Keep Going: How to survive for two years with no salary

In a recent episode of the Keep Going podcast, hosted by John Biggs, Evan Wray, CEO and co-founder of Mavely, shared his entrepreneurial journey. Mavely, a platform empowering everyday influencers, has carved a niche in the creator economy, facilitating over $1 billion in sales through its network of creators. During the conversation, Wray unpacked the challenges and milestones of building Mavely, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating their own paths.

What is Mavely?

Wray describes Mavely as an "everyday influencer platform," enabling anyone with an approved social media account to promote their favorite products and earn commissions. Unlike traditional influencer marketing focused on celebrities, Mavely targets everyday creators who connect with niche audiences. This approach has democratized the influencer space, turning casual recommendations into viable side hustles.

Want to tap into newsletter audiences without the usual affiliate hassles? Submarket lets you pay newsletter owners only when their readers actually click your links.

No upfront fees. No complicated codes. Just direct access to engaged newsletter audiences and crystal-clear analytics on every click.

Test it out - create your first link in under 60 seconds.

CrankWheel is a 10x simpler screen sharing solution, tailor-made for sales professionals. Add a screen sharing presentation to your sales call in 10 seconds flat. Your prospect clicks a link that you send by text message or email and immediately sees your presentation - no download or registration, even on their mobile device.

Mavely’s success lies in its simplicity. With over 120,000 creators and 1,400 brands on board, the platform connects individuals with products they genuinely love, providing a seamless way to monetize social influence.

The Early Challenges

Wray didn’t shy away from discussing the struggles of launching Mavely. He reflected on the initial hurdles, from choosing the wrong product focus to navigating customer feedback. One early misstep was naming the platform “My Favorite Things,” which failed to resonate with users. This led to significant adjustments in branding and product design.

The iterative process was both a challenge and a learning opportunity. “You can have the best business plan in the world, but reality always tests you,” Wray remarked. The Mavely team tried various approaches, including brand-specific ambassador programs and product-centric apps, before finding a formula that worked.

Lessons in Resilience

For Wray, persistence was critical during the two and a half years of trial and error. He described the experience as “eating glass every day,” borrowing a phrase often attributed to Elon Musk. Despite the setbacks, Wray’s determination stemmed from a personal drive to prove that his earlier entrepreneurial success wasn’t just luck.

The turning point came with the discovery of product-market fit. Once Mavely aligned with its audience’s needs, growth accelerated. The platform’s viral nature, intrinsic to the influencer space, helped fuel its rapid expansion.

Mental Resilience and Support Systems

Wray emphasized the importance of managing mental health as an entrepreneur. He credited his co-founder, Sean, and a trusted advisory board with providing crucial support. Regular check-ins with experienced advisors offered guidance and reassurance during challenging times.

Building an advisory board is a step Wray recommends to all founders. He highlighted the value of having mentors who can offer perspective and actionable advice. For Wray, these relationships have been instrumental in both his professional and personal growth.

A Vision for the Creator Economy

Looking ahead, Wray is optimistic about the evolving creator economy. He views platforms like Mavely as key players in empowering individuals to monetize their passions. By simplifying the process of connecting with brands and earning commissions, Mavely aims to redefine what it means to be an influencer.

As Wray noted, “We’re trying to do what Uber did for everyone with a car—make it accessible for anyone with a social media account to earn income.”

Evan Wray’s story offers a candid look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. From early setbacks to scaling a successful platform, his journey underscores the value of resilience, adaptability, and support.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe