How I Built This with Guy Raz

Vicky Tsai, founder of Tatcha, shares her inspiring journey from a corporate job to creating a skincare brand rooted in Japanese beauty rituals. After a transformative trip to Japan and an unforgettable encounter with a geisha, she defied skepticism to launch Tatcha from her parents' garage. Vicky discusses the trials of self-funding and launching a unique beauty product in a skeptical market, alongside her emotional growth and the brand's eventual $500 million acquisition by Unilever, showcasing resilience and the power of believing in one’s vision.

Steve Holmes, Founder of Springfree Trampoline and Goba Sports Group, shares valuable insights for early-stage entrepreneurs tackling unique challenges. He offers guidance on navigating tariffs for manufacturers and emphasizes the importance of identifying core customer segments. Discussions range from creating inclusive activewear to developing year-round strategies for seasonal products like bug repellant. Additionally, Holmes highlights the journey of a Caribbean-inspired chocolate brand, showcasing innovative marketing strategies and the impact of personal resilience in entrepreneurship.

Michael Acton Smith, co-founder of Calm and creator of Moshi Monsters, and Alex Tew, known for the Million Dollar Homepage, share their journey transforming meditation into a thriving app. They discuss overcoming skepticism from investors and the road to securing calm.com. The duo reflects on the rise of community-driven ventures, emphasizing creative marketing and the importance of innovative content. Their lighthearted camaraderie shines through as they highlight the joy and passion behind building a platform that promotes mental well-being.

Andy Atkins, co-owner of Bad Luck Burger Club, shares his thoughts on the potential of a brick-and-mortar expansion from his Nashville food trucks. Tiffany Narbonne, founder of T. Jazelle, discusses her journey in creating inspirational jewelry and her aspirations to partner with larger retailers. Peter Houck, founder of RinkRabbit, evaluates the prospects of international growth for his figure skating accessories, emphasizing the need for a solid domestic foundation. All three guests offer unique insights into navigating business challenges and scaling their brands.

Paul Hedrick, the visionary behind Tecovas, has transformed the cowboy boot industry by filling a market gap for quality boots at accessible prices. With roots in Texas, he undertook a journey to León, Mexico, refining every aspect of his boots. The conversation touches on his remarkable shift from consulting to entrepreneurship, overcoming early challenges in product design, and navigating the complexities of expanding to brick-and-mortar stores. Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, Hedrick shares insights into resilience and the growing allure of Western wear.

RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, shares his insights on the electric vehicle industry and offers valuable advice to early-stage entrepreneurs. He discusses the impact of trade policies on the automotive supply chain and emphasizes the need for adaptability in business. Kwadwo Swan Pimpong, founder of Crafted Glory, contemplates leaving his job to fully commit to his unique furniture brand. The duo tackles key entrepreneurial challenges like financing, growth strategies, and the art of balancing passion with practicality.

Chris Best and Hamish McKenzie, co-founders of Substack, aim to transform the writing landscape by enabling writers to connect directly with their audiences for financial support. They share their hurdles in launching the platform amidst skepticism, while also detailing their evolution from past ventures like Kik. Topics include the balance of creativity and technology, and the cultural shift in media during the COVID-19 pandemic that has empowered numerous independent voices. They also touch on strategic lessons learned and the unexpected nature of entrepreneurship.

Richard Branson, the adventurous founder of Virgin Group, shares his entrepreneurial wisdom with callers seeking guidance. He talks about his thrilling experiences, from bungee jumping to space exploration, as part of promoting Virgin's latest ventures. Branson offers insightful advice to Lola on maintaining personalization for her travel accessory brand, Ross on making a splash with his unique pool rental business, and Andrew about expanding his small-batch granola in Tennessee, blending personal anecdotes with practical strategies.

Brad Baxter, the founder of Whisker and creator of the Litter-Robot, transitioned from a successful automotive career to innovate pet care. He shares the journey of developing an automated litter box, facing skepticism from family and industry alike. Brad reveals how he transformed frustrations with traditional litter boxes into a $300 million business. From strategic marketing shifts during the pandemic to the importance of customer feedback, his story highlights resilience, creativity, and the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship.

Luis von Ahn, co-founder of Duolingo, shares his expertise on nurturing startups alongside Steph Krim, the creator of Good Things Vending. They tackle the challenge of scaling businesses while staying connected to community values. Steph seeks advice on expanding her unique vending machines that showcase local art. Luis discusses how data can reveal customer desires, aiding in strategic decision-making. Together, they explore innovative approaches to growth and emphasize the importance of understanding user behavior for entrepreneurial success.