And Then This Happened

The CEO that Stepped Up for Baked by Melissa

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Melissa Ben-Ishay, Katie Demo, Jenny Rudin) — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:09:49 +0000

When Melissa Ben-Ishay was fired from her advertising job in 2008, she decided to turn to the one thing she knew she could always count on to make her happy—baking. She made 250 cupcakes and sent them into her friend's work the next day. They were such a hit, Melissa and her brother decided to go into business together, and Baked by Melissa was born. For years, Melissa was the chief product officer and the face of the company, while her brother held the position of CEO of the company. And then this happened.

The Calm During Brightland’s Storm

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Aishwarya Iyer, Jenny Rudin, Katie Demo) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Aishwarya Iyer was living in New York, cooking often, and started thinking about where the fundamental ingredients from her pantry were actually from. She realized she had no idea what good or bad olive oil actually meant, and this led Aishwarya to start looking into a way to source and produce a better olive oil, and she moved to California to meet different farmers and continue her learning. Aishwarya was new to the world of food, but she believed that there was a real opportunity to disrupt the industry with Brightland. And then this happened.

The Sushi Dinner that Led to Snif

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Bryan Edwards, Jenny Rudin, Katie Demo) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Bryan Edwards and Phil Riportella have been best friends since middle school. After college, the two stayed close, but their careers took them on different paths, and Bryan spent the first part of his career in management consulting. But Bryan had a feeling he would want to start his own business one day, and he knew Phil would be the ideal partner if he ever did—they just needed an idea. And then this happened.

The Tough Decision for Change of Scenery

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Jamie Banks, Jenny Rudin, Katie Demo) — Wed, 5 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Jamie Banks worked for several major fashion brands, with her longest tenure at Kate Spade as the senior design director for their ready-to-wear collection—and she loved her job. In fact, Jamie figured she’d never leave. But then Jamie’s entire team was laid off during the pandemic, and although she had financial security from her husband’s job, she was wanted to find a job that would fulfill her like her job at Kate Spade did. After a stint in consulting for a swimwear company, Jamie realized that she had the time, know-how, and resources to start her own company, and she found a business partner that she believed would help her succeed. And then this happened.

The Risk-averse Approach to A Dozen Cousins

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Ibraheem Basir, Jenny Rudin, Katie Demo) — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Ibraheem Basir started his career at General Mills, where he worked on iconic brands like Annie’s and had the opportunity to learn about sourcing and ingredient quality—and that’s when the idea for A Dozen Cousins. Ibraheem wanted to make food that was good for people and that also evoked the same feelings he associated with his childhood. At first, the business was bringing in enough to cover rent, but what Ibraheem really needed was to get into retail. And then this happened.

The Untraditional Path to Jones Road Beauty

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Eli Weiss, Jenny Rudin, Katie Demo) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Eli Weiss grew up among 9 other siblings in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish household without TV, internet, or a secular education. But Eli wanted to break into the “real world.” After moving between New York City and Israel, traveling across Europe on credit card points, getting his high school diploma, and joining different startups, Eli was looking for his next challenge. So he did what any entrepreneurial minded person would—he started his own brand, which aimed to solve men’s hair loss. And then this happened.

The Crying in the Car Moment Behind Cadence

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Steph Hon, Katie Demo, Jenny Rudin) — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

When Steph Hon was on a rock climbing trip, she realized there was an opportunity to develop travel capsules that would be more innovative, sustainable, and thoughtful than the traditional single-use plastic containers. But to create the product she wanted to bring to market, it would take years of prototyping. After searching far and wide for an engineer that would make Steph’s dreams a reality, she found one. And then this happened.

The Unwavering Optimism Powering Naturalicious

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Gwen Jimmere, Jenny Rudin, Katie Demo) — Wed, 7 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Gwen Jimmere was working at Ford motor company and had all the comforts of a cushy, corporate job—until she was laid off. Fortunately, Gwen had already begun working on her own company on the side, and soon after, she launched Naturalicious, a holistic beauty brand with a focus on natural haircare products. As the brand took off, Gwen realized that there was an opportunity to expand by opening a salon. And then this happened.

The Pinnacle of Panic for House of Wise

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Amanda Goetz, Jenny Rudin, Katie Demo) — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Amanda Goetz was at the height of her career, but she was finding it difficult to manage her stress and anxiety as a single mother with a high profile job, who was also going through a divorce. Not to mention, the pandemic was in full swing. Amanda wanted to find a self care solution that didn’t require turning to a glass of wine. That’s when she started looking into CBD, and launched House of Wise. And then this happened.

The Italian Wedding that Saved Andie Swim

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Melanie Travis, Jenny Rudin, Katie Demo) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Coming from the tech world and without any experience in fashion or apparel, Melanie Travis wasn’t an obvious choice to become a swimwear designer. But after a long, iterative process to create the “little black dress” of bathing suits, women fell in love with Andie Swim. The only problem? Money was running out, and Melanie realized she would likely have to shut down the business. And then this happened.

When No Other Option Existed

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Klaviyo) — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Meet Danika

Danika Brysha is a wellness entrepreneur, body-positive fashion model, and life coach. Looking at her success today, you could say that Danika epitomizes the spirit of “Making it Happen.” But it wasn’t until after realizing that starting a business might be the only way for her to survive financially that Danika founded Model Meals and began making the positive changes that got her to where she is today.

On this episode

Danika talks with Katie and Jenny about:

How hard times gave her clarity in her career path
The driving forces that got her to where she is today
How she dealt with debt

The Pivot

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Monica Grohne, Katie Demo, Jenny Rudin) — Tue, 9 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Becoming an entrepreneur is the result of a series of strategic decisions, and that’s why it’s so important to master the art of the pivot.

As a founder, you have to be able to realize when something’s working—and when it’s not.

Meet Monica:
Monica started Marea Wellness, a menstrual wellness brand, to fill a gap in the women’s health market.

Throughout her journey, there were times when Monica had to quickly adapt when things didn’t go according to plan—whether that was working with suppliers or deciding on her business model.

On this episode, Monica talks to Katie and Jenny about:

How she decided what the product would look like
Her challenges finding a manufacturer
Why she decided to change her business model

Empowering Other Women Through Entrepreneurship

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Kaite Demo, Jenny Rudin, Tina Beilinson) — Tue, 2 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Some founders believe having a positive impact on society is as important as profitability and performance.

But working for the greater good still means that you have to face the challenges of entrepreneurship

Meet Tina

Seven Starling is a next-generation membership that supports parents through pregnancy and early parenthood by making care more communal.

But Tina Beilinson, co-founder and CEO of Seven Starling, knows that trying to make the world a better place with your business can also complicate the path to success.

On this episode

Tina talks with Katie and Jenny about:

The support she received from her network
Managing stress as an entrepreneur
The frameworks she uses to stay afloat

From Side Hustle to Going All In

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Klaviyo) — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0000

The decision to turn your side hustle into a full-time gig is a turning point for many entrepreneurs.

But what’s the catalyst that makes someone decide to go full-steam ahead with their idea?

Meet Ashley

For Ashley Rouse, Trade Street Jam Co. started as a hobby in her tiny apartment in North Carolina as a way to experiment with funky flavor profiles outside the confines of her culinary career.

But it was equal parts passion and strategic decision making—plus, a pinch of good faith—that eventually influenced her to leave the comfort of her traditional job to pursue her business full time.

On this episode

Ashley talks with Katie and Jenny about:

The day she decided to leave her job
The steps Ashley took to pursue Trade St. Jam Co. full time
How to balance blind passion and strategic decision-making

Women Moving and Shaking in Male-dominated Sectors

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Klaviyo) — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0000

It may be 2021, but in some industries, it’s still very much a man’s world.

One founder is disrupting the very traditional—and male-dominated—diamond industry with her unique approach to selling the world’s most coveted gem stone.

Meet Olivia

Olivia Landau is a fourth-generation jeweler, GIA Graduate Gemologist, and a veteran of Tiffany & Co. With Olivia’s background, there’s no question as to why her friends have always trusted her to help pick out their dream engagement rings.

Now, after founding The Clear Cut with her husband, Olivia’s shaking things up—not just with her direct-to-consumer business model, but also as a woman disrupting the diamond industry and reimagining the engagement ring purchasing process.

On this episode

Olivia talks with Katie and Jenny about:

Her family’s initial reaction to her business
How she differentiates herself from traditional jewelers
How she overcame adversity and self-doubt

Working with Co-founders

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Jenny Rudin, Katie Demo, Lizzie Carter) — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Your business is your baby, so it's of the utmost importance that your business partner is someone you trust like a life partner.

For Lizzie, building Only Curls with her co-founder, Hugo, meant combining both.

Meet Lizzie Carter

Lizzie Carter began her career in the fashion industry but had the itch to start a business of her own with her partner, Hugo Lewis.

Then one day, Lizzie was looking for the perfect solution for her own hair, and she quickly realized there was a huge gap in the market. Curly hair had largely been neglected in the beauty sector, especially in the UK.

In response, Lizzie and Hugo created Only Curls, a London-based haircare line made specifically to help people across the UK manage and maintain their luscious locks.

On this episode of Making it Happen

Lizzie talks with Katie and Jenny about:

Her and Hugo’s dynamic as co-founders
How the duo navigates disagreements
Her advice for picking a business partner
A difficult time her and Hugo worked through together

Finding the Right Funding

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Jenny Rudin, Kim Lewis, Katie Demo) — Tue, 5 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Meet Kim Lewis

Kim Lewis is the CEO and co-founder of CurlMix, a clean beauty brand for curly hair. Kim and Tim, her husband and co-founder, operate a manufacturing facility in Chicago, where they employ a full-time staff of 30+ minorities and women.

They appeared on the 10th season of Shark Tank where they turned down a deal from Robert Herjavec who offered $400K for 20% of their company.

Following their episode, CurlMix became one of less than 40 Black, women-owned companies to raise over $1M in venture capital funding; specifically, raising a seed round of $1.4 million, led by former LinkedIn CEO, Jeff Weiner.

On this episode of Making It Happen

Kim recently made history by allowing her customers and the community to invest in and own shares of CurlMix. She raised $5M in two months, which is only fitting since the community is at the heart of every decision Kim makes.

On this episode, Kim talks with Katie and Jenny about:

The first investor check she ever received
How she turned a Shark Tank appearance into more investor meetings
Her advice on finding the funding for your business

The Personal Price an Entrepreneur Pays

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Katie Demo, Laurel Wells Thompson, Jenny Rudin) — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Meet Laurel Thompson

Laurel Thompson is a recovering fast-fashion designer. After spending her career in the world of NYC fashion, she landed back in her hometown of Atlanta, GA where she now lives with her husband and daughter, Beya—the inspiration behind her children’s clothing line, Beya Made.

If you’re saying to yourself, “Great, more outfits my toddler will outgrow in months,” think again. Laurel’s sustainably sourced, ethically produced designs grow with your kid, allowing them to fit at least three times longer than other childrenswear.

On this episode of Making it Happen

While Beya Made is shaking up the children’s clothing space, starting her own business meant Laurel had to make certain sacrifices.

While becoming an entrepreneur gave Laurel a certain amount of flexibility that most climbing the corporate ladder never gain, she quickly realized that carving your own path can also come at a personal cost.

On this episode, Laurel talks with Katie and Jenny about:

Adjusting to founder life when you have a family
How to know when you need to take a step back from your work
The legacy she wants to leave with Beya Made

Risk Taking

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Katie Demo, Chelsea Moore, Jenny Rudin) — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Meet Chelsea Moore

Chelsea Moore was born and raised in Los Angeles, where she attended UCLA. After graduating, Chelsea and her now co-founder Jenni Olivero moved to Venice Beach. That’s where the idea for BOXFOX, an online personalized gift box service, was born.

The duo spotted a gap in the lifestyle and service space for elevated and effortless gifting, and knew they had something to offer.

On this episode of Making it Happen

Being a founder is all about taking risks. You may risk your financial stability, your lifestyle, or your career. Either way, you can’t build a business without taking risks. And sometimes, leaps of faith far outweigh calculated decision-making.

Chelsea decided that creating her own company instead of following a more traditional career path was a risk worth taking.

On this episode, Chelsea talks with Katie and Jenny about:

The audacity it takes to veer from a traditional career path
A moment that felt like an enormous risk
A decision she made that didn’t pan out as she expected

The Importance of Grit

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Katie Demo, Jenny Rudin, Erica Liu Williams) — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Meet Erica Liu Williams

Erica Liu Williams is a former Olympic trials swimmer and Silicon Valley techie, so it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about ambition, perseverance, and determination.

Today, Erica’s career looks a lot different—she works full-time as the founder of gr8nola, a granola brand you can find in the kitchens at big tech company headquarters (think: Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, and Slack).

Erica also sells her wildly delicious superfood snack through gr8nola’s website, on Amazon, and in select retailers.

On this episode of Making it Happen

Leaving a stable career to start your own company takes grit. When Erica launched gr8nola, she quickly learned how to run a business and how to show up for herself as a solo founder.

On this episode, Erica shares with hosts Katie and Jenny:

How she went all in on gr8nola and held herself accountable
How she motivates herself during difficult times
Where she turns for support when self-doubt creeps in

Making It Happen Season 1 Trailer

alex.mcpeak@klaviyo.com (Klaviyo) — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 21:12:16 +0000

Introducing Making it Happen, a podcast series about what founder life is really like, co-created with Klaviyo and Brass Clothing.