What does it take to turn a weekend side hustle into a national brand? In this episode of CEO Conversations, host Steve Stivers, President & CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Ryan Napier, co-founder of Where I’m From Apparel.

Ryan shares how a one-bedroom idea in Columbus grew into a nationwide apparel brand carried in over 2,000 stores. From early kiosk sales and local markets to national retail partnerships, he opens up about the hustle, the turning points, and the perseverance it takes to scale a business.

Whether you’re a young professional building your career or an aspiring entrepreneur dreaming of your own venture, Ryan’s story delivers practical lessons on leadership, growth, and staying true to your mission.

When Claire Coder unexpectedly started her period at a startup event — with no products in sight — she had a lightbulb moment: why aren’t pads and tampons stocked like toilet paper? That spark led her to leave college at 19 and launch Aunt Flow, a company now supplying 60,000 bathrooms nationwide.

In this inaugural CEO Conversations episode, Steve Stivers talks with Claire about:

• The origin story that sparked a nationwide movement
• Dropping out to go “all in” on her idea
• Pivoting from subscription boxes to B2B success
• Building credibility and pitching to non-menstruating decision-makers
• Cold networking strategies that actually work
• Breaking taboos with humor and purpose

It’s an inspiring, candid look at how grit, mission, and a touch of levity can change the conversation — and the marketplace.