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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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. 🔥
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!
Meet Lauren Chew: The "Accidental Entrepreneur" Behind Love+Chew Cookies 🍪
In 2018, Lauren went completely vegan and needed to rethink her diet—especially her sweet treats. She started experimenting in her tiny San Francisco apartment and, by 2019, transformed her side hustle into a full-fledged business: Love+Chew cookies. Her secret? Delicious, plant-based cookies made with minimal, wholesome ingredients. Fast forward to today, and you can find Love+Chew cookies in over 2,000 stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, select Costco locations, and even on Amazon!
But what makes Lauren’s journey truly remarkable? She’s bootstrapped her business from day one with zero outside funding. With a background in business development and tech from companies like Tesla and Stem, she runs everything—from product development and marketing to sales and operations. In 2023, Lauren scaled Love+Chew from $1M to $3M in revenue and is on track to hit $5-6M this year! As a solo female founder in a competitive market, Lauren’s story is nothing short of inspiring.
In this week’s episode, Lauren shares:
How she found the perfect co-manufacturer to scale her business
The game-changing packaging and sales strategy introduced by Whole Foods
How she pivoted her business strategy in response to the challenges of COVID-19
Tune in to learn how she did it all—and why Love+Chew cookies are a must-try!
Last year, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gene Eidelman, co-founder of Azure Printed Homes. Now, we’re thrilled to welcome his partner in innovation, Ross Maguire, for an exciting update on the podcast!
Azure Printed Homes is revolutionizing the way we think about living spaces with their cutting-edge 3D-printed small homes and backyard studios, paving the way for a more affordable and sustainable future.
Tune in to this episode to explore:
The groundbreaking future of home printing
How Azure is reshaping the way we live
The advanced technology that keeps Azure at the forefront of the industry
Don’t miss this insightful conversation!
When Winc, the internet's favorite wine club, filed for bankruptcy, many thought the DTC model was finished. But Neha Kumar saw something golden—true brand loyalty. 💡 She acquired Winc’s DTC arm and, through the power of scaled assets, transformed it into the lion’s share of Full Glass Wine, a $100M powerhouse with two other brands under its wing. Now, millions of loyal Winc subscribers continue to enjoy the brand they love.
🍷 Neha is also the former COO/CFO of Create & Cultivate, a Professor at UCLA, a mentor through the Women’s Abundance Collective, and a first-generation Indian-American entrepreneur. She’s redefining what it means to lead in both business and life. 💪✨
Tune in to this episode to discover:
🍷 The future of DTC wine and where the industry is headed
💡 Neha’s top tips for entrepreneurial success
📈 Exclusive insights into Neha’s innovative marketing strategies
🚀 How Full Glass Wine is optimizing efficiency and scaling to new heights
This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming two of the Co-Founders of Hiyo to the podcast!
As a brand, Hiyo is on a mission to revolutionize the way we drink, advocating for healthier ways to unwind. With just 30 calories and 0% ABV per can, you no longer have to choose between feeling good and maintaining your health. Hiyo delivers on both taste and functionality, offering a non-alcoholic option that inspires more relaxation on the sofa, more hangover-free happy hours, more presence at parties, and ultimately, a happier, healthier you.
On this week’s episode, you’ll discover:
- How Hiyo offers a healthier way to unwind, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
- The growing trend of social tonics and how they are transforming social drinking. - The unique market need Hiyo fulfills with its blend of adaptogens and nootropics.
- The evolving landscape of alcohol consumption and the shift towards mindful drinking. Tune in to hear more about Hiyo’s journey, mission, and the incredible benefits of their social tonic.
Today, we're thrilled to have Chef Joe Sasto and Sean Knecht as our guests.
Joe Sasto, inspired by his lifelong passion for pasta, founded Tantos, the ultimate pasta chip! Tantos is a brand that embodies the Italian expression "Tanto Si," meaning "so much yes." From a young age, Joe's talent for cooking was evident. He trained under some of the Bay Area's top chefs, contributing to the success of Michelin-starred Lazy Bear and Quince. You've also seen him on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network’s Tournament of Champions and Chopped.
Sean Knecht, since 2013, has helped Fortune 500 companies, hotels, breweries, and pet retailers leverage the emotional bond between customers and their pets to boost revenue and brand recognition. He provides award-winning customizable pet accessories for resale and promotional use. Sean has appeared on ABC's Shark Tank and has been featured in Inc., Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and Buzzfeed. His clients include Petco, Tito's Vodka, Subaru, Houston Astros, Bumble, Heineken, ESPN, and more.
On this episode you’ll discover:
How Tantos is Revolutionizing Pasta: Tantos revolutionizes pasta by transforming it into a gourmet snack with its unique process of drying, puffing, and seasoning pasta to crispy perfection.
Joe’s Incredible Culinary Journey: Chef Joe Sasto’s remarkable culinary journey took him from a young cooking enthusiast to a Michelin-starred chef, culminating in his innovative creation of the Tantos pasta chip.
Sean & Joe’s Launch Strategy: Sean Knecht and Joe Sasto’s launch strategy combined Sean’s brand expertise with Joe’s culinary innovation to successfully introduce Tantos to the market.
Join us in welcoming Chef Jasper Lynn, this week’s special guest!
To celebrate the grand opening of the Rosalynn Summer Series at Little City Farm, we're giving away two tickets to Thursday's event! To enter, head over to our Instagram! The winner will be announced at 3pm on Wednesday!
Chef Jasper Lynn, recognized as House of Suntory’s 2023 Rising Chef of the Year and featured by the James Beard Foundation at the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, is known for his bold Asian flavors with New American and French influences. His culinary excellence at Rosalynn earned him a feature on Netflix's Bling Empire (Season 2).
Rosalynn started as a passion project during the pandemic in August 2020. Chef Jasper, a former tech PM and consultant for companies like Apple and UPS Capital, began hosting dinner parties, which evolved into one of the most coveted private dining experiences in Los Angeles. He is also launching YEAT HAY, his new CPG and lifestyle brand, and hosts the viral video podcast 'The Durian Pod.'
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- Chef Jasper’s Summer Series at Little City Farm
- His near-death experience
- The launch of YEAT-HAY, the first Asian chimichurri sauce on the market
- His journey from tech to culinary success with Rosalynn Supper Club
Join us as we welcome Shannon Race, co-founder of Bio.me, to our podcast this week.
With over 12 years of experience in marketing and brand strategy, Shannon is currently a Principal at Starshot Ventures, where she leads investment strategy and advises portfolio brands.
She also co-founded bio.me, a pioneering gut health and fiber supplement company, and serves as a board member and strategic advisor for Koia plant-based protein drinks. Shannon has spoken at industry events such as Create & Cultivate, BeautyCon, and BevNET.
Bio.me is a female-founded company dedicated to improving gut health with effective, science-backed supplements. Their products, including bio.me Daily Prebiotic Fiber, bio.me Fiber Rescue, and bio.me Daily Synbiotic, aim to rebalance the microbiome and support overall digestive wellness. Better gut health leads to more energy, better sleep, reduced bloating, and a stronger immune system.
On this episode you’ll learn:
How to Create a Strong Brand Identity: Discover the essential steps to build a brand that stands out, from understanding your audience and crafting a clear message to maintaining visual consistency and sharing an authentic story.
The Power of Fiber in Boosting Gut Health: Learn how fiber supports digestion, balances the microbiome, reduces inflammation, enhances nutrient absorption, boosts immunity, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Key Business Tips from Shannon & Co-Founder Chloe Melas: Gain valuable insights from their experiences in growing successful brands and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
