The Story of a Brand Show

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

The Tasting Alliance competitions are considered the most influential for a reason. They have elevated the reputation of thousands of brands, and represent the ultimate curator for the world's best wine and spirits. Receiving a medal from the organization is a critical next step for any producer to earn recognition in the industry.

Today, we interview Amanda Blue, President & COO of The Tasting Alliance. The Tasting Alliance is the ultimate resource for the best in wine and spirits. Hundreds of their judges have spent hours evaluating every product on their site so you don't have to.

We discussed:

* What she's grateful for * How her father was an editor at Bon Appétit Magazine * Overview and origin of The Tasting Alliance * How The Tasting Alliance Process works and why it's the Oscars of the Booze industry * Why young brands can see an increase in sales by 10x when winning an award * The events including San Francisco World Spirits Competition * What consumers will find at the Top Shelf gala, including masterclasses * Adding new categories including ready to drink, no & low alcohol and more * The benefits for a brand beyond winning awards * And so much more…

Join Ramon Vela and Amanda Blue as we break down the inside story of The Tasting Alliance on The Story of a Brand.

For more on The Tasting Alliance, visit: https://thetastingalliance.com/events/12123/

Purchase tickets for their TOP SHELF event before March 31st and receive a discount, promo code: TA20

Visit The Tasting Alliance e-commerce partner: https://www.reservebar.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Brian says, "I just hope that [hair and color] could be the catalyst of a conversation that becomes a friendship that becomes more. Maybe it saves someone's life because they didn't feel alone that day."

Today, we interview Brian O'Connor, Co-founder of Good Dye Young. Good Dye Young was created by Hayley Williams, lead singer of the Grammy Award winning band Paramore, and her longtime hair stylist and makeup artist, Brian O'Connor.

Good Dye Young cultivates a safe and inclusive community that values vibrant self-expression and creativity. They also make bad ass hair products.

We discussed:

* What he's grateful for * How he met his co-founder Hayley Williams and their relationship * How & why they started the brand * Brian's origins including growing up in a broken home, experiencing loneliness, depression, shame, and finding safe harbor with his grandparents * His "bag of ash" idea and how he wants to leave the world with something bigger * Why he is passionate about Good Die Young being a place for every body, every shape, size, color, and walk of life * Building a family and creative, safe space and how hair/color could be a gateway to a human connection * Giving people a DIY-at-home experience * A review of products, where to buy, and so much more…

Join Ramon Vela and Brian O'Connor as we break down the inside story of Good Dye Young on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Good Dye Young, visit: https://gooddyeyoung.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Forest says, "68% of us pretend to check stuff (on phones) in order to avoid talking to people. 20% reported checking their phone while having sex. I don't know how it's possible, but okay? That's just bonkers. Talk about a lack of meaningful connection and intimacy. I think something like 47% reported phone use in their relationship being one of the top two causes of fights."

Today, we interview Forest Bronzan, Partner at Digital Detox. Digital Detox provides the skills to help you slowly bring your life and phone use back into balance—so technology can help you be a better parent and friend and partner and colleague.

As they say at Digital Detox, you deserve to feel better physically and mentally. To experience life in the moment. And to take back control of your time.

We discussed:

* What he's grateful for * An overview and origin of Digital Detox * In memoriam: The story of Levi Felix, Founder of Digital Detox and Friend * How Forest became involved with Digital Detox * Stats and the emotional and physical impact that technology can have on our lives * What you can do to bring balance into your life (and not let technology control your life) * Why Digital Detox is not Anti-technology * Tips that you can use in your daily life to minimize the impact of technology * Parenting and technology * The wildly popular Digital Detox Newsletter and what you can expect from it and more…

Join Ramon Vela and Forest Bronzan as we break down the inside story of Digital Detox on The Story of a Brand.

Learn about Digital Detox and sign up for the newsletter at https://www.digitaldetox.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Erica says, "it's safe to eat raw, there's less sugar, there's added protein. It's a healthier version of a snack that's normally not vegan, but ours is plant-based... so you have health-conscious consumers who exercise or look for cleaner ingredients, who wouldn't really normally eat the Pillsbury stuff that's on the shelf... and kids love it too."

Today, we interview Erica Rankin, Founder & Chief Everything at Bro Dough. The best part of Bro Dough is that you are SUPPOSED to eat their cookie dough raw!

Bro Dough is a is a healthier way to indulge in your favorite childhood treat. Low in sugar, 100% plant-based, and only quality ingredients. With added protein, Bro Dough is perfect for that post workout snack, or afternoon treat you can feel good eating.

We discussed:

• Who and what she's grateful for

• The origin, overview, and the Why for Bro Dough Brand

• How she started creating "better for you" versions of snacks in her kitchen

• What strategies have helped her cope with the harsh entrepreneurial journey

• Erica's morning routine and how she sets herself up for success

• Her New Year's Eve routine that starts her year

• The Bro Dough Formula

• Why pivoting has been an important strategy for her

• Her answer to what the title of her memoir would be and what mine would be

• Where it's available, where to buy and so much more…

Join Ramon Vela and Erica Rankin as we break down the inside story of Bro Dough on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Bro Dough, visit: https://brodough.ca/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Tyler says, "We are pasture raised. So our chickens are out on our pastures with movable hoops with free access to the outside. They get to run out in the sun. They get to eat grass and dig bugs… their pituitary glands are right, their vitamin D levels are right. We are raising chickens the way they are meant to be raised; the way their genetics and instincts are set up. And so that quality of life translates into the quality of the chicken."

Today, we interview Tyler Dawley, Head Chicken Wrangler at Big Bluff Ranch. Big Bluff Ranch is dedicated to regenerative agriculture and farming practices. They raise healthy organic chicken and help protect, preserve, improve, and sustain the land for future generations.

We discussed:

* What he's grateful for: finding his life's calling * How Big Bluff Ranch grabs your soul and is like a spiritual connection to the land * The origin of the ranch, including how his parents met (this is a great story!) * How listeners can experience a digital detox and beautiful lake at his ranch * What is pasture raised chickens and why it's how chickens are supposed to be raised * Why they take land stewardship, holistic management, and regenerative farming seriously * Why "quality of life translates to the quality of the chicken?" * Why there is a disconnect between consumers, food and the land * Why your food dollars matter and why the food we eat affects the environment

Join Ramon Vela and Tyler Dawley as we break down the inside story of Big Bluff Ranch on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Big Bluff Ranch, visit: https://www.bigbluffranch.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Alina and Vanessa say, "when people talk about let's represent Latinos, especially from a female standpoint, the first thing you see is that there's this belief that the average Latina is the sex pot. And I'm sorry to use this word because it's an awful word to use, but not every woman that is Latina walks around with, you know, her boobs out and her butt up to here and this and this and that..."

Today, we interview Alina Gonzalez and Vanessa Ramos, Co-founders at Erenzia Beauty. Erenzia Beauty is a brand with a mission and purpose, born out of the ideal that all women deserve better beauty. And, at the center of it all, a celebration of the Latina woman–her allure, beauty and unique essence blending generations of deeply rooted traditions with modern-day life.

We discussed:

*What they are grateful for *The origin and overview of Erenzia Beauty * How can brands provide more representation and dispel sexual stereotypes? * How its not about vanity but about "self confidence" * Why "Latinos" can't be lumped together and why we're complex * The difficulties of raising capital and their personal experience * The vision for their brand * Their "Amigas Program" affiliate model and why this is also about financial empowerment * And so much more…

Join Ramon Vela, Alina Gonzalez and Vanessa Ramos as we break down the inside story of Erenzia Beauty on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Erenzia Beauty, visit: https://erenziabeauty.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Jennifer says, "we've intentionally branded it in a really weird, unique and magical way. If you explore our website and look at the bottle, it really stands out. We wanted to evoke a potion or, or magical feeling. And the product itself is incredibly versatile. It is not only delicious on its own, you can pair with pretty much anything: whiskey, tequila, gin, vodka, sparkling wine, even some beers. And it makes these products taste better. And from my perspective, it elevates every kind of drink that it's put into, whether it's a simple cocktail or just drinking it on ice or mixing it in a really complex cocktail."

Today, we interview Jennifer Toyzer, Founder & CEO of UME. UME is a delightfully tart, mildly sweet plum spirit featuring a show-stopping royal purple hue. It's made from all-natural plums, grapes, & black cherries, with hints of green apple and lemon. It has 17% ABV, gluten-free, with half the sugar of similar apéritifs and is produced responsibly in California.

We discussed:

* What she's grateful for * Encouragement to other founders * Overview and origin of UME * Launching during COVID and the supply issues they experienced * Getting validation from the industry * Review of the product, including ingredients, history, and working with a mixologist * Why UME is like a magical potion and condiment for your bar * Advice for founders and dreamers building a business * And more…

Join Ramon Vela and Jennifer Toyzer as we break down the inside story of UME on The Story of a Brand.

For more on UME, visit: https://www.drinkume.com/

Try some by using this promo code: STORYOFAPOTION10

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Arthur says, "I think part of the entrepreneurial journey in our country is that everyone thinks it is so damn easy. The success stories we've read about. The billion dollar exits that are so far and few between. I think it's disillusioning when they see that, because this is a blood, sweat and tears industry to build something."

Today, we interview Arthur Gallego, CEO of Gallego & Co Marketing and a 2023 SKU Mentor. Arthur is the preeminent Food & Beverage marketing expert and has worked with clients such as OLIPOP, Health-Ade Kombucha, Vita Coco, Flow Spring Water, LifeAid, BulletProof 360, CANN, Hop WTR, Chomps, Vervet and more.

We discussed 3 major topics: 1) Why an Accelerator?, 2) Entrepreneurial Psychology, and 3) What to look at Expo West 2023

* What is SKU? * Difference between incubator and accelerator * What Arthur likes about SKU * The SKU 2023 Track * SKU vetting process * What makes a good accelerator? * What the SKU process looks like? * Entrepreneurship Psychology, including single mindedness, Shark Tank Affect and more * How to become more emotionally aware as an entrepreneur * Going to Expo West 2023 * Trends to look for at Expo West and in Food & Beverage * And so much more…

Join Ramon Vela and Arthur Gallego as we break down the inside story of Gallego & Co Marketing and a 2023 SKU Mentor on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Gallego & Co., visit: https://www.gallegoandco.com/ For more on SKU, visit: https://sku.is/

For more on Natural Products Expo West, visit: https://www.expowest.com/en/home.html

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Darin says, "really one of the best jigsaw puzzles on the market and really elevating it to be unilaterally the best product on the market. And really creating a whole new stratosphere within this category. And it's a category that's very ancient. It's been around in its current form for hundreds of years and in some basic form for thousands of years. And to be able to continue to innovate and elevate on something that's old is a special project."

Today, we interview Darin Hardy, President & CEO of Blue Kazoo. Blue Kazoo is a premium jigsaw puzzle company that focuses on a few favorite 1,000-piece puzzles at a time, artfully designed and conscientiously crafted.

We discuss:

*We he's grateful for * Overview and origin of the Blue Kazoo * Does being in the military give you special insight to building a brand? * Blue Kazoo's success during the pandemic * His vision for the business * What makes Blue Kazoo different from other puzzles on the market * Why we learn most from our failures * His lessons from his previous experience at the Nasty Gal brand * How to turn customers into fans * Working with artist to produce unique puzzles * And more…

Join Ramon Vela and Darin Hardy as we break down the inside story of Blue Kazoo on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Blue Kazoo, visit: https://bluekazoo.games/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Lauren says, "Me teaching you a healthy meal is not gonna save you. A diet by itself can't save you. You have to understand how to fuel your body, manage your stress, really understand how to cope with life as it happens. You can't talk about nutrition and you can't talk about even entrepreneurship without talking about mindset."

Today, we interview Lauren Hubert, Registered Dietician, Founder, and CEO of The Sorority Nutritionist. The Sorority Nutritionist.

We discuss:

* What she's grateful for * An overview and origin of the brand * Her philosophy around diet, including food first, exercise second, habits, and dealing with stress. Why your mindset is so important and why being hard on yourself is the biggest challenge. * Why your eating habits are a hot mess * Her Hot and Healthy Method explained * Advice to entrepreneurs such as you need to be "relentlessly" yourself * What type of foods should you eat * What fast-food places are good place to eat to stay on your diet * Why we make weight-loss emotional * Who she works with and why

Join Ramon Vela and Lauren Hubert as we break down the inside story of The Sorority Nutritionist on The Story of a Brand.

For more on The Sorority Nutritionist, visit: https://thesororitynutritionist.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!