What does it take to leave a stable finance career and build a fragrance brand from scratch without outside funding? In this episode of TRENCHES Rapid Fire, host Milan Terez sits down with Grace Howland, founder of Evoquer Fragrances, an experience-based fragrance brand redefining what scent can mean. Grace opens up about the real challenges of launching a consumer product brand, how she makes hard decisions in product formulation, and the daily routines keeping her grounded as a self-funded founder.

Key TakeawaysJourney from finance to entrepreneurshipChallenges of launching a new brandDecision-making in product formulationWork schedule and productivity hacksSelf-funding and financial independence

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES Rapid Fire00:39 Rapid Fire Questions with Grace Howland01:04 Watch Love Story of HBO Max01:32 New Noah Kahan Album & Project Hail Mary Book02:16 An Eat, Pray, Love Moment02:26 How to Make Hard Decisions02:55 Building Without a Trust Fund03:33 How to Make Mistakes04:27 Emotional Support Airpod Max04:51 How to Build Your Own Hours as a Founder06:14 Daily Non-negotiable06:43 From Tech Founder to Fragrance08:27 See You Next Episode

Connect With Us:Our Guest - Grace HowlandTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gracehowland_

Guest Brand - EvoquerTikTok -  https://www.tiktok.com/@shopevoquerInstagram - hhttps://www.instagram.com/shopevoquer/Evoquer Official Website - https://shopevoquer.com/

Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠

TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok -⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast

Entrepreneurship, Fragrance, Startup, Self-funded, Business decisions, Work-life balance, Innovation, Brand building, Rapid Fire, Grace Howland

What does it actually take to leave a career in private equity, build a fragrance brand from scratch, and pitch venture capital in 2026, all while bootstrapping and staying scrappy? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Grace Howland, founder of Evoquer, an experience-based fragrance brand built around scent memory and life's most memorable moments. Grace breaks down the full founder journey: 300 product development trials, guerrilla marketing at Coachella, pop-up strategy, bootstrapping vs. funding tradeoffs, and what she'd tell every first-time founder about building a consumer brand from the ground up.

Episode TakeawaysTransition from finance to entrepreneurshipCreating a scent memory brandProduct development process with 300 trialsBootstrapping and fundraising strategiesMarketing at Coachella and pop-ups

Chapters

00:00 How to Build a Fragrance Brand01:32 How to Scale a Fragrance Brand02:08 The Journey to Evoquer03:25 Lessons from Private Equity: How to Prepare Your Brand Finance Department07:44 The Birth of Evoquer: How to Create a Business Concept and Find Inspiration12:49 Brand Differentiation: Evoking Memories through Scent19:07 Advice for Starting a Fragrance Brand21:36 How to Raise Venture Capital in 2026 and 202724:47 What Are the Pros and Cons of Taking Venture Capital27:54 Bootstrapping vs. Funding: Strategies for Founders31:13 Navigating Unemployment and Scrappiness36:32 How to Create a Fragrance40:36 How to Get Your Brand To Coachella45:38 How to Make a Custom Fragrance for Events47:18 How to Plan a Pop Up Event48:11 How to Build in Public Consistently51:57 Successful Launch Strategies52:47 Business Tech Stack Recommendations55:29 When to Start Email Marketing56:17 Become a Female Venture Capitalist57:24 What is Your Superpower?58:51 When to Take a Break While Building a Business01:00:37 Finding Your Ambition01:01:48 The Journey Beyond the Trenches01:05:18 See You Next Episode

Connect With Us:Our Guest - Grace HowlandTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gracehowland_

Guest Brand - EvoquerTikTok -  https://www.tiktok.com/@shopevoquerInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/shopevoquer/Evoquer Official Website - https://shopevoquer.com/

Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠

TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast

Entrepreneurship, Fragrance, Product Development, Fundraising, Brand Building, Experience Marketing, TikTok, Coachella 2026, Female Founders

In this episode of TRENCHES Rapid Fire, Gina Moore, founder of Pantry Gems, shares her journey from idea to product, discusses her favorite shows and podcasts, and offers insights into her decision-making process and daily routines. Discover her creative inspirations, challenges, and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

Gina Moore's entrepreneurial journey

Innovations in the food industry with Pantry Gems

Balancing creativity and business challenges

Faking it till you make it

Work-life balance in entrepreneurship

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pantry Gems and Gina's Journey

00:46 Rapid Fire: Personal Insights and Preferences

01:24 TV Shows to Watch in April 2026

01:59 Popular Music of 2026

02:30 Podcast Recommendations for 2026

02:51 Hiring a Food Scientist

03:18 How to Build Confidence

03:44 Emotion Support Pets

05:05 How to Create Your Dream Job

05:51 Minimal Skincare Routines

06:39 The Potato Question

07:52 Starting a Fashion Brand

09:39 See You in Next Episode

Connect With Us:

Our Guest - Gina More

Instagram - / @gina.moore86

Guest Brand - Pantry Gems

TikTok -  /pantrygems

Instagram @pantrygems

Pantry Gems - ⁠https://pantrygems.co

Our Host - Milan Terez

Instagram: ⁠ ⁠⁠ / @milanterez  ⁠    ⁠⁠ 

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠  ⁠

TRENCHES the podcast

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ / @trenchesthepodcast  ⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod... ⁠⁠

Entrepreneurship, Food Industry, Startup, Pantry Gems, Tomato Paste, Creativity, Work-Life Balance, Podcast Recommendations

This week Gina Moore, founder of Pantry Gems, shares her entrepreneurial journey from side hustles to launching an innovative tomato paste product. Discover her creative paths, challenges in product development, and tips for bootstrapping in the CPG space

Key Takeaways

Entrepreneurial journey of Gina Moore

Challenges in product development and packaging

Bootstrapping strategies for food startups

Start with small steps and validate your idea early.

Leverage your environment and personal experiences for product ideas.

Build relationships with industry experts and co-packers early.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pantry Gems and Gina's Journey

01:55 Navigating Product Development for CPG Brands

03:04 Gina's Background and Early Career

07:04 How to Manifest Your Dream Business

10:48 How to Find My Million Dollar Idea

12:09 How to Find The Right Side Hustle

15:13 How to Fund Your Business Idea

18:32 Bootstrapping and Funding Strategies

20:00 The Birth of Pantry Gems

22:49 How to Start Product Development At Home

25:35 How to Find Your Brand Designer (Thank you Fishwife)

28:18 How to Find A Co-Packer

31:17 Building the Brand and Community Engagement

32:11 The LaunchLab CPG Accelerator

34:49 Navigating Challenges and Momentum

36:26 How to Attend Expo West and How to Go For Free

40:52 The Meaning Behind Pantry Gems

45:58 How to Find A Product Moat

47:52 How to Create Single Serve Packaging

49:32 Lessons Learned in the CPG Space

50:56 Current Status and Future Prospects

56:04 How to Build in Public

01:00:16 How to Stay Sane While Building a Company

01:02:13 Milestones and Business Journals

01:02:54 The Future of the Brand: Selling vs. Family Business

01:04:10 Taking Action at Any Stage Of Life

01:05:33 Incremental Steps to Success

01:06:04 How to Support Gina and Pantry Gems

01:06:53 See You in the Next Episode

Resources

Scale Food Labs - https://scalefoodlabs.com/

Danielle from It's All Happening Co. - https://www.instagram.com/itsallhappeningco/

Expo West - https://www.expowest.com/

Fishwife (brand inspiration) - https://fishwifefish.com/

Startup CPG Group - https://www.startupcpg.com/

Connect With Us:

Our Guest - Gina More

Instagram - /gina.moore86

Guest Brand - Pantry Gems

TikTok -  /pantrygems

Instagram @pantrygems

Pantry Gems - ⁠https://pantrygems.co

Our Host - Milan Terez

Instagram: ⁠ ⁠⁠ / @milanterez  ⁠    ⁠⁠ 

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠  ⁠

TRENCHES the podcast

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ / @trenchesthepodcast  ⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod... ⁠⁠

entrepreneurship, CPG, food innovation, bootstrapping, product development, startup tips, Pantry Gems, tomato paste, food industry, founder journey

In this Digging Deeper episode of the TRENCHES podcast, Kameron Monet, Founder of Social Docket shares insights on balancing success, making tough decisions, and building a career in the creator economy. She discusses her journey as a lawyer, content creator, and tech founder, offering practical advice for entrepreneurs and creators.

Episode Highlights:

Balancing legal career and content creation

Building and scaling Social Docket

Work smarter, not harder: strategic success

Overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship

The importance of daily routines and self-care

Connect With Us

Our Guest: Kameron Monet

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/kameronmonet

⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kameronmonet/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kameronmonet

Her Company: Social Docket

Website - ⁠https://socialdocketdialogue.com⁠ or ⁠https://www.socialdocket.ai/⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/socialdocket/⁠

Host: Milan Terez

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠

Show: TRENCHES the podcast

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/

TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast ⁠⁠

In this episode of TRENCHES we sat down with Kameron Monet the founder of Social Docket to hear all about her journey from lawyer to creator to now tech founder. Her business, Social Docket is revolutionizing the legal infrastructure for creators and the creator economy. She discusses her entrepreneurial mindset, the importance of industry education, and her vision for the future of the creator economy.

Key Topics:

Kameron Monet's journey from lawyer to creator and tech founder

The development and features of Social Docket platform

The role of AI and vibe coding in building social docket

Challenges and lessons in founding a tech startup as a non-technical founder

The future of the creator economy and industry maturation

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Cameron Monet and Social Docket

01:45 Finding Rhythm in Startup Life

02:30 Understanding Social Docket's Functionality

04:53 Legal Tech and Creator Advocacy

06:15 Cameron's Journey: From Creator to Lawyer

09:27 Building Social Docket: The MVP Journey

11:57 Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics

15:29 Evolving Roles as a Solo Founder

17:43 Vibe Coding and Learning to Code

19:49 Building a Vertical AI Tool

21:58 Training Custom AI Models

26:15 Key Terms for AI Founders

29:15 Misconceptions as a Female Founder

31:42 The Future of the Creator Economy

38:20 Fundraising as an Underrepresented Founder

42:27 Navigating the Fundraising Game

44:11 Maintaining Motivation and Grit

48:11 Building a Legacy Beyond Business

52:34 Life Lessons and Inspirational Takeaways

55:36 See You in The Next Episode

Connect With Us:

Our Guest

Kameron Monet

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kameronmonet

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kameronmonet

Guest Brand

Social Docket - https://socialdocketdialogue.com or https://www.socialdocket.ai/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/socialdocket/

Our Host

Host: Milan Terez

Instagram:   / milanterez      ⁠⁠ 

TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez  ⁠

TRENCHES the podcast

Instagram: ⁠⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  

TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod...  ⁠⁠

In this Digging Deeper episode of the TRENCHES podcast, Diana Nino, CEO of Salsi, shares her journey of pivoting her brand from tequila to agave spirit, balancing a full-time job with entrepreneurship, and navigating the challenges of building a beverage brand inspired by Miami's vibrant culture.Episode Highlights:Pivot decisions should be guided by consumer insights and market research.Balancing a full-time job while building a startup requires strategic time management.Consumer education is crucial when rebranding or changing product positioning.Consistent social media presence helps build brand awareness and community.Embrace feedback and be adaptable to pivot or refine your product.Connect With UsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/sipsalsi ⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipsalsi/Salsi Official Website - https://salsi.comHost: Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast ⁠⁠

Join Milan Terez on this week's episode of TRENCHES with guest Diana Nino, CEO of Salsi, a Miami-born agave seltzer brand. Discover her journey from marketing in tech to launching a disruptive beverage, navigating regulations, and building a community-focused brand that celebrates Miami's vibrant culture.Episode TakeawaysDiana Nino's career transition from tech marketing to beverage entrepreneurshipThe role of accelerator programs in launching SalsiMarket gap in low-alcohol, functional beverages inspired by Miami cultureRegulatory challenges in alcohol and beverage industryCommunity building and local engagement through SalsiChapters00:00 Introduction to Salsi and Diana Nino01:25 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Alcohol Industry02:54 Diana's Marketing Background and Its Impact on Salsie04:47 Balancing Fast-Paced Work Environments with Entrepreneurship06:48 Working with a Spouse: The Dynamics of Co-Founding09:59 The Spark for Salsie: Personal Reflections and Market Gaps13:37 Finding the Right Support: Accelerator Programs15:39 What is an Accelerator Program?20:38 Identifying Market Gaps in the Alcohol Space25:16 Navigating the Supply Chain in Beverage Production26:53 Behind the Scenes of Product Development28:23 Navigating Regulatory Challenges30:00 Understanding Alcohol Regulations33:21 The Art of Packaging and Design36:21 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs39:15 The Importance of Community and Kindness41:23 Building Community Events45:40 How To Overcome Social Anxiety48:54 Future Aspirations and Partnerships50:30 Envisioning the Future of Salsi53:41 Innovative Beverage Trends and Collaborations53:53 The Power of Putting Yourself Out There54:51 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions55:58 Thank You for WatchingEpisode ResourcesLaunch Lab Accelerator - https://www.itsallhappeningagency.co/launch-labDanielle Calabrese (Launch Lab Founder) PopSips (Prebiotic Spiked Sodas) - https://popsips.com/Connect With UsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/sipsalsi ⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipsalsi/Salsi Official Website - https://salsi.comHost: Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast ⁠⁠Salsi, Miami, agave seltzer, startup, entrepreneurship, community building, beverage innovation, regulatory challenges, women founders, marketing in tech

In this episode of TRENCHES, Milan shares personal insights on overcoming procrastination, building consistency, and taking actionable steps to pursue curiosity and growth. Learn practical strategies to audit your interests, enable curiosity, and share your journey effectively.Learn How To:1. Audit your recent interests can reveal your natural curiosities.2. Enable curiosity involves taking small, manageable steps.3. Share your goals publicly creates accountability and support.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection on Starting the Podcast01:27 Challenges of Building a Routine and Consistency03:08 The Reality of Podcast Industry Dropout Rates05:01 Deciding to Be Part of the 1% Who Persist05:30 Auditing Your Curiosity and Interests07:07 Taking Small Steps to Enable Curiosity08:44 Learning About Your Interests and Asking Questions09:29 Implementing Curiosity into Daily Life10:05 The Power of Telling Someone About Your Goals11:51 Using Social Media for Accountability12:50 Summary of Actionable Steps to Determine Your Next StepConnect With Me🪏TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠   / trenchesthepodcast  Patreon: https://patreon.com/trenchesthepodcas...🪏Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠   / milanterez  TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠   / milanterez  podcasting, curiosity, consistency, personal growth, content creation, accountability, next steps, podcast tips

In this week's episode of TRENCHES, we sit down with Kat Sheppard, a 2x founder who has dedicated her twenties to building innovative brands in the fashion space. In the midst of operating her first venture, she began to uncover the building blocks of what would become her second venture, Tote. Kat shares her journey from launching a personal shopping app to making the strategic decision to pivot her entire business into the B2B fashion tech space. She also discusses building in public, the importance of community, how to find your co-founder, and her predictions for the future of fashion tech and AI. For any fashion it girls (& boys) — this episode is for you.

Episode Topics✨

Pivoting from consumer app to B2B fashion tech

Building AI tools for fashion brands

The importance of community and building in public

Finding and working with a co-founder

Future trends in fashion technology and AI

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES

00:39 Meet Kat Sheppard, Co-Founder of TOTE

02:01 What Is Tote?

02:34 When Is It Time To Pivot?

03:04 Tote Goes Tech

08:10 Co-Founder Meet Cute

13:14 How To Meet THE ONE

16:34 Rolling In The Deep (pt 2)

19:48 How To Spot A New Market Gap?

23:34 The Future of Fashion Tech

29:06 Community Is Commerce

34:14 Her Contrarian Take

38:08 Say Thank You Kat

Connect With Us🪏Kat Sheppard⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@katsheppard1

🪏ToteWebsite:⁠⁠ https://www.toteapp.ioTikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@toteapp

🪏TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  ⁠  TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@trenchesthepo...

🪏Milan TerezInstagram:   / milanterez  TikTok: ⁠⁠  / milanterez  

fashion tech, AI, startup, building in public, co-founder, personalization, e-commerce, fashion industry, entrepreneurship, innovation