingly, she hints at future product expansions that include reed diffusers and hand wash, illustrating how strategic partnerships can enhance customer experiences.

Aliyah Marandiz, Founder of Sugardoh, discusses her journey from making sugaring products in her dorm room to having them in over 300 Ulta Beauty stores. She shares the challenges of scaling artisanal beauty products, navigating manufacturing hurdles, and the importance of community support. Aliyah emphasizes the shift from traditional marketing to authentic storytelling, especially through platforms like TikTok. Her reflections on the Shark Tank experience reveal the power of genuine connections and the role they play in building a successful brand.