Honest Ecommerce

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!

Kyle is the founder and CEO of Win Brands Group, an omnichannel retail platform that buys and builds category-defining brands. Win’s enviable stable of brands includes Homesick (scented candles and home fragrance), QALO (silicone wedding rings and accessories), Gravity (the original weighted blanket), and Love Your Melon (mission-driven outerwear). Kyle has spent over a decade honing the art of consumer-focused venture capital and brand building, raising millions of dollars, and building businesses responsible for employing hundreds of people in the process. His background includes working side-by-side with billionaire serial entrepreneur and branding guru J. Christopher Burch, as well as founding multiple best-in-class investment and marketing operations in the US and abroad. Kyle holds a B.S. degree in accounting and finance from the School of Management at Syracuse University. He and his wife split their time between New York and Sag Harbor, with their young sons, and beloved dog Gibson. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:11] What led Kyle into Ecommerce[02:19] How Win Brands Group work[03:21] Having a holdco approach to produce scale[04:20] Combining great use of resources and talent[05:58] The first brand that Win Brands Group acquired[07:15] The stories of other brands acquired by WBG[09:49] It’s hard to create a good team[10:04] People are the Win Brands Group’s business[11:17] Success is getting more and more specific[12:05] Why Amazon is a part of the omnichannel strategy[14:40] How to make Shopify stores appealing to WBG[16:24] Startup strategies vs scaling strategies[18:34] The entrepreneurial behavior[19:00] Delegation tips from Kyle[20:43] Don’t cheap out on talent[23:17] Just keep swinging[24:42] Focus on your “superpower”[26:15] Shouting out WBG brands[27:45] Where to find KyleResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeConnect with Kyle [email protected] best in class technology partners to build and scale the most innovative customer-first brands in the world winbg.comNatural soy wax blend scented candles homesick.comSilicone bands & silicone engagement rings qalo.comWeighted blankets, throws, robes + accessories gravityblankets.comBuy hats, beanies & apparel - fight cancer loveyourmelon.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!

Mike Beckham is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Simple Modern, a leading producer of premium drinkware and lifestyle products. Founded in 2015 and based in Oklahoma, Simple Modern currently generates a nine-figure annual revenue and is committed to generosity, donating at least 10% of annual profits to nonprofit organizations. Under Mike’s leadership, the company has grown into a category leader for Amazon, Target, and Sam’s Club. In addition, Simple Modern will be launching in Walmart stores nationwide in spring 2022. Prior to founding Simple Modern, Mike spent over a decade working for the worldwide Christian ministry CRU. Equipped with a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, Mike transitioned into the business world and helped found and operate several e-commerce businesses, which cumulatively generated more than $1 billion in revenue. Mike graduated with a degree from the University of Oklahoma Price College of Business, where he currently serves as the senior entrepreneur-in-residence.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:08] What brought Mike to the Ecom game[05:09] Accepting that Amazon wins the Ecom fight[07:12] D2C brands transitioning into traditional retail[08:43] Make your brand indispensable to platforms[09:25] Brands reaching “escape velocity”[10:48] The newer value props for D2C[14:12] 2 ways to position a D2C brand to customers[15:34] Reasons to invest in domestic manufacturing[17:56] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[18:16] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[19:04] Sponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honest[19:57] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[20:44] From the starting phase to the scaling phase[21:59] Moving into the enterprise level[23:09] 2 Ecom things that catch people off-guard[24:48] Ecommerce can make you age fast[25:40] Mistakes Mike wants you to avoid[26:41] You have to have a learning mindset[27:29] Process-driven mindset vs results-driven mindset[29:11] Entrepreneurship doesn’t start with novelty[30:45] Trying is what makes people great[32:26] Being a net positive brand/business[34:15] Where to find Simple ModernResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeConnect with Mike linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsmStylish water bottles, travel mugs, food storage, and backpacks simplemodern.comScale 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!

R.T. Custer is a Serial Entrepreneur specializing in story-based marketing for consumer product companies. He started Vortic Watch Company with his friend Tyler in college and grew it to a nationally recognized 7 figure luxury brand that’s now expanding into an 8,000 sq ft facility in downtown Fort Collins. In 2020 R.T. spun off the expert team of marketers helping with Vortic to create a marketing agency that soon after joined forces with fellow agency entrepreneur and friend, Jim Carter, resulting in Carter & Custer. R.T.’s goal is to change the lives of other entrepreneurs by helping them tell the world about what they have to share. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[02:08] Why R.T. chose watches[04:35] How was Vortic Watch growing their customer base[06:16] Paid ads tend to be harder with luxury products[08:53] Email is the key to marketing high-priced products[10:08] Personalization vs making it personal[11:37] Biggest learning experience from Vortic Watch Co.[13:48] The expensive lesson of winning a lawsuit[15:25] 2 books that helped Vortic Watch Co.[17:02] Having a story-based email strategy[17:36] Pivoting hard because of the pandemic[21:24] R.T.’s 3rd business venture, technically[24:10] Masterminds will change your life[27:11] Joining masterminds to “buy friends”[28:43] Where to find R.T. and VorticResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA small batch, custom, watch manufacturing and vintage restoration company located in Northern Colorado vorticwatches.comThe best business mastermind + community for entrepreneurs fastfoundations.comA purpose-driven, referral only agency. carterandcuster.comConnect with R.T. Custer linkedin.com/in/rtcusterIf 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!

From selling handmade leather belts and wallets out the back of his Chevy Station Wagon to becoming one of the top businesses for handmade leather hats, it’s safe to say Gary Watrous (our founder) doesn’t mess around. He’s been perfecting his expertise for nearly 50 years and with the help of his son Garth, his daughter-in-law Hannah, his wife Merry-Lee, and several other family members who have been integrated into the business, he has been able to take American Hat Makers to new heights. Today, Garth has assumed command and is shaping a new direction for the hat company as we know it. In 2017, Garth was elected president of the Headwear Association and has used this position to impact the worldwide hat industry. Also known as Monterey Bay Hats, Head’N Home, American Hat Company, and American Hats, the American Hat Makers continue to bring the most durable, high-quality, handmade hats to the market. And when we say there’s a hat for any occasion, we mean it. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:14] How Garth got started on the hat business[02:17] Experiencing the start of the internet and COVID[06:18] After trying multiple websites, what made it work?[08:12] The “Field of Dreams” approach is not realistic[10:33] American Hat Makers’ numbers[12:20] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[12:40] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[13:28] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[13:59] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[14:46] Chase’s perspective on LTV[15:56] How American Hat Makers improved AOV[16:59] Customers adding more to their cart[17:42] Hotjar and its invaluable data[18:48] Mobile compatible vs mobile first websites[19:39] How American Hat Makers got expert help[20:50] Don’t be afraid of failure[21:57] Learning marketing was not enough[23:02] Garth’s approach on delegation[25:03] The “50-year old startup”[25:56] The other side of being an entrepreneur[28:22] Family still matters at the end of the day[29:47] Where to find American Hat MakersResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeProudly handcrafting hats in the U.S.A. for over 40 years americanhatmakers.comConnect with Garth linkedin.com/in/garth-watrous-30378731Scale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/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!

Shai Eisenman is the founder and CEO of Bubble Skincare. As the first skincare brand created for young skin, Bubble sets a new skincare standard while truly listening to what its customers want and need. Today, the Bubble line consists of seven products that work together to create a complete routine from face cleansers to face masks. It’s available on hellobubble.com, in 3,800 Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com. Prior to starting Bubble in 2018, Eisenman started her B.A. at 15, and began her career in business at 16 years old. While in university, she worked for an up-and-coming high-tech security start-up, Bullet Plate, where she was responsible for new business development. Eisenman then wanted to take her experience to the tech world, where she managed compliance and Business Development for Babylon.com, a company in the AdTech world. Then, at 21, She then moved to Playtech, the world’s largest online gaming software supplier traded on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market where she was the CEO of a B2C subsidiary of over ~90 employees. Shai is currently 29 years old, resides in New York, and has a five year old daughter. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:19] Where Shai came up with the idea of Bubble[02:58] From idea to business[03:39] Finding people to test out your product[05:02] Bubble’s all-out launch strategy[07:06] Do non-scalable things at the start[07:30] Focus groups don’t give 100% accurate info[09:12] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[09:11] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[10:55] Sponsor: Loop loopreturns.com/honest[11:25] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[12:01] Understanding the market deeply[14:09] Data gave Bubbles the leverage[15:28] Contacting CEOs for raw materials[17:15] Research and try to understand the consumer[17:50] Where to find BubbleResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeThe first skincare brand created for young skin hellobubble.comConnect with Shai linkedin.com/in/shaipennScale 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!

Arguably the most sought-after authority in men’s grooming, Vaughn did not find success by accident. The son of a barber, his interest in hair piqued at an early age, and he gave his first haircut as a teenager in 1976. Vaughn’s client list includes some of the most well-known names in the world—Bruce Springsteen, Richard Gere, Daniel Day Lewis, Tom Brady, President Bill Clinton, Jeff Gordon, Ashton Kutcher and Al Pacino—as well as everyday guys who do anything but fade into the background.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:29] How Vaughn had the idea of going to beauty school[02:41] Vaughn’s music background[03:39] Vaughn’s modeling opportunity[05:24] The return to hairdressing and grooming[07:45] What grooming means for Vaughn[08:45] Vaughn’s involvement in luxury beauty brands[09:52] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[10:11] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[10:55] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[11:25] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[12:13] LBP and Vaughn’s partnership with them[13:23] How Covid and the internet affected hairdressing[15:04] Targeting a niche and preparing for dry spells[17:08] Partnerships and buying the group of brands[18:25] Men and women shop differently[19:44] Make sure your products are in stock[22:02] Trust your hands[22:53] Men are not vocal but looks are important to them[23:31] Where to find V76 productsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeScale your business with electriceye.ioFollow Vaughn on Instagram @vaughnnewyorkAmerican-made products for the well-groomed man v76.comDownload 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!

Dave Rodenbaugh is the founder of Recapture.io, an abandoned cart and SMS/email marketing service for WooCommerce, Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, Easy Digital Downloads, Restrict Content Pro and more. Founded in 2015, Recapture has processed over 1.9 billion in gross merchant volume (GMV) and recovered over $190,000,000 for stores worldwide. Email is Dave's middle name. Dave is also the co-host of the RogueStartups podcast and the WP Minute Ecommerce show. He now works exclusively on ecommerce and has a passion for making merchants of all kinds more successful with their stores. He truly loves email, dark beer, lifestyle businesses and his family. Not necessarily in that order. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:15] What is Recapture?[02:14] How Recapture recovered almost $200 million[03:10] The Ecommerce Email Playbook[05:14] No excuse to having no email strats[08:36] Biggest fear that merchants have about email[09:30] You’re not annoying your customers[11:01] Big brands are not perfect, especially in strategy[11:47] Why you should sign up on newsletters[12:48] Just send the emails[13:49] Dave’s Email Ladder Strategy[15:41] Solutions for “not knowing what to say”[16:19] Solutions for busy founders[17:11] Unsubscribes are actually a good thing[17:54] Start with default emails provided by platforms[18:49] When “good enough” is enough to send[19:51] Mistakes can work the best or be fun[20:17] Alternate ways to give value aside from discounts[24:04] Where to find Dave and RecaptureResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeScale your business with electriceye.ioTry out Recapture 60 days for free! recapture.io/honest-ecommerce-specialFollow Dave on Twitter @daverodenbaughIf you want help with email strategy, email Dave [email protected] inspired with the best showcase of email design and resources on the web reallygoodemails.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!

Wylie Robinson is the founder and CEO of Rumpl, a company that's on a mission to introduce the world to better blankets. Robinson started as a designer (architecture degree) and worked in many creative fields including graphic design, architecture, branding, illustration, music. Robinson is also a former professional mountain biker and avid surfer, skier, climber. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:27] Why blankets?[02:28] How Wylie thought of the idea of blankets[04:37] Pivoting from Kickstarter to a brand[06:31] When or when not to release on Kickstarter[07:22] Acquiring new customers post-Kickstarter[08:30] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[09:34] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[10:22] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[10:37] Experiencing co-founder separation[13:18] How Wylie’s role at Rumpl changed over the years[14:35] Wylie’s advice for delegation[16:34] Build a product that you understand yourself[17:51] Where to find Rumpl[18:17] Why Rumpl’s product selection in Amazon differentResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeOutdoor blankets that are inspired by nature and the outdoors and crafted with modern materials and technologies rumpl.comConnect with Wylie linkedin.com/in/wylierobinsonScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/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!

John Sheldon, Chief Marketing Officer, SmileDirectClub John Sheldon is the Chief Marketing Officer at SmileDirectClub. In this role, he focuses on delivering the best possible experience to customers in order to continue growing SmileDirectClub and reach more people searching for affordable access to a straighter and more confident smile. As the Chief Marketing Officer, John oversees all digital media, paid media, creative development, social media, communication tactics, and experiential initiatives for the brand. As a results-driven marketing leader, John continually builds a track-record of success and is a champion for creating strategic plans based on key insights. John has a strong background in digital transformation and innovation across a range of industries. He previously served as Chief Revenue Officer of Fresh Direct, a food tech company and the Northeast's leading online fresh food grocer. He was also the Senior Vice President of Innovation Portfolios for Mastercard driving innovation globally for the company, and the Head of Strategy at eBay Enterprises Marketing Solutions. He has launched and worked with dozens of digital-first brands and led the strategy to bring many great brands into the digital ecosystem. John earned a B.S. in Economics with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:10] A C-suite position at a well-known D2C brand[04:02] Is grass greener at an agency or at a client?[05:57] Learning through agencies and starting a business[06:50] The podcast is based in the entrepreneurial spirit[07:17] It’s the best time to start a business[07:45] How far along was SmileDirectClub when John joined[08:57] How the pandemic “helped” SmileDirectClub[11:34] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[11:54] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[12:38] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[13:08] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[13:56] Chase also invested in his teeth[14:30] How SmileDirectClub moved on from COVID [15:50] The shift in customer demands[17:43] Importance of customer lifetime value[18:28] Effects of iOS 14 to SmileDirect Club[20:23] Things to note when diversifying your channels[21:28] How SDC does attribution[22:36] Embracing being a brand challenger[24:06] It’s very fulfilling to start a brand and succeedResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeScale your business with electriceye.ioConnect with John linkedin.com/in/johnsheldonAn oral care company that exists to help more people realize the life-changing potential of their smiles smiledirectclub.comSubscribe to Smile Direct Club youtube.com/c/SmileDirectClubDownload 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!

Michael Epstein has been in ecommerce for over 20 years, starting an online retailer and existing in 2013 to private equity. He has served as a private equity operating partner and CMO for numerous 8 & 9 figure PE-owned Ecom brands. He is currently co-founder & co-CEO of PostPilot, a direct mail automation platform built for ecommerce and direct to consumer brands. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:23] The elevator pitch for PostPilot[02:56] Being the “Klaviyo for Y”[03:55] Applying common email flows to postcards[06:29] How does attribution work for PostPilot?[07:51] The advantage of unique codes[09:13] Pricing for PostPilot[10:54] The “godfather” offer[11:38] Can you customize your own designs?[12:53] Most brands prefer PostPilot to handle designs[13:50] PostPilot’s brand new announcement![15:58] Mixing technology and strategy [16:43] Examples of how PostPilot helped big brands[18:49] Where to start with PostPilotResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePostPilot’s “Godfather” offer. An offer you can’t refuse postpilot.com/gfoIf 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!

Nate Axvig grew up in frigid North Dakota and moved to sunny Colorado after graduating from law school. He practiced as a litigator for 16 years before moving to Oslo, Norway with his wife Leslie (also a litigator) and their two kids- Luke and Bekah. While living in Norway and pursuing an advanced degree in Communications and Technology Law, Nate and Leslie discovered the world class quality of Scandinavian clothing. That planted a seed which sprouted into aktivstyle.com, their business that brings Scandinavian clothing into the United States. Since its inception in 2018, Aktiv has steadily grown and expanded into a traditional brick and mortar setting at Stanley Marketplace in Denver's eastern metro area. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:26] The products that Aktiv offers[02:53] From idea to market[04:59] Cold outreach to manufacturers[07:17] Advantages/disadvantages of selling existing goods[09:23] Being mindful of different markets[10:19] Customer acquisition for a new market introduction[13:48] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[14:08] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[14:52] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[15:39] Branching out into brick-and-mortar[17:50] Why Aktiv did it “a little backwards”[19:24] Providing a more personal experience[21:08] Where to find AktivResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaGet 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!

Megan Grassel is the Founder/CEO of Yellowberry. Armed with her own hand-drawn sketch and the savings from her summer jobs, Megan Grassell set out to make her younger sister, along with tween girls everywhere, an age-appropriate bra. In 2013, at age 17, she founded Yellowberry. With funding from a successful Kickstarter campaign, Megan created colorful, comfortable and supportive bras for young girls along with a promise to help them feel more confident about wearing bras for the first time. Today, Yellowberry offers a full collection of bras, underwear, lounge and activewear exclusively for girls with an extra boost of encouragement to dream big and feel supported to do anything in the world. In 2014 she was on TIME Magazine’s 25 Most Influential Teens and included on Huffington Post’s list of 14 Most Fearless Teens. In 2015, Megan was named one of the 24 Millennials to Watch by Yahoo. In 2016, Megan was selected as one of Forbes 30 Under 30. She has been featured in countless media outlets including The TODAY Show, The New York Times, Fast Company, Inc. Magazine, Forbes Magazine, Seventeen and Teen Vogue, among others. In addition to serving as an active company founder, Megan served as a member of the first-ever Barbie Global Advisory Board for Mattel. She is an active member of the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club as well as of Pulse, the newly created St. John’s Youth Hospital Board. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:39] Being an influential teen entrepreneur[03:10] Where the idea of Yellowberry came from[06:30] From a good idea to a good business idea[07:40] The challenge in transitioning from crowdfunding [11:02] Yellowberry’s previous and current software[12:43] Inventory forecasting and cash flow tips[14:20] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[14:40] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[16:51] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[17:21] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[17:14] Build relationships across your supply chain[18:41] Yellowberry’s marketing stack[20:04] What helped Megan as a young founder[21:13] The previous guests’ experience about COVID[22:32] Yellowberry’s COVID experience[25:40] Launching Yellowberry’s Basics Collection[27:16] The struggles as a young female entrepreneur[30:27] Yellowberry had to work for Megan[32:27] Did pitching multiple times make Megan better?[33:13] Where to find YellowberryResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeThe original by girls, for girls brand that’s changing the bra industry for girls yellowberrycompany.comConnect with Megan linkedin.com/in/megangrassellScale 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!

Prior to the NxTSTOP Brendan spent his career working in enterprise technology with Accenture and then VMware. In 2015 he founded his first startup Fathomd to bring interactive business games into MBA coursework. In 2020 Brendan launched NxTSTOP to outfit world explorers with functional sustainable travel apparel and scaled it to a multimillion dollar business in just one year. He is a graduate of Stanford and received his MBA from MIT Sloan.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:17] Travleisure® and the IPs of NxTSTOP[01:45] What is NxTSTOP[02:07] Coming up with the idea of NxTSTOP[03:26] What made NxTSTOP explode[05:20] Pivoting to face masks saved the business[06:57] Dealing with non ideal customers[08:52] Acquiring “new” customers[11:52] Customer feedback is valuable[13:36] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[13:56] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[14:39] Sponsor: Gorgias gorgias.grsm.io/honest[16:06] Sponsor: BeProfit beprofit.co[17:37] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[18:24] Being on Shopify vs being on Amazon[22:04] Did Amazon produce economies of scale?[23:15] Other channels that NxTSTOP uses[24:38] The importance of domain authority[25:38] NxTSTOP’s SEO play[26:40] SEO for D2C Brands[27:46] SEO has great ROI[28:06] Brendan warns against agencies[29:48] Chase’s perspective on Brendan’s statement[30:09] Brendan clarifies to be careful of big agencies[30:57] Chase’s restaurant analogy[31:12] Build a “dream team”[32:44] Dealing with the iOS 14 update[35:22] How Chase analyzes brands for Electric Eye[36:25] Brendan tries out Chase’s technique[37:00] Triple Whale and other first party pixels[38:33] Where to find NxTSTOPResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeFunctional, eco-friendly, stylish travel clothing and accessories thenxtstop.comConnect with Brendan linkedin.com/in/brendanmkennedyThe central source of truth for your Ecommerce store trytriplewhale.comHonest Ecommerce Bonus Episode with Triple Whale youtube.com/watch?v=W4Ant6ytppgEmail Chase [email protected] and ask for the Triple Whale discount codeScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/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!

Gilmar Arellano, who co-founded HAY! Straws and serves as its CEO, pursued the plastic straw alternative due to his unconditional love for nature. “I wanted to protect the environment from the horrors of plastic waste,” he says, “and my experience in hospitality led me to identify one of the most egregious culprits: straws made from oil-based plastic.” Hand- selecting straw from small farms, cutting it, washing it, and packaging it in eco-friendly boxes revealed a natural solution to a dire modern problem. As he embraces the HAY! brand and its mission of reducing plastic pollution, Arellano also builds a strong, devoted team. Banking on their individual commitments to the cause, Arellano harnesses the powerful energy that comes with making a difference. “Rather than micro-manage, I choose to empower people,” he explains. While growing up in Lima, Peru, Arellano longed to start his own business after observing his father, who owned a clothing factory. Arellano spent plenty of time around his father’s business before they relocated to California when he was 14. There, he worked with hospitality, beverage, and tech brands. Arellano received his education from the University of California, Santa Barbara in the form of an international studies B.A. He also studied abroad at Delhi University and, in 2014, earned his Advanced Level Three certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, which aided him later on when he served as a sommelier. While pursuing his WSET certification, Arellano worked for Jardesca California Aperitiva, a Northern California-based producer. As market manager, he led the growth of the drink throughout the region, promoting it as an alternative to traditional European aperitifs. He then brought his expertise in expanding brand footprints to Allset, a pre-order and prepay restaurant reservation portal, at which he worked with now- business partner Alexey Savin. Arellano’s first advent into the sustainable product space—alongside Savin—came in 2015 in the form of a toothbrush, one that stands up on its own and sources only eco-friendly, biodegradable materials. MABLE’s commitment to supporting children’s education through toothbrush profits also became a core tenet of Arellano’s business practices. Arellano brought on Emma Grose, who he met while traveling through Vietnam, as the head of social media, photography, and website design. A strong thread of eco-friendliness began to take root in Arellano’s career as he lived out his appreciation for the Earth and its fruits through his work with wine and in sustainable product design. He soon learned just how much he could contribute to the planet by combining and applying his skill sets strategically. A few years after MABLE’s launch, Arellano continued to innovate by taking on the hospitality industry with his and Savin’s alternative to plastic straws, the HAY! Straw. With the help of Grose and Savin, Arellano brought the straw-made-from-straw to market in 2018 and started a revolution in earth-friendly products. To date, the team has helped replace more than 50 million plastic straws with HAY! straws. Arellano recently moved to Austin and can be found cycling, playing soccer, reading and traveling the world. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:03] Where Gil got the idea of alternative straws[02:48] How Gil got into sustainability[05:03] Timing is really important[05:58] The avenues that HAY! Straws targeted[07:32] Cold emails as a strategy[09:11] The difference in approaching cold emails[10:03] HAY! Straws’ email strat may not work for everyone[11:18] How to stand out in cold emails[12:25] Focusing on B2B for now[14:20] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[14:40] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[15:24] Sponsor: Gorgias gorgias.grsm.io/honest[16:51] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[17:21] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[18:08] Most challenging parts of a straw business[20:32] D2C approach for a B2B audience[23:34] Did HAY! Straws get pushback from going online?[24:48] What platform does HAY! Straws use?[26:39] Diversify your customer base[27:37] Things will go wrong so be prepared[28:46] Where to find HAY! StrawsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeCompostable drinking straws that don’t suck haystraws.comConnect with Gil linkedin.com/in/gilmar-arellano-513a03aaScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/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!

Noah’s love of hot sauce began well before he founded HEATONIST. In fact, he’s loved spicy food for as long as he can remember. Growing up, Noah’s family joked that he got his love of spicy food from his mom’s mom. The family lived in Austin, Texas in the 50s and legend tells about a time his grandmother went to buy a garland of dried chilis for cooking. The grocer tried to talk her out of it, saying they were too hot for her, but she told him she knew what she was doing. He said if she ate one of the chilis right then and there, he'd pay for her whole basket of groceries. Groceries were on him that week! She and Noah are the only members of the family with red hair, and the only two to love spicy food. Coincidence, or connection? As he grew older, Noah found he enjoyed cooking after experimenting with his first grill. At 17, he interviewed for a job at an Outback Steakhouse that opened in town (South Burlington, Vermont). Most of his friends interviewing were made dishwashers or busboys, but somehow Noah was put on the line cooking. He loved the heat of it, and ended up working in kitchens for the next six years. While studying at Concordia University in Montreal, Noah had the chance to open his first food business: a breakfast and lunch counter inside of an MMA training facility. He named it Callaloo after the healthy Caribbean leafy green, and it was all about positive nutrition. It developed a real following with the trainers and their athlete clients. After graduating in 2007, Noah moved to New York City to get his business degree. After working in digital marketing for years, Noah began sharing his hot sauce passion with coworkers and friends, and the rest is history! He returned to his entrepreneurial and food-focused roots and launched the hot sauce tasting mobile in NYC in 2013 and opened the hot sauce tasting room in Brooklyn in 2015. Today, Noah splits time between Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Livingston Manor, NY, where he is working to establish the HEATONIST chili farm. Stay tuned for HEATONIST Catskills, coming soon! In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[02:07] Where the idea of Heatonist started[04:03] From a push cart to online, to brick and mortar[04:43] When Noah went full-time into hot sauces[05:42] How Noah got customers online[06:59] Moving into warehouses after initial success[07:51] The best investments to drive traffic[08:10] Focus on experience vs growth[08:41] Sourcing and producing hot sauces[09:29] Where the Heatonist name started[11:07] Hot sauce making is a great and loving community[11:48] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[12:08] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[12:52] Sponsor: Gorgias gorgias.grsm.io/honest[14:18] Sponsor: BeProfit beprofit.co[15:49] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[16:37] How Hot Ones came into the picture[19:02] Learn to delegate early on[19:53] Logistics can be difficult[21:32] Why Heatonist stopped running their own warehouse[22:12] When should a founder move to a 3PL?[24:16] Partnering with the Shopify Fulfillment Network[24:55] Which hot sauce would Noah recommend?Resources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePurveyors of fine hot sauces, as featured on Hot Ones heatonist.comConnect with Noah linkedin.com/in/noahchaimbergScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/honestVisit beprofit.co and use code HONEST15 to get an exclusive 15% off any plan for the lifetime of your planGet 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!

Kerrigan Behrens is the co-founder and co-CEO of consumer wellness brand Sagely Naturals. Most recently, Kerrigan guided her team through an acquisition by HempFusion, expanded the brands ingestible offerings with gummies, and launched a non-CBD infused product collection in Target under the Sagely Naturals umbrella. She and the brand have been featured in publications such as Forbes, Fortune, Glossy, Coveteur, Vogue, and Green Entrepreneur. Kerrigan has been at the helm of the brand since it launched in 2015, and has successfully galvanized and accelerated marketplace acceptance of CBD as a natural and effective alternative for the products you would already find in your medicine cabinet. Kerrigan lives in Los Angeles, which also serves as Sagely Naturals’ headquarters, with her husband and daughter.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:07] Where the idea of Sagely Naturals came from[06:29] How Kerrigan processed their pivot[08:45] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[09:05] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[09:49] Sponsor: Gorgias gorgias.grsm.io/honest[11:15] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[11:46] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[12:33] How to sell a new product in a new vertical[14:58] Doing non-scalable things at the start[15:26] Real-time feedback is very valuable[16:24] Difficulties of being in a “vice” category[20:26] Businesses that “help” cannabis brands[21:02] Rich digital media as sub for FB and Google[22:24] Sagely Natural’s email operation[24:27] Acquisition by HempFusion[26:51] Allocating budget for experiments[28:55] Where to find Sagely NaturalsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeHemp-derived, broad spectrum CBD for wellbeing sagelynaturals.comConnect with Kerrigan linkedin.com/in/kerriganhannaScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/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!

Adam Baker had a vision a few years ago. He wanted to fill an empty space in the dog toy market and make toys that were tough, innovative, and do it in a way that was safe for dogs and the planet.It took some twists and turns to succeed but now, SodaPup is turning out toys that are FDA compliant, all made in the USA. Baker is not only Head Dog in SodaPup, he’s the toy designer, social media and marketing manager (that means he sits in bed at 11:30 at night and posts to Instagram), janitor (occasionally dragging the vacuum cleaner from home in to clean the office carpet), packaging designer, photographer, and jack-of-all trades.SodaPup manufactures durable natural rubber dog toys in the USA. SodaPup uses natural, sustainable, FDA compliant and non-toxic materials in their products. Because SodaPup products are made in the USA, they are made in a socially and environmentally responsible way.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:17] Where the idea of dog toys come from[03:17] Pivoting early on and finding a manufacturer [05:04] SodaPup’s early go-to-market strategy/sales model[09:27] Blending the branding in subscription boxes[12:32] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[12:52] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[13:36] Sponsor: Gorgias gorgias.grsm.io/honest[15:03] Sponsor: BeProfit beprofit.co[16:34] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[17:21] SodaPup going strong amidst decline in sub boxes [19:00] Figuring out how to sell their own products[19:51] Instagram opened the brand to a global audience[20:42] The emergence of digital selling platforms[23:13] SodaPup still owns the customer[24:16] Adam’s love-hate relationship with Amazon[26:27] Selling on Amazon is a different skill set[27:57] What makes SodaPup different[31:44] Entrepreneur vs executive skill set[33:00] Where to find SodaPupResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA veteran-owned business that makes tough dog toys in America sodapup.comFollow SodaPup on Instagram @sodapupdogtoysConnect with Adam linkedin.com/in/adam-baker-b9235311Scale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/honestVisit beprofit.co and use code HONEST15 to get an exclusive 15% off any plan for the lifetime of your planGet 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!

On this podcast, we talk about the “price spiraling” trap and how to avoid it, how capital can actually be a detriment to problem solving, why you should just focus on getting your product into people’s hands first, and so much more!To learn more, visit: http://honestecommerce.coResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeConnect with Matthew linkedin.com/in/matthewberkShare the joy of small-batch, locally-roasted beans with coffee lovers around the country beanbox.comRead The Lean Startup theleanstartup.com/bookScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/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/honest

On this podcast, we talk about the importance of gathering data first before product development, why you shouldn’t plan to scale with an MVP, when should you do D2C only and when should you consider Amazon, and so much more!To learn more, visit: http://honestecommerce.coResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeConnect with Will linkedin.com/in/will-nitzePlant based protein bars for your brain and body eatiqbar.comListen to the Y Combinator podcast ycombinator.com/blog/tag/podcastScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/honestVisit beprofit.co and use code HONEST15 to get an exclusive 15% off any plan for the lifetime of your planGet started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honest

Born in Colombia, raised in Mexico, and college-educated in the United States, Mike Abadi comes from 4 generations of textile industry experts. Abadi began his career as a New York investment banker, before realizing his passion was in entrepreneurship. Various ventures led to his first major success as co-founder of tailored suits brand Arden Reed (now Hive & Colony), before launching D2C bedding brand Sunday Citizen alongside his wife of 6 years, with whom he has 3 children. Since its creation in 2019, Sunday Citizen has grown rapidly to serve several home categories, with multiple collections and 3,000+ 5-star reviews; in 2021, company sales grew by 400%. Abadi speaks English, Spanish, and basic Chinese. 4 years spent living in China and 10+ years working with Chinese providers has earned him an in-depth understanding of factory processes and product sourcing. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:11] From investment banking to entrepreneurship[02:20] Mike’s experience in his first ventures[05:22] Why did Mike not give up?[07:27] The value in unsuccessful ventures[08:13] Where the idea of Sunday Citizen came from[12:24] Sunday Citizen’s go-to-market strategy[15:23] Expectations for marketing ad spend[17:11] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[17:32] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[18:15] Sponsor: Gorgias gorgias.grsm.io/honest[19:42] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[20:12] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[21:00] The relationship dynamics between C-Suite spouses[22:48] How Mike got lucky to leave China before the pandemic[23:27] Sunday Citizen expanding their product line up[25:10] Sunday Citizen products are more than just decorative[26:08] 2 problems that Sunday Citizen faced[27:10] iOS 14.5 leveled the playing field[28:01] Building a “true brand” through connections[29:05] Where to find Sunday CitizenResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeDeveloping the world's softest home products sundaycitizen.coConnect with Mike linkedin.com/in/mikeabadiScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/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!

Elie Robinson is the CEO and founder of Under 5'10, a brand that makes clothing for shorter men.His background is in financial operations, and spent over 15 years in the telecommunications & Ecommerce. But like millions of other men in America, he was fed up with clothing manufacturers neglecting to make clothes tailored for shorter men. He founded Under 5’10 in 2017 and has enabled short guys around the world find a place where they can buy perfectly fitting jeans, joggers, shirts, and more made just for them. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:07] What does Under 5’10 offer[02:02] The origin and tackling the shorter guys’ needs[03:02] How Elie came up with the idea[04:08] Under 5’10’s go-to-market strategy[06:26] Crowdfunding as proof of concept[07:02] Transitioning from Kickstarter to Ecom[08:20] Setting up Ecom in Shopify[09:45] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[10:05] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[10:49] Sponsor: Gorgias gorgias.grsm.io/honest[12:15] Sponsor: BeProfit beprofit.co[13:46] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[14:43] Believe in the results that you made[15:52] Where Elie got his boost of confidence[16:39] Learning from others and teaching to others[17:53] Under 5’10’s biggest challenge[20:27] Why Elie is insistent on staying D2C[25:09] Elie’s SEO advice: Create content[25:53] You can’t scale without content creation[28:06] Balancing validation and reality[29:38] Just doing it better can be a basis for a business[31:49] Where to find Under 5’10Resources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeFind Men's Jeans, Chinos, Joggers, Sweatpants, & More in Shorter Sizes & From 24" to 28" under510.comConnect with Elie linkedin.com/in/elie-robinson-4b93baa1A podcast for short men, by short men under510.com/pages/living-under-510-a-show-for-short-menScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/honestVisit beprofit.co and use code HONEST15 to get an exclusive 15% off any plan for the lifetime of your planGet 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!

Laurie O’Hara is the Founder and CEO of OLITA, a San Rafael, CA based brand of eco-friendly, healthy sun care. In the market since 2015, Laurie has grown OLITA from its original Beach Be Gone product line, expanding to REEF SAFE mineral sunscreens, soothing SPF lip balms and nourishing After Sun body serums. OLITA’s mission is to create clean products that are safe on skin and safe on the planet. Prior to launching OLITA, Laurie had over 20 years experience in marketing and acquisitions of credit products and microloans, having worked as a Director for JPMorgan Chase and Citibank in New York City and a Bay Area CDFI. She holds an MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management and a BA from the University of Colorado. Laurie lives with her husband and four children in Marin County. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:16] OLITA’s product assortment[02:04] Where OLITA’s idea came from[04:03] How long from OLITA’s inception to selling[06:46] OLITA’s go-to-market strategy[08:01] Establishing B2B relationships[08:57] From beach-side stores to D2C[10:10] Why won’t a startup hire experts from the start?[12:13] Paid is expensive, sell products yourself[12:59] OLITA’s customers are their perfect demographic[14:34] Loved ones won’t give you good feedback[16:01] Start early and delegate early[16:50] Work with performance-based partners[17:58] Laurie loves going to trade shows[18:40] Make sure invest pays for itself[19:22] The sign of a great entrepreneur[19:30] Sponsor: Electric Eye https://electriceye.io[19:50] Sponsor: Mesa https://apps.shopify.com/mesa[20:34] Sponsor: Gorgias https://gorgias.grsm.io/honest[22:01] Sponsor: Rewind https:/rewind.com/honestecommerce[22:31] Sponsor: Klaviyo http://klaviyo.com/honest[23:19] Laurie’s favorite Shopify apps[24:37] Shopify has a great community[26:07] Competitors are great assets[27:57] The meaning of OLITA[28:43] OLITA’s partnership with the Coral Reef Alliance[29:31] Where to find OLITAResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeThe natural and organic skincare brand we all need for sun safe skin and planet protection olitashop.comConnect with Laurie linkedin.com/in/laurie-o-hara-022880aSupport Olita’s crowdfunding campaign wefunder.com/olitaincSell products from other top US stores without inventory apps.shopify.com/carroSave the world’s coral reefs coral.org/enScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/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!

Kyle Ewing became a full-time entrepreneur in 2014 when he left the corporate world to build his first company, Guerrilla Tags ID Systems. After a successful exit in 2015, Kyle is now focused on the growth and development of his company, TerraSlate Paper, which manufactures and prints waterproof paper for the US Military, restaurants, and biotech firms around the world. The success of his businesses can be best attributed to a creative marketing approach that nimbly tracks customer needs to fulfillment and leverages just-in-time inventory management. His most recent high-profile advertising campaign in partnership with BMW USA is the “Road to Sustainability” in which he seeks to make redundant laminated documents in all applications. Kyle enjoys collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to develop new systems, metrics and growth strategies for emerging companies in the tech and renewable resources industries. The experience Kyle gained in corporate positions provided the underpinnings for his entrepreneurship a position as Supply Chain Manager at Brightstar Corporation on supply chain optimization and demand signal forecasting in which, at an operator-wide level, he successfully carried out multiple initiatives in supply chain management, data-driven analytics, and inventory management using triple exponential smoothing models that he built for the wireless phone industry. Kyle also held roles as a Business Operations & Management Consultant, Procurement Manager and Marketing Analyst where he gained much of the valuable experience upon which he relies. Kyle received his BSBA in 2008 and his MBA in 2009 with a Chancellor's Scholarship from the Daniel's College of Business at the University of Denver. During his time at DU he developed a passion for philanthropic work and founded the Seven Ribbons Foundation supporting cancer research. In his personal life Kyle is an avid triathlete, runner, mountaineer, and is active in philanthropic work in the community. He won the Mt. Kilimanjaro Marathon in 2009, completed the Ironman Triathlon in Western Australia in 2010, and summited the mountains of the Swiss Holy Trinity: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Eiger in 2011. Kyle is an accomplished skydiver and musician winning the state flute championships 3 years in a row. Recent accolades include “Entrepreneur of the Year” awarded by the Worldwide Who's Who organization and has become an avid Ukulele and Guitar player. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:31] Kyle’s first business[02:48] The challenge in a “durable” product[03:28] The importance of repurchase[04:41] Raising LTV to cover CAC[05:15] How quick is it from Guerilla Tags to TerraSlate?[06:05] School education vs learning through experience[08:03] You should have the willingness to learn[09:32] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[09:52] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[10:36] Sponsor: Gorgias gorgias.grsm.io/honest[12:02] Sponsor: BeProfit beprofit.co[13:33] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[14:20] Where did Kyle get his business ideas?[15:37] Don’t be afraid to tell your ideas[16:21] NDAs can hinder true feedback[17:17] You don’t have to spend money to sell[18:48] Why B2B is good[22:02] D2C products from TerraSlate[23:38] Is B2B marketing different to D2C marketing?[25:19] The hardest part of building and growing a brand[26:31] Hiring and managing good people is getting harder[28:19] Electric Eye needs more Shopify experts[28:43] Kyle wants to see more ADA compliance[29:44] ADA compliance is a big and complex problem[30:43] Be careful of these frivolous lawsuits[32:59] Join as many entrepreneur groups as you canResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeThe most durable paper on the planet terraslatepaper.comConnect with Kyle linkedin.com/in/kyleewingScale your business with electriceye.ioElectric Eye is hiring! electriceye.io/page/careersDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/honestVisit beprofit.co and use code HONEST15 to get an exclusive 15% off any plan for the lifetime of your planGet 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!

In Yoni and Neal’s previous lives, they were music industry veterans behind some of the largest festivals in the country. Along the way, they saw the demand for quality cocktails growing, but the careful preparation required to make one made service in high volume environments pretty difficult. They fantasized about creating a world-class cocktail in an easy-to-serve vessel, thinking maybe they could help solve a problem for venues, events, restaurants, bars, airplanes, and regular folks at home on the couch. Eventually, they stopped fantasizing and started actually doing it.Enlisting the help of their favorite bartender and James Beard finalist, Miles Macquarrie of Kimball House, they, along with Jay, developed classic cocktail recipes and packaged them up to drink at any time and, just about, any place. Tip Top Proper Cocktails are always within reach, especially if a trusted bartender or fully-stocked bar are not.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:21] What are Tip Top Proper Cocktails?[02:11] The connection between live music and Tip Top[04:47] Challenges in serving alcohol to festival goers[06:53] The opportunity in inefficiencies[08:14] BevAlc is profitable yet complex in the US[10:21] Milestones that Tip Top reached[12:35] What is a co-packer in the BevAlc space?[13:01] From concept to shipping products[13:45] Tip Top’s D2C go-to-market strategy[15:39] The complex process of selling Bev/Alc online[16:32] Sponsor: Electric Eye electriceye.io[16:52] Sponsor: Mesa apps.shopify.com/mesa[17:36] Sponsor: Gorgias gorgias.grsm.io/honest[19:02] Sponsor: Rewind rewind.com/honestecommerce[19:30] Sponsor: Klaviyo klaviyo.com/honest[20:18] Dealing with varying state legislation[21:53] Tip Top’s partnership with Delta Airlines[25:42] Things that Tip Top did to increase online sales[28:14] Making sure CX is smooth as possible[30:12] Where to find Tip Top Proper CocktailsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeClassic cocktails in tiny cans tiptopcocktails.comConnect with Yoni linkedin.com/in/yonireismanConnect with Jay linkedin.com/in/jayliddellScale your business with electriceye.ioDownload Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesaLevel up your customer support gorgias.grsm.io/honestVisit rewind.com/honestecommerce to get 1 month freeGet 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!