Above The Fold

Jess Cervellon
Above The Fold

Tune in every Thursday as Jess chats with operators and founders across CX, marketing, and everything in between to discuss what creates a killer brand experience. In each episode, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty like acquisition and retention tactics and zoom out to discuss the big things like AI, brand experience and why customer experience is at the center of it all.

  1. Episode 49 | Living, Leading, and Learning CX

    5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 49 | Living, Leading, and Learning CX

    This week, I brought the CX girl gang out of the group chat and into the podcast for a conversation about careers, leadership, and the reality of running CX teams. Ashley Harris (CXM @ Caraway), Cati Brunell-Brutman (CXM @ Glossier), Molly Meetz (Director of CX @ Corso), Leanna Nazzizi (Senior Director of CX at Victoria Beckham Beauty), Nancy Gurd (Director of CX at Caraway), and Lauren Schorr (Director of CX at Nestig) joined me to talk about how none of us actually planned to end up in CX, the skills we picked up from past careers (theater kids and forensics majors, we see you), and why CX is more than just answering tickets. We also got into some hot takes—like why the customer isn’t always right and why companies need to stop underfunding CX. If you’re a CX leader, building a team, or just trying to make customer experience better where you work, this episode is for you. Listen now for real talk on: The unconventional career paths that led us to CXWhy CX deserves a seat at the table (and a real budget)How to build a CX team that doesn’t burn outThe power of community in making CX leadership more sustainable 📲Connect with the Girls on LinkedIn: Ashley Harris (Caraway): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymacy/  Cati Brunell-Brutman (Glossier): https://www.linkedin.com/in/cati-brunell-brutman-5355b04a/  Molly Meetz (Corso): https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-meetz/  Leanna Nazzizi (Victoria Beckham Beauty): https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-nazzisi/  Nancy Gurd (Caraway): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-gurd-17b67a209/  Lauren Schorr (Nestig): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-schorr-69b0101aa/  Special offer:  ❤️‍🔥Use "ABOVETHEFOLDPOD" for 20% off between 1st-31st of March at Caraway ❤️‍🔥 Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! Connect with Jess on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/  Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

    53 min
  2. Episode 48 | How Equip is Shaking Things Up in the Protein Market

    FEB 20

    Episode 48 | How Equip is Shaking Things Up in the Protein Market

    This week on Above the Fold, I sat down with Kieran Mathew, GM and partner at Equip Foods, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts. We get into his journey from running a marketing agency at 19 years old to scaling a multi-million dollar eCommerce business. Kieran breaks down why transparency, trust, and real customer relationships have been the backbone of Equip’s growth, and how the brand has quietly dominated the beef protein space by focusing on quality over hype. We also get into: 🔥 The power of word-of-mouth marketing (and why “mom-fluencers” are game-changers) 🔥 Why Equip is staying lean, profitable, and intentional instead of chasing trends 🔥 How listening to customers led to first-to-market innovations like colostrum gummies 🔥 That time Gwyneth Paltrow casually gave Equip a shoutout on The Skinny Confidential If you’re scaling a brand, thinking about DTC growth, or just want to hear how Equip is rewriting the rules in supplements, this one’s packed with insights you can actually use. Follow Kieran: Instagram: @kieranmathew_ X: @kieranmathew LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kieranmathew/  Follow Equip Foods: Equip Foods: @equipfoods Website: www.equipfoods.com  --------------------------  Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community!  ---------------------------  Connect with Jess on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/   Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JessCervellon

    1h 1m
  3. Episode 47 | Changing the Narrative Behind Cannabis with MixMix

    FEB 13

    Episode 47 | Changing the Narrative Behind Cannabis with MixMix

    This week on Above the Fold, we’ve got a BONUS EPISODE coming in hot! Once a month, I go on LinkedIn for AfterHours LIVE—a no-BS breakdown of the biggest DTC moves, plus the kind of raw, unfiltered brand marketing advice you won’t get anywhere else. And this time, the convo was too good not to share. I sat down with the legends behind MixMix—Allison Disney, Katelin Randall, and Matt Sabo—to talk about how they’re shaking up the cannabis industry with customizable, discreet, and low-dose THC crystals. We get into the real challenges of building a CPG brand in a highly regulated space, how to market when you can’t just run ads, why nostalgia works in branding, and how MixMix is making THC consumption more approachable than ever. If you’re a brand builder, marketer, or just curious about where the THC industry is headed, this one’s for you. Listen now for insights on branding, marketing, and the low-dose movement shaping the future of cannabis! ---------------------------  📲Follow the Team: Allison Disney: linkedin.com/in/allisondisney Katelin Randall: linkedin.com/in/katelin-randall-b0351373/ Matt Sabo: linkedin.com/in/matthewsabo/ 🔗 Follow MixMix: Instagram: @getmixmix Website: www.getmixmix.com 🎙️Follow Open Late Collective to catch the next AfterHours LIVE show!: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-late-collective/   --------------------------  Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community!  ---------------------------  Connect with Jess on:   • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon   • Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon   • Instagram: instagram.com/jess.cervellon

    1h 4m
  4. Episode 46 | How Nomadica is Making Wine Less Pretentious

    FEB 6

    Episode 46 | How Nomadica is Making Wine Less Pretentious

    What happens when you walk away from Harvard Med School, dive into Michelin-star restaurants, and set out to change the wine industry? You get Nomadica—a wine brand that’s rewriting the rules and making fine wine fun, accessible, and cool again. In this inspiring episode, Kristin Olszewski, the founder of Nomadica, shares her incredible journey from dropping out of med school to becoming a wine mogul.  Kristin saw the issues with the wine industry—too pretentious, too complicated, and definitely not in touch with younger consumers. So she created something that turned the entire industry on its head. With Nomadica, she’s making high-quality wine accessible to everyone, with fun packaging, playlists, and tasting notes that actually make sense. But before we dive into Kristin’s story, we want to take a moment to address something important. After filming, Kristin’s home was affected by the LA wildfires. While she’s safe, many in the community have lost everything. Kristin’s request? If you can, support Nomadica and donate to help those in need. Every bit makes a difference. If you’d like to make a donation and learn more, click here for vetted fundraising campaigns, and here for more information on the fires.  🎧 Listen now to hear how Kristin turned her vision into a thriving wine brand and why Nomadica is set to revolutionize the industry! ---------------------------  Follow Kristin: 📸 Instagram: @kristin___o Try Nomadica: 📸 Instagram: @nomadica 🌐 Website: www.explorenomadica.com ---------------------------  Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community!  ---------------------------  Connect with Jess on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/   Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

    39 min
  5. Episode 45 | From Viral Content to Brand Building with Josh & Mark of Taste Salud

    JAN 30

    Episode 45 | From Viral Content to Brand Building with Josh & Mark of Taste Salud

    This week, I sat down with my brothers from another mother to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts, beyond social media hype. We cover entrepreneurship, content marketing, Latino representation in business, and why customer experience is more than just good service.  Plus, Josh shares how he’s handled doubt along the way (was it the content or just the abs?) and how a barbershop connection led him to co-host La Platica, one of the fastest-growing Latino podcasts, while Mark breaks down what makes real CX work. If you’re building a brand, leading a team, or just trying to figure out your next big move, this episode is packed with insight you can actually use. Listen now for tips on content, CX, and why great branding is more than just looking good on a shelf! ---------------------------  Follow Josh: Instagram: @thejoshleyva Follow Mark: Instagram: @themarkgalvez Find Taste Salud: Instagram: @tastesalud 🌐 Website: www.tastesalud.com  Listen to La Platica: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/la-platica/id1491416976   --------------------------  Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community!  ---------------------------  Connect with Jess on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/  Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

    40 min
  6. Episode 44 | How Top of The Mornin' Coffee Built a Loyal Community

    JAN 23

    Episode 44 | How Top of The Mornin' Coffee Built a Loyal Community

    What happens when you mix a YouTube star, startup chaos, and a coffee bean-shaped soap? You get this week’s episode of Above the Fold! Jess Cervellon sits down with Kenzie McAndrew, the powerhouse marketer behind Akira Coffee and Top of the Mornin'. Kenzie shares how her love for branding—and a college hustle redesigning logos—sparked a career that’s equal parts creativity and chaos. From making reed diffusers on an assembly line during COVID to turning Jacksepticeye’s coffee brand into a caffeine-fueled sensation, Kenzie proves that no task is too small when you’re growing a business. We talk about balancing creator-led brands with traditional marketing, navigating customer feedback (spoiler: people love a coffee soap), and designing campaigns that are as fun as they are functional. Kenzie also dishes on bundling, bold packaging, and why her favorite emails aren’t flashy—they’re real and raw. This episode is a blend of marketing genius, startup wisdom, and caffeine-fueled stories you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re building a brand or just love good coffee, grab a cup and tune in. ☕ 🎧 Listen now for laughs, insights, and all the secrets behind making absurdly good coffee. Follow Kenzie: 📸 Instagram: @kenziemcandrew 🌐 Website: www.topofthemornincoffee.com -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

    37 min
  7. Episode 43 | Building A Brand One Shot At A Time With Chaser

    JAN 9

    Episode 43 | Building A Brand One Shot At A Time With Chaser

    What happens when two best friends, a shot of tequila, and stale ginger ale collide? You get Chaser, the ultimate party companion. In this laugh-out-loud episode, Jess Carroll and Jess Moran, the dynamic duo behind Chaser, share how a college friendship and one too many gross shots led to their game-changing beverage brand. From 8 a.m. “shots for science” in a lab to designing a mascot named Buddy (who’s basically the Tony the Tiger of partying), this episode is a deep dive into turning a hilarious idea into a full-blown business. We talk about entrepreneurial chaos, building a brand with 90s nostalgia, and how to craft a product that’s both fun and functional. The Jessicas also dish on bootstrapping their way through the beverage industry, making pop-ups cool again, and why Buddy might just show up at your next pregame. This episode is a mix of founder wisdom, hilarious hot takes (goodbye, Four Loko nightmares), and proof that sometimes the best ideas start with bad tequila and stale limes. Tune in for laughs, insights, and the inside scoop on making your next shot taste way better. 🎧 Grab a Chaser and listen now for tips on branding, building, and not throwing up blue liquid. Follow Jess & Jess: 📸 Instagram: @gotchaser 🌐 Website: www.gotchaser.com -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

    36 min
  8. JUV's Secret to Turning a Problem into Pure Gold with Founder Jai Patel

    12/19/2024

    JUV's Secret to Turning a Problem into Pure Gold with Founder Jai Patel

    What happens when a juicer meets a French press and says, “Hold my pulp?” You get JUV, the brainchild of Jai Patel, who’s here to spill the juice (literally and metaphorically) on how he turned a personal juicing nightmare into a game-changing product. In this chaotic and juice-soaked episode, we channel our inner QVC hosts with a live JUV press demo—yes, things got messy. Jai talks about ditching clunky juicers, winning over influencers, and building a brand that’s as fresh as the ginger in your juice. We go deep into community vibes, scrappy growth hacks, and the fears of scaling without losing your soul (or your pulp). This episode is part entrepreneurial wisdom, part juice ASMR, and 100% proof that turning a problem into a product can be a wild (and delicious) ride. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and the secret to a killer carrot-orange-ginger juice! 🎧 Tune in for tips on branding, scaling, and staying true to your vision. Follow Jai and JUV: 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @getjuv 🌐 Website: https://getjuv.com/ 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more founder stories and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of CPG, brand strategy, marketing and customer experience. -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/justjessssss Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/

    55 min
4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Tune in every Thursday as Jess chats with operators and founders across CX, marketing, and everything in between to discuss what creates a killer brand experience. In each episode, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty like acquisition and retention tactics and zoom out to discuss the big things like AI, brand experience and why customer experience is at the center of it all.

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