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What does it take to build a jewelry brand from scratch — starting with nothing but Instagram DMs, a deep personal loss, and an unshakeable vision? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Shenice Johnson, founder of Nine14 Jewelry, for an honest and tactical breakdown of what lean startup entrepreneurship actually looks like in the jewelry and accessories space. Shenice opens up about rebuilding her brand after a major health and personal setback, why she chooses quality over quantity in every collection drop, how gold costs and pricing strategy shape her product decisions, and what founder visibility and authentic storytelling have meant for her brand growth. Plus — hear how community events like Create & Cultivate Festival 2026 have become a cornerstone of her networking and brand-building strategy. If you're a founder building a product brand on a tight budget, navigating a relaunch, or trying to turn a personal story into a brand identity that converts — this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Shenice Johnson and Nine14 Jewelry
01:23 Shenice's personal story and inspiration behind her brand
03:11 Early days: From college to jewelry business
07:12 The importance of purpose and legacy in her brand
12:34 Deciding to start lean and sourcing jewelry
20:23 Steps to find quality jewelry and stones
30:21 How Shenice chooses pieces for her collections
32:54 The success of her sell-out drops and future plans
37:20 Relaunching after setbacks and brand evolution
41:09 Expanding into wellness and community collaborations
46:37 Goals for 2027 and beyond
58:54 Advice to her younger self and future aspirations
Connect With Us:Our Guest: Shenice Johnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshenicelj/
Guest Brand - Nine14 Jewelry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nine14.jewelry/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nine14.jewelry
Nine14 Official Website: https://nine14jewelry.com/
Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: @milanterezTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: @trenchesthepodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod...
Jewelry brand, entrepreneurship, sourcing, branding, community, wellness, fashion, business strategy, self-funded, creative marketing
What happens when the life you planned looks nothing like the life you're actually meant to build? In this Rapid Fire episode of TRENCHES, host Milan Terez sits down with Shenice Johnson, founder of Nine14 Jewelry, for a quick but deeply personal look at the decisions, setbacks, and pivots that shaped her brand. Shenice gets into the meaning behind the Nine14 name, the costly sample mistakes that came with launching her second collection, why product photography is non-negotiable for jewelry brands, and how her personal health experiences are quietly shaping her next venture in women's health and wellness. Recorded in the energy of Create & Cultivate Festival 2026, this one is equal parts tactical and deeply human. If you're a founder navigating a career pivot, rebuilding after a mistake, or trying to build a brand that actually means something — this one's for you.
Key Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Shenice Johnson and her brand02:04 The meaning behind the Nine14 Jewelry brand name03:06 Deciding to delay the second collection launch04:34 Future plans for Nine14 Jewelry in retail and collaborations06:26 The most expensive mistake in her business journey07:19 Shenice's emotional support tools for stress management08:15 Her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer09:16 What she would build if not jewelry09:40 Her focus on women's health and wellness initiatives10:07 Closing remarks and where to follow Shenice
Connect With Us:Our Guest: Shenice Johnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshenicelj/
Guest Brand - Nine14 Jewelry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nine14.jewelry/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nine14.jewelry
Nine14 Official Website: https://nine14jewelry.com/
Our Host: Milan Terez
Instagram: @milanterez
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: @trenchesthepodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod...
Jewelry brand, entrepreneurship, sourcing, branding, community, wellness, fashion, business strategy, self-funded, creative marketing, jewelry Design, Brand Building, Women in Business, Wellness, Collaboration, Business Growth, Endometriosis Awareness
What does it take to leave a marketing career, bootstrap a non-alcoholic beverage brand, and get it in front of consumers at Coachella all while navigating FDA regulations, custom packaging costs, and influencer gifting gone wrong? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Parker Papaccio, founder of SIPPL, for the full behind-the-scenes breakdown of building a health-focused drink brand from the ground up. Parker covers the entire founder journey: product development and flavor testing, budgeting and initial investment, retail expansion and distribution challenges, building community through in-person events, and what she'd do differently with influencer marketing. If you're launching a beverage brand, building in the health and wellness space, or trying to get a physical consumer product to market — this is the episode you've been looking for.
Key Takeaways
Product development process for SIPPLBootstrapping and initial investmentConsumer feedback and market researchBuilding community through events and social mediaNavigating regulations and legal considerationsStrategic marketing and brand identityDistribution channels and logisticsLessons learned from Coachella and influencer marketing
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez
01:07 Parker's Journey to Entrepreneurship
04:22 Building in Health and Wellness
06:38 Transitioning In and Out of Fast-Paced Environments
07:21 Time Management and Juggling Responsibilities
11:08 Developing a Non-Alcoholic Drink Mix
13:51 Product Development Insights for Beverage Brands
18:17 SIPPL's Unique Position in the Beverage Market
20:25 Innovative Mixology: Crafting Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
21:49 Navigating Consumer Education and Market Challenges
24:25 Budgeting and Financial Insights for Startups
25:56 Perfecting the Product: Flavor Development and Feedback
26:43 Retail Expansion: Strategies and Distribution Challenges
30:10 The Cost of Custom Packaging
34:02 Building Community: The Role of In-Person Events
38:16 Experiencing Coachella: Opportunities and Lessons Learned
42:32 Influencer Gifting 101
45:43 The Importance of Contracts in Business Partnerships
51:37 Creating a Cohesive Brand Identity
52:57 Building in Public: The Founder Journey
58:45 Community and Confidence: The Driving Forces
01:01:22 Vision for the Future: Beyond the Trenches
01:03:38 Embracing Uncertainty: The Path to Success
01:05:53 Trenches with Milan Terez
Resources
Bev Source - https://www.bevsource.com
ShipBob - https://www.shipbob.com
ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com
Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com
Connect With Us:
Our Guest: Parker Papaccio
Guest Brand - SIPPL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipplmixology/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipplmixology
SIPPL Official Website: https://sipplmixology.com/
Our Host: Milan Terez
Instagram: / milanterez
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan Terez
Instagram: / trenchesthepodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast
startup, entrepreneurship, beverage brand, SIPPL, branding, manufacturing, business growth, founder insights, mocktail mix, margarita mix, beverage, product development, community building, health and wellness, brand strategy, bootstrapping, Coachella, influencer marketing
What does it actually cost financially, mentally, and strategically to launch a functional beverage brand from scratch? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Parker Papaccio, founder of SIPPL, to break down the real behind-the-scenes of building a drink startup. Parker gets into the full founder playbook: how she found and vetted manufacturing partners, the early business decisions that carried major financial consequences, what brand recognition actually looks like as a traction signal, and how she keeps her focus sharp in the chaos of early-stage startup life. If you're building in the beverage space, launching a consumer product brand, or trying to figure out how to make a physical product company work this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways
Brand recognition is a key indicator of traction.Finding the right manufacturing partners is crucial and costly.Routine workouts help manage stress and maintain focus.Naming a brand can carry deep meaning and strategic intent.Early business decisions can have significant financial impacts.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez
00:39 Digging Deeper with Parker Papaccio
06:18 Trenches with Milan Terez
Connect With Us:Our Guest: Parker Papaccio
Guest Brand - SIPPL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipplmixology/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipplmixology
SIPPL Official Website: https://sipplmixology.com/
Our Host: Milan Terez
Instagram: / milanterez
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan Terez
Instagram: / trenchesthepodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast
startup, entrepreneurship, beverage brand, SIPPL, branding, manufacturing, business growth, founder insights, mocktail mix, margarita mix
In this inspiring interview, Michelle Doan tells us what does two decades in the beauty industry actually teach you about building a brand that lasts? In this episode of TRENCHES host Milan Terez goes deep with Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Cosmetics, on what it takes to scale a clean beauty brand internationally in one of the most competitive markets in the world. Michelle breaks down the full product development playbook: including the three P's of skincare (Potency, Delivery, and Provenance), innovations in Korean fermentation technology, and how the beauty industry has evolved over 20 years. From surviving a Thai refugee camp to building a globally recognized clean beauty brand, Michelle's story is equal parts tactical and deeply human. If you're a beauty founder, a product developer, or someone building in a saturated market, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways
Michelle Doan's personal journey and resilienceThe evolution of the beauty industry over two decadesThe three P's of skincare: Potency, Delivery, ProvenanceInnovations in Korean fermentation technologyStrategies for scaling a beauty brand internationally
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Trenches01:32 Michelle Doan's Journey: From Struggles to Success08:41 The Birth of Emani Cosmetics14:37 Navigating the Beauty Industry as a Founder18:03 The Evolution of Clean Beauty19:51 Understanding the Three P's of Skincare24:43 The Science of Korean Fermentation Technology28:03 Adapting and Reformulating Products30:18 The Art of Product Development32:03 Navigating the Beauty Industry: A Founder's Guide35:05 Sustainability in Beauty: Why Packaging Matters39:18 Scaling and Distribution: The Modern Landscape43:01 From Zero to One: Key Changes for Growth49:34 International Expansion: Timing and Strategy51:52 The Future of Cosmetics: Personalization and Education52:57 How to be an Affective Leader55:01 Understanding Hormones and Skincare57:40 Self-Care for Founders: Recognizing the Signs of Breakthrough59:47 Embracing Positivity and Perspective01:02:10 Overcoming Adversity and Building Self-Worth01:05:32 The Power of Presence and Gratitude
Connect With Us:Our Guest: Michelle DoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/
Guest Brand - Emani CosmeticsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanicosmeticsWebsite: https://emani.com
Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod...
entrepreneurship, women in business, CPG brands, building a business, Michelle Doan, Emani Cosmetics, beauty brand, entrepreneurship, success, scaling, marketing, personal growth, Beauty industry, clean beauty, product development, scaling, sustainability, Korean fermentation, entrepreneurship, women founders, skincare, international expansion
In this episode of Beyond the Trenches Digging Deeper, What does it take to build a successful beauty brand when you started with nothing and we mean nothing? In this episode of TRENCHES, host Milan Terez sits down with Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Cosmetics, who shares her remarkable journey from surviving a Thai refugee camp to scaling a recognized beauty brand. Michelle gets real about what sustainable brand growth actually looks like: why she stopped bottomless spending on paid marketing, how she shifted to genuine content that converts, and what working smarter not harder has meant for her business and her life. If you're a beauty founder, a first-generation entrepreneur, or someone building a brand on resilience and purpose, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways
Success is not overnight; it requires persistence and strategic effort.Working smarter, not harder, is key to sustainable growth.Avoid bottomless spending on marketing; focus on genuine content.Balance and self-care are crucial for long-term success.Interior design is a personal passion that fosters creativity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Trenches01:32 Welcome to Digging Deeper with Michelle Doan02:04 How to Stay Committed02:41 Overnight Success02:54 Working Hard or Hardly Working03:29 Overspending on Meta Ads04:00 How to Scale a Beauty Brand04:11 Are Marketing Agencies a SCAM?04:45 Life Passions and Hobbies
Connect With Us:Our Guest: Michelle DoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/
Guest Brand - Emani CosmeticsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanicosmeticsWebsite: https://emani.com
Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod...
entrepreneurship, women in business, CPG brands, building a business, Michelle Doan, Emani Cosmetics, beauty brand, entrepreneurship, success, scaling, marketing, personal growth
What happens when a marketing career in NYC leaves you craving real connection and you decide to build the solution yourself? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Sarah Dalley, founder of Bonding Over Books, a community-building conversation game designed to reduce loneliness and spark meaningful connection. Sarah breaks down the full founder journey: product development and physical product validation, retail strategy, funding through community programs, and what it actually takes to build a purpose-driven brand from scratch. If you're a founder building around a social mission, navigating funding for a physical product, or just trying to make something that genuinely matters — this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways
Journey from marketing to entrepreneurship
Creating a community-focused product
Funding and retail strategy for physical products
Product testing and validation
Funding through community programs
Building a brand with purpose
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez
01:23 The Journey to Bonding Over Books
02:44 What It's Like Working in Lifecycle Marketing
03:49 When Moving Home is the RIGHT Move
06:00 Navigating Life Changes and Community Building
09:06 The Light Bulb Moment for Bonding Over Books
14:43 Defining 'All In' as an Entrepreneur
18:55 Tips for Starting a Service-Based Side Hustle
23:17 Funding the Initial Product Development
26:11 The Role of Pre-Orders in Product Launch
29:40 Key Lessons for Founders of Physical Products
34:55 How to Create a Card Game40:33 Mental Health Advocacy Through Connection
42:42 Leveraging Events for Brand Visibility
45:03 How to Get Your Brand Stocked in Barnes & Nobles and Paper Source
49:47 Essential Tools for Solopreneurs
53:03 How to Build a Mission Driven Brand
54:45 Building Meaningful Connections
56:52 Top Conversation Starters
01:00:45 The Mission Behind the Brand
01:01:23 Future Aspirations and Growth
01:02:47 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
ResourcesSquarespace - https://www.squarespace.com
FAIRE Wholesale Platform - https://www.faire.com
BookCon - https://www.bookcon.com
Bas Blue Detroit - https://basblueus.com/the-basblue-foundation/zero-to-one/
Connect With Us:
Our Guest: Sarah Dalley
Guest Brand - Bonding Over Books
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bondingoverbooks/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bondingoverbooks
Bonding Over Books Official Website: https://bondingoverbooks.co
Our Host: Milan Terez
Instagram: / milanterez
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan Terez
Instagram: / trenchesthepodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast
Book clubs, community building, product development, mental health, entrepreneurship, bonding over books, game design, retail strategy, startup funding
What does it look like to build a community-focused product brand organically without a big budget, without outside funding, and without pretending it's easy? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Sarah Dalley, founder of Bonding Over Books, a conversation game designed to bring people together through reading and real connection. Sarah opens up about the real cost of branding as a first-time founder, unlearning perfectionism, navigating entrepreneurial mistakes, and how spirituality and personal growth have shaped the way she builds. If you're a founder, a book lover, or someone building a community-driven brand from scratch — this one's for you.
Key TakeawaysBuilding Bonding Over Books as an organic community toolLessons learned from entrepreneurial challenges and mistakesThe importance of authenticity and unlearning perfectionismBalancing personal life, spirituality, and business growthStrategies for decision-making and managing stress in startups
Chapters00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez00:39 Digging Deeper with Sarah Dalley00:58 The Morning Show01:50 Olivia Dean02:53 Spirituality & Guides03:25 Wedding Planning & Pop-up Events04:21 It's NOT Easy to Start a Business05:09 Branding is Expensive06:15 Get An Emotional Support Dog06:54 How to Fight Perfectionism08:22 Reading To Stay Grounded08:55 More Businesses Coming Soon11:01 Thank You Sarah Dalley
Connect With Us:Our Guest: Sarah Dalley
Guest Brand - Bonding Over Books
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bondingoverbooks/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bondingoverbooksBonding Over Books Official Website: https://bondingoverbooks.co
Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: / trenchesthepodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast
Bonding Over Books, entrepreneurship, community building, mental health, book clubs, personal growth, spirituality, decision-making, branding, podcasting
What does it take to get your product into Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie while still clocking in at a full-time job in the film industry? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Haley Fritz, founder of Breezy's Nasal Strips, to break down exactly how she did it. From finding a manufacturer and navigating the packaging design process, to landing major retail partnerships, scaling on TikTok Shop, and selling on Amazon. Haley gives the full behind-the-scenes playbook on building a physical product brand from scratch in your 20s. If you're a first-time founder, a side-hustle entrepreneur, or trying to get a consumer product into retail doors, this one's for you.
Key Takeaways
- Balancing a full-time job and entrepreneurship
- Product development and manufacturing process
- Retail and Amazon sales strategies
- Getting a brand into Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie
- Getting started on TikTok Shop and TikTok Love
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez01:16 Meet Haley Fritz Founder of Breezy's02:18 Haley's Life Before Starting a Business03:42 Growing Up with Entrepreneurial Parents05:54 Lessons from a Family of Business Owners09:12 How to Decide Which Business Idea to Start11:27 How Do Nasal Strips Work12:23 How to Make a Physical Product13:18 Product Development and Finding a Manufacturer15:46 Starting the Packaging & Design Process17:48 Starting a Creative Business19:14 What is a Fright Forwarder and How to Find a Freight Forwarder23:02 Retail Partnerships with Urban Outfitters & Anthropologie24:00 Advice for Getting into Retailers25:04 How to Get Your Product into Retail Doors26:18 Packaging for Retail versus E-commerce29:20 Scaling Strategies for Growth and Revenue30:55 Getting Started on TikTok Shop33:11 What is Your Business Tech Stack34:35 Shopify Email Marketing and Rella for Social Media Tools37:07 Mental Health and Entrepreneurship39:23 Building in Public and Community Engagement42:57 Balancing a Full-Time Job and Entrepreneurship44:43 Building Accountability and Discipline45:25 The Experience of Young Female Founders47:41 Taking Risks in Your 20s49:02 Taking Breaks, Days Off, and Battling Imposter Syndrome50:29 Future Aspirations for Breezy's51:33 Haley's Parting Advice to Founders53:24 See You Next Episode
Connect With Us:Our Guest - Haley Fritz
Guest Brand - Breezy’sInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/breezystrips/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breezy_strips?_t=ZP-8wM7N0QImGl&_r=1Breezy’s Official Website - https://www.breezystrips.com
Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - / milanterez TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - / trenchesthepodcast TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod...
Entrepreneurship, Product Development, Retail, Social Media, Balance, Breezy's Nasal Strips, Founder Tips, Scaling a Business, CPG, Female Founder
In this episode of TRENCHES Rapid Fire question, we get to know Haley Fritz, founder of Breezy's Nasal Strips. We dig deeper into exploring her entrepreneurial journey, daily rituals, and insights into building a successful brand in the CPG space.
Key Takeaways
Entrepreneurial journey of Haley FritzReimagining clinical products into stylish brandsDaily rituals and self-care for foundersChallenges of hiring and team buildingWork-life balance and unlearning hustle culture
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Digger Deeper00:42 Rapid Fire Questions with Hailey01:10 Do You Watch or Listen to Podcasts?02:06 Listening to Noah Kahan New Album02:40 How to Become More Extroverted03:10 How to Hire The Right Contractors03:44 Building a Brand is NOT Easy04:12 Making the Perfect London Fog Tea04:52 De-influencing Productiveitymaxxing05:38 Comforting TV Shows to Watch at Night06:27 Diving into Physical Products06:59 See You Next Episode07:48 Bye Bye!
Connect With Us:Our Guest: Haley Fritz
Guest Brand - Breezy’s Nasal StripsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breezystrips/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breezy_strips?_t=ZP-8wM7N0QImGl&_r=1Breezy’s Official Website: https://www.breezystrips.com
Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod...
entrepreneurship, women in business, CPG brands, nasal strips, branding, building a business, work-life balance, building confidence, hiring freelancers
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