Startup to Storefront

Diego and Nick interview Van Anh or "VA" as we call her. VA is fresh off hitting the No.1 spot on the Australian iTunes Classical charts (2018, 2017, 2016), and becoming the first Australian-Vietnamese to, ever in history, enter the US iTunes Classical Charts in 2017. Concert pianist and composer Van-Anh Nguyen has become a worldwide sensation and in-demand artist, leading an intense touring career across the globe and is the newest Artist addition to the Universal Music/Decca Records family. Hear to how she got started playing the piano and how she navigates the challenges of being a musician. 

Follow VA on Instagram: @vananhofficial

Diego and Nick interview Chris Douglass who recently launched Rooted Shots, a wellness shot company focused on the benefits of using real superfoods, no refined sugar, and a powder format that creates a dried wellness shot that you can take with you anywhere. Chris shares how he and his Co-Founder launched and how a close relative would go on to be their angel investor. 

Rooted Shots Online

Use promo code: Startup to get 10% off your next order! 

Follow Rooted Shots on Instagram: @rooted.shots

Diego and Natalya interview Jacqueline Bradley who recently launched Apothenne, a soy-wax candle company. Jacqueline's story however starts with us hearing about how at the 11th hour, her first company failed to sell. She shares the full story of launching a clothing company and how the lessons learned translated to her current venture.  

Apothenne -->Online

Use promo code: Startup for 30% off and Free shipping! 

Follow Apothenne on Instagram: @apothenne

Follow Jacqueline on Instagram: @JacquelineLBradley

Diego interviews Maggie Ortlieb who launched VegOut in 2014 and is getting ready for nation wide expansion. VegOut is an all-vegan city guide covering cruelty-free things to eat, see, and do in Los Angeles and surrounding cities. VegOut seeks to connect consumers looking for plant-based foods with vegan-friendly businesses and events. You'll hear how Maggie made the jump from a marketing role at an accounting firm to running her own media company. 

Follow VegOut Los Angeles on Instagram: @VegOutLosAngeles

Follow VegOut New York on Instagram: @VegOutNewYork

Follow Maggie on Instagram: @MaggieeOrtlieb

Diego interviews Brian Nolan who recently sold his company, Sellbrite, to GoDaddy in April of 2019!  Hear about how a side hustle turned into a company that was eventually acquired by one of the largest hosting in the world. You'll hear how Brian raised his initial funding to how he needed to keep the acquisition a secret from his employees for months! 

Follow Brian on Instagram: @briancnolan

Sellbrite @SellBrite GoDaddy @GoDaddy

Diego and Natalya interview Bricia Lopez - a James Beard award winner, author, mezcal queen, mother, daughter, podcaster and more! You'll hear about her family restaurant, an LA staple Guelaguetza, her latest Vegas collab - Mama Rabbit, and her new book! 

Check her out: 

Instagram: @bricialopez

Co-owner @LaGuelaguetza Co-founder @ilovemicheladas Co-creator @_supermamas Chief Mezcalera @drinkmamarabbit

Diego and Natalya interview Margaux Moses, owner of Wave Maiden Ale Works in Los Angeles. Margaux is on a mission to resurrect the lost art of brewing with the medicinal, aromatic, and nourishing herbs. The result is bright, sometimes cider-like flavors, floral noses, bitter brews without any hops, and a unique plant buzz.  Hear her story as she's looking to launch from a small beer manufacturer to a full fledged brewery in Los Angeles.

Follow Wave Maiden on instagram

Wave Maiden Ale Works - company website

Diego and Natalya interview Kathleen Shaffer, owner of Shaffer here in Los Angeles. Kathleen grew her career as an executive chef throughout the world and has been recognized for her culinary accomplishments by the James Beard House, AAA Five Diamond and Chef George Perrier of Le Bec Fin. Shaffer was also awarded the 2019 Caterer of the year by the International Caterers Association. Hear her super fun story and listen to what her team put together for the Breaking Bad finale - it's unbelievable!! 

Follow Schaffer on instagram

Schaffer - company website

Diego interviews Dan Deutsch, owner of Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook. Dan has been styling the who’s who of Los Angeles since he first opened his doors. He has taken the simple motto, that “glasses are jewelry to the face and the conviction that: “eyewear defines who you are” from his youthful beginnings all the way to his role today, directing the largest independent chain of retail eyewear stores in the Los Angeles area. He serves as a frequent consultant not only to film and television studios but also to eyewear designers and manufacturers. He has fit heads of state; music icons (Cher, Madonna, Ella, Justin), Hollywood movers and shakers and anyone who cares about looking their best! 

Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook Store

Follow Dan Deutsch Optical on Instagram

Diego sits down with Tara Riceberg, owner of Tweak, Tesoro and the bestgiftstoreever.com, one of LA's most curated gift stores you'll ever visit. Tara shares how as a second-generation retailer she continues to grow her business through passion, curation, and being a "jumper." Take a listen and if you're in LA be sure to check out Tweak or Tesoro! 

Tweak/Tesoro Website

Tara's Tesoro Spotify Playlist