Shopify Masters

Leon Hughes, a partner at Piper and organizer of Shopify Geekmeets, shares his wealth of experience in developing digital strategies for consumer brands. He breaks down the unique dynamics of private equity versus venture capital and highlights how strategic partnerships can fuel e-commerce growth. The conversation covers essential tools for maximizing the Shopify ecosystem, the significance of key metrics in evaluating business performance, and the impact of collaborative meetups for e-commerce founders.

Leah Marquez and Yasaman Bhaktihar, co-founders of Good Girl Snacks, share their journey of creating a viral pickle brand known for its heritage-inspired flavors. They discuss their innovative marketing methods that required zero ad spend and how community engagement shaped their product development. The duo recounts overcoming challenges, like sourcing organic cucumbers, which led to clever influencer partnerships. Plus, they highlight the importance of networking and maintaining brand identity while reaching out to new markets, especially for Gen Z.

Julie Carty, founder of LatchLight, shares her journey of creating a wearable light for breastfeeding mothers despite having no design background. She discusses the challenges of product development, emphasizing the importance of user feedback and iterative design. Julie highlights the impact of harsh lighting on new parents and the innovative solutions she developed. She also delves into selecting the right manufacturing partner and navigating the transition to direct-to-consumer sales, fueled by a heartfelt mission shaped by her experiences in Cuba.

Simon Donato, Founder and CEO of Stoked Oats, shares his journey from farmer's markets to major retail success. He emphasizes the importance of passion in building a brand that fits your lifestyle. The conversation covers navigating the launch of a healthy food brand, community engagement, and the need for genuine relationships in sales. Donato also discusses balancing an athletic career with entrepreneurship and highlights resilience and collaboration as key to overcoming challenges. His insights offer a fresh perspective on thriving in a competitive market.

Hud Oberly, the indigenous founder and designer of Here’s 2 You, shares his inspiring journey of blending creativity with cultural heritage in his clothing line. He emphasizes the importance of personal connections and community support in entrepreneurship. The conversation dives into empowering Indigenous artistry, the meticulous craftsmanship behind his debut designs, and the vibrant community engagement that drives his brand. Hud also discusses balancing traditional values with modern expression and the transformative power of networking in Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Chris Sherman, CEO of Island Creek Oysters, shares his inspiring journey from a local oyster farm to a thriving e-commerce operation shipping to 46 states. He discusses the transition from traditional seafood retail to innovative digital marketing strategies that boost customer loyalty. Sherman emphasizes the blend of analog and digital methods, creating aspirational content around premium oysters, and building a vibrant team culture while scaling from five to 120 employees. He also touches on partnerships with Michelin-starred restaurants, emphasizing quality and collaboration in the aquaculture industry.

Explore the journey of an indigenous hip-hop duo who weave storytelling into their brand. They share their evolution from hand-selling merch to creating a global presence. Discover the significance of community identity and resilience in their music. The duo emphasizes grassroots growth for aspiring artists, focusing on perseverance and strategic marketing. Their unique 'Savage Kids' clothing line highlights self-expression and authenticity, showcasing the power of collaboration and the connection with dedicated fans.

Heather Aiu and Rachael Leinaʻala Soares, co-founders of Aloha Collection, launched their splash-proof bag business with just $4,000. They share their inspiring journey from a Kickstarter campaign to securing key distributor relationships at trade shows. The duo discusses the importance of cash flow management and overcoming production hurdles, emphasizing effective communication and strong partnerships. They also reflect on navigating friendship in business and their vision for a global brand that embodies the spirit of Aloha.

Colleen Echo Hawk, CEO of Eighth Generation and advocate for ethical artist partnerships, shares her journey from rural Alaska to the helm of a thriving Native American lifestyle brand. She delves into the unique tribal ownership model, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with Native artists for authentic representation. Topics include the cultural significance of Native textiles, the power of storytelling, and how effective e-commerce solutions like Shopify enhance outreach. Colleen's insights highlight resilience and the transformative potential of supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship.

In this engaging conversation, Josh Luber, co-founder of StockX and Fanatics Collectibles, shares his expertise in the hype economy and how it shapes consumer behavior. He dives into the nostalgia-driven collectible toy market, discussing growth strategies and the significance of brand collaborations. Josh emphasizes the power of scarcity and innovative pricing models to generate excitement for new releases. He also reflects on building a business fueled by passion and the complexities of partnering with friends in the ever-expanding collectibles landscape.