Episode 112: Imagine heading up to the cottage, opening the closet doors, and pulling out your favorite (and likely very outdated) childhood puzzle. After the dust settles and you’ve found a home for every little piece, you put it away and go on with your day. While on a digital detox and in search of a practical mediation tool, CEO and Founder of Jiggy Puzzles, Kaylin Marcotte, discovered a huge piece missing in the puzzle industry. On today’s episode, the two entrepreneurs discuss Kaylin’s experience bootstrapping an entire company completely solo, pitching her product on Shark Tank, and building a community of puzzle lovers — who would have thought?! Kaylin supports up-and-coming female artists by featuring their artwork on Jiggy puzzles and includes all the tools you’ll need to put your masterpiece up on the wall. Who doesn’t want to showcase all that hard work? Tune in to hear how Kaylin built her wings on the way down and rejigged the puzzle experience.  

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, subscribe, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast to uncover the real reel. Follow Kaylin on Instagram @jiggypuzzles.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you: 

HELLOFRESH – Go to HelloFresh.com/realreel12 and use code realreel12 for 12 free meals, including free shipping 

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Episode 111: You know when you meet someone and feel like you’ve known them forever? That is exactly what happened in this week’s episode with Brevite Backpacks co-founder Dylan Kim! You will hear the instant connection formed by Natalie and Dylan as they discuss company culture, family businesses, TikTok trials and errors, and what it’s like to be named Forbes 30 Under 30. Spoiler alert —there is no trophy. With the goal of bringing a family feel to his business, Dylan is a perfect example that running a company with your two brothers can actually work. As the company grows, the brothers are sticking to their mission and continuing to give back to the community to help create lasting change for the greater good. Tune in for some advice to live by and find out why this is one of Natalie’s favorite episodes.  

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, subscribe, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast to uncover the real reel.  

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Episode 110: Ask and you shall receive! It’s time for another solo episode as Natalie shares her strategies for facing one of her biggest fears – rejection. Tune in to learn the lessons that have helped Natalie break through her personal and entrepreneurial fears including the important shift to start speaking kindly to herself. Not only does Natalie encourage you to ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” but more importantly, “What’s the best thing that could happen?” Just let that soak in for a moment. She also introduces a new segment that is sure to make you smile and feel a little gratitude. Whether you are starting your own company or just looking to face your fears head on, you’re going to need a pen and paper for this advice filled episode. Seriously, Nike had it right: “Just do it!” 

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, subscribe, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast to uncover the real reel.  

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I interviewed Ali Grant, founder of Be Social, a digital communications group based in Los Angeles that specializes in influencer marketing. In this episode we talk about influencer marketing, starting a business at 23, and maintaining relationships. We also talk about being featured in Forbes, managing a team, and the steps of getting acquired. You don’t want to miss this one!

Ali IG: https://www.instagram.com/aligrant/

Be Social IG: https://www.instagram.com/besocialgroup/

Where can you find us?

Natalie's IG: @nataliebarbu

IG: @therealreelpodcast

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/natalie-barbu4/support

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I interviewed Ali Bonar, Founder of Kween + Co. Kween + Co has created the world’s first delicious spreadable granola. In this episode, we talk about starting a business, using influencer marketing to your advantage, and getting your product into bigger chains. We also talk about the importance of being persistent, business finances, and asking for what you want. This is one of my favorite episodes and you don’t want to miss it!

Ali IG: https://www.instagram.com/alibonar/

Kween + Co IG: https://www.instagram.com/kweenandco/

Kween + Co Website: https://kween.co

Where can you find us?

Natalie's IG: @nataliebarbu

IG: @therealreelpodcast

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/natalie-barbu4/support

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Today's episode I sit down with Ariel Oz, she shares style, wellness, career, and beauty tips with her community. Ariel has partnered with numerous brands to create content and spread brand awareness on her social channels. Ariel is also a Communications and Influencer Marketing Specialist who has previously worked with Laura Mercier, Luxury Brand Partners (Oribe Hair Care, Smith & Cult, R+Co, IGK and more) and L’Oreal for the Essie brand.

We discussed: 

Ariel's website: arieloz.com

Ariel's Instagram: @arieloznyc

Where can you find us?

Natalie's IG: @nataliebarbu

IG: @therealreelpodcast

The Rella Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0upQ6d6io0M1mXpyvTW9bS?si=ZxrtGN6JQs2XaFJshxjXlQ

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/natalie-barbu4/support

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I interviewed Josh Landan, founder, and CEO of Ashland Hard Seltzer. Josh has an amazing entrepreneurial story, having sold two alcohol businesses in two different categories in under two years. He is a self-taught genius at capital raising, with investors like Lauryn Evarts, The Salty Blonde, Ali Grant, Chris, and Lauren Lane, actor Adam Devine among several others. Even after all that, he’s a super chill, regular guy.

A couple of notable achievements:

If you want to hear about building a brand, the not pretty side of being an entrepreneur, and pushing past fear then this is the episode for you! 

Ashland IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashlandhardseltzer/

Josh IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshlandan_/

Where can you find us?

Natalie's IG: @nataliebarbu

IG: @therealreelpodcast

My new podcast all about social media, the Rella Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0upQ6d6io0M1mXpyvTW9bS?si=5KvndhxTSZKzOgp7eaCFiA

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/natalie-barbu4/support

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I interviewed my new CO-FOUNDERS of Rella!! Rella is a new social media management tool that will help connect brands and influencers. JohnAnge, Connor, and Nick are the CEO, CTO, and COO of Collab Creative. Collab Creative is a hands-on team of experts who help make your dreams a reality by helping you create your mobile app, web apps, user experience design, and so much more. In this episode we talk about getting a startup off the ground, using your college connections, building a network and so much more. Don’t miss this episode! NEW PODCAST: https://open.spotify.com/show/0upQ6d6io0M1mXpyvTW9bS?si=MP2XqvtSSOuc-geZitsmLQ Collab Creative Website: https://collabcreative.co Rella Instagram: https://bit.ly/32E9QOF Sign up for the Beta version of Rella: https://bit.ly/3sCpPY4 TAKE OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/3auma8N Where can you find us? Natalie's IG: @nataliebarbu IG: @therealreelpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/natalie-barbu4/support

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I interviewed Sandy Lin, an entrepreneur, content creator and business owner. In this episode we talk about moving to the US and starting multiple businesses, finding the right co-founder and using TikTok to your advantage. Sandy also tells us some of her favorite resources for starting a business. You don’t want to miss this one!

Small Business Tips IG: https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinesstips_/

Sandy IG: https://www.instagram.com/bysandylin/

Website: https://sbtcommunity.io/start

Where can you find us?

Natalie's IG: @nataliebarbu

IG: @therealreelpodcast

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/natalie-barbu4/support

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I interviewed Aileen Xu, a content creator, YouTuber, and total girl boss. In this episode we talk about starting a singing YouTube channel and creating content you want to see more of. We also talk about staying true to you, listening to your body, and creating a workbook. I know you will all love this one!

Lavendaire IG: https://www.instagram.com/lavendaire/

Lavendaire Shop: https://shop.lavendaire.com/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linktree&utm_campaign=my+stationery+shop%21

Lavendaire YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ga3onzHSJFAGsIebtVeBg

Lavendaire Lifestyle Podcast: https://www.lavendaire.com/category/podcast/

Where can you find us?

Natalie's IG: @nataliebarbu

IG: @therealreelpodcast

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/natalie-barbu4/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices