Brand Architects

Bora Celik
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Brand Architects

Bora Celik talks to leaders who build remarkable brands. Presented by collabs.io - building the opportunity economy for creators and brands.

  1. FEB 14

    From PhD Lab to Longevity Pioneer: How Carolina Oliveira Built OneSkin Through Scientific Discovery

    In this episode, Bora chats with Carolina Oliveira, who takes us through her remarkable journey from being a stem cell biology PhD to becoming the founder of OneSkin, a revolutionary skincare brand that's changing the anti-aging industry. This episode is a must-listen for brand builders and entrepreneurs who want to understand how to: - Transform groundbreaking scientific research into a successful consumer brand - Navigate the transition from technical expert to business leader - Create a unique market position in an oversaturated industry - Build authority and credibility through strategic partnerships with industry leaders - Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to consumers - Develop authentic marketing messages that resonate with health-conscious consumers Carolina shares the fascinating story of how her team spent four years testing molecules until they discovered OS1, a peptide that could actually reverse skin aging at the cellular level. She reveals how they made the bold decision to launch their own brand instead of licensing their technology to established beauty companies, despite having no marketing experience. You'll learn about their innovative approach to product validation, how they built credibility by connecting with influential figures like Peter Diamandis and David Sinclair, and their unique positioning strategy around "skin longevity" that helped them stand out in the crowded skincare market. This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to build a science-based brand, transition from technical expertise to entrepreneurship, or create a unique market position based on innovation and authenticity. Carolina's journey demonstrates how deep technical expertise combined with clear vision and strategic thinking can create a breakthrough brand in any industry.

    36 min

  2. FEB 13

    From Maternity Leave to Maker: The Story Behind Slow North with Michelle Simmons

    In this episode, Bora chats with Michelle Simmons, who shares her remarkable journey of building Slow North, a premium natural candle and wellness brand, from her garage while on maternity leave. Originally planning it as an Amazon-only business, Michelle's story takes an unexpected turn when she decides to make the products herself, leading to exponential growth and valuable lessons for aspiring brand builders. Key insights you'll learn: - How to validate your product through real customer interactions at farmers markets and craft fairs - The strategic pivot from wholesale to DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) and why it matters for modern brands - Practical insights on scaling from a one-person operation to managing a team of 11 - The power of experiential retail: How Slow North's candle-making classes became a major revenue driver - Creating authentic brand collaborations and leveraging Instagram influencer partnerships effectively - Essential lessons on managing seasonality in product-based businesses - Real talk about navigating post-COVID business challenges and adapting to market changes - The journey from $0 retail days to securing partnerships with major retailers like Anthropologie and Crate & Barrel Whether you're dreaming of launching your own product line or looking to scale your existing brand, this episode offers actionable insights on building an authentic, sustainable business while maintaining work-life balance. Michelle's candid discussion about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, including recent challenges with wholesale decline and the shift towards direct customer relationships, provides valuable perspective for any brand builder's journey. For anyone interested in sustainable business practices, handmade products, or retail strategy, this conversation offers a masterclass in organic brand growth and authentic customer connection.

    32 min

  3. FEB 6

    How a Dermatologist is Disrupting the Skincare Industry with Science-Backed Formulas

    In this episode, Bora chats with Dr. Courtney Rubin, co-founder of Fig.1 and practicing dermatologist. She reveals how she's revolutionizing the skincare industry by making high-end, science-backed formulations accessible to everyone. For brand builders and entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on: - The fascinating origin story of Fig.1, sparked by observations from Dr. Rubin's dermatology practice where patients couldn't afford $300+ products - How to identify and capitalize on market opportunities by cutting into high industry margins to create competitive advantage - The power of finding the right co-founder: Learn how a dermatologist and VC partner combined their unique strengths to build a successful brand - Inside look at product development: Why Fig.1 spent two years developing their initial product line and how they maintain scientific rigor in their formulations - Sustainable packaging innovation: Understanding the challenges and opportunities in creating eco-friendly packaging systems - Marketing strategy deep-dive: Why a 360-degree approach across multiple channels is crucial for success in today's crowded skincare market - Global expansion insights: How Fig.1 successfully entered international markets through strategic retail partnerships Perfect for entrepreneurs interested in: - DTC brand building - Science-based product development - Sustainable packaging innovation - Premium to mass market strategies - Finding the right co-founder - Marketing in crowded spaces - International retail expansion Don't miss this episode if you're looking to understand how to combine scientific expertise with business acumen to create a successful consumer brand that delivers genuine value to customers while maintaining strong profit margins.

    37 min

  4. FEB 5

    Trust Over Trends: How Crunchi Transformed Clean Beauty by Refusing to Compromise

    In this episode, Bora chats with Kelly Kreusler, co-founder of Crunchi. She shares her remarkable journey from pharmaceutical sales to revolutionizing the clean beauty industry. Discover how a chance meeting at a mom's night out led to a powerful partnership that would challenge the status quo in beauty manufacturing. For brand builders, this episode offers invaluable insights into: - Building a brand with zero industry experience and turning "no's" into opportunities - The power of unwavering standards in product development and why refusing to compromise can become your biggest competitive advantage - How to launch with minimal products (they started with just 4-5 SKUs) and grow based on customer feedback - Alternative marketing strategies: Learn how Crunchi grew without traditional advertising, leveraging direct sales and word-of-mouth - Navigating the transition from a small founding team to managing a large organization while maintaining an entrepreneurial culture - The importance of listening to customer demands in shaping product development (their expansion from cosmetics to skincare) - How to differentiate your brand in an increasingly crowded "clean" marketplace - Strategic insights into the future of clean beauty and why body care products represent the next big opportunity Kelly also shares candid details about their early challenges with manufacturers, the importance of extensive product testing, and how they maintained their strict, clean beauty standards despite pressure to compromise. This episode is particularly valuable for entrepreneurs looking to enter the beauty industry or any market where product integrity and brand trust are paramount. Perfect for entrepreneurs who want to understand how to build a trusted brand in a "messy" marketplace while staying true to their mission and values.

    31 min

  5. JAN 24

    Unlocking the Gut-Lung Axis: Dr. Vivek Lal's Journey from Scientist to Entrepreneur

    In this episode, Bora delves into the fascinating journey of Dr. Vivek Lal, a double board-certified physician scientist and an authority in microbiome research. Discover the following key topics discussed in detail: Dr. Vivek Lal's Journey: Explore Dr. Lal's path from medical school to becoming a research scientist, highlighting his realization of the need for research to create a broader impact in healthcare. Challenges in Academic Research: Understand the inefficiencies in the current academic and research system, where a significant portion of research funding does not reach consumers or patients, prompting Dr. Lal to venture into commercialization and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship in Biotech: Learn about Dr. Lal's transition from a physician to an entrepreneur, founding companies like resbiotic Nutrition and Alveolus Bio, and the integration of business, clinical, and research expertise. The Gut-Lung Axis: Delve into the innovative research on the gut-lung axis, where Dr. Lal and his team discovered the impact of gut microbiome on lung health, leading to the development of lung-specific probiotics. Scientific Entrepreneurship: Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of scientists becoming entrepreneurs, and the importance of product expertise in building a successful business. Sanctifying the Supplement Industry: Explore Dr. Lal's mission to bring scientific validation to the supplement industry, emphasizing the need for clinical trials and efficacy in product development. Marketing and Consumer Education: Examine the strategies employed to educate consumers about the science behind supplements without overwhelming them, and the importance of building trust through effective marketing. Product Development and Market Fit: Analyze the process of achieving product-market fit for resbiotic's lung probiotic, and the subsequent development of additional products like prebiotics and postbiotics. International Expansion and Future Goals: Look into resbiotic's plans for international market expansion and the challenges of entering new markets while maintaining product integrity. Join us for an insightful conversation that bridges the gap between science and entrepreneurship, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike.

    33 min

  6. JAN 22

    How One Couple's Honeymoon Led To Austin's Most Beloved Cheese Shop: Antonelli's

    In this episode, Bora chats with John Antonelli, who reveals how a moment of clarity during his honeymoon transformed him from a CPA into the co-founder of Austin's first cut-to-order cheese shop. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for entrepreneurs and brand builders, including: • The power of redefining success: Learn how John and his wife Kendall set themselves up for success by focusing on achievable goals rather than traditional metrics, and how this mindset helped them survive their crucial first 18 months • Strategic business rollout: Discover their innovative approach to maintaining relevance and buzz by methodically introducing new services every 2.5 months, from cheese tastings to event spaces • Pivoting from product to experience: Understand how they transformed from a simple cheese shop into an "experience economy" business, hosting over 16,000 people during the pandemic and winning "Best Pivot in Austin" • Building authentic brand differentiation: Learn how they competed with retail giants like Whole Foods by focusing on personalized experiences and product quality • The evolution of vision: Follow their journey from a 700-square-foot shop to a multi-location business with 38 team members, and how a mental health crisis led to a complete business vision overhaul Whether you're dreaming of starting your own retail business, looking to pivot your existing brand, or seeking inspiration for creating memorable customer experiences, this episode provides a masterclass in authentic brand building and business evolution. Perfect for entrepreneurs who believe in the power of passion with purpose and want to learn how to turn their expertise into unforgettable customer experiences.

    39 min

  7. JAN 17

    How Luis Gramajo & Hans Schrei Built Wunderkeks and Pivoted to AI Storytelling

    In this episode, Bora chats with immigrant entrepreneurs Luis Gramajo and Hans Schrei and shares their remarkable journey from selling cookies at Austin farmers markets to building Wunderkeks, a million-dollar cookie brand that caught the attention of celebrities and landed them features in Vanity Fair and Wall Street Journal. Learn how they: - Transformed a pandemic crisis of 25,000 unsold cookies into a viral social media sensation - Scaled from zero online presence to $1.7M in e-commerce sales in just 9 months - Used farmers markets as a testing ground for product development, pricing, and brand messaging - Discovered unexpected customer demographics that shaped their marketing strategy - Built powerful brand storytelling that attracted celebrity partnerships and national media attention - Navigated the challenges of scaling rapidly while maintaining product quality and customer experience - Dealt with a devastating investor situation that led to losing their beloved brand But the story doesn't end there. Luis and Hans reveal how they rose from the ashes to create The Sunday Afternoon Project, helping other entrepreneurs harness the power of authentic storytelling through AI-powered narrative analysis. Perfect for: Brand builders, entrepreneurs, especially immigrant founders looking to stand out in competitive markets through authentic storytelling and brand building. This episode offers practical insights on testing products, scaling operations, and using personal narrative to create deeper connections with customers. A must-listen for anyone interested in how to build a brand that goes beyond just selling products to creating meaningful customer experiences and lasting impact.

    37 min

  8. JAN 15

    How Marina Larroudé Built a Multi-Million Dollar Shoe Brand During the Pandemic

    In this episode, Bora sits down with Marina Larroudé, founder of the luxury footwear brand Larroudé. She shares her remarkable journey from being the VP of Fashion at Barneys to launching her own successful shoe brand during the pandemic. For brand builders and entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on: - The reality of bootstrapping a luxury brand: Learn how Marina and her husband launched their shoe brand with just $4,000 for their website, operating from their dining room for two years to save costs - Manufacturing insights: Discover how they navigated shoe production without prior manufacturing experience, and how they evolved to owning their own factory - Market positioning strategy: Understanding the white space in the $300-350 luxury shoe market that bigger retailers claimed "shouldn't exist" - Marketing on a budget: How they leveraged industry relationships, built their first campaign with traded services, and grew through authentic influencer partnerships without paying for endorsements - Rapid market adaptation: Learn how they pivoted their inventory strategy when post-pandemic "revenge shopping" completely changed customer preferences - Data-driven decision making: Their approach to balancing creative instincts with analytical insights for product development and marketing - Operational scaling: Current challenges and solutions in managing rapid growth, including hiring 200 people for manufacturing - Future innovations: Their expansion into sneakers and how they're using AI to enhance their creative processes Whether you're planning to launch a fashion brand or scaling an existing business, Marina's candid insights about bootstrapping, manufacturing, marketing, and scaling a luxury brand provide a masterclass in entrepreneurship. This episode is especially valuable for founders who want to understand how to build a premium brand without massive capital investment.

    35 min
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About

Bora Celik talks to leaders who build remarkable brands. Presented by collabs.io - building the opportunity economy for creators and brands.

Information

  • Creator
    Bora Celik
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bora Celik
  • Show Website
    Brand Architects

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