The Story of a Brand

CommerceFocused Media, Inc.

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. Octavia Morgan - Fragrance Sensitivity Is Real. This Brand Is the Solution.

    12시간 전

    Octavia Morgan - Fragrance Sensitivity Is Real. This Brand Is the Solution.

    When I think of founder stories that move me to my core, Octavia Morgan’s journey is right at the top.  In this episode, I sit down with Octavia Morgan, CEO and Creative Director of Octavia Morgan, to discuss building a fine fragrance brand rooted in intention, courage, and community. From her early mornings in meditation to the emotional moment a customer cried after finally finding a scent she could wear, this is a conversation about listening to your calling, even when it’s scary. Octavia left a stable nursing career to create a fragrance brand for people like her—those with scent sensitivities who still wanted complexity, boldness, and beauty in what they wear. She shares how she took her brand “to the streets,” grew through word of mouth, and developed a fragrance line that’s now carried by Ulta Beauty nationwide. This isn’t just about perfume—it’s about purpose. Here are a few highlights from the interview: * The meditation that sparked Octavia’s leap from nursing to entrepreneurship—and the fear she had to face head-on.   * How a tearful customer showed her the deep emotional impact her product could have.   * Why Octavia sells $100+ fine fragrances at upscale markets—and how it built a grassroots community of superfans.   * The real reason so many people suffer from scent sensitivity, and how her clean, filler-free formulations are changing that.   * Her powerful advice for anyone with a dream they’re too scared to pursue: “Why not you?”   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and discover the story of a founder who’s redefining what it means to follow your intuition and create beauty with integrity. You’ll walk away inspired and probably wanting to smell every scent she’s ever made. For more on Octavia Morgan, visit: https://octaviamorgan.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: 1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand gets harder the bigger you grow, especially when you’re stuck selling on just one channel.  While you’re focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you’re missing. That’s where 1-Commerce comes in.  They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do.  As a Story of a Brand listener, you’ll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper.    Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they’ve generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.

    59분
  2. NoNormal -  Made for and by Coffee Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

    1일 전

    NoNormal - Made for and by Coffee Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

    When I first saw the product from NoNormal, I was intrigued. A coffee paste… in a tube? I’d never seen anything like it. But as someone who loves coffee and spends a lot of time outdoors, I instantly got the appeal.  In this episode, I chat with Alexander Haberlin, co-founder of NoNormal, about how a backcountry hike in Switzerland sparked a completely new way to experience coffee and how it evolved from a spray-painted tomato paste tube to a beautiful, functional, adventure-ready product. We go deep into the product story, the entrepreneurial journey, and the intentional choices behind flavor, packaging, and mission.   As I sipped the coffee while we talked, I was blown away. Not only is it incredibly convenient, but it also tastes great. You can drink it hot, cold, or even spread it on toast. What started as a creative solution for outdoor coffee drinkers has evolved into a ritual and is now a growing brand with a passionate community. Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation: * NoNormal’s coffee paste is a first-of-its-kind, shelf-stable product made with Fairtrade Arabica beans and housed in recyclable aluminum tubes—born from a love of hiking and a need for better trail coffee.   * Alexander and his co-founder hand-filled the first prototypes in their Swiss kitchen, validating the idea via crowdfunding before going all-in on manufacturing.   * The product found early success through a mix of “chaos packaging” buzz and genuine functionality for outdoor adventurers—and even jungle explorers!   * Their biggest lesson: validate early, prototype fast, and don’t be afraid to mix form and function with love and obsession over the details.   * Whether it’s stirred in hot water, blended into peanut butter, or licked off a spoon during a jungle trek, NoNormal coffee is all about that magic moment of pause and pleasure in the outdoors.   Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to the episode and discover how a bold, unusual idea can become a beautiful, purposeful product. This isn’t just a coffee story; it’s a story of creativity, intention, and building something remarkable from the ground up. For more on NoNormal visit: https://nonormal.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: Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.   REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands they believe in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.

    1시간 11분
  3. Native Pet -  Gut Health Goes to the Dogs

    2일 전

    Native Pet - Gut Health Goes to the Dogs

    I had a blast sitting down with Dan Schaefer, Founder & CEO of Native Pet.  We kicked things off with gratitude. Dan shared how his wife was his “first angel investor,” backing his leap from BCG into entrepreneurship while raising a young family. From there, we got into the big idea behind Native Pet: “around-the-bowl nutrition.” Instead of trying to replace what’s in your dog’s bowl, Native Pet helps pet parents customize it with clean-label, effective supplements dogs actually love to eat. Dan walked me through their earliest wins, such as transforming messy canned pumpkin into a shelf-stable powdered pumpkin with a smart fiber blend, and their breakout hit, The Daily (an all-in-one scoop inspired by human greens routines). We also dug into hard-earned lessons (hello, Target packaging panic) and a huge upcoming launch that brings today’s human gut-health wave into pet wellness. Highlights * Gratitude that fuels the journey: Dan credits his wife and co-founder Pat’s family for believing early, packing boxes, cheering them on, and making “zero to one” possible.   * The Native Pet thesis: Focus on supplements to personalize health “around the bowl,” so pet parents can keep their preferred food and add targeted support.   * Simple, smart innovation: From powdered Pumpkin to Omega Oil, clean-label formats and taste are non-negotiable—if dogs won’t eat it, nothing else matters.   * Breakout product: The Daily—their one-scoop daily multivitamin—became Native Pet’s best seller and even hit #1 in multivitamins on Amazon right after Prime Day.   * Where to find them: Online at nativepet.com, Amazon, Chewy, and nationwide at Target, Petco, PetSmart, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Tractor Supply, Meijer, Pet Supplies Plus, and more.  Plus, try the website quiz to get the right plan for your dog.   * One more thing I’m excited about: Native Pet’s new GutWell line (launching August) targets specific outcomes through the microbiome—Clean Breath, Trim Down, Stress Support, Itchy Skin, and Power Poop—in a tasty, clean-label, cold-pressed pellet with bold, premium packaging. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode: If you care about helping your dog live a happier, healthier, and longer life—and want practical ways to personalize their nutrition—you’ll love this conversation. Hit play to hear the full story, the lessons learned, and what’s next for Native Pet.   For more on Native Pet, visit: https://nativepet.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.

    1시간 1분
  4. Coco5 - The Athlete-Backed Brand Moms Love

    7월 31일

    Coco5 - The Athlete-Backed Brand Moms Love

    I had the pleasure of sitting down with James Reynolds, Co-CEO and Co-founder of Coco5, and what a conversation it was.  From the South Side of Chicago to Wall Street to the beverage aisle, James’s journey is packed with powerful lessons on grit, reinvention, and staying true to your purpose. He opened up about a pivotal moment in college that transformed his life — when he walked away from basketball to pursue academics — and how that same clarity of purpose led him to fall in love with a product called Coco5. What started as a health-conscious investment turned into a mission-driven beverage brand that's redefining coconut water. James and his team, including NBA stars like Devin Booker and D’Angelo Russell, took a product they genuinely loved and scaled it into a clean hydration brand backed by real athletes — and more importantly, beloved by moms and kids. Here are some key takeaways from this episode: * James shares the moment he "stopped playing small" and took charge of his future — a life-altering decision that still fuels his discipline today.   * How a chance encounter with Coco5 led him from investment banking to CPG founder, driven by a passion for health and hydration.   * The surprising truth about their core customer: it's not just athletes — it's health-conscious moms buying for their kids.   * Why saying “no” to 2,000+ Walmart stores helped them win — and how going narrow and deep created long-term success.   * The secret behind their flavor-first strategy: “Kids don’t care if it’s good for them — it has to taste amazing.”   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode — it’s a powerful story of reinvention, discipline, and building a brand with lasting impact. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to succeed in CPG without experience, this is a must-listen.   For more on Coco5, visit: https://coco5.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: Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they’ve generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.    1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand becomes harder the bigger you grow, especially when you’re limited to selling on just one channel.  While you’re focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you’re missing. That’s where 1-Commerce comes in.  They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do.  As a Story of a Brand listener, you’ll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper.

    1시간 10분
  5. BusterBox - From Zero to Thousands of Happy Dogs

    7월 30일

    BusterBox - From Zero to Thousands of Happy Dogs

    In this episode of The Story of a Brand, I sit down with Gary Redmond, co-founder of BusterBox, a subscription box that delivers joy straight to your dog’s doorstep.  What started as three friends looking to create something fun and meaningful quickly became one of the fastest-growing dog subscription brands in Europe. Gary shares the ups and downs of starting a business from scratch, from packing boxes by hand in a tiny apartment to now serving thousands of happy dog parents every month. What I loved most about this conversation is how scrappy and determined Gary and his co-founders were in the early days. They didn’t wait for the perfect funding or ideal setup—they just got started. Along the way, they learned how to build customer loyalty, scale their logistics, and make dogs (and their humans) incredibly happy.  It’s a story about building with heart, hustling through hard times, and chasing big dreams one treat at a time. Here’s what we cover: * How BusterBox started from a small apartment in Dublin with no investors * Why direct feedback from dog parents shaped their entire product strategy * The moment they knew they had product-market fit—and how they doubled down * Lessons from scaling a subscription business in the European market * Why “the dog is the customer, but the human is the buyer” Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this fun and insightful conversation with Gary. Whether you're a dog lover, an entrepreneur, or both, this episode is packed with inspiration (and probably a few tail wags too). For more on BusterBox, visit:  https://busterbox.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand 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:   REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands they believe in. Curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.

    58분
  6. MTE -  A Better Way to Recharge

    7월 29일

    MTE - A Better Way to Recharge

    On this episode of The Story of a Brand, I sat down with Jeff Boyd, founder of MTE, a wellness brand that’s redefining how we think about energy, recovery, and mood.  What started as a personal quest to feel better and support the people closest to him turned into a full-spectrum product created with intention, science, and heart. Jeff gets candid about burnout, anxiety, and how most of us are just trying to show up as our best selves in a world that doesn’t make it easy. This conversation isn’t just about supplements—it’s about the pursuit of better living. Jeff opens up about building a product he uses every day, collaborating with a world-class team of scientists and formulators, and what it means to create something for people, not just profit.   It’s clear MTE stands for “More Than Energy”—and this episode delivers more than your average brand story. Here’s what we cover:   Why Jeff left his shipping business to build a product he’d be proud to give to his family   The surprising power of ingredients like saffron, ashwagandha, and paraxanthine (and why they matter)   How MTE helps create an internal environment that supports energy, focus, mood, and better sleep   The moment Jeff knew he had something special, from rapid sell-outs to a 48% repeat customer rate   What Jeff’s proudest of (hint: it’s not just the product—it’s how people are treated)   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this heartfelt and insightful conversation with Jeff Boyd of MTE. Whether you’re curious about wellness, a fellow founder, or someone looking for more balance in your life, this one’s for you. For more on MTE, visit: https://getmte.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.    Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

    1시간 10분
  7. Diestel Family Ranch - What Real, Responsible Food Really Looks Like

    7월 25일

    Diestel Family Ranch - What Real, Responsible Food Really Looks Like

    What does it mean to steward a family legacy while completely rethinking how food is raised?  In this episode, I sat down with Heidi Diestel of Diestel Family Ranch, a fourth-generation turkey farmer who's not afraid to ask hard questions about the food system and make bold changes. Heidi brings a rare mix of tradition, transparency, and a challenger mindset to an industry that often resists change. We talked about everything from regenerative agriculture to redefining what “better” means in the turkey category. Heidi shares how her family is holding to their values while also pushing boundaries, such as eliminating antibiotics long before it was popular and investing in their USDA-certified plant to ensure quality and animal welfare. It’s a masterclass in integrity, evolution, and sticking to your “why.” Key highlights from this episode: * Why the “status quo” in farming was never good enough for Diestel.   * How a values-first approach led to long-term decisions, such as adopting regenerative practices and owning their own plant.   * The moment Heidi realized the brand needed to challenge the category narrative.   * What it means to build trust with consumers when competing against big agriculture?   * How Diestel balances legacy and innovation in a 4th-gen family business.   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to raise food with care, conviction, and courage. Whether you’re in CPG, AG, or just a conscious consumer, this one will leave you inspired. For more on Diestel Family Ranch, visit: https://diestelturkey.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:   REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands they believe in. Curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.

    53분
  8. Avocado Mattress - What Makes a Mattress Truly Organic?

    7월 23일

    Avocado Mattress - What Makes a Mattress Truly Organic?

    When I think of a product worth buying and a brand worth supporting, Avocado Mattress is at the top of my list.   In this episode, I sat down with Vy Nguyen, Co-CEO of Avocado Mattress, to discuss what it truly takes to build a mission-driven, vertically integrated company in a category dominated by commodity players.  Vy’s story is rooted in deep gratitude for his family’s immigrant journey, and he brings that same heart and intention to everything he does—from sourcing organic materials to creating calm, customer-first retail spaces. We discussed the early days of Avocado, the team's commitment to vertical integration, and how their transparency and dedication to sustainability earned them B Corp certification and customer trust. What stood out most was Vy’s belief that consumers want to buy from brands doing the hard work, and his team is doing just that. Key highlights from this episode:   * How Vy’s family journey from Vietnam inspired his values and entrepreneurial mindset.   * Why Avocado chose to own their manufacturing, from latex factories to inner springs.   * What makes an organic mattress truly organic—and why it’s hard to fake.   * The impact of COVID and tariffs on their business (and how they adapted).   * How Avocado brings its story to life through experience centers and retail partnerships.   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this thoughtful and inspiring episode as we explore how one brand is raising the bar in an industry that’s long overdue for change. If you care about clean products, radical transparency, and companies that do things the right way, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. For more on Avocado Mattress, visit: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.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: 1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand gets harder the bigger you grow, especially when you’re stuck selling on just one channel.  While you’re focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you’re missing. That’s where 1-Commerce comes in.  They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do.  As a Story of a Brand listener, you’ll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper.    Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they’ve generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year.   Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.

    59분
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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.

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