Shopify Masters

Tobi Lütke, the founder and CEO of Shopify, started his entrepreneurial journey over 20 years ago with a dream to sell snowboards online. He shares the challenges he faced, from coding struggles to navigating payment systems. Lütke discusses the passion needed for entrepreneurship and the crucial role of small businesses in local economies. He explores how incremental innovation and emerging tools, especially AI, are reshaping entrepreneurship and education, making success more accessible for new founders.

Join Babba Rivera, the founder and CEO of Ceremonia, as she shares her journey in disrupting the hair care space with a focus on Latinx heritage. She discusses evolving hair care practices and the importance of clean products. Babba emphasizes the value of consumer feedback in product development and the power of collaboration among startups. She also dives into building a brand identity that resonates within the Hispanic community and highlights innovative partnerships aimed at enhancing hair wellness.

Richard Lee, the founder of a table tennis competition company and CEO of Joola, discusses his journey from table tennis to capitalizing on the pickleball craze. He reveals the challenges of reviving a German brand while innovating paddle designs and adapting to market demands. Lee emphasizes the significance of community feedback in product development and shares insights on leveraging local expertise for e-commerce success. His passion for sports shines through as he explores the explosive growth of pickleball and how to engage meaningfully with its community.

Nick Wiseman, co-founder of Little Sesame, shares his inspiring journey from fine dining chef to hummus brand entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of formative culinary experiences and sourcing quality ingredients from local farmers. The conversation dives into the power of mentorship and community in building a brand, alongside strategies for successful product launches. Wiseman also discusses the complexities of fundraising for consumer goods and how USDA support has been pivotal in promoting sustainable practices for growth.

Bob Dalton, Founder and CEO of Sackcloth & Ashes, turned personal tragedy into purpose after his mother faced homelessness. He shares how his company donates a blanket to local shelters for every blanket sold. Bob discusses the importance of community involvement and conscious consumerism in tackling systemic homelessness. Additionally, he highlights innovative collaborations with Native American artists, merging social impact with meaningful product design. It's a powerful testament to finding purpose in business and inspiring change.

Michelle Razavi, co-founder of Elavi, shares her journey in creating low-sugar, high-protein treats. She reveals how a major production mishap became a marketing success story. The conversation covers the importance of embracing imperfections and iterative feedback for product improvement. They dive into the strategy shift from highlighting features to showcasing benefits, creating emotional connections with consumers. Additionally, Michelle discusses the challenges and excitement of breaking into Costco while emphasizing resilience in entrepreneurship.

Michael Washington, founder of USAL Project, transforms LA's outdoor scene with his focus on accessible adventures and community building. He shares his journey of creating intimate gatherings that foster genuine connections, emphasizing the significance of quality over quantity. Michael discusses strategic partnerships with big brands like Nike and REI, highlighting their organic collaborations. He also delves into the importance of design and analytics in shaping brand identity, ensuring that community engagement remains authentic and impactful.

Kyle Widrick, Founder of WIN Brands Group, has a wealth of e-commerce experience and has successfully acquired brands like Homesick and Gravity. He shares insights on tackling challenges in direct-to-consumer operations, including rising acquisition costs and the importance of multi-channel strategies. The unique appeal of nostalgic brands and growing demand for outdoor wellness products are discussed, along with how the pandemic has reshaped e-commerce and acquisition strategies. Kyle emphasizes the significance of brand momentum in a changing market.

Marcus Milione, the Founder of Minted New York, shares his journey of launching a successful fashion and jewelry brand during the pandemic. He emphasizes the power of engaging content and community feedback in building a brand. Milione discusses the challenges of transitioning from finance to entrepreneurship, highlighting the grit needed to succeed. He also reveals how TikTok has been a game changer for marketing, despite the tough competition and high costs of running a business in New York City.

Laura Low Ah Kee and Shannon Savage, co-founders of Left on Friday, share their journey from Lululemon alumni to creating a premium swimwear brand. They discuss how customer feedback shaped their product designs, leading them to outfit Canada's beach volleyball teams for the Olympics. The duo emphasizes the importance of fit, fabric, and authentic marketing strategies. Their innovative approach merges online and offline experiences, proving that personal customer connections can drive brand growth and visibility in a competitive market.