TRENCHES with Milan Terez

Milan Nolen
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TRENCHES with Milan Terez is the playbook no one handed you. Whether you're pre-revenue, pre-launch, or just figuring it out, TRENCHES is your business toolkit. This is a how-to business podcast for early-stage female founders who are navigating the messy, meaningful work of building a business from scratch. Hosted by Milan Terez, each episode is a tactical deep dive into the real strategies, hard pivots, breakthrough moments so you can learn from the trenches, not the highlight reel. Female founders shouldn't have to figure it out alone.

  1. 5d ago

    How Nine14 Jewelry Sold Out Without a Website or Strategy Thanks to Founder Shenice Johnson | TRENCHES with Milan Terez

    What does it take to build a jewelry brand from scratch — starting with nothing but Instagram DMs, a deep personal loss, and an unshakeable vision? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Shenice Johnson, founder of Nine14 Jewelry, for an honest and tactical breakdown of what lean startup entrepreneurship actually looks like in the jewelry and accessories space. Shenice opens up about rebuilding her brand after a major health and personal setback, why she chooses quality over quantity in every collection drop, how gold costs and pricing strategy shape her product decisions, and what founder visibility and authentic storytelling have meant for her brand growth. Plus — hear how community events like Create & Cultivate Festival 2026 have become a cornerstone of her networking and brand-building strategy. If you're a founder building a product brand on a tight budget, navigating a relaunch, or trying to turn a personal story into a brand identity that converts — this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Shenice Johnson's personal story and inspiration behind Nine14 JewelryLean startup approach to sourcing and selling jewelry via Instagram DMsImportance of quality over quantity in jewelry collectionThe role of founder visibility and storytelling in brand differentiationStrategies for testing and selecting jewelry pieces and stonesThe impact of pricing, gold costs, and product costs on collectionsThe significance of limited drops and avoiding overstockingLessons learned from relaunching after a health and personal setbackNetworking and community building through events like Create and CultivateFuture plans for brand expansion into wellness and lifestyle collaborations Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shenice Johnson and Nine14 Jewelry01:23 Shenice's personal story and inspiration behind her brand03:11 Early days: From college to jewelry business07:12 The importance of purpose and legacy in her brand12:34 Deciding to start lean and sourcing jewelry20:23 Steps to find quality jewelry and stones30:21 How Shenice chooses pieces for her collections32:54 The success of her sell-out drops and future plans37:20 Relaunching after setbacks and brand evolution41:09 Expanding into wellness and community collaborations46:37 Goals for 2027 and beyond58:54 Advice to her younger self and future aspirations Connect With Us:Our Guest: Shenice Johnson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshenicelj/ Guest Brand - Nine14 Jewelry Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nine14.jewelry/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nine14.jewelry Nine14 Official Website: https://nine14jewelry.com/ Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: @milanterezTikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠ ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: @trenchesthepodcastTikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod... Jewelry brand, entrepreneurship, sourcing, branding, community, wellness, fashion, business strategy, self-funded, creative marketing

  2. 5d ago ·  Bonus

    Digging Deeper with Shenice Johnson (Founder of Nine14 Jewlery) | TRENCHES with Milan Terez

    What happens when the life you planned looks nothing like the life you're actually meant to build? In this Rapid Fire episode of TRENCHES, host Milan Terez sits down with Shenice Johnson, founder of Nine14 Jewelry, for a quick but deeply personal look at the decisions, setbacks, and pivots that shaped her brand. Shenice gets into the meaning behind the Nine14 name, the costly sample mistakes that came with launching her second collection, why product photography is non-negotiable for jewelry brands, and how her personal health experiences are quietly shaping her next venture in women's health and wellness. Recorded in the energy of Create & Cultivate Festival 2026, this one is equal parts tactical and deeply human. If you're a founder navigating a career pivot, rebuilding after a mistake, or trying to build a brand that actually means something — this one's for you. Key Takeaways Shenice Johnson's background and transition from law to jewelryThe significance of the brand name Nine14 and personal stories behind itChallenges faced in sourcing and launching the second collectionFuture plans including retail partnerships and collaborationsThe impact of personal health experiences on business ideasThe importance of product photography and quality in brandingLessons learned from costly sample mistakesDaily routines and emotional support tools for entrepreneursShenice's childhood aspirations versus her current pathPotential future ventures in women's health and wellness Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shenice Johnson and her brand02:04 The meaning behind the Nine14 Jewelry brand name03:06 Deciding to delay the second collection launch04:34 Future plans for Nine14 Jewelry in retail and collaborations06:26 The most expensive mistake in her business journey07:19 Shenice's emotional support tools for stress management08:15 Her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer09:16 What she would build if not jewelry09:40 Her focus on women's health and wellness initiatives10:07 Closing remarks and where to follow Shenice Connect With Us:Our Guest: Shenice Johnson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshenicelj/ Guest Brand - Nine14 Jewelry Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nine14.jewelry/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nine14.jewelry Nine14 Official Website: https://nine14jewelry.com/ Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: @milanterezTikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠ ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: @trenchesthepodcastTikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod... Jewelry brand, entrepreneurship, sourcing, branding, community, wellness, fashion, business strategy, self-funded, creative marketing, jewelry Design, Brand Building, Women in Business, Wellness, Collaboration, Business Growth, Endometriosis Awareness

  3. Jun 18

    The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Playbook: How SIPPL's Founder, Parker Papaccio, Navigates Product Development, Retail Distribution, and Brand Identity | TRENCHES with Milan Terez

    What does it take to leave a marketing career, bootstrap a non-alcoholic beverage brand, and get it in front of consumers at Coachella all while navigating FDA regulations, custom packaging costs, and influencer gifting gone wrong? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Parker Papaccio, founder of SIPPL, for the full behind-the-scenes breakdown of building a health-focused drink brand from the ground up. Parker covers the entire founder journey: product development and flavor testing, budgeting and initial investment, retail expansion and distribution challenges, building community through in-person events, and what she'd do differently with influencer marketing. If you're launching a beverage brand, building in the health and wellness space, or trying to get a physical consumer product to market — this is the episode you've been looking for. Key Takeaways Product development process for SIPPLBootstrapping and initial investmentConsumer feedback and market researchBuilding community through events and social mediaNavigating regulations and legal considerationsStrategic marketing and brand identityDistribution channels and logisticsLessons learned from Coachella and influencer marketing Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez 01:07 Parker's Journey to Entrepreneurship 04:22 Building in Health and Wellness 06:38 Transitioning In and Out of Fast-Paced Environments 07:21 Time Management and Juggling Responsibilities 11:08 Developing a Non-Alcoholic Drink Mix 13:51 Product Development Insights for Beverage Brands 18:17 SIPPL's Unique Position in the Beverage Market 20:25 Innovative Mixology: Crafting Non-Alcoholic Cocktails 21:49 Navigating Consumer Education and Market Challenges 24:25 Budgeting and Financial Insights for Startups 25:56 Perfecting the Product: Flavor Development and Feedback 26:43 Retail Expansion: Strategies and Distribution Challenges 30:10 The Cost of Custom Packaging 34:02 Building Community: The Role of In-Person Events 38:16 Experiencing Coachella: Opportunities and Lessons Learned 42:32 Influencer Gifting 101 45:43 The Importance of Contracts in Business Partnerships 51:37 Creating a Cohesive Brand Identity 52:57 Building in Public: The Founder Journey 58:45 Community and Confidence: The Driving Forces 01:01:22 Vision for the Future: Beyond the Trenches 01:03:38 Embracing Uncertainty: The Path to Success 01:05:53 Trenches with Milan Terez Resources Bev Source - https://www.bevsource.com ShipBob - https://www.shipbob.com ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com Connect With Us: Our Guest: Parker Papaccio Guest Brand - SIPPL Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sipplmixology/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipplmixology SIPPL Official Website: https://sipplmixology.com/ Our Host: Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠/ milanterez⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠ ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠/ trenchesthepodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod⁠cast startup, entrepreneurship, beverage brand, SIPPL, branding, manufacturing, business growth, founder insights, mocktail mix, margarita mix, beverage, product development, community building, health and wellness, brand strategy, bootstrapping, Coachella, influencer marketing

  4. Jun 18 ·  Bonus

    Digging Deeper with Parker Papaccio (Founder of SIPPL Mixology) | TRENCHES with Milan Terez

    What does it actually cost financially, mentally, and strategically to launch a functional beverage brand from scratch? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Parker Papaccio, founder of SIPPL, to break down the real behind-the-scenes of building a drink startup. Parker gets into the full founder playbook: how she found and vetted manufacturing partners, the early business decisions that carried major financial consequences, what brand recognition actually looks like as a traction signal, and how she keeps her focus sharp in the chaos of early-stage startup life. If you're building in the beverage space, launching a consumer product brand, or trying to figure out how to make a physical product company work this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Brand recognition is a key indicator of traction.Finding the right manufacturing partners is crucial and costly.Routine workouts help manage stress and maintain focus.Naming a brand can carry deep meaning and strategic intent.Early business decisions can have significant financial impacts. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez 00:39 Digging Deeper with Parker Papaccio 06:18 Trenches with Milan Terez Connect With Us:Our Guest: Parker Papaccio Guest Brand - SIPPL Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sipplmixology/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipplmixology SIPPL Official Website: https://sipplmixology.com/ Our Host: Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠/ milanterez⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠ ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠/ trenchesthepodcast ⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod⁠cast startup, entrepreneurship, beverage brand, SIPPL, branding, manufacturing, business growth, founder insights, mocktail mix, margarita mix

  5. Jun 5

    The Future of Clean Beauty: Michelle Doan on Scaling a Clean Beauty Brand Internationally, Korean Fermentation Tech, and 20 Years in the Beauty Industry

    In this inspiring interview, Michelle Doan tells us what does two decades in the beauty industry actually teach you about building a brand that lasts? In this episode of TRENCHES host Milan Terez goes deep with Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Cosmetics, on what it takes to scale a clean beauty brand internationally in one of the most competitive markets in the world. Michelle breaks down the full product development playbook: including the three P's of skincare (Potency, Delivery, and Provenance), innovations in Korean fermentation technology, and how the beauty industry has evolved over 20 years. From surviving a Thai refugee camp to building a globally recognized clean beauty brand, Michelle's story is equal parts tactical and deeply human. If you're a beauty founder, a product developer, or someone building in a saturated market, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Michelle Doan's personal journey and resilienceThe evolution of the beauty industry over two decadesThe three P's of skincare: Potency, Delivery, ProvenanceInnovations in Korean fermentation technologyStrategies for scaling a beauty brand internationally Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Trenches01:32 Michelle Doan's Journey: From Struggles to Success08:41 The Birth of Emani Cosmetics14:37 Navigating the Beauty Industry as a Founder18:03 The Evolution of Clean Beauty19:51 Understanding the Three P's of Skincare24:43 The Science of Korean Fermentation Technology28:03 Adapting and Reformulating Products30:18 The Art of Product Development32:03 Navigating the Beauty Industry: A Founder's Guide35:05 Sustainability in Beauty: Why Packaging Matters39:18 Scaling and Distribution: The Modern Landscape43:01 From Zero to One: Key Changes for Growth49:34 International Expansion: Timing and Strategy51:52 The Future of Cosmetics: Personalization and Education52:57 How to be an Affective Leader55:01 Understanding Hormones and Skincare57:40 Self-Care for Founders: Recognizing the Signs of Breakthrough59:47 Embracing Positivity and Perspective01:02:10 Overcoming Adversity and Building Self-Worth01:05:32 The Power of Presence and Gratitude Connect With Us:Our Guest: Michelle DoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/ Guest Brand - Emani CosmeticsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanicosmeticsWebsite: https://emani.com Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram:   / milanterez   ⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod... entrepreneurship, women in business, CPG brands, building a business, Michelle Doan, Emani Cosmetics, beauty brand, entrepreneurship, success, scaling, marketing, personal growth, Beauty industry, clean beauty, product development, scaling, sustainability, Korean fermentation, entrepreneurship, women founders, skincare, international expansion

  6. Jun 5 ·  Bonus

    Digging Deeper with Michelle Doan (Founder of Emani Cosmetics) | TRENCHES Rapid Fire

    In this episode of Beyond the Trenches Digging Deeper, What does it take to build a successful beauty brand when you started with nothing and we mean nothing? In this episode of TRENCHES, host Milan Terez sits down with Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Cosmetics, who shares her remarkable journey from surviving a Thai refugee camp to scaling a recognized beauty brand. Michelle gets real about what sustainable brand growth actually looks like: why she stopped bottomless spending on paid marketing, how she shifted to genuine content that converts, and what working smarter not harder has meant for her business and her life. If you're a beauty founder, a first-generation entrepreneur, or someone building a brand on resilience and purpose, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Success is not overnight; it requires persistence and strategic effort.Working smarter, not harder, is key to sustainable growth.Avoid bottomless spending on marketing; focus on genuine content.Balance and self-care are crucial for long-term success.Interior design is a personal passion that fosters creativity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Trenches01:32 Welcome to Digging Deeper with Michelle Doan02:04 How to Stay Committed02:41 Overnight Success02:54 Working Hard or Hardly Working03:29 Overspending on Meta Ads04:00 How to Scale a Beauty Brand04:11 Are Marketing Agencies a SCAM?04:45 Life Passions and Hobbies Connect With Us:Our Guest: Michelle DoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/ Guest Brand - Emani CosmeticsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanicosmeticsWebsite: https://emani.com Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram:   / milanterez   ⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod... entrepreneurship, women in business, CPG brands, building a business, Michelle Doan, Emani Cosmetics, beauty brand, entrepreneurship, success, scaling, marketing, personal growth

  7. May 21

    How Bonding Over Books Is Tackling Loneliness One Conversation Game at a Time | TRENCHES with Milan Terez

    What happens when a marketing career in NYC leaves you craving real connection and you decide to build the solution yourself? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Sarah Dalley, founder of Bonding Over Books, a community-building conversation game designed to reduce loneliness and spark meaningful connection. Sarah breaks down the full founder journey: product development and physical product validation, retail strategy, funding through community programs, and what it actually takes to build a purpose-driven brand from scratch. If you're a founder building around a social mission, navigating funding for a physical product, or just trying to make something that genuinely matters — this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Journey from marketing to entrepreneurship Creating a community-focused product Funding and retail strategy for physical products Product testing and validation Funding through community programs Building a brand with purpose Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez 01:23 The Journey to Bonding Over Books 02:44 What It's Like Working in Lifecycle Marketing 03:49 When Moving Home is the RIGHT Move 06:00 Navigating Life Changes and Community Building 09:06 The Light Bulb Moment for Bonding Over Books 14:43 Defining 'All In' as an Entrepreneur 18:55 Tips for Starting a Service-Based Side Hustle 23:17 Funding the Initial Product Development 26:11 The Role of Pre-Orders in Product Launch 29:40 Key Lessons for Founders of Physical Products 34:55 How to Create a Card Game40:33 Mental Health Advocacy Through Connection 42:42 Leveraging Events for Brand Visibility 45:03 How to Get Your Brand Stocked in Barnes & Nobles and Paper Source 49:47 Essential Tools for Solopreneurs 53:03 How to Build a Mission Driven Brand 54:45 Building Meaningful Connections 56:52 Top Conversation Starters 01:00:45 The Mission Behind the Brand 01:01:23 Future Aspirations and Growth 01:02:47 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs ResourcesSquarespace - https://www.squarespace.com FAIRE Wholesale Platform - https://www.faire.com BookCon - https://www.bookcon.com Bas Blue Detroit - https://basblueus.com/the-basblue-foundation/zero-to-one/ Connect With Us: Our Guest: Sarah Dalley Guest Brand - Bonding Over Books Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bondingoverbooks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bondingoverbooks Bonding Over Books Official Website: https://bondingoverbooks.co Our Host: Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠/ milanterez⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠ ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠/ trenchesthepodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod⁠cast Book clubs, community building, product development, mental health, entrepreneurship, bonding over books, game design, retail strategy, startup funding

  8. May 21 ·  Bonus

    Digging Deeper with Sarah Dalley (Founder of Bonding Over Books) | TRENCHES Rapid Fire

    What does it look like to build a community-focused product brand organically without a big budget, without outside funding, and without pretending it's easy? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Sarah Dalley, founder of Bonding Over Books, a conversation game designed to bring people together through reading and real connection. Sarah opens up about the real cost of branding as a first-time founder, unlearning perfectionism, navigating entrepreneurial mistakes, and how spirituality and personal growth have shaped the way she builds. If you're a founder, a book lover, or someone building a community-driven brand from scratch — this one's for you. Key TakeawaysBuilding Bonding Over Books as an organic community toolLessons learned from entrepreneurial challenges and mistakesThe importance of authenticity and unlearning perfectionismBalancing personal life, spirituality, and business growthStrategies for decision-making and managing stress in startups Chapters00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez00:39 Digging Deeper with Sarah Dalley00:58 The Morning Show01:50 Olivia Dean02:53 Spirituality & Guides03:25 Wedding Planning & Pop-up Events04:21 It's NOT Easy to Start a Business05:09 Branding is Expensive06:15 Get An Emotional Support Dog06:54 How to Fight Perfectionism08:22 Reading To Stay Grounded08:55 More Businesses Coming Soon11:01 Thank You Sarah Dalley Connect With Us:Our Guest: Sarah Dalley Guest Brand - Bonding Over Books Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bondingoverbooks/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bondingoverbooksBonding Over Books Official Website: https://bondingoverbooks.co Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠/ milanterez⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠ ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠/ trenchesthepodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod⁠cast Bonding Over Books, entrepreneurship, community building, mental health, book clubs, personal growth, spirituality, decision-making, branding, podcasting

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TRENCHES with Milan Terez is the playbook no one handed you. Whether you're pre-revenue, pre-launch, or just figuring it out, TRENCHES is your business toolkit. This is a how-to business podcast for early-stage female founders who are navigating the messy, meaningful work of building a business from scratch. Hosted by Milan Terez, each episode is a tactical deep dive into the real strategies, hard pivots, breakthrough moments so you can learn from the trenches, not the highlight reel. Female founders shouldn't have to figure it out alone.

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