The Jo Show

Vicki Apodaca brings a fresh perspective to startup growth in the SaaS field, covering negotiating equity, the difference an ownership mindset makes, self-care and initiative.

EPISODE LINKS:

Vicki Apodaca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaapodaca/

SendTurtle: https://sendturtle.com/

Carta: https://carta.com/equity-management/

SPONSOR:

McKee Creative → Done-for-you marketing systems that create revenue growth and bring real peace of mind. https://mckeecreative.store

OUTLINE:

00:00 Introduction to Vicky Apodaca and Her Journey

05:50 Transitioning from Startups to Growth Roles

11:01 The Importance of Equity in Startups

14:03 Building a Strong Team for Startups

21:33 Navigating Growth and Market Fit

25:30 Understanding Send Turtle's Offerings

28:42 Challenges in Customer Engagement and Retention

38:11 Personal Reflections and Work-Life Balance

43:56 Final Thoughts on Surrounding Yourself with Good People

If you’ve ever wondered whether your oddly specific obsession could become a real product, this one’s for you. Margaret C Beeler took two things she loves – books and cocktails – and turned them into Tropetails: the world’s first cocktail and mocktail recipe book inspired by literary tropes, now a full product line after a successful crowdfunding run.

Today we unpack how she did it, what worked, what didn’t, and what you can steal for your own business. Thank you for joining us.

Check out our sponsors in the description below. See below for timestamps, and to give feedback or send questions to Jo. ________________________________________________________________CONTACT JO: Feedback → give feedback to Jo: [email protected]

Apply to be a guest on The Jo Show → https://mckeecreative.store/the-jo-show-guest-application/ ________________________________________________________________EPISODE LINKS:

Margaret C Beeler: https://linktr.ee/margaretcbeeler

Tropetails: https://tropetails.com/ ________________________________________________________________ SPONSORS: To support this podcast, check out our sponsor: McKee Creative → Done-for-you marketing systems that create revenue growth and bring real peace of mind.

Go to: https://mckeecreative.store ________________________________________________________________ OUTLINE:

00:00:03 Introduction to Tropetails

00:02:23 Launching on Kickstarter

00:03:24 Understanding Kickstarter’s Platform

00:05:15 Community Engagement and Success

00:09:26 Diversifying with Instant Cocktails

00:17:19 Challenges and Triumphs in Product Development 00:26:44 Advice for Niche Market Success

In this conversation, Jon discusses his innovative approach to generating clean drinking water from humidity in the air through Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs). He shares his journey from a corporate career in the video gaming industry to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to provide sustainable water solutions.

The discussion covers the technology behind AWGs, real-life impact stories, marketing strategies for small businesses, and the importance of cash flow management.

John emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to address global water scarcity and shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Ever wondered what it really takes to grow a skincare brand that customers fall in love with — and keep coming back to?

In this first episode of The Jo Show, I chat with Kim Guseli, founder of Botanical Skincare Lab, about the behind-the-scenes reality of turning passion into a thriving business.

Kim shares how she built a loyal customer base in a saturated market, what worked (and what didn’t) in her marketing, and why listening to her audience has been the key to lasting growth.

We talk about:

• How a ‘happy accident’ resulted in Kim creating an award-winning innovation in skincare
  
• Building with intention, using the resources available without overextending yourself
  
• The importance of customer feedback in product development
  
• How beautiful it is to craft a business where everything is made with love.
  
  

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to stand out in your niche, Kim’s experience of building according to her unique strengths will inspire you to find your way.

Listen in for real insights from a small business owner who’s built something beautiful, inside and out.

Botanical Skincare Lab 

Buy direct:  https://botanicalskincarelab.com.au

Follow on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/botanicalskincarelab/

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BotanicalSkincareLabHerveyBay

And shoutout to Replenish Refill for believing in Botanical Skincare Labs from the beginning: https://www.instagram.com/replenishrefill/

__________

McKee Creative

Get Jo to build and maintain her powerful done-for-you flywheel marketing system for your business, with the Economy Marketing Package: https://mckeecreative.store

__________

Music

Epidemic Sound Intro and Outro: ‘Talk Talk’, Wendy Marcini

Get a free trial of Epidemic Sound here: https://share.epidemicsound.com/et3uqe

__________

Incredibly comfortable clothing

Jo wears 100% mulberry silk blouse, handcrafted from Tara Sartoria: https://tarasartoria.com

__________

Want to be a guest?

Spill your story + marketing wins: apply at https://mckeecreative.store/the-jo-show-guest-application/