When you align your brand with your passion and purpose, magic happens! Joining me to prove it is Nyakio Grieco, a leader in the beauty industry and the founder behind Thirteen Lune and Relevant Skincare. In this episode, we dive deep into the creation of Thirteen Lune – a revolutionary e-commerce platform dedicated to showcasing beauty brands by Black and Brown founders. Nyakio shares her experience of translating a brand into a successful online platform and offers expert insights on partnering with major retail giants.

Nyakio also opens up about the challenges of building a brand in today’s economic climate with tips for overcoming them and shares her strategies for creating a product aligned with your mission. Plus, you get a sneak peek at what’s next for Thirteen Lune and Relevant Skincare, along with Nyakio’s favorite self-care ritual.

IN THIS EPISODE:

- (0:19) Nyakio’s unconventional path into beauty retail

- (4:18) The transition from owning a brand to launching an entire platform

- (7:54) Nyakio’s criteria when selecting brands and founders to feature on Thirteen Loon

- (9:58) A deep dive into the incredible partnership between Thirteen Loon and JCPenny

- (13:10) Advice for filling gaps in your industry with a brand that balances innovation and tradition

- (22:04) Strategically approaching direct to consumer versus direct to retail

- (24:30) How to merge your passions and mission with your brand

- (27:48) Nyakio’s top self-care rituals

- (29:15) The future of Thirteen Loon and Relevant

CONNECT WITH NYAKIO

Follow Nyakio on Instagram

Follow Relevant Skin on Instagram

Follow Thirteen Lune on Instagram

Connect with Nyakio on LinkedIn

Check out Thirteen Lune’s website

CONNECT WITH TINA

Follow me on Instagram

Learn more on my website

Listen to more Shelf Help

Mentioned in this episode:

Launch your product strategically and responsibly with guided expertise from Wellspring Studio!

Wellspring Studio

Scale your product-based business with Founders Framework!

Founders Framework

RESOURCES:

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Looking for an example of a perfect entrepreneur? Look no further! Today, I’m joined by Sarah LaFleur, the visionary founder and CEO of M.M.LaFleur! Together, we explore how she built a wildly successful and stylish fashion brand with purpose, intention, and a deep commitment to empowering women. Her journey is incredible – from starting with zero experience in fashion to leading a brand that redefines how women view workwear!

In this episode, Sarah reveals her top strategies for navigating partnerships with major upscale retailers, offers a behind-the-scenes look at her innovative retail approach, and explains how M.M.LaFleur's customer-driven mission makes life easier for women everywhere. From brilliant marketing strategies to expert insights to tips on integrating sustainability into the core of your brand, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation!

IN THIS EPISODE:

- (3:50) What motivated Sarah to create M.M.LaFleur

- (5:56) How Sarah approached designing and manufacturing her innovative power casual vision

- (10:54) Tips for staying ahead of trends and seasonally aligning your brand

- (12:40) M.M.LaFleur’s retail strategy and the importance of brick and mortar

- (15:24) The process of partnering with large retailers

- (19:29) Ways to bring your mission into your marketing and communications strategy

- (22:12) How to use Sarah’s 10-Year Press Release as a tool for setting long-term goals and guiding your plan

CONNECT WITH SARAH

Follow Sarah on Instagram

Follow M.M.LaFleur on Instagram

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Connect with M.M.LaFleur on LinkedIn

Check out M.M.LaFleur’s website or visit them in-store in NY, DC, Philly, Boston, and Chicago

CONNECT WITH TINA

Follow me on Instagram

Learn more on my website

Listen to more Shelf Help

Mentioned in this episode:

Scale your product-based business with Founders Framework!

Founders Framework

Launch your product strategically and responsibly with guided expertise from Wellspring Studio!

Wellspring Studio

Today, I'm joined by Hollywood's go-to esthetician, Shani Darden! Shani is a walking result of her incredible products, like her fan-favorite Retinol Reform serum, which quickly grew a large online following and is now featured on Sephora's shelves. In this episode, Shani reveals the process of transforming her service-based business into a powerhouse skincare brand fueled by her inspiring passion, dedication, and the strategic use of social media.

Shani shares her top tips on listening to clients to develop specialized solutions, creating packaging that reflects your brand identity, and leveraging your online presence to scale your business. Running both her Beverly Hills flagship studio and her product line, Shani also gives you a peek into how she balances facials, product development, and family time.

IN THIS EPISODE:

- (3:24) Shani’s initial obsession with skincare and how she translated her passion into a business

- (8:01) Why it’s important to have real experts behind skin-care brands

- (8:54) How Shani developed her products to be mass-produced

- (11:36) Tips for preparing your products for major retailers and knowing when to expand

- (15:28) Advice for creating packaging that stands out on the shelves and maintains your brand identity

- (18:55) Strategies for starting a product line as a service-based business

- (22:32) Ways to optimize social media and press when scaling

CONNECT WITH SHANI

Follow Shani on Instagram

Follow Shani on TikTok

Learn more on Shani’s website

CONNECT WITH TINA

Follow me on Instagram

Learn more on my website

Listen to more Shelf Help

Mentioned in this episode:

Get unstuck in your business and join my Founders Circle Membership!

Founders Circle

Launch your product strategically and responsibly with guided expertise from Wellspring Studio!

Wellspring Studio