The Story of a Brand Show

CommerceFocused Media, Inc.
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Welcome to The Story Of A Brand Show. Hear the unique entrepreneurial journeys of 1000+ Consumer Brand founders. We tap into the doubts, failures, wins and inspirations that come with building Consumer Brand startups in extremely competitive times. Whether you own a brand or work for one, you will learn from our guests as they share the building blocks of their brand's evolution. Who knows, you may even discover a few new products that become faves.

  1. Walmart - Building Commerce Around Creators, Not Campaigns

    1D AGO

    Walmart - Building Commerce Around Creators, Not Campaigns

    In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, host Rose Hamilton, CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Sarah Henry, VP, Head of Content, Influencer, & Commerce at Walmart, for a timely and deeply insightful conversation about how commerce is being reshaped by creators, content, and culture. The episode weaves together personal history—Rose and Sarah previously worked together at The Vitamin Shoppe—with a forward-looking exploration of how discovery has become the new engine of retail growth. Throughout the conversation, Rose guides listeners through the industry's shift from intent-led shopping to discovery-led experiences. Sarah shares how creators now function as trusted guides, how Walmart is building a creator-first commerce platform at massive scale, and why trust, flexibility, and serendipity are essential to modern retail.   Together, they unpack what it takes to connect inspiration to purchase in a way that feels human, seamless, and culturally relevant. Key themes explored in this episode include: * Why social commerce is already shaping consumer behavior and how creators drive modern product discovery   * How Walmart approaches creator-first commerce by prioritizing value, trust, and long-term relationships   * The concept of "serendipitous discovery" and why creators act as the new shelf space and sales associates   * How trend intelligence and social listening inform assortment, content, and commerce decisions   * What brands often get wrong when working with creators—and how authenticity and flexibility improve outcomes   This episode offers a clear blueprint for founders, marketers, and retailers navigating the future of commerce.  Join us in listening to the episode to hear how creators, content, and trust are redefining discovery—and why the brands that build ecosystems, not just products, will be the ones that win.   For more on Sarah Henry visit: https://www.walmart.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

    46 min
  2. Jackalo - Designing Clothes That Grow With Kids, Not Landfills

    2D AGO

    Jackalo - Designing Clothes That Grow With Kids, Not Landfills

    I've always believed that behind every meaningful brand is a deeply personal story, and my conversation with Marianna Sachse, founder of Jackalo, is a perfect example of that.  What stood out immediately was how her journey is rooted in gratitude, craft, and family—particularly the skills passed down from her mother and grandmother. That foundation shaped not only how Marianna sees clothing, but how she sees responsibility, longevity, and care across generations. As we talked, it became clear that Jackalo isn't just about kids' clothing—it's about rethinking the entire system. From durability and timeless design to circularity and ease for parents, Marianna has intentionally built a brand that removes compromise.  She shared how her background in nonprofit communications, combined with her experience as a mother and maker, pushed her to solve a problem she saw firsthand: kids' clothes that don't last, don't get handed down, and too often end up in landfills. In this episode, we discuss: * How learning to sew, mend, and value craft across generations became the foundation of Jackalo * Why kids' clothing is uniquely positioned for circular design and reuse * The trade-up model that allows parents to return outgrown clothes for store credit or recycling * How natural fibers, durability, and thoughtful design reduce waste and support kids' comfort * Why making the sustainable choice easy is essential for busy families Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode to hear how Marianna is building a product worth buying and a brand worth supporting—and how reimagining kids' clothing can make life easier for families while keeping clothes out of landfills. For more on Jackalo, visit: https://hellojackalo.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above.

    56 min
  3. Greg Horn - Why the Future of Wellness Belongs to Brands That Can Prove Results

    JAN 7

    Greg Horn - Why the Future of Wellness Belongs to Brands That Can Prove Results

    In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, host Rose Hamilton, CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Greg Horn, President and CEO, Specialty Nutrition Consulting, Inc., and Managing Director and Partner, William Hood and Company for a deep, historical, and forward-looking conversation about the evolution of the health and wellness industry.  Greg is widely regarded as one of the original architects of science-based nutrition, having shaped the category long before functional nutrition, clinical validation, and health data became mainstream. Throughout the conversation, Rose guides listeners through the pivotal moments that built today's wellness ecosystem—from early regulatory frameworks and professionalization of supplements to the rise of functional foods, investment networks, and wearable health data.   Greg offers a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on what separates real innovation from marketing noise, and why proof, efficacy, and ecosystem-building remain the true drivers of long-term success in this category.   Key topics explored in this episode include: * The regulatory breakthroughs of the 1990s that enabled trust, transparency, and growth in science-based nutrition * Why clinical proof, bioavailability, and real-world efficacy have always mattered more than hype * The early emergence of functional foods and beverages—and what made true category breakthroughs stand out * How industry institutions like Nutrition Business Journal and Nutrition Capital Network helped professionalize the space and connect founders with capital and expertise * What lies ahead for health and wellness innovation, including wearable data, ingredient technology, and the realities founders face when scaling physical products This episode offers invaluable context for founders, operators, and investors navigating today's increasingly sophisticated wellness landscape.  Join us in listening to the episode to gain clarity on where the industry has been, where it's going, and what it truly takes to build credible, lasting brands rooted in science and trust. For more on Greg Horn visit: https://greghorn.com/ For more on Specialty Nutrition Consulting, Inc., visit: https://specialtynutrition.com/ For more on William Hood & Company, visit: https://www.williamhoodandcompany.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

    50 min
  4. Repurpose - Designing a Better Future With Plants, Not Plastic

    2025-12-04

    Repurpose - Designing a Better Future With Plants, Not Plastic

    In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Gropper, CEO & Co-Founder of Repurpose, whose purpose-driven mission truly inspired me. From surviving a life-changing moped accident to questioning why we use forever-lasting materials for five-minute products, she shares how her passion for sustainability has turned into a movement to redesign everyday essentials from plants rather than plastic. What I loved most about this conversation is how honest she is about the realities of building sustainable products — the cost, the manufacturing challenges, the misconceptions, and the grit it takes to keep going.   Her story is a reminder that with the right design, intention, and team, we can create healthier products for our homes and the planet. Key Moments From the Episode: * A near-fatal accident that reshaped her purpose and commitment to impact.   * The flawed logic behind single-use plastics and the question that sparked a new approach.   * How everyday products can be made from sugarcane fiber, cassava, corn, and bamboo.   * The hard truth about sustainable manufacturing and why affordability is still a hurdle.   * Tracking impact: over 700 million pieces of plastic replaced. If you care about better materials, planet-friendly innovation, or the real journey behind building a sustainable brand, join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode. You'll enjoy this conversation.  For more on Repurpose, visit: https://repurpose.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above.

    58 min
  5. Sunday - Reinventing How We Care for Our Lawns and Gardens

    2025-11-20

    Sunday - Reinventing How We Care for Our Lawns and Gardens

    In this episode, I sit down with Coulter Lewis, the founder behind Sunday—a brand that's reinventing how we care for our little piece of the earth.  Our conversation begins with gratitude and the early days of Sunday, when it was nothing more than a wild idea and a few people willing to believe in him.   Coulter shares how those early moments of vulnerability, uncertainty, and unexpected support shaped the company's foundation and helped him stay grounded as the mission took form.  From there, we dive into Sunday's evolution—how satellite imagery, soil tests, and hyperlocal environmental data inform personalized lawn, garden, and pest plans for millions of homeowners.   Coulter walks me through the massive environmental impact of lawn care, the shift in climate patterns, the rise of pests, the challenges of retail expansion, and the bold leap into AI-powered guidance.  What comes through is the heart of Sunday: empowering people to steward their land with confidence, ease, and far fewer toxins.  Key Highlights * How early supporters believed in Sunday before a product even existed—and why that early trust was essential for Coulter to take the leap.  * The staggering scale of lawns in the U.S.—the third largest "crop"—and why conventional care uses five times more pesticides than industrial farms.  * How Sunday uses satellite data, soil analysis, and a database of 350,000 soil samples to give homeowners real-time, personalized guidance for their yards.  * The impact of climate change on lawns—new pests, shifting grass varieties, extreme weather—and how Sunday adapts plans to keep customers supported.  * Sunday's growth into retail (Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Ace, and soon Costco) and how AI now powers deeper insights, smarter recommendations, and more meaningful customer support.  If you're passionate about sustainability, curious about how tech can transform lawn and garden care, or simply love hearing from founders building mission-driven companies, then join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to this episode. Coulter's journey is filled with honesty, innovation, and a clear belief that homeowners can make a meaningful difference—one yard at a time. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. For more on Sunday, visit: https://www.getsunday.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above.

    53 min
  6. BN3TH - What Happens When Comfort Meets Performance

    2025-11-19

    BN3TH - What Happens When Comfort Meets Performance

    In this episode, I sit down with Dez Price, the co-founder and CEO of BN3TH, a brand that has completely reimagined what comfort means from the waist down.  What starts as a casual conversation about gratitude quickly turns into an honest look at entrepreneurship—its highs, lows, and the people who show up in the moments that matter.   Dez opens up about resilience, building relationships with intention, and why the journey is always about people first, even before product or revenue.  From there, we dive into the origin story of BN3TH—how two friends, a kitchen table, and an old pair of Calvin Kleins led to a patented pouch technology now beloved by athletes, adventurers, and everyday guys who simply want to feel more comfortable.  We talk about the early days of hustling and handing out samples, the challenge of building a category no one sees, the realities of scaling in a volatile supply chain, and the company's long-term commitment to quality, sustainability, and comfort. Dez's story is raw, relatable, and full of lessons for any founder navigating uncertainty and growth.  Key Highlights * How gratitude and the support of people around him helped Dez navigate the toughest entrepreneurial moments—and why great relationships sit at the center of BN3TH's success.  * The origin of BN3TH's patented pouch technology and how it solves a problem most men didn't even realize they had.  * The early breakthrough moment when athletes and friends tested prototypes and confirmed the comfort was unlike anything they'd worn before.  * How word of mouth, experiential sampling, and authentic community relationships fueled the brand long before e-commerce took off.  * The biggest operational challenges today—from tariffs to forecasting to changing consumer behavior—and how BN3TH navigates them through strong vendor partnerships and meticulous production planning.  If you love hearing stories about founders who build with heart, resilience, and a relentless commitment to quality, this episode is a must-listen. Dez's journey shows what's possible when you pair innovative thinking with deep respect for the people who help bring a brand to life.  Join me, Ramon Vela,  as we explore the evolution of BN3TH—from a simple idea to a global comfort brand redefining men's essentials. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. For more on BN3TH, visit: https://www.bn3th.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: 1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand gets harder the bigger you grow, especially when you're stuck selling on just one channel.  While you're focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you're missing. That's where 1-Commerce comes in.  They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do.  As a Story of a Brand listener, you'll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper.

    1h 7m
  7. Your Reformer - How Reformer Pilates Helped Heal a Mind and Body

    2025-11-19

    Your Reformer - How Reformer Pilates Helped Heal a Mind and Body

    In this episode, I sit down with Emma Stallworthy, the inspiring founder behind Your Reformer.  Her story begins with a deeply personal fertility journey that led her to reevaluate how she moved, how she managed stress, and ultimately how she cared for her body. Through Pilates—specifically reformer Pilates—she found physical healing, nervous system balance, and a sense of calm that became life-changing. That experience not only transformed her health, but also sparked the idea for a more accessible, at-home Pilates solution grounded in real emotional connection and everyday life needs.  As we talk, Emma shares how the practice supported her through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, anxiety, back pain, major life transitions, and the hectic realities of parenting and entrepreneurship.   She also reveals how she and her husband grew the business from an idea into a global brand—tackling logistics, e-commerce, manufacturing, B2B expansion, and launching in the U.S. market. What comes through most is her passion for movement, her belief in carving out time for self-care, and her commitment to helping people live healthier, more balanced lives—no matter their season of life.  Key Highlights * How infertility, IVF, anxiety, and burnout led Emma to reformer Pilates—and how the practice helped her regulate her nervous system and finally conceive.  * Why reformer Pilates supports a wide range of people—from beginners to athletes, from those with injuries to those navigating postpartum recovery, back pain, mobility challenges, or stressful careers.  * The moment Emma realized there was a massive demand for at-home Pilates during lockdown, and how that insight shaped the Your Reformer concept.  * The evolution of the business: logistics, e-commerce learning curves, expansion into B2B, launching internationally, and their "Kaizen" philosophy of continuous 1% improvements.  * How Your Reformer supports beginners with orientation classes, health-professional-led programs, and a robust on-demand library that meets people in every stage of life.  If you've ever struggled to find balance, movement, or a moment of calm in your day, this conversation will resonate deeply. Emma's story is powerful, relatable, and full of insight—whether you're navigating fertility challenges, juggling parenting, looking to stay active as you age, or simply wanting to improve your mental and physical well-being. Join me, Ramon Vela, as we explore how Your Reformer is helping people reclaim their health, their calm, and their confidence—one deliberate, mindful movement at a time. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. For more on Your Reformer, visit: https://yourreformer.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors:   Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they've generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers with annual revenue over $5 million.   Use code "STORY OF A BRAND" and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.

    1h 3m
  8. Katia Designs - When a Whisper From the Universe Becomes a Business

    2025-11-18

    Katia Designs - When a Whisper From the Universe Becomes a Business

    In this episode, I sit down with Katia Rudnick, the founder of Katia Designs, whose jewelry brand has become a powerful source of inspiration, empowerment, and emotional connection for thousands of women.  What begins as a simple moment in a yoga class becomes a life-changing whisper from the universe—one that leads Katia to discover her purpose, unlock her creativity, and build a brand that helps women feel strong, centered, and connected to themselves. Katia's story is a reminder that sometimes the things meant for us don't arrive as loud breakthroughs—they arrive as subtle nudges, intuitive sparks, and moments we choose to follow. Her journey from pop-up markets to a thriving, emotionally resonant jewelry business shows just how deeply people crave meaning, intention, and reminders of their own inner strength. Key Highlights * How a meditative moment in a yoga class sparked the creation of Katia Designs and awakened a new sense of purpose in Katia's life.   * The early pop-up market experiences that gave Katia the encouragement, validation, and "transfer of belief" she needed to keep creating.   * How her patented magnetic clasp design allows each necklace to be worn multiple ways—making her jewelry both meaningful and innovative.   * Why her pieces are more than accessories—they are emotional tools, reminders, and energetic vessels that help women navigate both everyday life and life's hardest moments.   * The astonishing loyalty of her customers, many of whom collect her pieces and treat them as part of their daily rituals of empowerment.   If you're someone who loves mission-driven brands, meaningful products, or founder stories rooted in personal transformation, you won't want to miss this conversation.   Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to how Katia Designs went from a whisper to a thriving brand—and how its message-driven pieces continue to inspire and strengthen women every day. Tune in to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to shows. For more on Katia Designs, visit: https://katiadesigns.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above.

    57 min
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About

Welcome to The Story Of A Brand Show. Hear the unique entrepreneurial journeys of 1000+ Consumer Brand founders. We tap into the doubts, failures, wins and inspirations that come with building Consumer Brand startups in extremely competitive times. Whether you own a brand or work for one, you will learn from our guests as they share the building blocks of their brand's evolution. Who knows, you may even discover a few new products that become faves.

Information

  • Creator
    CommerceFocused Media, Inc.
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    299
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 - CommerceFocused Media - All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Story of a Brand Show