The Story of a Brand Show

Note: Recorded during the shelter in place, the audio quality is spotty but the Wisdom is real.   Here on Story of a Brand, we love hearing the hero stories for all entrepreneurs, especially from all of our female-owned partners who continue to break boundaries every single day. In the second part of this Feature, Rathna Sharad, Founders & CEO at FlavorCloud, shares the challenges she overcame during the starting of her entrepreneurial journey.  As Rathna mentions “as a woman, what you hear, is really true.” Rathna saw the impacts between building connections, funding, and having those large-big-picture conversations. Rathna's comments regarding her obstacles and her advice on how best to combat those obstacles will benefit any entrepreneur no matter what gender you are. Here's the rest of her story.   In part two, Rathna discusses Being primed by Amazon Prime; COVID Implications; The growth of international e-commerce; The new reality of building a brand to be international; Sharad's background; Dealing with work-related stresses through kickboxing and yoga; Expressing the client experience through FlavorCloud; Optimizing shipping strategies while remaining cost-effective; and so much more.    Join us while Ramon Vela interviews Rathna in Part 2 of this episode and listen to her share the inside story of a brand.   For more on FlavorCloud visit: https://flavorcloud.com/     Visit our sponsors: Retention Science - RetentionScience.com

Note: Recorded during the shelter in place, the audio quality is spotty but the Wisdom is real.     In the first part of this Feature, Rathna Sharad, Founders & CEO at FlavorCloud, discusses the in's and out's of FlavorCloud. FlavorCloud is the solution for all brands hoping to avoid the complexities of international shipping and returns. FlavorCloud manages, organizes, and fixes all of your international shipping and return needs so that you as a brand can focus on your priorities: your consumers. Having years of previous supply chain experience beforehand, Rathna understood that there was a huge issue of having to work with different companies fragmenting your international sales strategy. Introducing FlavorCloud means reducing complexity and implementing a shipping strategy that will be as friction-free, affordable, and as easy as downloading an app from the Shopify store. Here's her story.     In part one, Rathna discusses FlavorCloud, what it is and how it works; The Origins of FlavorCloud; Looking at every possible solution until finding the right one; Pivoting the previous company into FlavorCloud; The complexities of the problem; Your borderless consumers and so much more.      Join us while Ramon Vela interviews Rathna in Part 1 of this episode and listen to her share the inside story of a brand.     For more on FlavorCloud visit: https://flavorcloud.com/     Visit our sponsors: Retention Science - RetentionScience.com

In the second part of this Feature, Andrew Estey, Founders & CEO at QLTY Objective, comes back on the show to talk to us about the ins and outs of Qlty Objective. As a shoe guy, Andrew shows the importance of having a work boot that has both comfortability and functionality. Whether you’ve been in the trade game for a long time and would love a change of pace in gear OR you’ve just started off in your new job, this is the time to start your journey with Qlty Objective. Here's the rest of the story.    In part two, Andrew discusses The Qlty Objective Motto; The testing process and finding the perfect design; Building a product while building a brand; The details in the design; The importance of “Word of Mouth” advertising, and how it could make or break a company; Making decisions between D2C and wholesale; Admiring those who work in the trade; and so much more.    Join us while Ramon Vela interviews Andrew in Part 2 of this episode and listen to him share the inside story of a brand.   For more on QLTY Objective visit: https://www.qltyobjective.com/     Visit Our Sponsors: Fenix Commerce - https://www.fenixcommerce.com/ Retention Science - RetentionScience.com

In the first part of this Feature, Andrew Estey, Founders & CEO at QLTY Objective, talks about how he came up with the idea to create a quality work boot for a reasonable price that won’t break the bank. Through adapting to staying indoors and the acceleration of online buying and living, our essential workers/tradespeople still got up every single morning to ensure our day to day was still running smoothly. Specifically for our orange vested workers continuing the craft of building, maintaining our road, bridges, houses, office buildings, and more, Estey recognizes the hard work they put in every day by creating durable, well-made, affordable gear so that they could save your hard-earned money. Whether you’re looking for regular boots or a steel toe, Qlty Objective has you covered.  Thank you for our tradespeople! Here's the story of QLTY Objective.    In part one, Andrew discusses Who is Qlty Objective; The Origins of the company; The drive through Denver and the A-HA moment; The industry that doesn’t stop; Keeping partners that stay with you on the journey; Having the ability to adapt through all situations; COVID Impacts; And so much more.    Join us while Ramon Vela interviews Andrew in Part 1 of this episode and listen to him share the inside story of a brand.   For more on QLTY Objective visit: https://www.qltyobjective.com/     Visit Our Sponsors: Fenix Commerce - https://www.fenixcommerce.com/ Retention Science - RetentionScience.com

In the second half of this Feature, Jessy Fofana, Founder & CEO at LaRue PR, shares with us the value of taking a risk in order to take a stance. Larue PR makes it very clear that they are not here to create veils for those companies that choose to play Switzerland. The relationship between the company and consumers aren’t built merely on discount emails nor targeted advertising, but the connection made through the values and experiences that we share as individuals and community. Here's the rest of the story.   In part two, Jessy discusses: Aligning the consumer with your social stances; Taking the Risk to Share Your Views; Jessy Fofana’s background; Intertwining your company with what’s happening right now; Balancing your finances between PR and Ad investments; Discovering your own PR strategy; And so much more.    Join us while Ramon Vela interviews Jessy in Part 2 of this episode and listen to her share the inside story of a brand.   For more on LaRue PR visit: https://www.laruepr.com/     Visit our Sponsors: Retention Science - RetentionScience.com

In the first half of this Feature, Jessy Fofana, Founder & CEO at LaRue PR, comes on the show to talk about COVID impacts, creating unique strategies for their clients, and ultimately figuring out the best ways to adapt businesses to an ever-changing environment. With both COVID and BLM Movements, it’s more than just a PR story for Fofana, it’s a way to input “real change from the bottom up.” No matter what direction you choose to drive your company, Larue PR helps to ensure that it always remains genuine.   In part one, Jessy discusses: Who is Larue PR; COVID impacts: living through media; Creating strategies unique to their clients; Wording the right responses & being proactive; Working pro bono to incite change; It’s not just about the product; And so much more.    Join us while Ramon Vela interviews Jessy in Part 1 of this episode and listen to her share the inside story of a brand.   For more on LaRue PR visit: https://www.laruepr.com/     Visit our Sponsors: Retention Science - RetentionScience.com

In the second half of this Feature, Gregory Laketek, Co-Founder & COO at Salumi Chicago, explains how not only does Salumi Chicago provide quality Italian style meat, but it also makes each of their products as organic as possible. With no sugar, nitrates, hormones, or antibiotics added, Salumi Chicago meat comes as natural as possible. Listen in today as Greg talks about building a company, finding the market for your company, and the future of Chicago Salumi. Here's the rest of the story.    In part two, Greg discusses The process of creating Salumi Chicago; The importance of ingredients; Finding the marketing and gearing towards that market; Managing revenue through Amazon; The Future of Salumi; Where to find Salumi (online/in-person pick-up); And so much more.    Join us while Ramon Vela interviews Greg in Part 2 of this episode and listen to him share the inside story of a brand.   For more on Salumi Chicago, visit: https://salumichicago.com/     Retention Science - RetentionScience.com/sob

In the first half of this Feature, Gregory Laketek, Co-Founder & COO at Salumi Chicago, shows us what it takes to have true mastery of your craft. After buying a one-way ticket to Italy, Greg did everything it takes in order to perfect the craft of creating salumi. With hours upon hours of training in Parma, Italy, Greg was ready to bring Italian quality meat to the United States through Salumi Chicago. Salumi Chicago is a company based out of Illinois that is dedicated to bringing organic quality meats to another level. Listen in today to hear about how learning a craft in Italy isn’t only an episode in Master of None, it’s a reality.    In part one, Greg discusses The Founder’s origin story; Not only quitting your day job but leaving the country; The importance of being a lifelong learner; Getting mastery of your craft; Building a quality food company; Creating traction and value in the food business; And so much more.    Join us while Ramon Vela interviews Greg in Part 1 of this episode and listen to him share the inside story of a brand.   For more on Salumi Chicago visit: https://salumichicago.com/     Retention Science - RetentionScience.com/sob

In the second part of this Feature, Arshad Bahl, Founders & CEO at Amrita Health Foods, explains that for all of those who are worried about catching breakfast on their way to work, whether it’s the lack of time or dietary restrictions like allergies or veganism, worry no more. Armita Foods is providing the perfect on-the-go snack for all of those who need a quick bite and don’t want to waste any time. Amrita Foods recreates the experience for all of those who want to receive all of the nutrients that they need while also enjoying the taste. As Arshad says, the protein bars in themselves are reimagined to not taste like the traditional protein bars but still provide the consumer with the right amount of protein that they need. Here's the rest of the story.   In part two, Arshad discusses; COVID Impacts; Product transparency and the importance of ingredients; Recreating the taste of a protein bar; The COVID Pantry; Armita’s social mission; Packaging and pricing; Future of Amrita; And so much more.    Join us while Ramon Vela interviews Arshad in Part 2 of this episode and listen to him share the inside story of a brand.   For more on Amrita Health Foods visit: https://www.amritahealthfoods.com/     Fenix Commerce - https://www.fenixcommerce.com/ Retention Science - RetentionScience.com

In the first part of this Feature, Arshad Bahl, Founders & CEO at Amrita Health Foods, shares with us a touching story on how he turned his love for creating snacks for the benefit of his son, into a health food company that’s geared towards everyone’s nutritional needs. From experimenting with DIY Youtube recipes to creating the perfect versions, Armita Health Foods creates on-the-go nutrition bars for all consumers that are free from the top nine allergens. Armita Foods stays true to their mission of providing grab-and-go snacks for those that not only want to be healthier but for any of those who have dietary restrictions.    In part one, Arshad discusses The founding story; Turning a passion into a company; Being your own consumer and founder; Creating the demand for your product; Thoughts surrounding giving up your day job; Staying true to your mission; And so much more.    Join us while Ramon Vela interviews Arshad in Part 1 of this episode and listen to him share the inside story of a brand.   For more on Amrita Health Foods visit: https://www.amritahealthfoods.com/     Fenix Commerce - https://www.fenixcommerce.com/ Retention Science - RetentionScience.com