I had such an inspiring conversation with Luna Aziz, the CEO & Founder of Legendairy Milk. 

What started as her personal struggle with breastfeeding and milk supply has grown into a mission-driven brand that supports women through every stage of life—from trying to conceive to postpartum and beyond. 

Luna’s story is rooted in resilience, family support, and a deep commitment to women’s health. Her candid honesty about motherhood and entrepreneurship made this conversation both powerful and refreshing.

We talked about the realities of new motherhood, the stigma that still surrounds breastfeeding, and the importance of building products—and a community—that truly support women. Legendairy Milk isn’t just about supplements; it’s about breaking barriers, creating safe spaces for moms, and ensuring products are backed by science and integrity. 

Luna also shared what it’s been like to grow her business over 10 years, the sacrifices she’s made along the way, and her advice to other founders navigating the entrepreneurial journey.

Here are some key moments from our conversation:

* How family support, especially her mom stepping in, made Legendairy Milk possible.

* The personal struggles with milk supply that inspired her first product formulations.

* Why humor and honesty are built into the brand’s packaging and community.

* How Legendairy Milk prioritizes education and support first, products second.

* The certifications, testing, and research that set their supplements apart in a crowded market.

Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and hear how Luna turned her challenges into a brand that has supported moms for over a decade. Whether you’re a parent, a founder, or someone passionate about women’s health, you’ll walk away inspired.

For more on Legendairy Milk, visit: https://www.legendairymilk.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

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Today’s Sponsors:

REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/

REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.

Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/

Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

I had such a fascinating conversation with Anthony Boldin, Founder of LiveComplete.

This isn’t just another protein brand; what Anthony and his team are building could truly change how we think about food, nutrition, and even the future of plant-based eating. What struck me most was his passion, not just for creating a product, but for creating a platform that delivers “no compromises, sacrifice nothing.”

We delved into the science behind LiveComplete’s unique protein blends, including its groundbreaking concept of match rate. Anthony explained how they’ve engineered plant-based proteins to replicate the amino acid profiles of human muscle, making them more effective for building strength, recovering faster, and even maintaining a lean physique.

This isn’t just for vegans; it’s for anyone who wants the most efficient and effective protein available.

Here are some key moments from our conversation:

* Anthony shares how a personal journey into veganism led him to discover protein imbalances and eventually write an algorithm to solve them.

* We delve into match rate, the measurement that determines how well a protein matches the components of our bodies, and why most proteins fall short.

* The story of LiveComplete’s 30+ co-founders and their restaurant-owner energy: passion, sacrifice, and personal commitment to building something better.

* A look at upcoming products like baking mixes and plant-based egg replacements designed to deliver taste, texture, and nutrition without compromise.

* Why Anthony believes LiveComplete is more than a product—it’s a platform for the future of food.

Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and discover why LiveComplete is creating one of the most fascinating food innovations I’ve come across in a long time.

If you’ve ever wished for protein that’s truly optimized for your body—and better for the planet—you’ll want to hear this one.

For more on LiveComplete, visit: https://livecomplete.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

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Today’s Sponsors:

Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above. 

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Lolita Sanders, Founder of Umthi. 

From the very first moment, it was clear how deeply personal her mission is—Umthi isn’t just a skincare brand, it’s rooted in family, culture, and the wisdom passed down through generations. 

Lolita shared how her journey began with her grandmother’s teachings and how she’s transformed that legacy into a brand that blends tradition with modern wellness.

What struck me most about this conversation was Lolita’s commitment to creating products with integrity. She emphasized the importance of staying connected to the earth, honoring her heritage, and creating products that genuinely nurture. 

It’s rare to find a founder who brings such authenticity and care into every part of their business, and listening to her, you can feel that Umthi is about more than beauty—it’s about healing and connection.

Here are a few key moments from the episode:

* How Umthi was born from her grandmother’s influence and a desire to preserve cultural wisdom.

* The meaning behind the name “Umthi” and how it reflects the brand’s roots and purpose.

* Why integrity and intentionality guide every decision, from sourcing to formulation.

* The role of nature and spirituality in her approach to skincare and wellness.

* The challenges and lessons of building a purpose-driven brand in today’s market.

Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and discover how Umthi is weaving heritage, authenticity, and healing into the world of skincare and beyond.

For more on Umthi, visit: https://www.umthi.co.uk/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

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Today’s Sponsors:

Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/

Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/

REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands they believe in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.

I had such a great time talking with Dario Phillips, Co-founder of Slowtide. What started as a simple idea—a better beach towel—has grown into a lifestyle brand that’s as much about art and culture as it is about function. 

Dario shared how Slowtide turned a category often overlooked into something exciting, combining creativity, collaboration, and sustainability in a way that truly resonates with today’s consumer.

What really stood out to me was the way Dario approaches brand building. Slowtide isn’t just about selling towels; it’s about creating products that people connect with and want to showcase in their everyday lives. From artist collaborations to pushing the boundaries of what a towel can be, this is a story about vision, persistence, and transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Here are a few key moments from the episode:

* How a love for surf, art, and culture inspired the very first product idea.

* The journey from a side hustle to a full-fledged brand stocked in major retailers.

* Why artist and brand collaborations have become such a powerful part of their identity.

* The challenges of scaling while staying true to their creative roots and sustainable values.

* Insights into how Slowtide turned a utilitarian product into a lifestyle statement.

Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and discover how Slowtide transformed a simple towel into a cultural canvas, building a brand that inspires creativity and community.

For more on Slowtide, visit: https://slowtide.co/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. 

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Today’s Sponsors:

REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/

REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.

Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/

Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

I loved this conversation with Clive Sher, President & Co-founder of Little Bellies. 

As a parent myself, I’ve heard many brands talk about “organic” or “better-for-you” snacks, but I’ve never heard anyone break it down the way Clive did. From the very start of our chat, I could tell how thoughtful and intentional he and his team are about what goes into their products.

Their mission goes beyond just offering snacks; it’s about guiding parents and children through each age and stage of development in a way that feels supportive, safe, and truly considered.

What struck me most was how Clive described the philosophy behind Little Bellies’ product design, encompassing everything from motor skill development to palate shaping, and avoiding what he calls “health washing.”

It’s a level of care that’s rare in this space, and it gave me a whole new perspective on how much food choices at an early age matter. Honestly, I was blown away.

Here are a few highlights from the episode:

* The story of how a family need, his nephew’s severe food sensitivities inspired the founding of the company nearly 20 years ago.

* Why organic is only the starting point, and how Little Bellies avoids “pseudo-confectionery” by creating truly age-appropriate foods.

* The challenges of launching in North America in 2020, right as the pandemic hit, and how agility helped them adapt.

* A fascinating look at their “age and stage architecture” that supports children from seven months through toddlerhood with carefully designed textures, shapes, and flavors.

* The commitment to brand integrity and why they refuse to compromise, even when retailers request products that don’t align with their values.

Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and discover why Little Bellies isn’t just another snack brand; it’s a partner for parents who want the very best for their children. You’ll find this conversation inspiring, thoughtful, and eye-opening.

For more on Little Bellies, visit: https://littlebellies.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

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Today’s Sponsors:

1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand

Scaling a DTC brand gets harder the bigger you grow, especially when you’re stuck selling on just one channel.  While you’re focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you’re missing. That’s where 1-Commerce comes in. 

They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do. 

As a Story of a Brand listener, you’ll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper. 

Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started

Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they’ve generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year.

Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning. 

I had such an inspiring conversation with Lorraine Corcoran, Founder & CEO of Nyrah Beauty.  Her journey into skincare was deeply personal, sparked by her own search for products that truly worked for her sensitive skin. 

What began as frustration turned into a passion for formulating clean, effective solutions that honor both the science of skincare and the integrity of natural ingredients. Lorraine’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best brands are born from solving problems for ourselves first.

What stood out to me was Lorraine’s intentionality, whether it’s choosing every ingredient with care, building a brand rooted in authenticity, or ensuring that Nyrah Beauty empowers people to feel confident in their own skin.

She opens up about the challenges of breaking into the crowded beauty space, the role of education in building trust, and how she stays grounded while scaling a mission-driven brand.

Here are a few highlights from the episode:

* How personal skincare struggles became the foundation for Nyrah Beauty

* The philosophy of combining science with clean, natural ingredients

* The challenges and opportunities of standing out in a saturated beauty market

* Why education and transparency are central to building customer trust

* Lorraine’s vision for the future of Nyrah Beauty

Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and discover how Lorraine is reshaping beauty with purpose, passion, and authenticity.

For more on Nyrah Beauty, visit: https://nyrahbeauty.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. 

Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

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Today’s Sponsors:

REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/

REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.

Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/

Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

I had such a fascinating conversation with Olivia Landau, Co-founder & CEO of The Clear Cut. 

What started as her passion for educating people about diamonds has evolved into a thriving modern brand that’s revolutionizing the way couples shop for engagement rings. Olivia shared how she went from being a gemologist and content creator to running a direct-to-consumer company that blends education, transparency, and trust at the heart of every customer interaction.

What struck me most was how The Clear Cut’s growth has been fueled not just by beautiful diamonds but by storytelling, social media, and community building. Olivia pulled back the curtain on the early days, the challenges of scaling while staying true to her mission, and how she’s shaping the next chapter of a category that’s been slow to evolve.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

* How a side hustle Instagram account turned into a full-fledged business

* Why education and transparency are the keys to disrupting the diamond industry

* The role social media has played in building community and brand trust

* Challenges of scaling while maintaining personalization in the customer experience

* What’s next for The Clear Cut as they continue to grow and innovate

Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and get inspired by Olivia’s journey of turning her expertise and passion into a brand that’s redefining the engagement ring experience.

For more on The Clear Cut, visit: https://theclearcut.co/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. 

Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

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Today’s Sponsors:

Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above. 

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Meredith Mills-Merritt, Founder of The Original Southside, and this was such a fun and refreshing conversation, literally. 

From the very first sip of her canned cocktail, I was blown away by how crisp, light, and perfectly balanced it tasted. What really struck me, though, was how much heart and thoughtfulness went into every detail of this brand, from the family recipe it was inspired by to the intentional choice of organic, clean ingredients.

Meredith’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and considerable grit. Coming from a background in the beauty industry, she made the leap into the ultra-competitive world of ready-to-drink cocktails, despite having no prior experience in the beverage industry.

What she did bring was a deep love of ingredients, a family gin recipe, and the determination to create something better than what was on the shelf. In our conversation, she shares the highs, the hurdles, and the very personal wins that keep her pushing forward.

Here are a few highlights from the episode:

* How a friend choosing Southside as her wedding drink became a powerful reminder of why Meredith started the brand

* The family recipe origins behind The Original Southside and how Meredith perfected it for the can

* Why being Whole Foods–compliant was a non-negotiable from day one

* The unique challenges of breaking into the alcohol industry’s three-tier distribution system

* Meredith’s go-to strategies for building awareness, from real-life tastings to word-of-mouth advocacy

Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and get inspired by Meredith’s journey of turning a family recipe into a modern, better-for-you cocktail brand.

For more on The Original Southside, visit: https://www.drinksouthsides.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. 

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Today’s Sponsors:

Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started

Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they’ve generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning. 

1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand

Scaling a DTC brand becomes harder the bigger you grow, especially when you’re limited to selling on just one channel.  While you’re focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you’re missing. That’s where 1-Commerce comes in. 

They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do. 

As a Story of a Brand listener, you’ll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper. 

When I think of founder stories that move me to my core, Octavia Morgan’s journey is right at the top. 

In this episode, I sit down with Octavia Morgan, CEO and Creative Director of Octavia Morgan, to discuss building a fine fragrance brand rooted in intention, courage, and community. From her early mornings in meditation to the emotional moment a customer cried after finally finding a scent she could wear, this is a conversation about listening to your calling, even when it’s scary.

Octavia left a stable nursing career to create a fragrance brand for people like her—those with scent sensitivities who still wanted complexity, boldness, and beauty in what they wear. She shares how she took her brand “to the streets,” grew through word of mouth, and developed a fragrance line that’s now carried by Ulta Beauty nationwide. This isn’t just about perfume—it’s about purpose.

Here are a few highlights from the interview:

* The meditation that sparked Octavia’s leap from nursing to entrepreneurship—and the fear she had to face head-on.

* How a tearful customer showed her the deep emotional impact her product could have.

* Why Octavia sells $100+ fine fragrances at upscale markets—and how it built a grassroots community of superfans.

* The real reason so many people suffer from scent sensitivity, and how her clean, filler-free formulations are changing that.

* Her powerful advice for anyone with a dream they’re too scared to pursue: “Why not you?”

Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and discover the story of a founder who’s redefining what it means to follow your intuition and create beauty with integrity. You’ll walk away inspired and probably wanting to smell every scent she’s ever made.

For more on Octavia Morgan, visit: https://octaviamorgan.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. 

Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

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Today’s Sponsors:

1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand

Scaling a DTC brand gets harder the bigger you grow, especially when you’re stuck selling on just one channel.  While you’re focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you’re missing. That’s where 1-Commerce comes in. 

They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do. 

As a Story of a Brand listener, you’ll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper. 

Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started

Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they’ve generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.

When I first saw the product from NoNormal, I was intrigued. A coffee paste… in a tube? I’d never seen anything like it. But as someone who loves coffee and spends a lot of time outdoors, I instantly got the appeal. 

In this episode, I chat with Alexander Haberlin, co-founder of NoNormal, about how a backcountry hike in Switzerland sparked a completely new way to experience coffee and how it evolved from a spray-painted tomato paste tube to a beautiful, functional, adventure-ready product.

We go deep into the product story, the entrepreneurial journey, and the intentional choices behind flavor, packaging, and mission.

As I sipped the coffee while we talked, I was blown away. Not only is it incredibly convenient, but it also tastes great. You can drink it hot, cold, or even spread it on toast. What started as a creative solution for outdoor coffee drinkers has evolved into a ritual and is now a growing brand with a passionate community.

Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation:

* NoNormal’s coffee paste is a first-of-its-kind, shelf-stable product made with Fairtrade Arabica beans and housed in recyclable aluminum tubes—born from a love of hiking and a need for better trail coffee.

* Alexander and his co-founder hand-filled the first prototypes in their Swiss kitchen, validating the idea via crowdfunding before going all-in on manufacturing.

* The product found early success through a mix of “chaos packaging” buzz and genuine functionality for outdoor adventurers—and even jungle explorers!

* Their biggest lesson: validate early, prototype fast, and don’t be afraid to mix form and function with love and obsession over the details.

* Whether it’s stirred in hot water, blended into peanut butter, or licked off a spoon during a jungle trek, NoNormal coffee is all about that magic moment of pause and pleasure in the outdoors.

Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to the episode and discover how a bold, unusual idea can become a beautiful, purposeful product. This isn’t just a coffee story; it’s a story of creativity, intention, and building something remarkable from the ground up.

For more on NoNormal visit: https://nonormal.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. 

Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

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Today’s Sponsors:

Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/

Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/

REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands they believe in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.