#0290 - DJ Kaila Troy

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re thrilled to welcome DJ Kaila Troy—an international talent whose career spans music, media, and global influence. As a DJ, Kaila has shared stages with icons like Lil Wayne, Black Eyed Peas, Nelly, Keyshia Cole, and Wyclef Jean, performing in countries across Africa, India, Dubai, France, the UK, China, and more.

With over 100,000 followers on Instagram and collaborations with top brands like Nike, Monster Energy, and Puma, Kaila’s influence extends far beyond the turntables. She’s been featured in major publications like Radio Times and Irish Mirror, and even made her mark on daytime TV with an appearance on ABC Chicago.

And if she looks familiar, it’s because she brought her charisma to millions on Hulu and ITV Network’s Love Island UK Season 7.

On this week’s episode, you’ll discover:

• Kaila’s incredible DJ journey

• Her unforgettable Love Island experience

• What’s next for Kaila as she continues to elevate her career

#0289 - Funkkoff - Sonia Hounsell and Joelle Flynn (as seen on Shark 🦈 Tank)

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re sitting down with Sonia Hounsell and Joelle Flynn, the dynamic Co-Founders of FunkkOFF!®, the lifestyle brand redefining personal and oral care with their innovative, reusable TeethRefreshers®!

With decades of experience in marketing, entrepreneurship, and invention, these powerhouse women took their game-changing product from concept to Shark Tank success—securing a deal with Robert Herjavec earlier this year. 🦈💼

On this week’s episode, you’ll learn: • Their experience on Shark Tank: Sonia and Joelle share the behind-the-scenes process of pitching their innovative product to the Sharks, what it was like standing in front of the panel, and how they secured a deal with Robert Herjavec. From preparation to the high-stakes moment, they offer valuable insights into navigating the high-pressure world of reality TV entrepreneurship.

How TV transformed their business overnight: Discover how their appearance on Shark Tank catapulted FunkkOFF!® into the spotlight, resulting in increased sales, brand recognition, and invaluable opportunities.

They dive into the ripple effects of the national exposure and how it changed the trajectory of their company almost immediately. 

The journey of building an innovative brand: Learn how Sonia and Joelle combined decades of experience to create a product that disrupted the personal care industry. 🎧

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts.

#0288 - FORVR MOOD - Denis Asamoah

On this week’s episode of Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Denis Asamoah, cofounder of @forvrmood—a brand that has quickly become synonymous with luxury self-care.

 Together with his partner, Jackie Aina, Denis set out to create a brand that not only delivers high-quality candles but also represents authenticity, individuality, and inclusivity in the lifestyle space.

Forvr Mood began with a vision to bring joy and comfort into everyday routines. From their carefully curated scents to their premium packaging, the brand has redefined what it means to invest in self-care. But building a brand like Forvr Mood wasn’t without its challenges. In this episode, Denis takes us behind the scenes, sharing the ups and downs of their entrepreneurial journey.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How Denis and his team faced and conquered entrepreneurial fears while building a standout brand

• How Forvr Mood sold an incredible 20,000 candles within hours of launching

• How they developed the perfect pricing strategy that balances accessibility with luxury

This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, vision, and creating a brand that lights up lives—literally and figuratively. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or just love a good success story, this episode is for you. Tune in now!  

#0287 - Something Sweet - Brittney Cook

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Brittney Cook, the founder of Something Sweet Dough. Brittney’s story is one of family, resilience, and purpose. What began as a labor of love has grown into a brand known for its rich, brown butter cookie dough that brings joy to kitchens everywhere—all while honoring her late father’s legacy.

For Brittney, Something Sweet is more than a business; it’s a heartfelt tribute. She and her family have transformed their grief into meaningful action, channeling love and loss into a mission to spread happiness through the universal comfort of cookies. By staying deeply connected to their “why,” Brittney’s team has made thoughtful decisions to grow their brand strategically, ensuring that every step is rooted in quality and customer connection.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Brittney built Something Sweet Dough as a tribute to her father’s memory

• How her family turned a personal loss into a powerful mission for joy and connection

• Why understanding their customers has been the secret to scaling at the right pace without compromising quality

Get ready to be inspired by Brittney’s story—a testament to the power of family, resilience, and the simple magic of cookies that bring people together.

#0286 - Sweet Loren's - Loren Castle

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome back Loren Castle, the powerhouse Founder and CEO behind Sweet Loren’s. Loren’s journey began with a life-changing cancer diagnosis at just 22. Determined to take control of her health, she eliminated processed foods, creating a new lifestyle full of flavor and nutrition. A year later, she was cancer-free and realized her recipes—including her wholesome cookie dough—could help others enjoy delicious food that also felt good.  

Fast forward to today, Sweet Loren’s is the #1 selling natural cookie dough in the U.S., available in nearly 30,000 stores nationwide. The brand has expanded to include pre-cut cookie doughs, breakfast biscuits, and an innovative new line of rolled doughs like puff pastry, pizza crust, and pie crust—all plant-based, non-GMO, and free from the top 14 allergens.

On this episode, you’ll learn:

 •How Loren’s focus on emotional intelligence became a crucial tool for driving business success, helping her make genuine connections with customers, team members, and partners. 

 • The challenges Loren faced building Sweet Loren’s from scratch, from finding the right recipes and manufacturing partners to scaling a brand in a competitive industry, and how she navigated these early struggles. 

 • Loren’s inspiring transformation from cancer survivor to creator of healthy, clean treats that bring joy and indulgence to all—without compromise. Join us as Loren shares the latest developments in Sweet Loren’s mission to bring joy to everyone, one delicious, uncompromising bite at a time. 

#0285 - Bioniq - Vadim Fedotov

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Vadim Fedotov, whose journey from pro basketball to health tech entrepreneurship is all about resilience and innovation. After enduring four torn ACLs and finding limited proactive health guidance, Vadim set out to change the game with Bioniq—a health optimization company focused on personalized wellness. 

On this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why traditional medicine often falls short in optimizing health.

• How nutrition is the key to achieving better overall well-being.

• Practical strategies to transform your health and elevate your performance.

• The role of cutting-edge technology in personalizing health solutions.

• Insights into building a successful health tech company from the ground up.

Founded in 2019, Bioniq combines Swiss pharmaceutical-grade quality with advanced AI for hyper-personalized nutritional solutions and is trusted by athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo. With the backing of institutions such as Lanserhof and King’s College Hospital, Bioniq is setting a new standard in health and wellness. Tune in to hear Vadim’s story of transforming personal challenges into a mission to elevate well-being for all!

#0284 - W by Jake Paul - Woodie Hillyard

On today’s episode of Startup to Storefront, we sit down with Woodie Hillyard, the co-founder and CEO of W, the antiperspirant line created in collaboration with Jake Paul. Woodie is a seasoned leader in the Consumer & Retail industries, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time as Head of eCommerce for Casper and Chief Revenue Officer at Safely, Kris Jenner’s safe cleaning products brand. At Safely, he successfully launched and scaled the eCommerce business while securing nationwide placement in major retailers like Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond. Before his journey building top consumer brands, Woodie worked in private equity and investment banking at Deutsche Bank and TowerBrook.  

Today, he’s here to talk about W’s mission to keep you fresh all day long with their antiperspirant that combines sweat protection with skin-nourishing ingredients like Magnesium and Vitamin D, all while leaving out harmful chemicals. Whether you’re breaking a sweat or just living your everyday life, W’s innovative formula is here to keep you smelling great around the clock.

On this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How Jake Paul harnessed the power of AI to break the internet and amplify his brand’s reach in ways no one saw coming. 

• Why bar soap is making a major comeback in the personal care industry and how it’s reshaping consumer habits. 

• How Jake Paul’s massive following played a pivotal role in launching W, turning fans into loyal customers and building a brand with unstoppable momentum. Let’s dive into Woodie’s journey, how W came to life, and what it takes to build a successful brand in the highly competitive world of personal care.  

#0283 - Pricklee - (as seen on Shark 🦈 Tank)

We’ll be speaking with Kun Yang, co-founder and CEO, about Pricklee’s remarkable journey and what’s next for their growing company.

On this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Pricklee went from a local startup in Boston to making a national splash on Shark Tank.

• What it was like pitching their product to the Sharks, and the lessons they learned from the experience.

• The key strategies behind Pricklee’s impressive 80% sales growth, and how they continue to scale in a competitive market. 

#0282 - The New Bar - Brianda Gonzalez

On today’s episode of Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Brianda, founder of The New Bar. Growing up on Catalina Island, alcohol was a common part of social gatherings with friends and family—until a life-changing moment altered that for Brianda. When her father was nearly lost to a debilitating autoimmune disease, she sought new ways to foster the same close family connections—this time without alcohol. Brianda launched The New Bar in Venice Beach in the summer of 2022, creating a platform that connects people to nonalcoholic drinks and alternatives. Her mission? To prove that socializing doesn’t need to revolve around alcohol. By 2023, The New Bar became the official alcohol-free partner at Coachella, and in 2024, Brianda tripled her footprint with new locations in West Hollywood and San Francisco. She also expanded her partnership with Golden Voice to bring nonalcoholic drinks to Stagecoach. Featured in Forbes, Adweek, Thrillist, Eater, and The Guardian, Brianda is a trailblazer in the alcohol-free movement.  

On this week’s episode, you’ll learn how Brianda turned a personal journey into a thriving business, leaving the tech industry to create a platform for non-alcoholic alternatives. She shares how she’s changing perceptions around non-alcoholic drinks by making them exciting and accessible, securing partnerships with major events like Coachella. You’ll also hear about the life-changing benefits of sober months and how Brianda expanded The New Bar into multiple locations while influencing the entertainment and hospitality industries. 

#0281 - Guru Nanda - Puneet Nanda (as seen on TikTok)

Today, we're excited to welcome Puneet Nanda, the founder of Guru Nanda, to Startup to Storefront. Puneet's journey to mainstream success is unlike any other— he's built an Ayurvedic-inspired oral care brand that has gone viral thanks to TikTok, with over 285,000 followers and $12.5 million in sales to date. From oil pulling solutions to dual chamber mouthwash, Guru Nanda’s products have captivated millions of consumers, and every viral moment on TikTok leads to a surge not just online but also in retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. Puneet’s success story demonstrates the power of authenticity, customer engagement, and timely content. He’ll be sharing the insights he’s gained along the way, from understanding TikTok’s unique ability to spread trends, to building impactful influencer partnerships, and using the platform to propel Guru Nanda to the forefront of holistic oral care. Whether you're a brand looking to leverage TikTok or simply curious about his innovative approach, Puneet’s story offers valuable lessons on turning a passion into a thriving business.

On this week’s episode, you'll also learn:

- How Puneet Nanda unexpectedly became a TikTok sensation and built a viral brand overnight.

- The ultimate dental showdown: Flossing vs. Brushing – the surprising truth behind what your routine might be missing.

- Why he shifted from traditional marketing to TikTok, and how embracing the platform revolutionized his business strategy and skyrocketed sales.

Let’s dive into the secrets behind the viral success of Guru Nanda!

#0280 - Do Twins Have Their Own Language? - Dr. Joan A Friedman

We are excited to welcome Dr. Joan Friedman to this week’s episode of Startup to Storefront! 🎙️ As a renowned twin expert, Dr. Friedman has dedicated her life to understanding the emotional needs of twins and helping families navigate their unique challenges. Not only is she an identical twin herself, but she’s also the mother of five, including fraternal twins! W

ith her acclaimed books Emotionally Healthy Twins and The Same but Different, Dr. Friedman shares invaluable insights on how twins can grow as individuals while maintaining a strong bond. 💡✨

On this week’s episode, you’ll discover:

The fascinating concept of twin synergy and how it shapes their unique connection

Why dedicated one-on-one time with each twin is crucial for their emotional development and individuality

The surprising strengths and "superpowers" that set twins apart from the rest of us

Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

#0279 - Cakesbody - Taylor and Casey (as seen on Shark 🦈 Tank)

Welcome back to the podcast! This week, we’re excited to reconnect with Taylor and Casey, co-founders of CAKES Body, for an update since we last spoke to them in 2022. They’re on a mission to solve a problem many women face but few talk about—Nipple Freak Out, or as they call it, NFO. Their solution? The world’s first grippy, not sticky, nipple covers that use your body’s natural heat, with no sticky adhesives. 

What started as a simple fix quickly turned into a viral sensation, with TikTok driving massive demand and multiple sellouts of their product. But the real game-changer came when Taylor and Casey appeared on Shark Tank in 2023. They secured a $300,000 deal with Emma Grede in exchange for 10% equity, a move that’s propelled their company to nearly $10 million in revenue today. This wasn’t just a business deal—it was the moment that launched CAKES Body into a whole new level of success.

This week, you’ll learn: 

- How CAKES Body is empowering women by revolutionizing traditional bras  

- The power of manifestation in their journey 

- What it was like to pitch on Shark Tank and make a deal with Emma Grede  

- How they’re owning the boob solution space

Without further ado, let’s meet the founders of CAKES Body, Taylor and Casey!  

#0278 - Poplight - Rose & Caroline Matthes (as seen on Shark 🦈 Tank)

On the latest episode of Startup To Storefront, we’re shining a spotlight on Rose & Caroline, the wife-and-wife duo behind Poplight, as seen on Shark Tank! 💡

The idea for Poplight came to them when they moved into their first place together. They wanted beautiful, modern wall lighting that fit their budget, but quickly realized traditional wall sconces just wouldn’t work for them:

💸 They’re expensive – costing hundreds of dollars each. 

🔧 They require a contractor for installation (and might even break your lease!)

🔒 Once installed, they’re permanent, meaning you can’t take them with you if you move or redecorate.

That’s when they had their 💡 lightbulb moment:

Poplight, renter-friendly wall lighting that installs in seconds, can be moved easily, and fits any budget! Here’s how their journey unfolded: - They went viral on TikTok (yes, in their overalls!) - A Shark Tank producer reached out, but they thought it was a scam. - After some convincing, they made it onto the show—and the rest is history!

🎉 INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY ALERT 🎉 We’re giving away a black Poplight exclusively to our Instagram followers! Stay tuned for the details on how to enter and win! Tune in to hear how they built a brand, conquered Shark Tank, and are lighting up the world with Poplight. 🔥

#0277 - Jasmine Mooney - Holy Water

Welcome back to another episode of Startup to Storefront, where we explore the journeys of innovators and entrepreneurs breaking new ground. Today, we are thrilled to have Jasmine Mooney on the show. 

Jasmine is a dynamic female founder who has made a remarkable shift from owning bars and restaurants to leading a cutting-edge company that creates innovative health products. Her company, which is PhD-led, focuses on leveraging the power of functional mushrooms, adaptogens, nootropics, and ketones to offer healthy alternatives that promote longevity and enhance quality of life. 

 This week, you’ll discover:

How Jasmine made the leap from owning bars and restaurants to entering the CPG industry.

Jasmine’s personal health journey with natural medicine and ketones. 

Why Holy Water is unique as the only functional beverage incorporating ketones. 

Tune in for an episode filled with insights, inspiration, and actionable advice for anyone interested in health, wellness, and entrepreneurship!