09/22/2025

Clean, Cool, and Created for Her with Body of Work Vitamins

Two best friends, one bold idea, and a shared vision to redefine what wellness looks like for young women today. 💊✨When Alex Brown and Jacqueline Maslan noticed that the supplement aisle had everything but a brand designed for young women, they didn’t just take notes, they created Body of Work, the first clean vitamin brand made exclusively for young women. In this episode, we peel back the curtain on their journey from besties to powerhouse co-founders, and how a casual catch-up over drinks spiraled into a brand that’s already making waves. From the science (and sugar-free vanilla coating) behind their first multivitamin, to navigating the messy middle of startup life, to creating a brand that feels as good as it looks—Alex and Jacqueline share it all. We also get into the magic of brand-building that goes beyond the logo:✨ Spotting the white space in a crowded industry✨ Creating a product with intention and evidence✨ The challenges (and joys) of going from friends to founders✨ Launching with campus reps, content, and a Women’s Wear Daily feature that put them on the map This is more than a story about vitamins—it’s about vision, friendship, and building a brand that’s unapologetically defining what’s next.

41 min

08/15/2025

Redefining Women’s Strength with Lifting the Mood

Five years. Eight prototypes. One vision: to prove women are stronger than the fitness industry thinks. When Laura Meyer couldn’t find adjustable dumbbells that were functional, beautiful, and designed with women in mind, she built them herself—bootstrapping Lifting the Mood from sketches on paper to a near sell-out launch. In this episode of Defining Next, we dive into Laura’s journey from navigating life in three different countries to cold-pitching trainers in New York City, all while holding onto her mission to change how women see themselves in strength training. This is a story about resilience, design thinking, and building something the world hasn’t seen before—yet. This Episode's Highlights: The moment Laura realized fitness products were failing womenTurning isolation into innovation (and a brand)The reality of bootstrapping a product-based businessWhy aesthetics matter just as much as function in fitness gearSelling fast without paid ads or big investor backingThe bigger movement behind Lifting the Mood Find Laura at liftingthemood.com & on Instagram @liftingthemood & TikTok @liftingthemood

46 min

07/30/2025

Creating the World’s First Dissolving Mascara with Aer Cosmetics

This one’s for the founders who are building big things with heart, grit, and a clear vision. In this episode, I’m joined by Paige DeAngelo—the founder and inventor behind Aer Cosmetics, the clean beauty brand shaking up the industry with the world’s first dissolving mascara tablet (yes, really). What started with a $22 CVS run turned into a patent-pending, refillable mascara designed to be kind to your lashes and the planet. We get into the real of what it looks like to build a product-first brand from scratch, no fluff, no formulas, just figuring it out in real time. From flopped launches to funding her brand through pitch comps, Drexel’s startup co-op, and a whole lot of scrappiness, Paige’s story is a masterclass in staying the course, listening to your people, and building with purpose. We talk about: Creating a first-of-its-kind product without a background in cosmetic chemistryShowing the entire journey on TikTok (and why transparency sellsNavigating a launch failure and turning it into momentumWhy sustainable beauty needs more than buzzwordshow Aer is setting the tone in the beauty industryIf you’re dreaming of disrupting an industry, creating something intentional, or just need the reminder that your future self already exists, this one’s for you. And if you're interested in following along, visit the Aer Cosmetics website here or follow along in Instagram or Follow Paige along her founder stories on her TikTok!

42 min

06/11/2025

The Brand That Tall Girls Have Been Waiting For with LARSON the Brand

In this episode of Defining Next, host Tina Harirchian with Sand Studio Designs sits down with Camryn Larson, founder of LARSON—a fresh, elevated fashion brand for tall women, born from a college capstone project and now on the cusp of a full product launch. At 6 feet tall, Cameron grew up navigating the frustrating gap in fashion for tall bodies. What began as a branding assignment in her advertising class turned into the seed of a bold, purpose-driven business. Armed with vision, hustle, and a deep understanding of what tall women need, Camryn set out to build a brand that was chic, confident, cool and uncompromising in quality. We go deep on: How Cameron turned her school project into a real, investor-free fashion brand Navigating denim manufacturing and custom inseams for a highly underserved market Building a slow fashion brand without sacrificing style Why launching a pre-drop collection (hats + totes) was the perfect pivot The power of owning your niche and turning community into your co-creators Her vision for creating lifestyle pieces that are tailored and timeless Plus: what it’s really like bootstrapping your dream, how tall women are showing up in support, and why this launch is about so much more than pants—it’s about representation, confidence, and reshaping the industry for women who’ve been left out of the frame. Whether you're dreaming up your own brand or just love a good founder story, this one will have you rooting hard for Camryn—and ready to stand tall in your own vision. 👖 LARSON’s pre-drop collection is available now. Full apparel collection launching in early 2025.

46 min

05/17/2025

Just Wellness, no Hype with Indigo Tonics

Can natural supplements be both effective and elegant? Michelle says yes—and she’s built a brand to prove it. On this episode of Defining Next, I sit down with Michelle Parra, the founder of Indigo Tonics, a nutraceutical company creating high-quality, science-backed tinctures designed to support focus, sleep, and immunity—without the overwhelm. What began as a personal health transformation became a mission to simplify wellness, elevate natural solutions, and redefine how we think about supplements. Michelle opens up about the mindset shifts, misconceptions, and early experiments that shaped her journey—plus the deeper “why” behind both Indigo Tonics and her educational platform, Indigo Wellness Collective. We talk about:— Building a wellness brand without the hype— Why functional mushrooms and adaptogens actually work— Clean formulation and third-party testing— Starting small, staying grounded, and scaling with purpose— The daily practices that shape her brand and life If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by wellness routines, confused by the supplement aisle, or curious about natural alternatives that actually do something—this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen in to hear how Michelle is defining what’s next for mindful, modern wellness.

44 min

04/16/2025

Building What You Wish Existed with Cozy Clip

From the notes app to sold-out launches, this is how Elena turned a simple frustration into a viral, waitlisted product. In this episode of Defining Next, I sit down with Elena diStefano, founder of Cozy Clip—the world’s first flexible claw clip. What started as a personal annoyance with traditional clips turned into a three-year journey of prototyping, pitching, and building something entirely new from the ground up. Elena shares how she took her idea from a note in her phone to a first-place win at a university pitch competition, securing $45K in funding, teaching herself 3D design, and launching a brand that’s redefining comfort and innovation in beauty. We talk about building a product-based business with purpose, designing for real people, growing through social media virality, and navigating the emotional and mental load of being a solo founder. This episode is full of honest insights, thoughtful pivots, and real inspiration for anyone building something meaningful—especially if you're figuring it out as you go. In this episode, we cover: The moment that sparked Cozy Clip Prototyping, pitch competitions, and scrappy product development Building a brand while managing a full-time job What to know before launching your first product Mental health, mentorship, and moving forward after going viral 🎧 Tune in to hear how Elena is defining what’s next—not just for her business, but for the future of beauty products. Find Cozy Clip online at @cozyclip on instagram and tiktok or thecozyclip.com!

34 min

03/24/2025

Rewriting the Skincare Narrative with Figgi Beauty

From human rights to hypersensitive skin — Dr. Jeanne’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, we get into the real story behind Figgi Beauty, the skincare brand redefining what it means to care for sensitive skin and sensitive souls. After being diagnosed with panic disorder, Jean quickly realized that healing had to go deeper than just the surface — and so began a new chapter rooted in science, softness, and soul. We dive into the emotional connection between mental health and skin health, the intentional formulation behind Figgi Beauty's products, and the birth of Figgi Soul — an online course and community supporting those navigating anxiety. We also dig a bit deeper in the beauty industry's blind spots, building trust through community, and why skincare should feel like a safe space — not just a step in your routine. In this episode, we cover: What panic disorder taught Jean about beauty, identity, and burnout The science behind sensitive skin and emotional stress Why Figi Beauty products are formulated without essential oils, fragrance, or hype The connection between skincare rituals and mental wellness How Jean built community through storytelling, not just selling Her vision for redefining self-care — from skin to soul Follow more about the Figgi journey and Dr. Jeanne Reteif, by visiting www.figgibeauty.com and @figgi.beauty on instagram.

47 min

03/11/2025

Designing a lamp That feels like a friend with Buddy

In this conversation, Chevy Chanpaiboonrat shares the journey of creating Buddy, a lighting brand that’s redefining how we experience our spaces with lighting. She discusses the emotional connection behind the design, the importance of community, and the challenges faced as a young entrepreneur. Chevy emphasizes the significance of marketing strategies and the future of the lighting industry, while also celebrating her wins and looking ahead to the product launch. In this episode, here’s what we’ll talk about: 03:03 Emotional Design: Connecting Through Aesthetics 06:13 Wellness at the Forefront: The Philosophy Behind Buddy 08:59 Marketing Strategies: Building a Community 14:16 Celebrating Wins: Exhibitions and Feedback 22:59 Innovations in Lighting: Trends and Challenges 26:03 The Vision for Buddy: Beyond Just a Product You can now pre-order Buddy at buddydesign.co and follow Buddy's journey on Instagram @buddydesign.co

32 min

03/04/2025

Bridging the divide with the hot girl's CFO, Investrio

In this episode of Defining Next, I sit down with Joyce Medeiros and Laura Texidor, the powerhouse duo behind Investrio—a platform designed to help women entrepreneurs take control of their finances and secure the funding they deserve. We dive into their journey of launching Investrio, the challenges they’ve faced as fintech founders, and why they decided to pivot their focus toward solopreneurs. We’re talking about the gaps in financial access, the real struggles women founders face when securing funding, and how Investrio is bridging the divide. Joyce and Laura share what it takes to build a user-first fintech platform, why community is at the heart of everything they do, and the importance of celebrating wins—big and small—as a founder. If you’re a business owner who’s ever wondered how to make funding feel more accessible, or you just want to hear an inspiring story about women shaking up an industry—this episode is for you. You can visit Investrio on social @investrio.io on TikTok and Instagram and www.investrio.io on the web! In this episode: 02:54 The Evolution of Investrio: From Concept to Community 08:56 The Investrio App: Features and Benefits 11:37 Empowerment Through Financial Management 17:46 Building a Community of Women Entrepreneurs 24:16Celebrating Wins and Milestones 36:19 User-Centric Revolution in Financial Management 40:45 Building Community and Brand Identity Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/zayner/falling

42 min

02/24/2025

Reinventing the way energy feels with Drink Benny

On today’s episode, I’ll get to chat with Paige and Julie the co-founders and co-CEOs of Benny, the energy brand reinventing the way energy feels. After transforming their mental and physical "rock bottoms" with major lifestyle changes, including cutting the excessive caffeine and incorporating superfoods like adaptogens and nootropics, Julie and Paige knew they needed to share these ingredients with the world. Since launching a little over a year ago, Benny has landed on 500+ shelves across North America, with features in Forbes, Inc Magazine, Food + Wine, and more. We'll discuss their personal experiences that led to the founding of the brand, the importance of community, and their roles as co-founders. The conversation also touches on the challenges of launching a product, building a brand, and their vision for the future of Benny, including the upcoming Benny 2.0. They emphasize the need for healthier energy options and the shift in consumer behavior towards more thoughtful choices. Add yourself to the waitlist for their first product at https://drinkbenny.com/pages/new-product-waitlist and visit them online at www.drinkbenny.com Benny is on Instagram and TikTok @drinkbenny Here's what we'll get into: 04:10The Name and Brand Identity of Benny 17:41 The Journey from Idea to Launch 22:48 Building Community and Marketing Benny 27:49 Building Retail Relationships 29:33 Sneak Peek into Benny 2.0 32:50 Lessons Learned from Brand Evolution 36:36 Celebrating Milestones and Core Memories 40:32 Defining the Future of Benny 43:53 The Soft Life Movement Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/zayner/falling

48 min

02/12/2025

Changing the Way We Talk with Off the Record Card Game

What happens when you realize the conversations we have daily barely scratch the surface? Kate Terentieva, the founder of Off the Record, set out to change that. In this episode, I sit down with Kate to talk about her journey from creative director in the ad world to launching a product that’s all aboutreal connection. Off the Record is more than just a card game—it’s a tool for fostering deeper, more meaningful conversations. We get into: The problem with surface-level conversations (and why we crave more) How the mechanics of Off the Record encourage vulnerabilityThe unexpected places the game has made an impact—from team-building to date nightsWhat it takes to launch a product-based business and build a brand beyond marketingThe power of community, word-of-mouth growth, and an unexpected celebrity endorsement 👀 The pandemic changed the way we connect—and Kate’s mission is to help us rebuild those connections in a way that feelsgenuine. If you’ve ever wished your conversations went beyond small talk, this episode is for you. Kate’s Social Links: https://playofftherecord.com/ https://www.instagram.com/katarinaterentieva/ https://www.tiktok.com/@katarinaterentieva https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateterentieva/ OTR’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playofftherecord Episode Highlights: 03:13 → The problem with superficial conversations (and why Off the Record is the antidote) 06:00 → How the game is structured to create natural, engaging discussions 11:25 → Why deeper conversations are essential for stronger relationships 19:14 → What Kate learned from launching a product-based business 26:29 → The role of authentic connection beyond just marketing strategies 31:31 → The power of word-of-mouth and an unexpected celebrity endorsement 39:20 → Where Off the Record is headed next --- Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/zayner/falling License code: U0BDBN1OTOYR4U6H

46 min

EPISODE 1

This Is Defining Next: Why I’m Here & What’s Next

Welcome to the very first episode ofDefining Next! In this quick preview, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I started this podcast, whatDefining Nextis all about, and the kinds of conversations you can expect. Think founder stories, creative breakthroughs, and the messy, game-changing moments behind building a brand that leads. If you’re a founder, creative, or just someone who loves a behind-the-scenes look at the brands shaping culture—this is for you. Hit play, and let’s get into it. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/zayner/falling License code: NPAOG5KEBRK48Z7A

4 min

Defining Next

Episodes

Clean, Cool, and Created for Her with Body of Work Vitamins

Redefining Women’s Strength with Lifting the Mood

Creating the World’s First Dissolving Mascara with Aer Cosmetics

The Brand That Tall Girls Have Been Waiting For with LARSON the Brand

Just Wellness, no Hype with Indigo Tonics

Building What You Wish Existed with Cozy Clip

Rewriting the Skincare Narrative with Figgi Beauty

Designing a lamp That feels like a friend with Buddy

Bridging the divide with the hot girl's CFO, Investrio

Reinventing the way energy feels with Drink Benny

Changing the Way We Talk with Off the Record Card Game

This Is Defining Next: Why I’m Here & What’s Next

Trailer

This Is Defining Next: Why I’m Here & What’s Next

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