Honest Ecommerce

As a marketing expert with over 15 years of experience in Ecommerce, Andrew Maffettone (Maff) has not only owned and managed multiple marketing companies in the Ecommerce space but has also worked in-house at multiple online selling companies, driving brands to new heights.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:23] How Andrew end up in Ecom[02:53] Chase automated himself out of a job[03:36] Andrew tried to save his dad’s company[04:21] The factors that Andrew is currently focusing on[04:53] BlueTuskr’s approach to omnichannel strategy[05:39] Raising budgets does not affect just one channel[07:11] Amazon’s “Buy with Prime” button[08:01] Andrew already implemented “Buy with Prime” before[09:33] Let your customers shop how they want to shop[10:57] A big gap between Amazon and your own website[13:18] How Bluetuskr approaches Amazon to Ecom[15:02] Don’t “half-ass” your website[16:45] Attribution across multiple platforms[18:23] Looking at budget and revenue holistically[19:19] Explaining the ad performance to clients[20:11] Determining ad spend through MER & ROAS[21:15] Proper budget allocation makes stuff fluid[22:43] Where to find Andrew and BlueTuskrResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeMarketing company for e-commerce sellers ready to accelerate their growth with robust omnichannel strategies, targeted media-buying, & data-driven analysis bluetuskr.comThe latest industry news, strategies, tips, and advice to help grow your business ecommshow.bluetuskr.comConnect with Andrew linkedin.com/in/andrewmaffChase’s guest episode on The E-Comm Show ecommshow.bluetuskr.com/how-to-scale-your-shopify-brand-through-effective-web-design-electric-eyeIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

In 2006, Ryan Alovis started Magazine Discount Center (MDC). Within a few years, Alovis bootstrapped MDC into the largest destination online for consumer magazine subscriptions. In 2016, MDC was acquired by Time Inc. In 2009, with the cash flow MDC was yielding, Alovis was able to purchase LensDirect.com, a struggling online retailer of name-brand contact lenses that was previously owned by his family. Under his leadership, LensDirect.com has grown revenues over 13000%, and has evolved into a leading online retailer of vision care products. LensDirect.com has earned continuous placement in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in the United States, and has been selected as one of the top online retailers by Internet Retailer..In 2012, Alovis co-founded Go Answer, a 24/7 outsourced contact center solution. Originally an answering service, it has blossomed into an award-winning full-service contact center handling tele, web chat, and emails/ticketing for businesses of all shapes and sizes.In 2016, with the proceeds from the MDC sale, Alovis started Pulse Health (formerly known as InTouchMD), a healthcare technology company. Pulse Health's marquee product is the Pulse Engagement Cloud - a powerful cloud-based SaaS platform that helps pharmaceutical companies better reach, engage and understand physicians & patients on an individual level. Pulse Health's client list ranges from emerging biotech to global pharmaceutical companies. In 2016, Pulse Health was selected as the most innovative company in healthcare and in 2018, Pulse Engagement Cloud was selected as the most innovative product in healthcare. The companies have evolved into multi-industry leaders, landing placement in the coveted Inc. 5000, Internet Retailers Top 1000, Long Island Business News’ 40 under 40 and a finalist in the New York Enterprise Small Business Awards. Alovis has been featured in top media outlets including Forbes, Reuters, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Fox Business, Inc. Magazine, Internet Retailer, and The New York Observer. Alovis’ companies have been the subject of multiple success stories featured in American Express, Microsoft, Trustpilot, UPS, Twilio, and Visa. At the heart of Alovis is his passion for doing good, and has managed to bring that same entrepreneurial energy to his fundraising committee, The Silver Lining Society. This New York based non-profit, which Alovis co-founded in 2006, raises money for Hope & Heroes Pediatric Cancer Fund and has raised nearly a million dollars since inception.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[00:59] What is LensDirect.com?[01:58] The early days of Ryan’s Ecom journey[03:00] The “not sexy” businesses are the one that work[04:05] Was Ryan the first one to use subs online?[04:46] Competitors mean that there is a market[05:44] When LensDirect came into the picture[07:24] From mail order to Ecommerce[08:11] Why Ryan bought back LensDirect[10:45] How Go Answer came into the picture[12:05] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[13:02] Sponsor: JSON-LD For SEO jsonld.app[14:19] Sponsor: Retention.com retention.com/honest[15:11] The advantages of human communication[17:26] What’s cooking on LensDirect and Go Answer[19:48] Another amazing brand from Ryan: Pulse Health[20:22] Where to find Ryan’s brands?Resources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeYour one stop shop for all things optical lensdirect.comThe #1 24/7 full service answering service 1888goanswer.comThe industry leader in cloud-based engagement software and services for the life science industry pulsehealth.techConnect with Ryan linkedin.com/in/ryanalovisSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appBook your demo today and get 20% off the annual commitment fee retention.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Michael Kuech Michael is half of the powerhouse team behind Your Super, one of the biggest superfood brands in the U.S. and Europe. In just over 8 years, Your Super transformed from zero to hero, with a whopping $200 million in revenue and a successful exit in October 2022. But this wasn't an ordinary business venture. This was personal. Michael's cancer diagnosis at age 24 inspired him to consider the power of food as medicine. After his recovery, he started experimenting with superfood mixes to boost his immunity and, with the help of his partner and now wife, Kristel de Groot, they created Your Super. From humble beginnings in Amsterdam, Michael led the company as CEO to quickly spread across six continents, 60+ countries and was named the fastest-growing Food & Beverage company in 2021 by Inc. Magazine. With headquarters in the U.S., Your Super has helped millions of people to change their lifestyles and feel better with the power of plants. Formerly employed by big names like Accenture and Deutsche Bank, Michael is today a sought-after industry leader, CEO, speaker, author, and e-commerce expert and is regularly featured in Forbes, TED, Inc., Cheddar TV, Good Day L.A., and The Doctors. Kristel and Michael recently published their newest book Your Super Life, and you can keep up with them on the top-ranking Your Super Life Podcast, their site kristelandmichael.com, and on social @kristelandmichael.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[00:53] What are Your Super’s products?[01:31] Why Your Super is personal for Michael[04:17] Personal solution to business potential[05:50] Michael’s advice to someone scared to start [06:38] How Your Super got its first customers[08:06] Feedback becoming a crucial factor for Your Super[10:42] The importance of emotional connection[12:17] Focus on simplicity and what you’re good at[13:26] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[14:22] Sponsor: JSON-LD For SEO jsonld.app[15:40] Sponsor: Retention.com retention.com/honest[16:31] Max out your working channels before expanding[18:17] The channels that Your Super was focused on[19:35] Michael’s book: Your Super Life[20:49] Find your passion, build your business around itResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeGet the Your Super Life book at your favorite book store: Barnes & Noble, Booksamllion, Target, Amazon, Walmart, etc Follow them on IG on @kristelandmichael and @yoursuperfoodsLearn more on kristelandmichael.com and yoursuper.comSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appBook your demo today and get 20% off the annual commitment fee retention.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Chris is a serial entrepreneur who has successfully invested in and launched eight businesses, two of which have been acquired. As one of the creators of the wildly popular and recently acquired Gentleman's Box, a high-end subscription box for men, Chris has spoken to aspiring entrepreneurs and established industry professionals at events like Digital Summit, SubSummit and several academic institutions such as Columbia Business School and George Washington University. His strong business acumen and understanding of the role of marketing and branding solidify him as a leading force in the realm of entrepreneurs. Propelled by the notion that you can always give back, Chris regularly supports emerging brands by investing in and mentoring individuals and companies that lead with purpose over profit.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[00:51] What is SubSummit?[01:22] The start of Chris’s entrepreneurial journey[02:32] The tech they used for Gentleman’s Box[03:10] Launching own brand vs launching on a marketplace[04:20] Relationships and experiences before platforms[05:19] Amazon is always your competitor online[06:19] 3 things you should provide as a subscription[06:44] Finding the initial customers for Gentleman’s Box[07:45] Identifying the customer most likely to purchase[08:27] Figuring out where your customers attention is[09:17] Being “obsessed “ at your customer[09:47] Entrepreneurs should ask what the customers want[10:38] The point where you let the customers decide[11:51] How to implement a recurring revenue model[13:21] Example: subscription for a streetwear brand[13:53] An example from the customer’s perspective[14:39] Things to look forward to SubSummit 2023[15:50] SubSummit’s Hosted Buyer Program[17:05] Learn all about subscription models in SubSummit[17:54] There are so many resources to help you grow[18:19] Sometimes, the only barrier you have is yourselfResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeThe world’s largest meetup of subscription, membership, & recurring revenue brands subsummit.comGet your Tickets to SubSummit subsummit.com/ticketsConnect with Chris linkedin.com/in/chrisgcertifiedIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Corey Hackett started working in retail at 14. He started guerrilla marketing for Top of the World at 19.He went back to school for marketing and advertising at 21 to try and figure out exactly what he was doing.After school, he worked at traditional marketing agencies for 10 years while helping Top of the World advance their brand on the side.He took over ownership of Top of the World in 2011.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[00:59] What products does TotW offer[01:43] Having been around for quite some time[03:02] Corey’s retail background and education[04:12] How Corey transitioned into owning TotW [05:33] Envisioning owning the place someday[06:54] Buying TotW vs starting over[08:09] Advantages of buying an established brand[09:45] Opportunities to improve in TotW[12:51] The big projects in Corey’s first year owning TotW[14:30] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[15:27] Sponsor: JSON-LD For SEO jsonld.app[16:44] Sponsor: Retention.com retention.com/honest[17:36] Being at talks with the early days of Shopify[18:18] Corey has met Tobi before adopting Shopify for TotW[19:55] What happened after launching TotW’s Shopify site[21:35] Becoming an unofficial QA for Shopify[22:00] Finally transitioning to Shopify[23:13] Experiencing the weird era of online ads[24:00] Being an early adopter of Instagram[25:17] Witnessing and realizing the habit of “pre-shopping”[28:02] Before starting and going all-in, have an end goal[28:48] Where to find Top of the WorldResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeOttawa's oldest and largest independent skate and snow shop topoftheworld.comFollow Top of The World Skate and Snow on Instagram @totwSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appBook your demo today and get 20% off the annual commitment fee retention.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Yong-Soo is the Founder & CEO of Urban EDC and GrowthJet, a climate-neutral certified 3PL for fast-growing e-commerce brands. He also has a French bulldog named Spotted Humphrey who has over 150k followers across all social platforms. He and his wife launched a dog boutique called Spotted By Humphrey with Humphrey as Chief Barking Officer. Yong-Soo also recently launched a new podcast called First Class Founders where he shares his entrepreneurial experiences as a 3X Founder. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[00:51] Talking about Spotted Humphrey[02:20] What Yong-Soo is up to these days[05:28] The idea and genesis of Urban EDC[07:28] Validating an idea if it’s viable as a business[08:34] Realizing that the business is scalable[10:33] Traditional vs the “drop” model[12:47] How getting banned on FB ads became an asset[14:12] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[15:09] Sponsor: JSON-LD For SEO jsonld.app[16:26] Sponsor: Retention.com retention.com/honest[17:18] The greatest asset for Urban EDC: Email list[18:18] Urban EDC’s series of email flows[20:18] Yamato Club: Urban EC’s paid membership[24:29] First Class Founders: Yong-Soo’s podcast[25:33] Don’t waste resources on something tractionless[26:00] Consistency is really important[26:40] Where to find Yong-Soo and Urban EDCResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA purveyor of artisan crafted everyday carry gear urbanedcsupply.comGrow your Ecommerce business without sacrificing the planet growthjet.comLearn proven strategies to start & grow your online business each week firstclassfounders.comConnect with Yong-Soo @YongSooChungSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appBook your demo today and get 20% off the annual commitment fee retention.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Henry Murray is the co-founder and CMO of waterdrop. With an impressive educational background, Henry is waterdrop’s resident jack of all trades. After working for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Henry joined his brother, Martin Donald Murray, and friend, Christoph Hermann, to co-found the beverage-industry disrupting company, earning him a spot on Forbes prestigious 30 under 30 list. Henry is currently in charge of overseeing waterdrop’s global expansion, with a focus on the U.S. Murray holds a Master of Science from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), an exchange semester in Business Administration and Management, General from Seoul National University, and a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration from WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business). waterdrop, the fast-growing hydration brand based in Vienna, has been shaking up the beverage industry since 2016 with its innovative waterdrop® Microdrink and global hydration platform. The company's mission is to encourage people to drink more water in a more sustainable way. Its sugar-free, flavored cubes, which dissolve in water and enrich it with natural fruit & plant extracts and valuable vitamins, have been praised by consumers for supporting them to Drink More Water. waterdrop significantly reduces plastic use and CO2 emissions. The 98% saving in plastic compared to traditional bottled drinks is achieved through the individual recyclable packaging of each cube: the plastic contained in a single cap of a traditional bottle is equivalent to 10 Microdrinks. In partnership with Plastic Bank, waterdrop pledges to collect one plastic bottle for every 12-pack sold, meaning consumers can not only drink more sustainably, but they can also support waterdrop's cause for a better environmental future. Now established for six years, the company has grown to having more than 2 million online customers and over 300 employees, as well as product listings in over 20,000 retail outlets and more than 40 waterdrop stores in Europe, America and Singapore.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:00] The products of waterdrop[03:46] The R&D process and the initial launch[05:00] How the team validated the product[06:05] The duration from R&D to product launch[07:01] Launching a CPG is quite a process[08:21] Acquiring new customers for waterdrop[10:11] The budget range to move the needle[11:20] Limiting your budget is a limiting belief[12:07] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[13:04] Sponsor: JSON-LD For SEO jsonld.app[14:21] Sponsor: Retention.com retention.com/honest[15:12] Why did waterdrop chose tennis specifically?[17:24] waterdrop’s innovative hydration bench[17:58] Why waterdrop chose top-tier tennis athletes[18:59] US vs EU markets[21:48] The perspective of an EU brand coming to the US[24:07] Where to find waterdropResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeHelping you drink more water with bursts of delicious flavors made from real fruit and plant extracts — anytime, anywhere waterdrop.comConnect with Henry linkedin.com/in/thomas-henry-murray-00578a55Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appBook your demo today and get 20% off the annual commitment fee retention.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Mroue is a self-taught marketer that learned through trial and error. He learned the ins and outs of customer service, email marketing, product marketing, content creation, video editing, advertising, data analytics, web design, and shipping and logistics. After a few failed business attempts, Mroue launched his first successful ecommerce business in September of 2020, generating $150,000+ in sales in a little over a year.In April of 2022, Mroue started a new brand—Cloudsharks. In less than a year they've gone from zero to multi-seven figures in revenue and continue to grow month over month.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[00:57] What are cloudsharks?[01:34] Where the idea of cloudsharks come from[02:21] Trying to find a product that works and sells[03:18] Launching a product with no proof of concept[04:04] From feeling a winning product to selling it[05:08] Can anybody mimic Rayan’s success?[06:10] Getting the product into people’s hands[07:29] Differentiating from similarly sourced products[09:10] cloudsharks’ TikTok budget[10:23] Sponsor: Electric Eye https://electriceye.io/connect[11:20] Sponsor: JSON-LD For SEO https://jsonld.app[12:37] Sponsor: Retention.com https://retention.com/honest[13:28] Would Rayan’s strategy work today?[15:00] Keeping up with finances when scaling too fast[17:09] What’s next for cloudsharks?[18:45] Be on top of your operating expenses[22:27] Great product + good marketing = growth[23:00] Community and networkingResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeThe shark slides made for comfort and style cloudsharks.coConnect with Rayan linkedin.com/in/rayanmroueThe best community for 7, 8 & 9+ figure Ecommerce operators workspace6.ioSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appBook your demo today and get 20% off the annual commitment fee retention.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Tiffany Joachim is the Owner and Co-Founder of Celeste Sol Jewelry. She began her career as a Buyer, working in Dallas and New York City for big box retailers such as, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Ross Stores for 10 years. When needing to relocate to Miami for her husband’s work, she decided to take the opportunity to use her knowledge as a merchant to revive and rebrand a 60+ year old family owned jewelry store located in Puerto Rico. Launched in 2019, Celeste Sol is a fashion jewelry brand that strives to connect community, culture, and fashion, all at affordable price points. As a first generation Dominican, Tiffany’s deep commitment to supporting and empowering Women of Color is visible in Celeste Sol, with a portion of all sales going towards their charitable partners that share in her mission.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:00] The types of products Celeste Sol offers[01:32] The journey to selling jewelry[03:57] Reviving the heart and soul of the business[04:49] From D2C to brick and mortar[05:55] Celeste Sol’s go-to-market strategy[08:02] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[08:59] Sponsor: JSON-LD For SEO jsonld.app[10:16] Sponsor: Retention.com retention.com/honest[11:07] Confirming the timelines[11:30] Finding customers outside friends and family[13:38] The message and the target as the USP[14:30] The white space of Latin-Hispanic audiences[15:47] Feeling the authenticity of the community[17:17] Where to find Celeste Sol products[17:57] Live stream selling is a growing channel[18:56] The ShopShops app for livestream sellingResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeBridging the gap between fashion and culture celestesol.comUse promo code HONEST25 at checkout to get 25% off your first purchaseConnect with Tiffany linkedin.com/in/tiffany-joachim-a277a418A global shopping app that mimics the fun of in-person shopping through the magic of livestream video shopshopslive.comSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appBook your demo today and get 20% off the annual commitment fee retention.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Justin is a seasoned entrepreneur that's launched multiple consumer product ventures over the past decade. As the founder & CEO of Doris Dev, the award winning global product development firm, Justin has worked on the development of category defining products in beauty, housewares, connected hardware and everything in between. Justin is the co-founder & co-CEO of Canopy, the innovative beauty products company that introduced the game changing humidifier and waterless aroma diffuser. Justin also co-founded Factored Quality, a quality control technology platform being used by consumer product brands around the globe. Justin is a proud New York transplant currently residing in Austin, TX.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:01] What are Canopy’s products[01:42] Where the idea of Canopy came from[04:17] How Justin’s product background helped in R&D[06:32] Setting up your product for supply chain[07:38] Determining if your product will have demand[08:53] Finding product-market fit, going from 0 to 1[10:21] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[11:18] The types of merchants that Canopy interfaced with[12:14] Finding someone with an expertise in beauty[14:20] Leaning into editorial and earned media[16:02] Investing in a PR firm that specializes in beauty[16:58] Unlocking a newer segment in beauty[17:57] Aspects to look for in a co-founder[19:29] Bringing in a third co-founder[20:14] Don’t find a co-founder with same skills as you[20:42] The successful subscription model of Canopy[25:33] How Doris Dev helped with Canopy[26:45] How Doris Dev helped with Factored Quality[28:33] Where to find Justin and all his brandsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeScale your business with electriceye.ioConnect with Justin linkedin.com/in/justin-seidenfeldSend Justin an email [email protected] [email protected] New York and Hong Kong-based product development agency with a proven track record of developing category leading consumer products doris.devThe world's cleanest humidifier and the absolute best humidifier for beauty and skincare getcanopy.coA digital quality control platform for modern E-Commerce and CPG brands factoredquality.comIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Umaimah Mendhro is the Founder of VIDA, a global platform offering unique, sustainable, and beautifully design-driven products that aim to positively impact people's lives and overall well-being. Umaimah grew up in rural Pakistan and Saudi Arabia - with no access to formal education most of her life - but a deep passion for design and art and a drive to make a difference in the world. She paved her way to Cornell University and later Harvard Business School, and built a career in technology, working with a highly select portfolio of game-changing tech companies and managing and growing million dollar businesses. Umaimah is also the Founder of thedreamfly.org, a global initiative connecting communities in conflict around common causes with presence across four countries touching over 5,000 lives. dreamfly kickstarts seed initiatives that are 100% financially sustainable within one year.Currently, Umaimah is the Founder and President of One League, a global education institution connecting the world’s highest potential talent with the world’s best opportunities by offering an Ivy League Plus quality education, irrespective of financial means. Umaimah has an MBA from Harvard Business School, where she was a Baker Scholar, and a BSc from Cornell University in Human Development with coursework in Computer Science.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:04] The types of products Vida brings to market[02:15] The idea of VIDA goes way back[02:56] Creating her own products initially[03:58] Noticing the divide between creators and brands[05:04] The impetus of VIDA[06:16] How Umaimah got started with VIDA[08:25] How VIDA achieved product-market fit[10:01] How VIDA takes advantage of economies of scale[11:34] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[12:30] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[14:15] How VIDA does “digital manufacturing”[15:02] Getting customers for VIDA’s designers[15:55] COVID affecting VIDA’s manufacturing process[18:25] VIDA pivoting to health care because of COVID[19:30] Other health-related products developed during COVID[21:25] How VIDA products evolved over time[22:45] Investing in education and empowermentResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA collaboration between designers and makers around the world that brings original, inspiring apparel and accessories to you - creating beauty every step of the way shopvida.comConnect with Umaimah linkedin.com/in/umaimahTake the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Amanat Anand grew up in New Delhi, India and met her co-founder while pursuing her undergraduate degrees in Industrial Design at the Parsons School of Design in New York. After graduating, they entered the concept of SoaPen to the UNICEF Wearables for Good Challenge. SoaPen teaches kid's personal hygiene habits through their fun and innovative products. She has been featured on Shark Tank and is a listmaker on the Forbes 30 under 30 list.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:03] Where the idea of SoaPen came from[02:26] Explaining how SoaPen works[03:32] What’s next after winning the UNICEF competition?[05:22] The first marketing strategies for SoaPen[06:50] Realizing that SoaPen has a market[07:34] Having traction before the pandemic[09:37] Sponsor: Electric Eye https://electriceye.io/connect[10:34] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO https://jsonld.app[11:49] The main channels for SoaPen[12:07] Amanat was apprehensive to go to Shark Tank[13:11] What’s different about the Shark Tank process[14:10] The Shark Tank bump in sales[14:54] What has changed since Shark Tank?[16:07] Where to find SoaPenResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeSoap-filled pen that kids can draw with before scrubbing up! soapen.comUse code HONEST20 at checkout to get a 20% off coupon.Connect with Amanat linkedin.com/in/amanatanandTake the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Lynn Power spent much of her 30 year career running and transforming agency brands. Lynn has expertise in transforming organizations from top to bottom – including capabilities, organizational structure, talent and culture. She recently left the big agency world to launch two brands: MASAMI, a premium clean hair care brand which launched in February 2020 and Isle de Nature, bee-powered home fragrance which launched in September 2020. Prior to her entrepreneurial move, Lynn was CEO of J. Walter Thompson NY, responsible for the flagship office of WPP’s $1.5B iconic agency (the oldest advertising agency in the world). Throughout her career, Lynn has had the great fortune of working on some of the world’s most well-known brands including: LISTERINE, American Express, Clinique, Hershey’s, Pizza Hut and Wild Turkey. Lynn believes that business success relies on building a team that respects and nurtures ideas as well as the people who create them. She believes in moving at the speed of culture, eliminating barriers and helping women find their voices.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[00:53] MASAMI and Isle De Nature[01:56] Lynn’s cool history in Ecommerce[03:49] How Lynn justifies having no degree[04:32] Agency background = brand success?[07:24] The boring side of the business is crucial[08:04] Will the go-to-market strat years ago work today?[10:27] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[11:23] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[12:38] Tactics that weren’t worth the hassle[13:47] Facebook is a difficult and expensive route[14:50] Advertising is like gasoline[16:18] Pros and cons of naivete in business[17:25] There are not tricks or silver bullets[18:01] The fun in business is figuring stuff out[19:30] Consumer impatience is a big factor[19:59] Black Friday and beyond for Lynn’s brands[22:07] Where the Conscious Beauty Collective came from[24:45] Connect with Lynn if you have further questionResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePremium hair care line designed for superior hydration, texture, and shine lovemasami.comBee-powered home fragrance with the belief that nature is luxury isledenature.comConnect with Lynn linkedin.com/in/lynn-power-02b8904Take the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Alvania A. Lopez, Founder / CEO Alvania always had a love (and talent) for arts and crafts, creating greeting cards and candy jewelry, through childhood. She delighted in the joys of gift-giving, and still does! Celebrating diversity and building strong relationships is her personal mantra. Alvania’s mission is to make the art of gifting, convenient, exclusive, and almost effortless.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[00:56] What are Peachbox Co’s products?[01:29] Where the idea of Peachbox Co came from[02:19] Validating if an idea is worth taking the time[03:47] Getting the first batch of customers[06:15] The problems that Peachbox Co is trying to solve[06:53] Using tech to make processes easier for customers[08:17] The Shopify ecosystem’s advantages for Peachbox[09:19] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[10:16] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[11:31] Peachbox’s customer targeting strategy[13:05] Resources should not be a barrier to success[13:57] Where to find Peachbox CoResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeSend gift boxes for any occasion peachboxco.comConnect with Alvania linkedin.com/in/alvania-a-lopez-86064946Take the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Ilana Davis is a Shopify Superhero who works with e-commerce shops to remove friction from the buying process. She’s the owner of JSON-LD for SEO, a Shopify app that gets you more organic traffic through Rich Results.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:59] Pros and cons of consulting vs app development[03:26] Using structured data to produce rich results[04:25] Themes have structured data but are incomplete[05:30] Is JSON-LD updated with Google’s algorithms?[06:18] The full process of structured data[07:41] Structured data is like a cheat sheet[08:50] Does structured data affect Merchant Center?[10:25] Google search enhancements to benefit from JSON-LD[11:15] Rich results vs featured snippets[12:40] Does your Shopify store need to be technical?[14:07] Similar apps but not as updated[15:03] Connect with Ilana if you have questions[16:05] Where to find more info about the topic & JSON-LDResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeConnect with Ilana [email protected] more about rich results and structured data ilanadavis.com/blogs/articlesSafely & effectively earn qualified traffic to boost conversions jsonld.appIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Tim Swindle is an entrepreneur and investor, helping build and exit multiple companies. As an early investor and employee at PointDrive, a Chicago-based sales software company, he had roles leading sales, marketing, and operations before the company was acquired in 2016 by LinkedIn. During this time, Tim created Utter Nonsense, an entertaining card game that was quickly carried by several retailers and ultimately within all 1,800 Target stores. Utter Nonsense was acquired in 2017 by private equity backed PlayMonster. In 2018 Tim co- founded Playtacular, a boutique publishing company that designs and creates innovative toys and games. In addition to this, Tim is a Managing Member of Hubbard Street Capital, an early stage venture investing firm. Tim lives in Nashville, with his wife, daughter and very good boy, Tucker. Scott Brown is the co-founder of Marbles: The Brain Store, a retail concept focused on building better brains through play, which eventually grew to 40 stores, a website, a catalog business and a proprietary product division. While there, he headed the curation of all store products and formed Marbles: Brain Workshop, overseeing the creation of more than 150 proprietary products. In early 2017 the Marbles brand was acquired by Spin Master. For the past three years, Scott has served as VP of Creative over Games at Spin Master, helping bring dozens more games to market. Beginning in January 2020, Scott will be leaving Spin Master to form an independent game publishing studio. Scott lives in Utah along with his wife and four daughters.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:03] What is PaddleSmash?[02:23] How Tim got started in the game space[04:05] How Scott and Tim met and formed PaddleSmash[06:50] Where the idea of PaddleSmash came from[08:08] How to come up with ideas or be inspired[10:29] Look for opportunities, make it unique[11:53] Sponsor: Electric Eye https://electriceye.io/connect[12:49] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO https://jsonld.app[14:14] Joe Bingham’s backstory[15:47] 2 routes you can go in the toys and games space[17:13] What royalty contracts look like?[18:47] The upsides and downsides to licensing your idea[21:33] What happened after licensing PaddleSmash?[24:47] PaddleSmash is on the testing and learning phase[25:56] The inherent virality to outdoor games[28:29] Increasing the surface area of luck[29:11] Picking an audience from a hybrid[30:13] Where to find PaddleSmash products?[30:54] Sell the products that you love[32:05] Get feedback and just jump in with your productResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA new outdoor game that combines the best elements of Pickleball and Spikeball into a fun, and easy-to-learn game paddlesmash.comConnect with Tim linkedin.com/in/timswindleConnect with linkedin.com/in/thescottbrownTake the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

After working in finance at Goldman Sachs and sharpening her operational skills at consumer technology start-up FanVision, Jennifer Ross co-founded Swoon, where she oversees product development, operations, and finance. A longtime advocate for the advancement of diabetes research and a supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), in high school, she founded and organized Rock the Cure, a concert to benefit JDRF, which raised over $200,000. Swoon, a zero sugar take on nostalgic beverages like lemonade and iced tea, is her latest way to make an impact. Swoon is now sold nationally and is on track to take one billion grams of sugar out of the supply chain.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:04] Products that Swoon offer[01:18] What Swoon uses to replace sugar[01:50] Monk fruit vs other sweetener alternatives[02:21] Where did the idea of Swoon come from?[03:36] From idea to product sample[06:10] Pivot to an “accidental” adjacent product[06:34] Go-to-market strategy in the middle of the COVID[07:23] How to stand out in a competitive market[08:17] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[09:14] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[10:28] How Swoon strategizes to become a national brand[11:54] Buying on the online store, checking out on Amazon[13:46] Pairing marketing with distribution[15:28] PR, in-store marketing, and paid advertising[16:07] Where to find Swoon’s teas and lemonadesResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeZero sugar drinks for happier & healthier hydration tasteswoon.comConnect with Jennifer linkedin.com/in/jenniferfrossTake the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

The foundation of OWL Venice is founder, Lindsey Erin’s, personal journey to health. When her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, Lindsey committed to living a healthier lifestyle. It was this event that began her research on wellness, nutrition, and intuitive eating, and would eventually lead to the creation of OWL Venice.Initially, Lindsey began experimenting with an organic, plant-based diet that limited meat and processed foods, and found that she was still experiencing constant allergy symptoms, digestive issues, and acne. In an attempt to resolve these issues, Lindsey began a diet geared to treat GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) which incorporated bone broth as a healing agent. After struggling to find pre-made broth that was void of common allergens, Lindsey began making her own bone broth with locally-sourced bones and an array of herbs and veggies. Through months of testing and development, she created a broth recipe that tasted more like a tea than a traditional stock, OWL’s signature flagship product. OWL currently offers chicken, turkey, beef, bison, and vegan mineral Broth Elixirs that are sold throughout LA county, a 4, 6, and 8 day Reset cleanse program to heal and seal the gut, and an organic, oil-based skincare line. OWL also offers health coaching services with flexible sessions to fit your schedule and budget. As more people discover the benefits of using OWL products, Lindsey & the OWL family will continue innovating, exploring, and sharing new ways to live better with those looking to transform their health and overall wellness. Along with OWL’s mission to heal the body, OWL is also committed to healing the environment. This is why they maintain a minimal waste policy that requires the mylkshakes are made-to-order and the broths are pressure canned. All of OWL’s goods are packaged in glass, which is not only 100% recyclable, it is free of chemicals that could negatively impact the flavor and aroma of their products.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:22] What products does OWL Venice offer?[01:43] Where the idea of OWL Venice came from[02:22] From solving a personal need to a market idea[03:26] Her personal solution becoming a full-time job[03:51] Shifting to a traditional direct-to-consumer model[04:42] Lindsey’s initial growth strategy[06:47] Creating a jump-off point for new customers[08:08] Mistakes are learning opportunities[09:59] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[10:56] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[12:10] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[13:31] OWL Venice’s current marketing strategy[16:06] Where to find OWL Venice’s Bone Elixirs?Resources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeOrganic Bone Broth & Cleanses owlvenice.comConnect with Lindsey linkedin.com/in/lindseyerinwilsonTake the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Along with his 3 best friends and co-founders, they left the financial industry to pursue a problem they all had: terrible underwear. From underwear, socks, t-shirts and soap their mission is to provide men with quality essentials men need, without the BS they don't.Anthony Ciavirella is the co-founder at Manmade, the most comfortable boxer brief ever.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:08] Why Anthony decide to create a boxers company[02:37] How the co-founders decided on a business idea[06:03] From idea to a product in 10 months[09:37] Manmade’s go-to-market strategy[12:33] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[13:29] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[14:44] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[15:47] Mistakes Anthony wants you to avoid[17:47] Overcoming that fear of failure[19:29] Launching a brand bootstrapped[21:39] Anthony’s framework for manifesting goals[23:27] Where to find Manmade boxersResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeThe boxer brief that delivers more crotch area comfort manmadebrand.comConnect with Anthony linkedin.com/in/anthony-ciavirella-a6621835Take the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Xebec is a laptop accessories brand for the mobile workplace, focused on empowering people to let their life dictate their work as opposed to the other way around. After developing the Xebec Tri-Screen, the original triple-screen laptop attachment, the brand launched the Xebec Airstand along with the Xebec Keyboard and Mouse. Paired with the newly refined Tri-Screen 2, these products allow anyone to take their office with them and increase their productivity on the go. Alex Levine (CEO) & Trevor Russo (COO) founded Xebec with aspirations to change the way we think about the modern workplace. As life-long friends who both worked as traveling consultants, they recognized the need for a solution to remain productive on the road.After both graduated from the University of Texas, Alex worked as a Digital Technology Consultant at Accenture and a Technical Product Manager at Komply, while Trevor worked as a Risk & Compliance Consultant at Protiviti and a Strategy & Operations Consultant at Deloitte.They then joined back up in their hometown of Austin, TX in 2019 to launch Xebec and enable everyone to experience the freedom of the modern, mobile workplace.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:07] What are Xebec’s products?[01:43] The “genesis” of Xebec[03:37] From the idea of Xebec to prototype[04:43] Trevor remembering the first Xebec prototype[05:42] From prototyping to releasing the final product[08:01] Xebec’s slow but certain growth amidst COVID[09:56] How Xebec used paid ads for growth[11:58] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[12:55] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[14:09] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[15:13] Logistics challenges during COVID[16:42] Migrating from Wix to Shopify[18:25] Don’t get caught up with the what ifs[21:12] Balancing different co-founder ideologies[23:14] Continued evolution of Xebec’s story[25:02] Where to find Xebec productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeThe Xebec Tri-Screen is a laptop attachment that adds two additional screens to any laptop, instantly boosting your productivity by over 50% thexebec.comConnect with Alex linkedin.com/in/alex-levine-b479b163Connect with Trevor linkedin.com/in/trevorlrussoTake the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Josh Rome is the Founder and CEO of Runway Health, the first direct-to-consumer telehealth company building a brand around travel health. With a career spanning technology, pharma and travel, Josh is uniquely positioned to build a transformative company at the intersection of these industries. Josh started his career at Adobe, helping publishers digitize their traditional print publication workflows through the launch of Adobe’s Digital Publishing Suite. He then joined Patagonia Pharmaceuticals, a start-up specialty pharmaceutical company developing innovative prescription therapies for rare dermatologic diseases. Josh led business development efforts to secure an international licensing deal valued at over $100MM, a $1.5MM FDA grant, and ultimately the divestiture of Patagonia’s lead assets to a public dermatology company in 2019. With an opportunity to better align his career with his passion for travel, Josh then launched CitySpeak, a daily travel based newsletter turned boutique travel agency. Through this experience, Josh identified the gap between travelers' needs and the current marketplace, which ultimately resulted in the genesis of Runway. Josh is an avid traveler and adventurer, having ventured to over 60 countries, circumnavigating the globe on Semester at Sea, and climbing mountains such as Kilimanjaro and Toubkal.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:09] What products does Runway offer?[01:41] How Josh realized the opportunity for Runway[04:09] The “real genesis” of Runway[05:55] Pioneers bear so much risk[07:15] Choosing partnerships over self-production[08:07] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[09:03] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[10:18] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[11:21] Runway’s go-to-market strategy[13:43] How Runway compensates their partner network[15:52] Partners can value things other than money[17:17] Experiment and don’t be afraid to fail[18:01] The benefits of being first to market[19:35] Coming up with your own relevant KPIs[20:29] Where to find Runway productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeAffordable, convenient travel health medications for motion sickness, sleeplessness, altitude sickness, malaria prevention and traveler's diarrhea runwayhealth.comConnect with Josh linkedin.com/in/joshuaromeTake the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Rahul Khatri is the CXO and Co-Founder of Stoggles where he leads brand growth and the end-to-end management of all their social marketing efforts as well as managing their in-house Customer Happiness team. Together with his co-founder Max Greenberg, the pair are building Stoggles into a globally recognized and trusted brand that offers a product unlike any other in the marketplace today. Prior to Stoggles, Rahul was Creative Director and Partner at ROAV Inc., a DTC sunglasses company.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:05] What are Stoggle’s products[02:26] Why Rahul started on Eyewear[05:28] Stoggles was a marketing play for ROAV[06:43] Crowdfunding as a go-to-market strategy[08:26] Niching down to a more specialized product[11:06] The realization of customizable safety wear[12:17] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[13:14] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[14:29] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[15:32] Shifting the focus from ROAV to Stoggles[18:24] Niches are where the money is[20:44] Having a “test-and-learn” mindset[22:01] The new types of customers for Stoggles [23:28] Bringing people together to the Ecom community[24:11] Connections gives a greater brand impact[24:56] Where to find StogglesResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePrescription safety glasses that do everything for people who do everything stoggles.comConnect with Rahul linkedin.com/in/rahul-khatri-080a84b0Take the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Margaret Wishingrad is the Co-Founder and CEO of Three Wishes, a healthy-while-delicious cereal. Before founding Three Wishes, Margaret was Chief of Staff at BigEyedWish, an ad-agency based in New York. While at the agency, Margaret worked with Fortune 100 to seed-round startup businesses. She and her Husband and Co-Founder welcomed their first son, Ellis, in 2017 inspiring Three Wishes' genesis. While feeding Ellis, Margaret realized the white space in the market for a cereal she wanted to feed him nutritionally, but also enjoyed eating herself. Margaret has grown Three Wishes from conception to a national brand, with retailers including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Erewhon, and many more in addition to a strong DTC arm.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:00] What are the products of Three Wishes?[03:21] From an agency to a brand[04:32] The services of Margaret’s agency[05:20] Translating client knowledge into your own brand[06:35] The inherent advantage of working at agencies[07:04] The R&D Process of Three Wishes[09:41] Go-to-market strat: Going into retail[10:30] Challenges and lessons of the retail channel[12:36] How Three Wishes’ D2C channel came about[14:39] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io/connect[15:36] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[16:50] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[17:53] Three Wishes’ drive thru taste test story[20:17] Releasing a new flavor in the midst of the pandemic[21:50] The little things that move the needle[22:36] Be nimble and be ready to pivot[24:13] Problems are a normal part of a business[25:15] Where to find Three WishesResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeHigh-protein, low-sugar, grain-free breakfast cereal, that tastes like the cereals of your childhood, made with modern day clean ingredients threewishescereal.comConnect with Margaret linkedin.com/in/margaretwishingrad/Take the first step towards Shopify success electriceye.io/connectGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Seeking an alternative from her previous adoption to coffee culture as a means to get through ambitious goals and to-do lists, over consumption and lack of focus on general wellbeing left Sheena Brady with various challenges including anxiety, digestion troubles, and insomnia. Along her ambitious career journey in hospitality, Sheena was tasked with building Toronto’s largest tea program at the renowned Shangri-La hotel. Plot twist: She didn’t even drink tea at the time. It was then she decided to become a certified Tea Sommelier, to better understand the world of tea and botanical ingredients. What she did not expect was to fall completely in love with this world, and learn how each botanical ingredient could actually be a puzzle piece into leading and living a more balanced life holistically. It wasn’t long before most of Sheena’s challenges were supported through tea, which became the catalyst behind launching Tease. Tease believes wellness rituals shouldn’t be complicated. Formulated by a Tea Sommelier & Herbalist, Tease creates all-natural, tea and botanical based tea blends and beauty staples to support your everyday rituals without compromising convenience, sustainability & impact. This includes having recently launched the world's first fully biodegradable and refillable wellness tea collection. Since the launch of this collection along with its diversification of tea infused beauty products, Tease has partnered with over 200 new retailers in the past year. In 2019, Tease amplified its social impact mission of investing in women, to create more equity amongst diverse women founders. Through their Founders Fund program, Tease has contributed & raised over $200,000 in small business micro-grants and mentorship programming to over 500 women and non-binary entrepreneurs, largely throughout the pandemic. Tease is proud to be a certified benefit corporation, meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental impact. Tease is proud to be a certified benefit corporation, meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental impact.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:23] What are Tease’s products?[02:15] Where the tea love came from[06:10] Sheena wasn’t fit to start a business before[07:15] Tease’s most cringy influencer moment[07:47] Being a social enterprise from the get-go[08:31] Getting the first round of customers[09:11] Investing really early in PR[10:37] When Sheena went all-in on Tease[12:37] Learning through the service side of business[12:57] Going full-time needs sacrifice[13:21] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[14:29] Sponsor: JSON-LD for SEO jsonld.app[14:29] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[17:33] The reason that made Sheena go full-time[19:19] The tools that help Tease to scale aside from PR[21:09] Customer feedback will help you fix things[22:00] Done is better than perfect[24:29] The importance of omnichannel strategy[25:36] Where to find Tease productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeBlends that support you to live and lead consciously teasewellness.comConnect with Sheena linkedin.com/in/sheenabradyA Canadian 4-month digital program created by Tease Tea that provides women access to funding and mentorship foundersfund.caScale your business with electriceye.ioGet your free structured data audit for your store jsonld.appFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

BBQ brings people together no matter the weather. Kosmos Q started as a passion project to encourage people to spend more time with friends & family.Kosmos Q sold their first product, The Original Beef Brisket Injection, out of a linen cabinet. Today, they ship over 30 different products to grill masters and fans around the world. Kosmos Q has nearly doubled in size over the last year after our products brought home the 2015 World Steak Championship and the 2015 World BBQ Championship.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:15] Kosmo’s Q products[01:49] Where the idea of Kosmo’s Q came from[05:43] Where the name Kosmo came from[08:01] From hobby, to semi-pro, to business[08:53] How Kosmo built their first website[11:28] When Kosmo realized he’s onto something[14:50] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[15:11] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[15:59] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[17:11] Sponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honest[18:04] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[18:51] How long before Kosmo went full time?[20:41] Financial freedom vs wealth[21:01] Avoid regret and try it out[22:06] Kosmo’s advice to potential founders[23:24] Does Kosmo regret not starting sooner?[24:41] The easier and harder aspects of ecom nowadays[26:43] Kosmo Q’s sales mix[29:04] How Kosmo “locked down” their Amazon efforts[31:34] Shopify is not a get-rich quick scheme[31:55] You have to be willing to do the boring stuff[32:46] Everybody has a filter that obscures the truth[33:44] Where to find Kosmo Q’s productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeFollow Kosmo on Instagram @kosmounfilteredGet award-winning BBQ rubs and sauces from a world champion! kosmosq.comScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestTransform your returns into exchanges loopreturns.com/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Kelsey started her first brand, Sweat CBD in 2018 which she grew using affiliate marketing. She then went on to freelance her affiliate marketing services and eventually built a full service agency called BossBoxx. Lori started her career on Wall Street and then went on to launch a brand called Unicreamer and also take her experience to the agency world. Lori and Kelsey were introduced by Chris Harder after both joining his mastermind. Shortly after they started working together they realized that they had very similar goals and interests and both had a passion for helping brands. They decided to join forces and work together to help product based businesses start, launch & scale. After about a year of working together, they started to realize that affiliate marketing was bringing their clients the best results. They had a dream to help brands large and small build organic affiliate marketing programs that could help them scale the way affiliates helped both of their brands in the past, and Rexxy was born. Rexxy is an affiliate marketing hub where companies of all sizes can find tools and resources to design, launch, and scale a high-converting affiliate marketing program. While they continue to grow their agency, the Rexxy team is also gearing up to design and launch an affiliate tracking software in 2023.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:31] Clients that Rexxy works with[02:40] Affiliate marketing vs influencer marketing[04:08] How Kelsey & Lori started with affiliate marketing[06:25] Is Kelsey’s CBD brand still around?[07:26] Pivoting 101[08:16] Niching down and adding value[09:01] Rexxy’s self-implementation option[10:29] Why Rexxy created their playbook[11:02] The evolution to an enterprise option[12:18] Affiliate and paid media is a hard comparison[12:53] How Rexxy works[13:52] Returns on affiliate marketing is brand dependent[15:05] The similarities between FB ads & Rexxy’s approach[16:10] Sales vs personalized brand awareness[17:56] The future of affiliate marketing[19:30] Good offer doesn’t always mean more money[20:14] How Rexxy makes a unique offer[21:41] Where to find RexxyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeMaking it easy & affordable to build & scale a revenue-generating affiliate program for your business rexxy.coJoin Rexxy’s community for free members.rexxy.coThe all-in-one system to design, launch & scale a high-performance affiliate program for your company rexxy.co/playbookConnect with Kelsey linkedin.com/in/kelsey-eyers-b120291b4Connect with Lori linkedin.com/in/lori-lefcourt-68139229If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Brenton spent his childhood growing up outside Philadelphia in Southern New Jersey. After graduating High School he attended Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia where he received an undergraduate '06 and graduate '12 degree in Business. Upon graduating Brenton started a career in Commercial Real Estate. He is currently employed as the President of a firm based out of New York City. He is married to his wife, Meghan and they have 4 children together, Grace (8), Morgan (7), Juliet (4) and Brenton II (2). A born and bred Jersey Boy, Brenton lives just 5 miles from the beaches in Red Bank, New Jersey and still spends every minute he can in the summer at his childhood beach town of Sea Isle City, New Jersey.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:06] What LowTides’ products[01:39] Where the idea of LowTides come from[05:01] Developing the idea to a sample[06:24] How does LowTides source plastics[08:13] LowTides’ Kickstarter Journey[10:21] Getting the first customers after Kickstarter[12:28] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[12:49] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[13:37] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[14:49] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[15:20] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[16:07] Learning Ecom through podcasts[18:24] The value in real-life lessons[20:20] The reason to go to college[22:49] What’s in the horizon for LowTides[24:11] Where to find LowTides productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeBeach chairs are made with recycled ocean bound plastics! lowtidesop.comFollow LowTides Ocean Products on Instagram @lowtidesoceanScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestRespond to any of Rewind’s welcome emails and mention HONEST ECOMMERCE to get 1 month free rewind.io/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Jennie is the Founder & CEO of Kinn, a Los Angeles based jewelry company offering modern heirlooms meant to last a lifetime. Kinn offers a range of fine jewelry all made with 100% solid and recycled gold. All materials are sourced locally in Los Angeles. Previously employee #1 at Casetify, Jennie dived into the jewelry industry after her family's home was robbed and all heirlooms stolen. In seeking to replace some of her parents' precious heirlooms, she learned the jewelry industry was one that lacked transparency and had deep markups. Through Kinn, she sought a transparent solution that cut out the middleman and left consumers with modern heirlooms they can keep for years to come.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:09] What are Kinn’s products[01:37] Where the idea of Kinn started[04:00] From passion project to a business[05:31] Jennie’s Ecom background helping her[06:15] Learn Ecom before starting a company?[07:49] You can never know unless you try[08:52] How Kinn moved out from contacts to marketing[11:53] The offer they had for the Refinery29 piece[13:21] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[13:42] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[14:29] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[15:42] Sponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honest[16:35] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[17:24] Kinn’s avenues for retention and acquisition[19:49] Starting on paid ads later in the journey[21:02] Take guidebooks with a grain of salt[22:58] Looking at competitors might not be productive[23:10] Be honest to why you exist as a brand[25:33] Find good people to work with[26:22] Don’t cut corners[26:47] Hire experienced people when starting out[27:22] Where to find Kinn products?Resources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeModern heirlooms, made to last a lifetime kinnstudio.comFollow Kinn on Instagram @kinnstudioConnect with Jennie linkedin.com/in/yoonicornScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestTransform your returns into exchanges loopreturns.com/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Charley has spent over 10 years in the Digital Marketing industry. He has personally managed the spend of hundreds of millions of dollars, and his clients and brands have done well over $1B in revenue. He was a founding member of the Facebook Disrupter Group, while helping 310 Nutrition grow to a 9-figure brand. His Facebook Ads MBA Program has many dozens of students from around the world, and Disrupter School has helped thousands of people over the last 5 years. He has devoted his work to helping others achieve success, and ultimately disrupt, and potentially displace, the existing digital marketing advertising agency industry as a whole.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:21] Charley’s very rough start[03:52] The beginning of Charley’s FB expertise[07:39] Charley focusing on educating people about FB[10:20] Why people fail to learn about FB[11:15] How Charley’s FB Ads MBA Program works[12:16] Working with amazing bosses[12:50] What makes businesses successful[13:28] Charley’s biggest focus right now[14:24] Charley’s philosophy of success in FB[15:14] Receiving life changing stuff everyday[15:59] The famous person is not the smartest person[16:30] Turning yourself into a software[16:49] Charley’s framework for his Disrupter Schools[17:57] The middling agency model is obsolete[19:45] Empowering freelancers and client’s lives[21:59] Turning day job people into serial entrepreneurs[23:27] Sharing the success to everybody[24:54] Where to find Charley[26:48] Charley is 2 years ahead[27:50] You might just be held back by your own people[29:30] Internet strangers and meeting in-person[30:36] Meet and talk to people face-to-faceResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeGet the E-books, sign up for consulting & join the Mastermind slack group facebookdisrupter.comDigital marketing made easy disrupterschool.comConnect with Charles linkedin.com/in/charleytichenorivFollow Charles on Twitter @FBDisrupterIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

As a company born at the beach and endlessly inspired by the outdoors, taking care of the planet is close to our heart. 85% of our styles are made of sustainable materials and 100% of our swim is made from recycled plastic bottles. Each swimsuit keeps 5 plastic bottles out of a landfill and we've pioneered the use of sustainable materials through the creation of our Coconut Balsa™and FlyWeight™ fabrics. It all began on a surf trip to San Pancho, Mexico for two friends, Jennifer Hinton and Thayer Sylvester. As we lounged in a hammock waiting for the waves to roll back in, we lamented how hard it was to find boardshorts that could keep up with us – real women with real bodies and a real passion for adventure. And just like that, Carve Designs was born. Carve Designs styles represent our spirit: fun-loving, hardworking, confident, and inclined to get where we want to go. Carve Designs began as a surf apparel company selling rash guards and board shorts in 2003, and has grown into a complete beach lifestyle brand, offering surf, swim, and lifestyle clothing. We are dedicated to providing effortless feminine clothing that actually fit real women while keeping us connected to the calm content feeling that inspires us at the beach. The women of Carve Designs are determined to push the boundaries of everyday apparel and prove that functionality can be fashionable and well-fitting. The clothes are designed to be as inspirational and versatile as the women who wear them. We continue to stay true to the vision we created over 18 years ago, providing stylish apparel targeted to women actively engaged in the outdoor world.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:41] Where the idea of Carve Designs came from[02:28] How long from idea to sample[03:54] Launching with the wholesale model in mind[04:39] When did Carve Designs go D2C[05:45] Getting the first sales online[06:05] The future for Carve Designs[06:56] Carve Designs’ marketing strategy[09:24] The resurgence of traditional marketing[10:27] Marketing vs advertising[10:52] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[11:12] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[12:00] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[13:13] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[13:43] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[14:31] The smaller the funnel, the easier to track[15:21] Mistakes are essential for learning[15:48] Invest in IP rights before starting your business[16:13] Start your business with a team[17:28] Is entrepreneurship fun?[19:46] Where to find Carve DesignsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeWomen's sustainable swimsuits and clothing carvedesigns.comConnect with Jen linkedin.com/in/jen-hinton-2735b513aConnect with Thayer linkedin.com/in/thayer-sylvester-436296Scale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestRespond to any of Rewind’s welcome emails and mention HONEST ECOMMERCE to get 1 month free rewind.io/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Jimmy MacDonald is the Co-Founder of Authenticity50, which he launched with his wife Stephanie MacDonald. Prior to Authenticity50 he worked in the Hedge Fund industry in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hong Kong and Tokyo, Japan. When he, rarely, has free time he loves to cave dive and train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:08] The products that Authenticity 50 offers[01:59] Where the idea of Authenticity 50 came from[05:01] Transitioning from Kickstarter to D2C[07:20] Mistakes Jimmy wants you to avoid[09:19] The 100,000 Masks Project[12:11] Domestic supply chain issues[13:03] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[13:24] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[14:11] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[15:24] Sponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honest[16:17] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[17:04] Authenticity50’s marketing mix[19:34] From investing in SEO to reaping its benefits[21:33] Authenticity50’s ratio of organic and paid[23:39] Banking on lifetime value[24:38] The connection between cave diving and Ecom[28:25] Invest in building a great team[28:59] Diversify your sources of traffic[29:53] Where to find Authenticity50Resources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeSheets, pillows, comforters, and towels honestly-made in the USA authenticity50.comConnect with Jimmy linkedin.com/in/jimmy-macdonald-598871Scale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestTransform your returns into exchanges loopreturns.com/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Having previously built a 7-figure agency and consulted many 7 and 8-figure DTC brands on their marketing strategy, Nigel knows what it takes to implement complex paid social campaigns at scale.He is the CEO of Alpha Inbound, a growth marketing agency that helps Shopify brands find higher quality traffic on Meta & TikTok for less by creating, testing and scaling highly engaging UGC content.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:20] How Nigel started with Alpha Inbound[02:38] What makes Alpha Inbound different[04:00] The partners that Alpha Inbound works with[05:40] Alpha Inbound’s “secret sauce”[08:06] MER gives a wider perspective[09:25] MER makes the attribution problem simpler[10:40] Marketing isn’t just direct response advertising[11:08] Branding vs direct response advertising[12:08] SMBs want to be brands but they don’t know how[12:33] Questions to ask before investing into paid ads[14:39] An agency that is great asks more questions[15:15] Are the “agency horror stories” their own fault?[16:40] VC-backed companies are pressured[17:02] Why Chase doesn’t to work with funded brands[17:29] Brands, trust the agencies’ processes[17:54] Economics, resources, expectations[19:08] How to grow from a million[19:52] What should your LTV and margins be[20:22] How Alpha Inbound puts together content[21:22] Volume to test, systems to make volume[21:59] Looking at ROAS and day 1 attribution[23:22] Budgets doesn’t instantly mean success[24:48] The platform always wins[25:02] Percentage of gross revenue to invest in growth[26:14] You really have to pay to play[26:37] What if you can’t spend $10k on ads?[27:40] Where to find NigelResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePerformance digital marketing agency who empower DTC Brands by sending high-quality traffic into their Ecosystem alphainbound.comConnect with Nigel linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-aiIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Prior to Pureboost, Gillian has 15 years of brand and digital marketing experience in consumer products. She takes a data-informed approach to all things marketing, even those that aren't traditionally thought of as "performance marketing tactics." All while balancing the art of building a meaningful brand.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:19] What Pureboost has to offer[02:16] The genesis of Pureboost[04:16] Visualizing your competitors[04:53] Why Pureboost needed to be unique[05:27] From ideation to having a sample[06:13] How Pureboost managed to produce a sample fast[07:20] Pureboost’s similarities to The Lean Startup[08:23] Launching an Amazon-first brand[09:21] The biggest pivot that Pureboost had[11:01] Starting on Amazon vs starting on Shopify[12:34] Gillian’s advice transitioning from Amazon to D2C[15:02] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[15:22] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[16:10] Sponsor: Wayflyer wayflyer.com/ecomm/honest[17:23] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[17:53] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[18:41] Pureboost’s marketing stack[20:33] Why not make more product SKUs?[22:55] The challenge in maintaining focus[24:12] How Traction helped Chase to focus[24:47] Most business books have so much fluff[25:10] Where to find Pureboost productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeScale your business with electriceye.ioA healthy antioxidant energy drink mix containing no sugar, no sucralose and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives pureboost.comConnect with Gillian linkedin.com/in/gillianmagerFunding a better way wayflyer.com/ecomm/honestDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaRespond to any of Rewind’s welcome emails and mention HONEST ECOMMERCE to get 1 month free rewind.io/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

HAPPYBOND’s founder, Anja, is a biotech scientist specializing in cartilage tissue engineering. What does that mean you say? Basically, she’s incredibly smart and, lucky for us, a super dog lover. She used her research in cartilage rebuilding to create the unique formula for HappyAgain that helps rebuild your dog’s collagen and prolong their youth and agility. All our HAPPYBOND products are innovated by Anja and dog experts, offering proven results for HappyDogs around the world.In This Conversation We Discuss: (50 Characters)[00:00] Intro[01:09] Introducing Anja’s fellow guest[01:28] Products that HAPPYBOND offers[01:55] Where the idea of HAPPYBOND came from[03:18] Transitioning from medical pharma to vet pharma[04:45] HAPPYBOND’s go-to-market strategy[06:18] Working with a prestigious influencer[07:09] The worst that can happen is they say no[07:26] Pros and cons of going omnichannel[09:08] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[09:28] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[10:17] Sponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honest[11:10] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[11:58] Customer care and considering feedback[13:38] Making the DTC UI/UX easier for customers[14:40] Don’t change how users know how it usually works[16:10] Look at the packaging and think about your dog.[16:59] Where to find HAPPYBOND productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeScience backed nutrition to keep your dogs healthy and strengthen that special BOND happybond.comConnect with Anja linkedin.com/in/anja-skodda-0a507b2aScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaTransform your returns into exchanges loopreturns.com/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Amy Biddle helps Shopify Ecommerce store owners sell more products and grow revenue without risking giving over control to ad agencies. She has over 30 years of business experience, and has audited and worked in over 10,000 businesses. She is an author, podcast host, and millionaire-maker, and founder of the eCommerce Traffic Handler Program.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:13] Why should people listen to Amy[02:01] How can lists and offers help Ecom brands?[03:09] The types of merchants that Amy works with[04:35] Amy’s message is similar to Gary Vee’s book[05:31] Jump on people’s email lists to learn[08:06] You can get away with recycled content[09:07] Using direct mail as marketing[09:39] Amy’s Identity Resolution Matching[11:22] Strats work in all industries except commodities[12:28] Be unique to your customers[13:45] Why D2C isn’t applicable to commodity products[15:43] Do both Amazon and D2C[17:12] The Retailer’s Email Playbook[17:49] Longer books just seem repetitive[18:04] Amy’s Ad Group System[19:15] Where to find AmyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeMake paid ads work again. Mention Honest Ecommerce to get 3 weeks of free data. amybiddle.me/pages/ads-group-system-make-paid-ads-workProgram for retailers to successfully use Facebook as your primary paid traffic source amybiddle.me/pages/ecommerce-traffic-handler-newsletterConnect with Amy amybiddle.me/pages/contact-amyAmy’s Ads Group System explainer video youtube.com/watch?v=AE_Hoi7xeXUIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Since launching in 2020, Mike and his team have built one of the most exciting names in appliances since the 1950s, when window ACs first hit the mass market. The problem? Manufacturers have barely changed a thing in 70+ years. Enter Windmill - the first company to bring "sexy" "convenient" and "air conditioner" together in a sentence - reimagining the next generation of ye olde ACs for today's modern customer with covet-worthy designs, smart (energy-efficient) technology, and an exceptional experience. In just a few short years, Mike has scaled his business by more than 5,000%, raised $14M in capital from top VCs all over the world, and inked retail partnerships with big box stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and PC Richard & Son (thanks to a long list of relentless cold calls). Next week, Mike and his team will launch a first-of-its-kind program to customers that rewards them for smarter energy use during times of peak heat - potentially curtailing tens of thousands of kW of energy this summer to help prevent blackouts, lower energy bills, and stop the use of dirty power plants. This visionary approach to combining hardware and software is the breath of fresh air the AC biz has so desperately needed to clean up its act, and it can't come soon enough - as the EPA projects that the number of 90 degree days in NYC alone could triple in the next 30 years, putting the city's energy grid at major risk.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:16] Products that Windmill offers[01:35] Having the “entrepreneurial bug” at a young age[03:09] Where the idea of Windmill came from[05:09] The difficulties of air-conditioning in New York[05:38] Looking up to see users of Windmill products[06:21] Getting a factory to work with Windmill[07:58] How long has Windmill worked on their prototype?[08:53] Prototyping wasn’t an easy experience[09:39] Windmill’s go-to-market strategy[11:19] The “SaaS” approach to products[12:20] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[12:40] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[13:29] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[14:00] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[14:57] A disaster of a demo[15:46] Windmill’s crazy one week pivot[16:09] How Windmill got its first customers at launch[17:18] Media and PR marketing for Windmill[18:03] PR is an overlooked strategy[18:54] Reflecting on success and looking to the future[20:46] Don't sleep on retail channels[21:38] Where to find Windmill ACsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeScale your business with electriceye.ioPowerful, quiet, eco-friendly window ACs windmillair.comConnect with Mike linkedin.com/in/mikmayerDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaRespond to any of Rewind’s welcome emails and mention HONEST ECOMMERCE to get 1 month free rewind.io/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Danny Charbonnet started All Citizens a few years ago after searching through endless aisles and websites for new boxer briefs.Charbonnet realized that guys really only have 3 options for underwear; bargain big box retailers, expensive designer labels, or new online brands with designer label prices. This led him to ask himself “why can’t I get a whole week’s worth of great underwear for under $100?” This question sparked the idea for him to create a new category in menswear - premium, performance-based apparel at an exceptional value. Charbonnet started All Citizens with $3,000 and no design, retail, fashion or ecommerce background, but the outsider’s view enabled me to build a brand that is truly customer first without the baggage of the traditional retail model. Although I started with boxer briefs, We’ve expanded to offer everything from performance dress shirts to adventure-ready sunglasses under the singular mission of democratizing comfort. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:08] How All Citizens democratize comfort[02:00] Danny’s realization with men’s underwear[03:34] The question that sparked All Citizens[04:04] Addressing men’s underwear pain points[05:47] Creating a product with no background[06:34] The struggle between price and quality[07:25] Danny’s last hope for manufacturing[08:14] Negotiating as a smaller brand[09:39] The first years of the brand are the easiest[10:03] Still working with the factory on the story[10:22] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[10:42] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[11:42] Sponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honest[12:24] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[13:28] The reverse go-to-market strategy[14:00] Messaging and product over growth[15:04] All Citizens’ sudden growth spikes[16:45] Virality isn’t a good strategy[17:21] Providing the best sets you up for success[18:33] Chasing virality is unproductive and unrealistic[19:02] Why All Citizens doesn’t sell on Amazon[21:07] All Citizens’ current marketing mix[23:52] Not capitalizing on the golden age of FB ads[24:31] Marketing and ad agencies have high churn rates[24:52] Marketing strategy is about balancing channels[29:08] Find All Citizens and their other productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeBetter apparel, fewer dollars allcitizens.comConnect with Danny linkedin.com/in/dfcharbonnetFollow All Citizens on Instagram @allcitizensFollow All Citizens on TikTok @allcitizensScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaTransform your returns into exchanges loopreturns.com/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Brad has specialized in eCommerce and analytics since 2008 when he launched his first SaaS company that was a marketplace matching shoppers and independent local retailers through dynamic personalization. He’s helped build analytics and tracking foundations for brands like Rothys, Rebecca Minkoff, and Autodesk. In 2017, Brad founded Elevar which automates data collection and server-side conversion tracking for thousands of Shopify brands. You can find Brad sharing his knowledge on Youtube, the Elevar blog, and his Conversion Tracking Playbook podcast. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:30] What problems does Elevar solve[02:35] Brad’s journey towards Elevar[06:05] Iterating the product using customer feedback[06:38] Not knowing what to do after gathering data[07:25] Where brands excel in GA[08:17] Why brands think that analytics is inaccurate[09:03] Questions you need to ask when tracking data[10:03] Go to GA with a mission[11:01] Brad’s reaction to Google pushing people to GA4[13:05] The privacy shift in other platforms[13:29] The point of friction in GA4[14:57] Transitioning from UA to GA4[17:42] People will get used to GA4 eventually[18:13] How the iOS 14 changed marketing[21:10] Can server-side tracking mitigate data loss?[24:06] There is no right answer yet[25:13] Where to learn more about conversion tracking[26:10] The heightened focus on CRO[27:02] Where to find ElevarResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeKnow EXACTLY how much ROI you get for each channel, interest, custom audience and ad getelevar.comConnect with Brad linkedin.com/in/braddreddingListen to tips and tricks on everything analytics, conversion optimization, and tagging for Ecommerce brands getelevar.com/podcasts/conversion-tracking-playbookIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Linda Wang is the Founder and CEO of Karuna Skin and sister brand Avatara, known for being the first to bring Asian sheet masks to the U.S. Before starting her company, Linda spent 11 years in fashion merchandising, the training shaped her gusty instincts for spotting trends. Her interest in skincare stemmed from an ongoing struggle since childhood with allergies, rashes, and eczema. As an adult, her focus sharpened on resolving this deeply personal issue since it affects so many others around the world. She launched Karuna in 2009, sensing these revolutionary time-saving masks would be a hit among American beauty aficionados. The sharply-packaged retail line has gained the interests of beauty giants like Sephora, Ulta, etc. From her years of training as a buyer and knowing how trends work, in 2017, she launched her second brand Avatara, inspired by her teenage nieces by offering fun, quality, clean, and affordable skincare products launched in Target stores nationwide. During the last 12 years of building both brands, Linda encountered her share of challenges; increased competition, the explosion of interest in fast beauty, and the rise of more store brands entering the category. In 2018, the Karuna brand faced hardship as the sheet mask category became commoditized, and in response, she pivoted and created the Balancing Collection, a daily topical skin care line now available at Whole Foods Market nationwide. Sister brand, Avatara has also seen tremendous growth with Target, and anticipating more national doors rollout this year. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:13] Types of products that Linda’s brands have[01:50] Linda’s first experience with sheet mask[03:10] Linda’s brands’ idea came from her childhood[04:52] From idea to the first physical product[06:09] The initial challenges as a smaller brand[06:50] Limiting SKUs for an initial launch[07:51] Linda’s go-to-market strategy[09:31] Marketing from a pre-social media perspective[10:23] New brand vs new product line[11:53] CPG brands target multiple specific price points[13:58] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[14:18] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[15:07] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[15:37] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[16:25] How has D2C changed over the years?[18:01] How Maslow’s hierarchy of needs became an asset[19:27] Linda’s advice to up and coming entrepreneurs[20:46] Founders/CEOs’ to-do lists does not shrink[21:33] Take a gamble and start your own business[22:01] Where to find Linda’s productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeSkincare inspired by compassion karunaskin.comA fun, grab-and-go skincare line for people who love to try new products and trends avataraskin.comConnect with Linda linkedin.com/in/linda-wang-049b5bScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaRespond to any of Rewind’s welcome emails and mention HONEST ECOMMERCE to get 1 month free rewind.io/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Chris has spent the last 21 years passionately creating high-impact wins for organizations that improve lives across a broad set of industries (Pharma, Biotech, Hospitality, Live Event, Mgmt Consulting, and Consumer Packaged Goods). The common threads from his deep experience includes transforming complex problems into tangible plans and deliverables, building effective teams that execute at a high level, and creating products / services that make a difference. Chris is fully dedicated to realizing the mission and vision of Monday: Monday Boilerplate. Founded in 2019 by six San Diego based entrepreneurs and friends, Monday was created to serve people proper adult beverages without the alcohol. Their flagship products are Monday Gin - a London Dry, juniper forward spirit and Monday Whiskey - an American style spirit created by an award winning Bourbon maker. Monday’s spirits provide the look, feel, and most importantly - taste - of a top-shelf cocktail minus the alcohol many are increasingly trying to avoid. Monday’s spirits are not only alcohol-free, but support a wide variety of healthy lifestyles with its zero-calorie, no carbs, 0 sugar, Vegan, gluten-free, and Big-8 allergen-free profile. Monday’s spirits were created with the mindset that products should delight, not displease - made for those who want an adult beverage experience with zero downside. Monday pleases your palate and squashes social stressors, even on a Monday. It’s the option to enjoy when you want to take on life how you see fit, with no barriers and no excuses. In This Conversation We Discuss: (50 Characters)[00:00] Intro[01:18] What are Monday’s products[03:08] Why Chris went non-alcoholic[04:23] The start of founding Monday[05:45] Executing on the idea[07:32] The adventure of the first 85 phone calls[08:57] Forming a “super team of founders”[09:50] Formulating and tasting the first batch[10:38] Proving the concept through crowdfunding[11:43] Launching in the midst of the pandemic[13:31] Idea to taste test to final formula[14:31] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[14:51] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[15:40] Sponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honest[16:33] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[17:20] Customer acquisition after Kickstarter[18:31] Did Monday get labeled as a “vice product”?[20:24] The experience of working with 6 co-founders[24:16] Ecom is fraught with challenges[26:24] Where to find Monday’s productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA great foundation to a highly flavorful cocktail alternative drinkmonday.coConnect with Chris linkedin.com/in/christopherlboydScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaTransform your returns into exchanges loopreturns.com/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Kasim is the founder and CEO of Solutions 8, one of the world’s top ranked Google Ads agencies. He's the Traffic Coach for Digital Marketer.com's ELITE coaching program, was hand-selected by Ryan Deiss to help create Digital Marketer's new Paid Traffic Certification, and is the co-host of Perpetual Traffic (one of the top marketing podcasts in the world). Perpetual Traffic now ranks in the top 0.5% of all podcasts worldwide, has been downloaded over 8 million times and has helped tens of thousands of people grow their businesses through online traffic and conversion strategies. Recipient of the Arizona Interactive Marketing Association’s 2017 TIM Award for Person of the Year, Kasim was also named one of the Top 50 Digital Marketing Thought Leaders in the United States by The University of Missouri in 2020. His book, The 7 Critical Principles of Effective Digital Marketing, was featured as one of the Top 100 Digital Marketing Books of All Time by Book Authority. As a professional speaker, Kasim has been a main-stage emcee for the Traffic & Conversion Summit (the largest marketing conference in North America) and speaks regularly at marketing conferences around the globe. He and his wife have two sons; they split their time between Scottsdale, Arizona and Seattle, Washington. In This Conversation We Discuss: [01:13] What interested Kasim in paid ads[02:57] Paid ads determine business success[04:35] When should you consider paid traffic?[07:51] The perspective shift on profitability[08:43] The market shift from SaaS to Ecommerce[10:27] Repeat purchases vs high margins[12:56] Subjective brands are unpredictable[14:56] Fashion brands work better on visual platforms[16:06] 2022 is the Wild West of TikTok[16:33] Verticals fit for Google/YT advertising[16:59] Find an enthusiast niche and build a community[19:28] Passion vs profit[20:46] A product you can stick even during a recession[21:16] The money comes in when it gets hard[22:00] Success can sometimes mean just holding on[23:46] Solutions 8 being the top ranked Google ads agency[24:31] The truth in being a Google Premier Partner[25:06] The big dogs are referring to Solutions 8[25:40] Where to learn about Google ads for free[26:25] Entrepreneurs and SMBs are heroes[27:07] SMBs are more fun than enterprises[28:06] Where to find more of KasimResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeWatch and learn about Google ads on Solution 8’s YT ChannelThe #1 Google Ads Agency in the US sol8.comConnect with Kasim linkedin.com/in/kasimaslamFollow Kasim on Twitter @kasimaslamTune in to the #1 digital marketing podcast https://perpetualtraffic.com/If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Vladimir Vukicevic is an entrepreneur and expert in the world of consumer products. He has taught Fortune 500 companies how to build and leverage new businesses, has combined culture with management theory through his writing, and believes that innovation provides a new path to personal and global empowerment. Vladimir is the CEO and Co-founder of Better & Better—a company that develops and sells personal care products that are fundamentally better for our health and for our environment. Prior to co-founding Better & Better, Vladimir was the Co-founder of two successful startups, each acquired. The most recent, Meural—a platform that combines software and hardware to make art universally accessible—where he was also the CEO, was acquired in 2018 by NETGEAR. And prior to that, Vladimir’s first venture as Co-founder and CTO was RocketHub—a crowdfunding platform that helped thousands of entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists raise millions of dollars. RocketHub was acquired in 2015 by EFactor. Vladimir is an active supporter of various non-profit organizations—currently a board member of Theatre Within, and previously a board member of the New York Foundation for the Arts. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:11] What are Better & Better products?[02:01] Vladimir’s Ecom journey[05:07] Having co-founders or a team is a benefit[06:01] Observe where the market is heading[07:27] Look for investors that fit your brand[08:00] From idea to a product development[09:39] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[09:59] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[10:49] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[11:19] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[12:12] Producing the first batch of products[13:59] Vladimir’s impatience paying off[15:25] 3 levels to target and build credibility[17:30] LTV approach to combat low AOV[18:49] Initial paid marketing budget for startups[19:32] 3 marketing angles that Better & Better tried[20:39] Paid is expensive; Better start organic[21:59] Where to find Better & BetterResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePremium toothpaste that's better for your health and better for the planet betterandbetter.comConnect with Vladimir linkedin.com/in/vukicevicScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaRespond to any of Rewind’s welcome emails and mention HONEST ECOMMERCE to get 1 month free rewind.io/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Nish Samantray is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Arrae, a wellness brand that creates all natural solutions for your wellbeing. Samantray led Arrae to achieving $1M in sales during their first year and a projected revenue of over $10M last year. He has a formal education in engineering and strong background in entrepreneurship, sports and volunteerism. Before launching Arrae in 2019, Samantray was a Principal Product Manager at Paytm, Lead Product Manager at Freshii, and Technical Product Manager at Scotiabank. He is a creative, big picture thinker, energized by new challenges, devoted to analytical investigation and structured thinking as a foundation for unbridled creativity. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:15] What are Arrae products?[01:33] How the idea of Arrae came up[03:13] From idea to a product[05:42] How Arrae found their customer[07:29] Knowing the branding before launching[08:57] Arrae’s Go-to-market strategy[10:30] Why Nish decided to focus on just one channel[11:45] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[12:05] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[12:53] Sponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honest[13:46] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[14:34] How much was Arrae gifting to influencers[14:56] Why Nish decided to commit to influencers[16:43] Did Arrae change its strategy after its success?[18:39] Arrae’s scaling phase strategies[20:24] Customer service and sales[21:29] Using data to your advantage[22:46] Arrae’s marketing mix[24:16] The marketing strats need to work together[25:25] Nish’s thoughts on last touch attribution[26:30] Things going wrong is a sign of success[27:28] Building a business is always difficult[28:14] Where to find ArraeResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA 100% natural wellness brand which empowers women to feel their best so they can be their best arrae.comConnect with Nish linkedin.com/in/nishantsamantrayScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaSponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Paul is a leading subject matter expert in Ecommerce. He is Managing Director at Deloitte Digital, one of the leaders in the US Commerce practice. He leads the Commerce Practice Eminence initiative. He brings more than 25 years of experience in strategy, consulting, technology, and digital transformation. Paul has led some of the world’s largest and most innovative e-commerce initiatives. He is a frequent speaker at Digital/Ecommerce events as well has been featured as an Ecommerce subject matter expert on many publications. He has served such companies as Target, Foot Locker, Hyatt , Victoria Secret, General Electric and Siemens, and many more driving commerce and digital transformations. He is a frequent speaker at Digital/Ecommerce events as well has been featured as an Ecommerce subject matter expert on many publications. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:08] The connection between Ohio and commerce[01:39] Paul’s history with Ecommerce[03:23] The earliest Ecom platforms’ M&A[06:49] The biggest Ecom project Paul was a part of[09:42] Target’s Ecom implementation is still impressive[10:48] Ecom vs the national spend[13:52] Growth naturally slows down[14:37] There are various factors affecting Ecom growth[16:53] What is Deloitte Digital?[18:14] The challenges that enterprise brands face[20:43] Transitioning enterprise-level brands is complex[22:27] The difference between SMBs and Enterprise[23:09] The upcoming opportunity to B2B[26:38] Don’t ignore marketplaces[28:04] Where to find PaulResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeCreating new growth by elevating the human experience—with connected ideas, technology, and talent deloittedigital.comConnect with Paul linkedin.com/in/pauldofornoFollow Paul @dofornopIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Graham Smith is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of No, Thank You. Graham has spent the last 3+ years as an entrepreneur in the startup community. Prior to this, he worked in the financial industry for over 12 years, where he led cross-sector financings for middle market businesses across Europe. Notable investments include Liberty London (a historic London department store), where he also served as a board member. Graham graduated cum laude from USC Marshall School of Business in 2005 with a B.S. in Accounting. Graham likes all things fitness, cooking, photography and exploring the world. Zain Pirani is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of No, Thank You. Zain has 3+ years of experience in developing and launching various consumer product brands across multiple industries, including supplements, food, beverage and most recently in the cannabinoid industry. Prior to this, she worked in marketing and fundraising in the financial industry for over 14 years. Zain graduated from Boston College with a B.S. in Finance and Management Information Systems in 2003. In her free time, Zain likes to read, enjoy a good cycling class, dabble in cooking and charcoal drawings. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:23] Emphasizing the efficacy of CBD[02:36] How No, Thank You started[06:04] Why NTY focuses on the products and ingredients[07:36] Duration from idea to products[09:07] The importance of customer feedback[09:54] Go out and let people test your products[11:06] Where the name “No, Thank You” comes from[12:48] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[13:07] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[13:56] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[14:26] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[15:14] NTY and HEC are kindred spirits[15:32] The downsides of launching CBD brand[18:12] Rebuilding the broken trust in the industry[19:54] The CBD industry requires at least twice the effort[20:24] What makes NTY show up every day[20:58] How NTY got their first customers[23:07] Making your target audience as your Northstar[23:52] Struggling at first but making emails work[25:23] Employment is only sustainable for a time[26:41] Pick good people to have a business with[27:24] Prepare for a “divorce” if it happens[27:44] Where to find No, Thank You[28:07] Be informed about CBD productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeThe best full-spectrum CBD + CBDa skin care and body care products scientifically formulated to help with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging concerns nty.coVisit the Science section of the NTY website to be informed about CBD nty.co/pages/scienceConnect with Graham linkedin.com/in/graham-smith-726b971Connect with Zain linkedin.com/in/zain-pirani-5309801bScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaRespond to any of Rewind’s welcome emails and mention HONEST ECOMMERCE to get 1 month free rewind.io/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Angelina Ly founded her own company, Fireflyslime, at the age of 14 and is now celebrating her 5th year of business. She single-handedly operates all aspects of her business while being a full-time college student. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:31] What is Fireflyslime and its target audience[02:14] From a hobby to explosive growth[04:29] Angelina’s social media/organic tips[05:44] Platform specific strategies or reusing strategies[06:41] Etsy vs Shopify[08:35] Sponsor: Electric Eye https://electriceye.io/[08:56] Sponsor: Mesa https://apps.shopify.com/mesa[09:54] Sponsor: Loop https://loopreturns.com/honest[10:37] Sponsor: Klaviyo https://klaviyo.com/honest[11:24] Day in the life of a full-time student solopreneur[13:09] Take control of your inventory[13:58] What does the future hold for Fireflyslime[15:05] When Angelina got support from her family[16:50] Where to find FireflyslimeResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeExperience the joy of slime during playtime or to wind down after a stressful day fireflyslime.comConnect with Angelina linkedin.com/in/angelina-lyScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaTransform your returns into exchanges loopreturns.com/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Amit is the co-founder and CEO of Richpanel - customer service platform for DTC brands on Shopify, Magento and WooCommerce. Richpanel helps Ecommerce brands scale customer service without hiring more agents by automating more than 50% tickets through self-service. The platform enables the CS team to become true revenue enablers and not just a back-end system. Before co-founding Richpanel, Amit was operating a full-service E-commerce agency focussed on enterprise brands. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:04] Amit explains Richpanel[02:41] How Richpanel was born[03:39] Minimum viable product of Richpanel[05:37] How Richpanel works for brands[06:54] Thought leaders that helped Amit[07:48] Make mistakes, learn from them fast[08:44] One of the biggest problems that founders have[09:16] Worry more about inaction rather than mistakes[10:20] The bad aspects of being focused on the solution[11:57] Brand stage that works best with Richpanel[13:47] Not enough founders focus on customer service[15:45] How Richpanel solves for customers[17:14] Solving problems before the customers call[18:40] The importance of providing customer service[19:29] Respect the time of your valued customers[20:19] Where to find RichpanelResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA purpose-built CRM and customer support platform for E-commerce and DTC brands richpanel.comConnect with Amit linkedin.com/in/amit-rgIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Anouck Gotlib was born in Antwerp, Belgium, and studied Fashion Design at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Israel. She moved to New York to pursue a career in fashion—first at Zac Posen and later at Donna Morgan. Anouck would return from long days on Fashion Ave to spend nights and evenings working on Belgian Boys' graphics, branding, packaging, and marketing, and she ultimately decided to step away from the fashion world and into entrepreneurship with her husband Greg. Today, Anouck is the CEO at Belgian Boys and serves on the advisory council of the Belgium Chambres of Commerce. Recently, Anouck was named to the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women Class of 2021. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband Greg and two sons. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:08] Why Anouck decided to start Belgian Boys[03:23] How Belgian Boys was going before Anouck joined[04:36] Using feedback to make the brand better[06:24] Sponsor: Electric Eye https://electriceye.io/[06:44] Sponsor: Mesa https://apps.shopify.com/mesa[07:32] Sponsor: Rewind https://rewind.com/honestecommerce[08:03] Sponsor: Klaviyo https://klaviyo.com/honest[08:50] Resilience is the key for platform challenges[10:56] Being surrounded by a great team[11:40] Tips for hiring freelancers/team members[13:14] Mistakes Anouck wants you to avoid[14:32] Don’t be swayed by naysayers[16:54] Where to find Belgian BoysResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeWaffles, breakfast, desserts & cookies Non-GMO, made in Europe belgianboys.comConnect with Anouck linkedin.com/in/anouck-gotlib-82b96b2bScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaRespond to any of Rewind’s welcome emails and mention HONEST ECOMMERCE to get 1 month free rewind.io/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

David Hayford is the Founder of Tether Tug, a unique interactive dog toy company. The Tether Tug people are dog fanatics who passionately create interactive and interchangeable products to improve the overall well-being of dogs through physical exercise and mental stimulation. Tether Tug’s mission is to help make it easy for pet owners to keep their dogs playing and having fun while helping to improve behavior and promote the loving bond between pets and people. Remember, dogs unite us! In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:15] From healthcare to dog toys[03:37] Producing a product with no experience[04:54] How Tether Tug got its first sales[06:30] Don’t just follow the money[07:42] Protecting the brand on Amazon[09:06] Marketing expertise is very platform dependent[10:15] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[10:35] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[11:33] Sponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honest[12:16] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[13:03] Amazon is a “necessary evil”[13:27] Consumers and brands need protection[14:16] Good ideas need appropriate action[15:34] Failure at something is inevitable yet invaluable[16:25] Store owners should love what they do[17:33] Visiting websites just to analyze how it works[18:04] Ecommerce is constantly changing[18:23] Embracing the culture of your industry[19:51] Where to find Tether TugResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeDurable, interactive dog toy system designed for active dogs of all breeds and sizes tethertug.comConnect with David linkedin.com/in/david-hayford-7b815621Scale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaTransform your returns into exchanges https://loopreturns.com/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Joe Moriarty previously worked in technology investing in Austin, San Francisco, and New York prior to creating Modern Mammals. He has experience with both fundraising and buying other businesses, and spends time helping other founders now as well. He's from a town near Rochester NY, studied economics at the University of Chicago and did his MBA at Harvard Business School. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:10] Where the idea Modern Mammals came from[02:19] Why there are no shampoo/conditioner replacements[03:07] The hoops that Modern Mammals had to jump[04:01] How long from conception to production?[05:13] Going to market in the pandemic[06:22] Modern Mammals’ go-to-market plan[07:42] Influencer-led vs customer-led[08:52] The customer’s obsession with Modern Mammals[10:54] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[11:14] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[12:02] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[12:33] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[13:20] A specific problem for a specific customer[14:47] Creating a flywheel of social proof[15:57] Making the brand better through feedback[17:30] Working on “Joe’s List”[19:16] Where to find Modern MammalsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA great alternative to shampoo designed for guys modernmammals.comConnect with Joe linkedin.com/in/joe-moriartyScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaRespond to any of Rewind’s welcome emails and mention HONEST ECOMMERCE to get 1 month free rewind.io/honestGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!