Startup to Storefront

Diego Torres-Palma
Startup to Storefront

STARTUP TO STOREFRONT brings the stories of stand-out companies and individuals building the future with innovative and forward-thinking ideas. Focusing on leaders and innovators who work harder AND smarter, hosts Diego Torres-Palma and Nick Conrad give the inside track into what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Diego brings his expertise to each show as an angel investor and founder of a fashion/tech company, a data analytics company, and a real estate development company. Interviewing entrepreneurs and other success stories who have built a business or a brand give our audience insight and a roadmap that will generate and motivate more entrepreneurs by simply listening to the podcast.

  1. W by Jake Paul - Woodie Hillyard

    OCT 22

    W by Jake Paul - Woodie Hillyard

    On today’s episode of Startup to Storefront, we sit down with Woodie Hillyard, the co-founder and CEO of W, the antiperspirant line created in collaboration with Jake Paul. Woodie is a seasoned leader in the Consumer & Retail industries, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time as Head of eCommerce for Casper and Chief Revenue Officer at Safely, Kris Jenner’s safe cleaning products brand. At Safely, he successfully launched and scaled the eCommerce business while securing nationwide placement in major retailers like Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond. Before his journey building top consumer brands, Woodie worked in private equity and investment banking at Deutsche Bank and TowerBrook.      Today, he’s here to talk about W’s mission to keep you fresh all day long with their antiperspirant that combines sweat protection with skin-nourishing ingredients like Magnesium and Vitamin D, all while leaving out harmful chemicals. Whether you’re breaking a sweat or just living your everyday life, W’s innovative formula is here to keep you smelling great around the clock.   On this episode, you’ll learn:    • How Jake Paul harnessed the power of AI to break the internet and amplify his brand’s reach in ways no one saw coming.    • Why bar soap is making a major comeback in the personal care industry and how it’s reshaping consumer habits.    • How Jake Paul’s massive following played a pivotal role in launching W, turning fans into loyal customers and building a brand with unstoppable momentum. Let’s dive into Woodie’s journey, how W came to life, and what it takes to build a successful brand in the highly competitive world of personal care.

    23 min
  2. The New Bar - Brianda Gonzalez

    OCT 8

    The New Bar - Brianda Gonzalez

    On today’s episode of Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Brianda, founder of The New Bar. Growing up on Catalina Island, alcohol was a common part of social gatherings with friends and family—until a life-changing moment altered that for Brianda. When her father was nearly lost to a debilitating autoimmune disease, she sought new ways to foster the same close family connections—this time without alcohol. Brianda launched The New Bar in Venice Beach in the summer of 2022, creating a platform that connects people to nonalcoholic drinks and alternatives. Her mission? To prove that socializing doesn’t need to revolve around alcohol. By 2023, The New Bar became the official alcohol-free partner at Coachella, and in 2024, Brianda tripled her footprint with new locations in West Hollywood and San Francisco. She also expanded her partnership with Golden Voice to bring nonalcoholic drinks to Stagecoach. Featured in Forbes, Adweek, Thrillist, Eater, and The Guardian, Brianda is a trailblazer in the alcohol-free movement.    On this week’s episode, you’ll learn how Brianda turned a personal journey into a thriving business, leaving the tech industry to create a platform for non-alcoholic alternatives. She shares how she’s changing perceptions around non-alcoholic drinks by making them exciting and accessible, securing partnerships with major events like Coachella. You’ll also hear about the life-changing benefits of sober months and how Brianda expanded The New Bar into multiple locations while influencing the entertainment and hospitality industries.

    36 min
  3. Guru Nanda -  Puneet Nanda (as seen on TikTok)

    OCT 1

    Guru Nanda - Puneet Nanda (as seen on TikTok)

    Today, we're excited to welcome Puneet Nanda, the founder of Guru Nanda, to Startup to Storefront. Puneet's journey to mainstream success is unlike any other— he's built an Ayurvedic-inspired oral care brand that has gone viral thanks to TikTok, with over 285,000 followers and $12.5 million in sales to date. From oil pulling solutions to dual chamber mouthwash, Guru Nanda’s products have captivated millions of consumers, and every viral moment on TikTok leads to a surge not just online but also in retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. Puneet’s success story demonstrates the power of authenticity, customer engagement, and timely content. He’ll be sharing the insights he’s gained along the way, from understanding TikTok’s unique ability to spread trends, to building impactful influencer partnerships, and using the platform to propel Guru Nanda to the forefront of holistic oral care. Whether you're a brand looking to leverage TikTok or simply curious about his innovative approach, Puneet’s story offers valuable lessons on turning a passion into a thriving business. On this week’s episode, you'll also learn: - How Puneet Nanda unexpectedly became a TikTok sensation and built a viral brand overnight. - The ultimate dental showdown: Flossing vs. Brushing – the surprising truth behind what your routine might be missing. - Why he shifted from traditional marketing to TikTok, and how embracing the platform revolutionized his business strategy and skyrocketed sales. Let’s dive into the secrets behind the viral success of Guru Nanda!

    26 min
5
out of 5
92 Ratings

About

STARTUP TO STOREFRONT brings the stories of stand-out companies and individuals building the future with innovative and forward-thinking ideas. Focusing on leaders and innovators who work harder AND smarter, hosts Diego Torres-Palma and Nick Conrad give the inside track into what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Diego brings his expertise to each show as an angel investor and founder of a fashion/tech company, a data analytics company, and a real estate development company. Interviewing entrepreneurs and other success stories who have built a business or a brand give our audience insight and a roadmap that will generate and motivate more entrepreneurs by simply listening to the podcast.

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