The Story of a Brand Show

CommerceFocused Media, Inc.
  • 4.9 (135)
  • 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. Dame - Building a Brand in a Taboo Industry

    1D AGO

    Dame - Building a Brand in a Taboo Industry

    What if one of the biggest barriers to building a successful brand isn't the product—but the stigma around it? In this episode, I sit down with Alexandra Fine, Founder and CEO of Dame, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about building a brand in a taboo category, challenging societal norms, and redefining what leadership and wellness can look like.  What stood out to me most is how Alexandra blends conviction with vulnerability—sharing both the mission behind Dame and the real, often difficult journey of building a business in a space that still faces systemic barriers. Key Moments from the Episode: *Alexandra shares how an early "yes" from a top IP law firm—despite a bag of handmade prototypes—gave her the validation and momentum to move forward *The challenges of building in a taboo category, from being denied advertising and loans to navigating platform restrictions that directly impacted growth *How crowdfunding became a breakthrough moment, with thousands of early supporters validating both the product and the mission *A candid look at leadership—what it means to make hard decisions, separate identity from business outcomes, and grow through difficult moments *The deeper mission behind Dame: closing the pleasure gap and helping people understand that pleasure, especially women's pleasure, is valid and essential Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this honest and empowering conversation. It's not just about building a brand—it's about challenging norms, embracing growth, and creating space for conversations that truly matter.   For more on Dame, visit: https://dame.com/ Also, visit her podcast "A Fine Human" (https://open.spotify.com/show/0CFLtRNPI5sz8yBoFarIZP) 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.

    1h 1m
  2. Caddis - The Anti-Anti-Aging Brand Changing Everything

    1D AGO

    Caddis - The Anti-Anti-Aging Brand Changing Everything

    Why are most brands chasing 25-year-olds… when the most powerful consumers are actually over 50? In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, host Rose Hamilton, CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Tim Parr, Founder and CEO of Caddis, for a bold and refreshing conversation about building a brand for a demographic the industry has largely ignored. What unfolds is a story about seeing what others miss. Tim didn't just launch an eyewear company—he identified a cultural blind spot. While most brands obsess over youth, he built Caddis around the reality that consumers over 50 control enormous purchasing power yet are underserved and often misunderstood. Key moments from the episode include: * Why the biggest opportunities often exist in "unsexy" categories—and how applying culture can transform them * How Caddis became an anti-anti-aging brand, shifting the narrative from hiding age to embracing it * The importance of building from a strong point of view—and why consumers buy the "why," not just the product * Why physical retail and real-world experiences are critical for building true lifestyle brands * How constraint—like offering fewer products—can signal clarity, confidence, and brand discipline This episode is a powerful reminder that the most impactful brands don't just solve functional problems—they reshape how people see themselves. Join us in listening to the episode and hear how Tim Parr is challenging one of the biggest assumptions in consumer branding—and building a movement around it. For more on Caddis visit: https://caddislife.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!

    44 min
  3. Forrester Research - Retail Strategy in the Age of Marketplaces and AI

    MAR 18

    Forrester Research - Retail Strategy in the Age of Marketplaces and AI

    In this episode of The Story of a Brand, host Rose Hamilton, CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Sucharita Kodali, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, for a thoughtful and strategic conversation about the forces reshaping modern retail. The discussion draws on Rose's experience as an operator inside brands like The Vitamin Shoppe and Nutrafol, where Forrester's research often informed critical boardroom decisions. Throughout the episode, Rose and Sucharita unpack how retail strategy has evolved—from marketplaces and DTC to retail media and AI—and why leaders today must think beyond growth tactics to understand leverage, channel strategy, and long-term enterprise value. Key moments from the episode include: * Why brands should approach marketplaces strategically and consider the sequencing of channels when building long-term value * The importance of "e-control"—protecting pricing, distribution integrity, and brand presentation across marketplaces * How retail media networks are becoming structural components of retailer economics * What leaders should understand about AI and generative AI in retail today—and where the hype exceeds reality * Why the most effective research blends data with narrative to create conviction and drive decision-making This episode offers an inside look at how data-driven insight shapes the biggest strategic decisions in retail and commerce. Join us in listening to the episode to hear Rose Hamilton and Sucharita Kodali explore the patterns, shifts, and lessons that continue to influence how brands build durable growth in a rapidly evolving marketplace. For more on Sucharita Kodali and Forrester Research visit: https://www.forrester.com/bold/ 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!

    46 min
  4. Tovala - The Smartest Way to Eat at Home

    MAR 17

    Tovala - The Smartest Way to Eat at Home

    I've interviewed a lot of founders over the years, but every now and then I come across a brand that truly reimagines an everyday experience. That's exactly what happened in my conversation with David Rabie, Co-founder and CEO of Tovala.  Born out of a simple but powerful frustration: wanting a fresh, home-cooked meal without all the work that comes with it. David and his team have not just built a product, but an entirely new way to think about dinner at home. Tovala isn't just a meal service or just a kitchen appliance; it's a fully integrated system designed to deliver convenience without sacrificing quality. From navigating early skepticism and capital constraints to rethinking pricing and customer behavior, David shared the real, behind-the-scenes journey of building something that didn't fit neatly into an existing category. It's a story of persistence, smart pivots, and truly understanding what customers value most. Here are a few key moments from our conversation: * The early breakthrough moment when a single investor believed in the vision—despite a barely working prototype—and how that changed everything * Why Tovala chose to control the entire experience—from food to hardware—to deliver a true "home-cooked without effort" solution * The critical pricing pivot that unlocked growth by focusing on lowering upfront cost rather than total lifetime spend * How the brand overcame channel challenges, including rediscovering direct mail as a powerful growth lever    * The evolution of the product into a multi-functional kitchen tool—and how that increases both value and adoption    * If you're a founder, operator, or just someone fascinated by how great products come to life, this episode is full of insights you won't want to miss. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode and discover how Tovala is redefining convenience, one meal at a time. For more on Tovala, visit: https://www.tovala.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.

    48 min
  5. Vitamin Shoppe - Brand Is Not Marketing. It's the Business

    MAR 4

    Vitamin Shoppe - Brand Is Not Marketing. It's the Business

    In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, host Rose Hamilton, CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Lisa Chodnofsky, Chief Brand Officer for Vitamin Shoppe, for a thoughtful and energizing conversation about what it truly takes to steward an iconic brand in today's evolving wellness landscape. Throughout the discussion, Rose and Lisa explore the responsibility that comes with leading a heritage retailer in the health and wellness space. The conversation highlights how consumer expectations are shifting, why clarity of purpose matters more than ever, and how brand leadership extends far beyond creative—it's operational, experiential, and deeply cultural.   Lisa shares insight into how Vitamin Shoppe continues to evolve while protecting the trust and credibility that built its foundation. Key moments from the episode include: * What the role of Chief Brand Officer means within a legacy wellness retailer * How Vitamin Shoppe balances innovation with honoring its core identity * Why trust, education, and in-store experience remain critical in a digital-first world * The importance of cohesive storytelling in connecting with modern wellness consumers * How leadership alignment and mission clarity drive long-term brand equity This episode is a powerful reminder that enduring brands don't simply react to change—they evolve intentionally while staying rooted in purpose.   Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode to hear how Lisa Chodnofsky is helping shape the next chapter of Vitamin Shoppe and what brand leaders can learn from her approach to modern retail and wellness.   For more on Lisa Chodnofsky visit: https://www.vitaminshoppe.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!

    47 min
  6. Jetset - Most Brands Ignore Their Best Growth Lever

    MAR 3

    Jetset - Most Brands Ignore Their Best Growth Lever

    In this episode, I sit down with Forest Bronzan, CEO of Jetset, someone I truly consider a pioneer in the DTC and retention space. We revisit his journey from building and scaling Email Aptitude—one of the earliest agencies dedicated solely to retention and email—to launching Jetset in a completely different economic and technological landscape. What struck me most is how his conviction around retention hasn't changed—but how the strategy has evolved dramatically. We go deep into why customer experience—not just customer support—is becoming the real differentiator for brands. Forest shares how Jetset is redefining CRM by integrating sentiment analysis, proactive outreach, and immersive brand experiences to build long-term loyalty. In a world obsessed with acquisition, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the real gold is in the customers you've already earned Key Moments from the Episode: * Forest reflects on launching Email Aptitude in the early days of DTC and how retention was once a niche focus—long before it became table stakes. * Why "customer support" is not the same as "customer experience"—and how most brands are missing the bigger opportunity. * The introduction of Jetset's internal framework, Sentiment IQ, which aggregates signals like NPS, engagement, reviews, and support data to proactively manage retention. * How brands can identify high-value detractors and intervene before churn happens—turning frustration into loyalty. * Why authentic surprise-and-delight moments, curated experiences, and deeper listening will define the next era of retention. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this thoughtful and strategic conversation about loyalty, customer experience, and what it truly takes to build a brand that wins long-term. If you care about sustainable growth, this episode is one you won't want to miss. For more on Jetset, visit: https://jetset.io/ 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.

    1h 1m
  7. Rose Hamilton - What the Next Generation Really Thinks About Brands

    FEB 25

    Rose Hamilton - What the Next Generation Really Thinks About Brands

    In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, host Rose Hamilton, CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down for a deeply personal and insightful conversation with her daughter, Lexy Hamilton, a sophomore at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.  What begins as a mother-daughter dialogue quickly evolves into a powerful exploration of how the next generation is thinking about identity, decision-making, and the future of business—through the lens of both data and human connection. Throughout the episode, Lexy brings a fresh yet remarkably grounded perspective on topics ranging from storytelling and finance to AI and brand trust. Drawing from her academic experiences and personal values, she shares how clarity, authenticity, and emotional connection are becoming the most important currencies in modern business—and why the brands that succeed will be those that balance analytical rigor with human understanding. Key themes explored in this episode include: *How the next generation defines success through values, resilience, and staying true to personal identity—even in challenging environments *Why storytelling and emotional connection are at the core of brand building, and how marketing creates meaning beyond product utility *The concept of "cognitive burden" and why simplifying data into clear, actionable insights is a critical leadership skill *Where AI accelerates decision-making—and where human judgment, context, and empathy remain irreplaceable *What luxury brands teach us about scarcity, storytelling, and creating long-term emotional and financial value This episode offers a rare and meaningful perspective on how emerging leaders are shaping the future of business, blending data, creativity, and authenticity in new ways.     Join us in listening to the episode and hear how the next generation is redefining what it means to build brands—and lead with clarity, purpose, and trust. For more on Rose Hamilton visit: https://compassroseventures.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!

    57 min
  8. Moxies - Building Tech That Protects Childhood

    FEB 12

    Moxies - Building Tech That Protects Childhood

    In this episode, I sit down with Juliette Blake, Founder of Moxies, for a powerful and deeply relevant conversation about kids, technology, and what it truly means to build with intention.  Juliette walks us through the growing mental and emotional toll today's attention-driven platforms are having on kids—especially girls—and why parents are desperate for better solutions. With Moxies, she's building a gamified social platform for girls ages 8–12 that prioritizes safety, wellbeing, and healthy digital habits over engagement metrics. This isn't about limiting technology—it's about creating technology that actually serves our children. Key Moments from the Episode:   * Juliette shares how a simple introduction led her to connect with someone she had admired for years—reinforcing the power of community and open doors. * We unpack the dangers of the attention economy and why current social platforms were never designed with children's wellbeing in mind. * Juliette explains how Moxies was built "safe by design," from co-registration with parents to moderated group chats and limited access through real-life group codes. * She shares compelling early research showing that 80% of users experienced increased wellbeing outcomes, including improvements in mood, confidence, and self-regulation. * We discuss why there's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting in the digital age—and why what kids are doing online matters more than simply the device itself.   Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this important and hopeful conversation. If you're a parent—or simply someone who cares about the next generation—this episode will challenge you to think differently about technology and remind you that digital spaces can be built with care, intention, and wellbeing at their core. For more on Moxies, visit: https://moxies.xyz/ 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
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4.9
out of 5
135 Ratings

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 2026 - CommerceFocused Media - All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Story of a Brand Show

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