October 01, 2024

Tackling the Topics No One Wants to Talk About, From Her Parents’ Garage to Walmart and Target Stores Nationwide, with Katie Sturino, Co-Founder of Megababe

43 minutes

“It’s cute to come in and bring a new brand, and that’s great—finding newness and all. But the reality is you’re competing with billion-dollar corporations, out of your parents’ garage, you know?” Katie Sturino recalls as she reflects on the early days of launching Megababe. As a body-positive influencer and CEO, Katie’s passion to solve everyday body concerns like chafing and sweat led her to make products that have truly resonated with a wide audience.

In this episode, Katie opens up about the transition from working in public relations to becoming an entrepreneur, taking Megababe from her parents’ garage to major retailers like Walmart. She talks about the importance of authenticity, community, and staying true to her mission of body positivity and empowering people of all shapes and sizes. Katie also shares insights into her strategic marketing efforts and how her viral series, #SupersizeTheLook, has strengthened her influence in the body acceptance movement.

As Katie shares practical advice for founders, she also stresses the value of hiring the right team and testing your ideas before going all in. What does it really take to push through when things don’t happen overnight? Katie’s story reminds us that persistence and finding the right audience are key.

Quotes

“I knew this was something people needed. I knew this product was going to do well, but no one else really did. I had to stick to my guns and follow my gut, even when people, including family members, were saying, ‘I don’t really see this as something people need.’” (11:17 | Katie Sturino)
“It’s cute to come in and bring a new brand, and that’s great—finding newness and all. But the reality is you’re competing with billion-dollar corporations, out of your parents’ garage, you know?” (15:28 | Katie Sturino)
“Our brand loyalists understand that we truly care, that we’re real people behind the brand, and that we listen to customer feedback.” (21:14 | Katie Sturino)
“It’s hard to engage in some of those really straightforward ways of marketing because I’m not going to win against a big brand like that. So we have to get creative.” (27:25 | Katie Sturino)
“Don’t quit your day job until you have proof of concept. I think oftentimes people think they’ve got to blow up their life, sit at their computer alone, and be like, ‘Logo: step one.’ Launching without a really differentiated point of view in today’s market is undoable.” (40:30 | Katie Sturino)

Connect with Katie Sturino:

https://www.tiktok.com/@katiesturino?lang=en

http://www.instagram.com/katiesturino

http://www.instagram.com/megababe

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/foundherfridays

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By Lindsay Pinchuk

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