A Healthier, Happier You: The People Working to Make It Happen

Evan J. Cholfin

A Healthier, Happier You: The People Working to Make It Happen is a podcast about the innovators and entrepreneurs behind the brands helping people live better, feel better, and thrive.

  1. 4d ago

    Understanding Hyperchlorous Acid: A Game Changer in Wound Care with BLDG Active's Justin Gardner

    Send us Fan Mail Summary: In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin interviews Justin Gardner, CEO of Active Skin Care Repair, discussing the innovative use of hyperchlorous acid in skincare. Justin shares his background in regenerative medicine and the journey of bringing hospital-grade technology to consumers. The conversation covers the unique benefits of their products, challenges in consumer education, building trust with medical professionals, and the importance of effective marketing strategies. Justin also highlights trends in natural skincare and outlines future goals for the brand. Takeaways:  Active Skin Care Repair uses hyperchlorous acid for wound care. The product replicates the body's immune response. Consumer education is key to overcoming skepticism. Influencer marketing has been crucial for brand growth. Trust is built through customer reviews and testimonials. Retail presence is focused on natural alternatives. The brand aims to communicate product benefits effectively. Natural skincare trends emphasize clean ingredients. The company is fully vertically integrated for quality control. Future success relies on effective media buying and awareness. Soundbites: "We have over 5,000 five-star reviews." "We control that whole process." "We're at 1% of our potential so far." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Active Skin Care Repair 03:12 The Science Behind HOCL Technology 05:52 Challenges in Consumer Education 08:57 Building Trust with Medical Professionals 11:24 Navigating Supply Chain and Manufacturing 14:07 Distribution Strategies and Market Presence 16:50 Future Trends and Goals for Active Skin Care 20:24 AHHY Outro.mp4 20:31 Final Animation 1.mp4 Video: https://youtu.be/NzPnPo4MIXI

    18 min
  2. Jun 5

    From Leaking to Leading: How Garrett Kusmierez Built Kozēkozē

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Evan J. Cholfin speaks with Garrett Kuzmierz, founder and CEO of Kozēkozē, about her journey in creating innovative perinatal care products, including the unique nipple diaper. Garrett shares her personal experiences with postpartum challenges that inspired her to develop solutions for new mothers. The discussion covers the hurdles of product development, the importance of community building, and the strategies for navigating retail and e-commerce in the maternal health space. Garrett also highlights her aspirations for the future and the trends she observes in maternal care products. Takeaways Garrett's traumatic birth experience led to the creation of Kozēkozē. The nipple diaper addresses a significant gap in postpartum care. Product development in the maternal health space is complex and time-consuming. Building a community through social media is crucial for brand awareness. Retail partnerships are essential for reaching new mothers effectively. Funding and financial planning are critical for scaling the business. The maternal care market is evolving with innovative products. Timing is key in marketing to new mothers at different stages. Feedback from customers is invaluable for product development. Garrett aims to establish Kozēkozē as a household name in maternal care. Sound Bites "I wanted to make a diaper for your boobs." "I am playing the long game with TikTok." "We are still in a learning phase." Chapters 00:00 The Birth of Cozy Cozy: A Personal Journey 03:33 Innovative Solutions for Maternal Care 06:03 Navigating Product Development Challenges 08:28 Marketing Strategies in Maternal Care 10:47 Building Community and Brand Awareness 13:25 Future Aspirations and Growth Targets Catch the full video here: https://youtu.be/VCmjxe9zFwI

    23 min
  3. May 29

    Cognitive Clarity Through Nature and Innovation with Graymatter's Jim Phillips

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin interviews Jim Phillips, co-founder and CEO of Graymatter Labs, discussing the innovative approaches to cognitive enhancement and ADD management through their product, Graymatter. Jim shares his personal journey that led to the creation of Graymatter Labs, the unique formulation of their nootropic product, and the challenges faced in scaling the business. The conversation also touches on competition in the nootropic market, growth targets, customer acquisition strategies, and future trends in cognitive enhancement. Takeaways Jim's journey began with personal struggles with focus and anxiety. Graymatter Labs focuses on plant-based cognitive enhancement. Graymatter contains 27 active ingredients for effective cognition. The product aims to provide a clear alternative to stimulants like Adderall. Production challenges have been a significant hurdle for growth. Competition in the nootropic space is seen as a positive force. Branding and community building are key to standing out. The goal is to double revenue and subscriber base this year. Word of mouth is becoming a crucial marketing strategy. Regulatory considerations are important for product claims. Sound Bites "There's 27 active ingredients in it." "It's been production and staying in stock." "Word of mouth is starting to take shape." Chapters 0:00 The Birth of Grey Matter Labs 02:45 Innovative Approaches to Cognitive Enhancement 05:03 Challenges in Scaling and Production 07:33 Navigating Competition and Market Positioning 09:38 Growth Targets and Customer Acquisition Strategies 11:56 Future Trends and Regulatory Considerations Check out the full video here: https://youtu.be/kDH2pTAfFFo

    17 min
  4. May 22

    How Aahana’s Naturals Is Reimagining Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Evan J. Cholfin interviews Sonal Khakhar, founder and CEO of Aahana's Naturals, about her journey from being a clinical dietitian in India to launching a plant-based convenience food brand in the US. Sonal discusses the inspiration behind her innovative lentil bowls, the challenges of maintaining authenticity while adapting traditional recipes for modern consumers, and her strategies for navigating the competitive ready-to-eat meal market. She emphasizes the importance of clean ingredients, consumer education, and the brand's mission to promote healthy eating. The conversation also touches on future goals for expansion and the trends in plant-based nutrition. Takeaways Sonal's journey began as a clinical dietitian in India. The inspiration for Ahana's Naturals came from a personal need for convenient nutrition. Ahana means 'inner happiness' in Sanskrit, reflecting the brand's mission. The lentil bowls are designed to be nourishing, convenient, and culturally rooted. Sonal emphasizes the importance of sprouting lentils for nutrient density. Maintaining authenticity while modernizing traditional recipes is a key challenge. The brand targets a broad spectrum of consumers, including students and outdoor enthusiasts. Whole Foods has been a supportive partner in retail expansion. Consumer education is crucial for introducing traditional foods like khichdi to American audiences. Sonal is focused on marketing strategies that highlight clean ingredients and mindful eating. Sound bites "Aahana means inner happiness." "We participate in all the local shows." "We believe in mindful eating." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ahana's Naturals 03:05 Sonal's Journey from Dietitian to Entrepreneur 05:30 Creating Convenient Nutrition with Cultural Heritage 07:24 Challenges in Maintaining Authenticity 09:43 Educating Consumers on Kichdi and Its Benefits 11:56 Navigating the Competitive Ready-to-Eat Meal Space 13:21 Expansion Plans and Brand Positioning 15:24 Marketing Strategies and Consumer Engagement 17:21 Future Goals and Achievements Video: https://youtu.be/i9kOYaJLU1U

    23 min
  5. May 15

    Spit Happens: The Future of Preventative Healthcare with Dr. Tina Saw

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Dr. Tina Saw, founder and CEO of Oral Genome, discusses the revolutionary impact of saliva testing technology on preventative healthcare. She shares her inspiration for creating Oral Genome, the importance of early detection in dental health, and the challenges of educating both consumers and healthcare providers about the benefits of saliva testing. Dr. Saw emphasizes the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health and outlines her vision for the future of preventative care, including the need for greater awareness and accessibility of testing. Takeaways Dr. Saw aims to help patients prevent dental diseases. Point-of-care testing provides immediate results for patients. Early detection can significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs. Saliva testing can reveal connections to systemic health issues. Education is crucial for the adoption of new healthcare technologies. Regulatory challenges exist in the saliva testing market. Insurance companies are beginning to recognize the value of preventive testing. Consumer awareness of oral health's impact on overall health is lacking. The future of healthcare is moving towards preventative measures. Dr. Saw envisions saliva testing becoming a standard practice in dental care. Sound Bites "We are definitely at a growth phase." "An ounce of prevention goes such a long way." "Breaking the traditional mold is exciting." Chapters 00:00 Revolutionizing Preventive Healthcare 03:02 The Importance of Immediate Results 05:46 Bridging Dental and Medical Communities 08:34 Overcoming Adoption Barriers 11:07 Value Proposition for Insurers 13:36 Educating Consumers on Oral Health 15:48 The Future of Saliva Testing YouTube Video Here - https://youtu.be/qeIqOtD7tsk

    19 min
  6. May 8

    From Costume Design to Conscious Luxury How Maureen Ryza is Reinventing Vintage Eyewear

    Send us Fan Mail Summary  In this episode, Maureen Ryza, founder of AZYR Specs, discusses her sustainable vintage eyewear brand that repurposes pre-loved and deadstock frames into luxury pieces. Maureen shares her journey from costume design to starting AZYR Specs, inspired by the wastefulness she observed in fashion and her discovery of vintage eyewear's storytelling potential while working on a 1975-set film. Takeaways Maureen Ryza started AZYR Specs after seeing waste in costume design and discovering the potential of vintage eyewear. She sources rare frames globally from collectors and deadstock warehouses. Her standout pieces include designs by Luigi Colani and Sophia Loren, and she’s collaborated with Dremel on creative projects. The brand appeals to people who see eyewear as a bold, personal statement. Pop-ups drive most of her sales and help her learn what resonates with customers. She educates buyers on face shape, color theory, and the history behind each piece. Maureen now integrates prescriptions and is building a more seamless e-commerce experience. She’s working to reframe vintage as luxury and wants to grow globally, starting with a NYC showroom. Success this year means brand partnerships, better tech, and global sourcing connections. Sound Bites "I really do consider [eyewear] jewelry for your face." "I saw firsthand how wasteful the fashion industry can be... and it never sat right with me." "These aren’t just old glasses - they’re archival design, they’re history, they’re art." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Eyewear 03:07 The Journey from Costume Design to Eyewear 05:54 Sourcing and Selecting Vintage Frames 09:01 Unique Finds and Collaborations 12:08 Understanding the Ideal Client 14:57 Challenges in Scaling a Sustainable Business 17:55 Educating Customers on Eyewear 20:52 Prescription Lenses and E-commerce Innovations 22:12 Expanding the Brand and Partnerships 25:50 Social Media's Role in Growth 27:53 Future Trends in Sustainable Luxury Video: https://youtu.be/_-RkTNRktvY

    31 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A Healthier, Happier You: The People Working to Make It Happen is a podcast about the innovators and entrepreneurs behind the brands helping people live better, feel better, and thrive.