Entrepreneur Minds Speak

Megan Furhman-Wheeler founded a brick-and-mortar herbal apothecary in Iowa. In today’s episode, Megan opens up about a time when her business was struggling and she had to ask herself, is it time to pivot? We loved talking with Megan about the emotional side of running a business and using struggles as an opportunity for self assessment and growth. Megan also describes how working with Crème de Mi...

We are excited to share our conversation with Mike Simon, COO of Surfsnax. Mike shares his journey from struggling to get people to even try his unique salmon snacks, to being picked up by Costco, Wegmans, Giant, Big Y, and other large retailers. After a lackluster CPG product launch with packaging that didn’t wow the audience, he approached Crème de Mint for a rebrand. The new branding drew peopl...

Today’s guest is Kevin Gawronski, founder of Gawronski Media, here to share some refreshingly honest ad spend advice for CPG startups. Despite what you may have heard, there is no magic trick for instant success, and huge ad spend doesn’t necessarily equate to huge sales. Instead of empty promises, Kevin shares realistic expections, best practices, and data-driven methods for getting your brand no...

We’re excited to welcome back Jeffrey Martin, a beauty product manufacturing expert, to hear about new consumer expectations, legislation, and tariffs affecting beauty brands. With invaluable insights for beauty entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing consumer and manufacturing landscape, this episode is not to be missed. Jeffrey explains what to look for in a manufacturer, including testing their kno...

Do you need guidance on choosing the right packaging for your product—and making sure it actually works? This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Jessie Schwartz, CEO and founder of Strategic Packaging Partners, for a deep dive into the often-overlooked world of product packaging engineering. Jessie brings years of expertise to the table, sharing how to select the best packaging solutions, stream...

Looking for expert PR tips? Today's guest is Annette Malkin, CEO and founder of Culturewise Collective, a PR agency that helps small-to-mid-size brands build awareness, amplification, and credibility through strategic and authentic messaging. Annette has worked with brands like Tequila Don Julio, Zacapa Rum, Altoids, TAZO Tea and Maxwell House. In this episode, you'll hear expert advice on amplify...

What if single-use packaging could just “disappear”? Drain-safe, dissolvable packaging is a new approach to sustainability. Today’s guest is Alex Abbott from SmartSolve, a producer of environmentally-safe papers & adhesives that dissolve in water and leave behind no residue. Alex answers our questions about dissappearing packaging and discusses emerging technologies, including SmartSolve’s new...

In today's episode, Saloni Doshi helps us see beyond the hype to understand what sustainable packaging really means. Saloni is the CEO and self-proclaimed "Chief Sustainability Geek" of EcoEnclose, a packaging manufacturer that offers guidance to brands wanting to become more sustainable without breaking the bank. Saloni describes how EcoEnclose collaborates with producers of innovative packaging...

Is your cosmetics brand FDA MoCRA compliant? In this episode, we speak with Marcha Chaudry, an expert in cosmetic regulations and founder of The Equity Wellness Collaborative (EWC). Marcha explains how cosmetics companies, from startups to established brands, can become compliant with the FDA's enforcement of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA). We also discuss the lack o...

Join us for a fun twist where Lauren interviews co-host Natalie Saporova, founder of the web design agency Cloud Create. Natalie describes her process for working with new clients and shares best website practices for new product businesses. Other topics up for discussion include SEO, mapping the customer journey, and addressing how customer expectations for websites have evolved over time. If you...

How do you create a fragrance or a scent for your product? Get the inside scoop from product development expert Emilie Mascarell, who has helped everyone from startups to established brands like L'Oreal and Estee Lauder develop signature fragrances. In today's episode, Emilie walks us through the steps of product development and custom fragrance formulation. She touches on how she sees AI being in...

Today's guest is Carrie Sporer, co-founder of haircare brand Swair. With enthusiasm and humor, Carrie shares the lessons she learned while conquering product launch hurdles. As she says, putting out fires is part of being an entrepreneur. Carrie also talks about how traditional PR can help build consumer trust for new brands, and shares her experience of participating in Target's Accelerator Progr...

When Lori Kranczer couldn't find non-irritating products for her children with skin sensitivities and sensory concerns, she created Raising Junior with a mission of formulating clean products and partnering with nonprofits to support children with special needs. Hear Lori's story and her advice for entrepreneurs just starting out. Raising Junior's first product is a 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash wi...

Today's guest is Amy Marks-McGee, founder of Trendincite, a fragrance and flavor marketing company based in New York. Trendincite offers market research, trend reporting, and sensory excursions to stimulate creativity and inspire new product ideas. Amy gives us a behind-the-scenes peek into how the fragrances and flavors we experience daily in consumer packaged goods are chosen and developed, and...

Today's guest is Rich Small, the Executive Vice President at Hunter, an award-winning marketing and PR firm based in New York. Rich offers expert advice for emerging beauty brands, including taking creative risks to break through the noise, and how to stay current with trends. Get tips on how to reach out to influencers and build long-term relationships with them, as well as ways to pique the inte...

The demands of running a business combined with the pressure to always be "productive" can lead to severe burnout that damages our health and wellbeing. Lauren and Natalie have experienced this first hand and share their top tips for how to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur.

In today's mini episode, Lauren and Natalie discuss how adding thoughtful touches to the customer journey and offering great customer service and can propel your brand above the competition and inspire brand loyalty.

Discover how to source quality ingredients for your supplement line with today's guest, Rob Shaw. Rob has worked in the supplement industry since 1996 and started his import/export distribution company, Blue Star Corp, in 2019. Learn what to look for in an ingredient's Certificate of Analysis and what to ask manufacturers before you agree to work with them. Learn more about Blue Star Corp at https...

Hey beauty entrepreneurs! Get the inside scoop on consumer-driven skincare trends from industry expert Jeffrey Martin. Make sure your products are aligned with emerging trends and hear Jeffrey's advice for scaling your business to get into larger retailers like Sephora or Ulta. Jeffrey is the Director of Marketing at Federal Package, a manufacturer of skincare products based in Chanhassen, MN. Lea...

Let's take a deep dive into nutraceutical and supplement manufacturing with industry expert Lucas Schmidt! In today's episode, Lucas shares his passion for the science behind new product development, as well as advice for entrepreneurs just starting out in the supplement industry. Learn more at nutracapUSA.com or reach out to Lucas at LS@nutracapUSA.com Need branding and label design for your supp...

Today’s guest, Brent Baubach, shares tried-and-true techniques for building a successful Shopify store. Learn how to reach 6+ figures per month with your Shopify store by increasing your Average Order Value, reorder rate, and more. Brent is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of online marketing experience who has generated OVER $150 million online. He is the Co-Founder and CMO of PURE Privat...

Creating a custom gummy line? On today's episode, we discuss how to start your own gummy line with Iraiz Gomez, the CEO and Co-founder of Vitawest Nutraceuticals. Get sweet insights from a gummy expert to get inspired and avoid common pitfalls. Need branding and label design for your gummy line? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Curious how to work with influencers to launch your food, beauty or supplement product? Get expert advice marketing your product from the co-founders of UMAI Marketing! On today's episode, Alison Smith and Karin Samelson share their thoughts on paid ads, influencers, organic social, and email marketing. Learn how much to budget for marketing in your first year and the number one question to ask yo...

Most businesses start with WHAT—the products or services they offer. Or they focus on HOW—the way they operate that sets them apart from their competition. But the most successful brands start with WHY. WHY is more compelling—it taps into interest and passion. It speaks to a purpose, cause or belief. It’s the very reason your business exists. Lauren and Natalie ask some questions to help you tap i...

Are you thinking about crafting your own alcohol or private label beverage? In today's episode, Victor Olshansky from Ziami Distillery shares his in-depth knowledge of the alcohol industry and the steps you'll need to take to get your brand off the ground. How will you appeal to your target audience? How will your packaging inspire curiosity that gets people to pick up your product? Crème de Mint...