Episodes

Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
In today’s episode, Rose Hamilton takes a deep dive into the heart of innovation in women’s health with guest Sophia Yen, MD, MPH, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Pandia Health.
This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and Shopline USA.
Launched in 2016, Pandia Health has been at the forefront of revolutionizing access to birth control and is now expanding its horizon to tackle issues in menopause and obesity.
Join us as we explore the journey, challenges, and future of women’s healthcare through the lens of a pioneering company.
Key Themes of Our Episode:
* Pandia Health’s Mission: Discover how Pandia Health is solving the accessibility challenges women face in obtaining birth control, providing not just delivery services but also personalized options and telemedicine consultations.
* Expanding Care to Menopause and Obesity: Understand the company’s future plans to include specialized care in menopause symptoms, osteoporosis risk management, and obesity, emphasizing the importance of personalized healthcare.
* Challenges in Advertising Women’s Health: Hear about the obstacles Pandia Health faces with advertising restrictions on major platforms and how they overcome these through organic SEO, educational content, and strategic partnerships.
* The Role of AI and Marketing in Healthcare: Delve into the significance of AI in marketing, the essential need for trustworthy content, and why diversity in algorithms matters in promoting women’s health effectively.
* Navigating Fundraising and the Startup Ecosystem: Gain insights into the fundraising difficulties women’s health startups face, the advocacy for ethical practices, and the pivotal role of women-led companies in the healthcare sector.
* The Importance of Diversity in Venture Capital: Learn about the push for more diversity in venture capital, the encouragement of women investors, and the support needed for women-founded businesses to thrive.
* Empowerment and Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Dr. Yen shares her message for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing persistence, the value of diverse representation, and seeking support from communities and resources.
Closing Thoughts:
Dr. Sophia Yen’s journey with Pandia Health is about more than creating a company; it’s about fostering a movement toward accessible, personalized, and comprehensive healthcare for women.
By addressing the unique challenges in women’s health, advocating for diversity and ethical practices, and leveraging technology, Pandia Health stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment.
We hope this episode inspires you to support and advocate for advancements in women’s healthcare.
For more information about Pandia Health and how you can be a part of the change, visit:
https://www.pandiahealth.com/
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating, review, and a follow on Apple and Spotify.
Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
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Today’s Sponsors:
Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/
Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.
Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands.
In this inspiring episode, Rose Hamilton dives into the remarkable journey of Sally Mueller, the visionary founder of Womaness, a pioneering brand in the menopause market.
From her early days at Target to the bold leap of leaving in 2010 and stepping into the entrepreneurial world, Sally shares the challenges and triumphs of creating a brand dedicated to women experiencing menopause.
Here are the main themes of this episode:
* The Genesis of Womaness: Sally Mueller recounts her career transition from Target to entrepreneurship, driven by a quest to find suitable products for perimenopause symptoms. Discover how Womaness was born out of frustration and a clear vision to fill a significant gap in the market.
* A Focus on Menopause: Explore Womaness's core mission, which centers on educating and inspiring women in their late forties and fifties. Learn about the brand’s commitment to addressing the often-ignored needs of this demographic with a comprehensive range of products focused on skin, body, supplements, and sexual wellness, excluding weight gain solutions.
* Navigating Marketing Challenges: Hear about the initial hurdles in marketing menopause-related products and how Womaness evolved its messaging towards promoting healthy aging. Find out how this strategic pivot helped them expand their reach to retail giants like Ulta Beauty and Amazon.
* Omnichannel Approach: Sally emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer preferences across different shopping platforms and the strategic move to an omnichannel approach. This segment offers valuable insights into adapting marketing and sales strategies to meet the needs of their target demographic.
* Talent and Culture: Learn about the critical role of hiring versatile talents who are not only a cultural fit but can also grow with the company. Sally shares her thoughts on the importance of engagement and alignment in building a successful team.
* Digital Revolution in Marketing: Delve into the impact of digital transformation on marketing strategies, especially in a crowded market like beauty and skincare. Sally discusses the challenges and opportunities of standing out and educating consumers about new product categories.
* The Long Game: Reflecting on the journey, Sally discusses the necessity of a long-term strategy to meet evolving consumer demands. She also shares personal insights on balancing her roles as a mother and a business owner, highlighting the importance of delegation, prioritizing sleep, and building a strong network for business growth.
Sally Mueller’s journey with Womaness is a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and perseverance in the entrepreneurial world.
By addressing the underserved needs of women going through menopause, Womaness not only offers innovative solutions but also leads the way in breaking taboos and fostering a community of education and support.
Call to Action:
Tune in to this episode for an inspiring deep dive into Sally Mueller’s entrepreneurial spirit, the innovative approach of Womaness, and the future of women’s wellness.
For more on Womaness, visit: https://womaness.com/
Remember to subscribe and follow The Story of a Brand Show on Apple Podcast and LinkedIn for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond!
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
*
Today’s Sponsors:
Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/
Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose t

Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands.
Welcome to today’s episode, in which Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, discusses the fascinating journey of Franne Golde, Founder and CEO of Franne Golde and a former songwriter who danced her way into the fashion industry and established a thriving specialty retail brand.
Franne Golde is a women's apparel brand that created the "Magic" Pants and other figure-flattering basics for the office or wherever life takes you.
She is a former songwriter who turned her love for fashion into a thriving business.
In this interview, we explored:
- How her roots in music influenced her entrepreneurial path
- The accidental start of her fashion journey with a school boutique fundraiser and how it blossomed into a full-fledged clothing line.
- Discovering a unique fabric led to creating a game-changing pair of pants.
- Overcoming manufacturing hurdles with the help of personal connections.
- Franne’s belief in commitment and how the universe conspires to assist dedicated people.
- Her strategy in using online marketing, personal outreach, and referrals over traditional advertising.
- A serendipitous endorsement from Oprah Winfrey’s stylist, propelling her “magic pants” into the limelight.
- Addressing the challenges of balancing marketing expenses and adapting to market changes.
- The importance of in-person interactions and maintaining a personal touch within a converted recording studio space.
- And so much more...
For entrepreneurs and dreamers alike, Franne’s journey offers inspiration and practical insights into navigating the business world and successfully shifting from one career to another.
Additional Information:
For listeners who want to experience the comfort and style of Franne’s “magic pants” for themselves or to connect with her brand, visit:
https://www.frannegolde.com/
Listens get 20% off their next full-priced order. Use promo code STORY.
Remember to subscribe and follow The Story of a Brand Show on Apple Podcast and LinkedIn for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond!
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
Today’s Sponsors:
Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/
The Story of a Brand and Compass Rose offer “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.
SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/
Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and

Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands.
In this episode, our host, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose, interviews Kathryn Bricken, CEO and Founder of Doughlicious - The London Dough Co.
Doughlicious - The London Dough Co. is an award-winning dough company that uses all-natural ingredients, is gluten-free and offers many dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
All our products are produced in the UK using the finest ingredients, including free-range eggs, organic cane, and coconut sugars, and no artificial additives or preservatives.
Below are the key takeaways from our conversation:
* Her personal story and how her pregnancy momentarily paused her culinary endeavors and how she reignited her passion for baking.
* How Doughlicous blossomed into a full-fledged business.
* Growing from a home kitchen operation to requiring a larger manufacturing space, and how they diversified their product line with innovative offerings like cookie dough and gelato bites.
* Kathryn’s strategic pivot from direct-to-consumer sales to focusing on retail distribution catapulted the brand toward international fame.
* How she addresses the challenges and opportunities of marketing with social media and influencers in today’s digital landscape.
* You’ll also hear about the importance of personal involvement and authenticity in representing a brand.
* And why we should celebrate the notion that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams,
* And so much more!!!
Join Rose Hamilton for this inspiring conversation with Kathryn Bricken, which is a testament to the power of following your dreams and the sweet taste of success that comes with dedication and hard work.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a visionary who turned her passion for dessert into a thriving business.
For more on Doughlicious - The London Dough Co., visit: https://doughlicious.co.uk/
Remember to subscribe and follow The Story of a Brand Show on Apple Podcast and LinkedIn for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond!
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
*
Today’s Sponsors:
Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/
The Story of a Brand and Compass Rose offer “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.
SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/
Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit using our unique link.

Saturday Aug 03, 2024
Saturday Aug 03, 2024
This episode is brought to you by Tidio and SARAL - The Influencer OS
Join host Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, as she sits down with Andrew Laudato, Chief Operating Officer of The Vitamin Shoppe, to discuss the fascinating evolution from a technologist to a retail leader.
In this episode, we’ll discover the innovative strategies The Vitamin Shoppe is employing to navigate the retail landscape amidst technological advances and evolving consumer behaviors.
Key Themes:
Customer-Centric Philosophy:
* Andrew emphasizes the critical importance of always putting the customer first.
* Discussion on adopting a multi-channel retail approach to serve customers where they are.
Embracing Technological Partnerships:
* Insight into The Vitamin Shop’s partnerships with Instacart and DoorDash to improve accessibility and convenience for customers.
* Leveraging technology for efficient supply chain management.
Education and Employee Training:
* The company’s commitment to educating customers about its products.
* Importance of thorough training for employees to maintain a consistent and knowledgeable shopping experience.
Personalized Marketing and Data Privacy:
* The balance between using customer data for personalized marketing and ensuring privacy and security.
Sustainable and Quality-Focused Industry Practices:
* Discussion on the vitamin industry’s focus on sustainability and quality.
* How The Vitamin Shop aligns with environmentally conscious practices.
Career Development Insights:
* Andrew advises pursuing varied experiences and passions before settling into a career path.
* Retail as a foundation for developing management and leadership skills.
The Concept of Composable Commerce:
* Explore The Vitamin Shop’s move towards “composable commerce” and its implications.
* The challenges and uncertainties of long-term planning in a rapidly changing retail environment.
Episode Highlights:
* Andrew’s personal career journey and lessons learned transitioning from tech to retail.
* How multi-channel retailing and online platforms are revolutionizing the shopping experience.
* The importance of training and knowledge in empowering employees and satisfying customers.
* A deep dive into how personalization and privacy intersect in modern marketing practices.
* Insights into the future of retail and how to prepare for shifts in the industry.
Call to Action:
Andrew Laudato encourages listeners to consider how technology and consumer habits shape a brand’s shopping experiences and the importance of sustainability and quality in product choices.
Thank you for tuning in to our latest episode.
Remember to subscribe to “The Story of a Brand Show” on your favorite podcast player for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest trends in consumer brands, retail, and beyond!
For more on The Vitamin Shoppe, visit: https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/
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Today’s Sponsors:
Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story
My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade at any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my unique link.
SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/
Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link.

Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
This episode is brought to you by Tidio and SARAL.
Today, host Rose Hamilton, Founder and Principal Advisor of Compass Rose Ventures interviews Alvie Faulkenbery IV, Founder and El Presidente of Alvies.
They are on a mission to make boots and flip-flops your footwear of choice. They believe with a good pair of each, you can go almost anywhere and do almost anything.
In this episode, we dive deeply into lessons learned from building the brand from start-up to scale… in the competitive footwear category.
We’ll discover how the customer experience has been vital to growing Alvies as a mission-based brand – both online and experiential.
Highlights:
* Driven by customer experience, Alvies places a great emphasis on capturing customer information and carefully managing channels of distribution, which was learned very early in the business
* Alvie shares how he’s kept just the right balance of people, processes, and systems to allow the mission and quality to scale as the company grows
* The secret of marketing success lies in building partnerships with artists and collaborations that introduce the Alvies name to new customers. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and word of mouth to grow the business.
* Alvie reveals the latest expansion for the brand through Boot Parties, taking the airstream concept on the road to bring boots to people for special events like bachelor parties, birthday parties, and more
* Highlighting the importance of leveraging other categories like hospitality to find innovative ways to build the customer experience
* How Alvie manages the balance between work and life as a busy entrepreneur who is leading a business through growth
* Learn some key takeaways from 2023 that Alvie is excited to take into 2024 and more!
Join Rose Hamilton and Alvie Faulkenbery IV as we break down the inside story of Alvies on The Story of a Brand.
For more on Alvies, visit: https://www.alvies.com/
Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.
*Today’s Sponsors:
Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story
My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade at any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my unique link.
SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/
Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link.

Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
This episode is brought to you by Tidio and SARAL.
Today, in our partner series feature, our guest host, Rose Hamilton, Founder and Principal Advisor for Compass Rose Ventures, interviews Lio Pinchevski, Founder and CEO of Finaloop.
Finaloop reconciles all financials in real-time, providing e-commerce and DTC brands flawless books, optimized tax returns, and actionable insights 24/7 with 100% accuracy.
They replace your accounting software, integrations, bookkeeper, and tax CPA, so you stop wasting your precious time and money, make smarter decisions, and handle taxes on time.
Highlights:
* One of the most significant barriers to effectively running an e-commerce business
* Running performance marketing without numbers is like running blind
* What should your marketing agency be asking you?
* Beyond ROAS, what other vital numbers should you expect from your agency?
* Why is ROAS not the only metric to manage marketing campaigns:
* How do you best manage your agency’s accountability?
* Why are finance and accounting different, and why can’t the same person do it all?
* Why and when should you hire a fractional CFO or in-house CFO, and at what milestones?
* What does a sound accounting process look like?
* What's the secret to getting 100% accuracy and no month-end close? How is it always reconciled?
* How to speed up due diligence for an acquisition
* Advice to other founders about Financial and Marketing IQ
Join Rose Hamilton and Lio Pinchevski as we break down the inside story of Finaloop on The Story of a Brand.
For more on Finaloop, visit: https://www.finaloop.com/
Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.
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Today’s Sponsors:
Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story
My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade at any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my unique link.
SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/
Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link.