Podcast Summary
Sabina Lada's Entrepreneurial Journey: Clear Brand Message is Key: Having a clear and accurate brand message is crucial to avoid misunderstandings, as Sabina Lada's successful cookie dough business demonstrates. The Audible app offers a wide range of content to inspire, educate, and entertain, making it an essential tool for personal growth.
The Audible app offers a vast collection of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals for members to enjoy, with new members able to try it free for 30 days. Sabina Lada, a guest on a podcast, shared her entrepreneurial journey, revealing how she started a successful cookie dough business despite initial misconceptions about her company. Sabina's story underscores the importance of having a clear and accurate brand message to avoid misunderstandings. The Audible app, like Sabina's business, provides access to a wealth of content that can inspire, educate, and entertain, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their horizons.
The man's need to prove himself: People with a 'chip on their shoulder' mentality can drive themselves to continually strive for success, even if they have unhealthy upbringings or face initial skepticism.
Sometimes, first impressions can be misleading. The man at the booth initially came across as someone trying to sell a product, but as the conversation unfolded, it was revealed that he was an influencer and the owner of a brand. He felt the need to prove himself and show that he was legitimate, despite being smaller in comparison to the brand the speaker was representing. This "chip on his shoulder" mentality is common among successful people, as they constantly strive to prove themselves and keep pushing forward. Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, the speaker's childhood didn't emphasize health or nutrition. Instead, they grew up eating processed foods like Kraft Mac and Cheese, Oreos, and pepperoni pizza. It wasn't until college that they began educating themselves on health and nutrition. Despite this, they acknowledged that having a "chip on their shoulder" can be beneficial, driving them to continually strive for success.
Understanding unique audience needs: Consider diverse perspectives and experiences to build a brand that resonates beyond major markets
Understanding your audience and their unique needs is crucial for building a successful business. The speaker shares her experience of living in LA, where access to health food and wellness options is abundant, but recognizes the importance of considering perspectives from other regions and demographics. She also reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, from selling Girl Scout cookies as a child to working for a junk food company after college, and how these experiences shaped her current focus on creating healthy, delicious products for a wider audience. This emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity is essential for building a brand that resonates beyond major markets like New York, San Francisco, and LA.
Balancing Health and Taste in Products: To succeed in business, brands must balance health benefits and taste to attract a wider customer base. Following one's passion and beliefs in work is also crucial for fulfillment.
When creating a product or brand, it's crucial to consider both health benefits and taste. The speaker shared her experience of trying to sell healthy products during her time at Frito Lay, where she learned that even if a product is healthy, it won't sell if it doesn't taste good. Similarly, when she started Bloom, she initially prioritized 100% natural ingredients over taste, but later realized that customers value taste as much as health benefits. Brands need to find a balance between being healthy and enjoyable to attract a wider customer base. Another important point discussed was the importance of following one's passion and beliefs in work. The speaker shared how she felt trapped in her job at Frito Lay despite performing well, and it took her time to realize that she needed to pursue her health-focused business idea to be truly fulfilled. Overall, the conversation emphasized the significance of balancing health and taste in products and the importance of following one's passions in work.
The dangers of seeking happiness through achievements: Seeking happiness solely through achievements can negatively impact well-being. Find joy outside of work and let go of external validation.
Focusing solely on achievements and external validation for happiness can be detrimental. The speaker shares her personal experience of being trapped in the cycle of striving for achievements, be it sales numbers or promotions, and how it negatively impacted her mood and overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of finding happiness outside of these achievements and not letting them define your worth. The speaker also touches upon the challenges of this in the current digital age, where social media algorithms and likes can significantly influence one's mood and self-perception. The concept of dough came about during the pandemic as a response to this realization, with a focus on creating a brand that aligns with wellness and better-for-you food options.
Starting a business during uncertain times: Despite challenges, starting a business during uncertain times can lead to innovative products, personal growth, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Starting a business during unprecedented times, like a pandemic, can be challenging and trigger emotional responses. However, it can also lead to the creation of innovative products that cater to consumers' needs, such as healthy indulgences. The process involves overcoming obstacles, learning various roles in the company, and making tough decisions, like hiring help for customer service or social media management. The entrepreneur's journey may include long hours, personal sacrifices, and learning from mistakes, but it can also lead to a sense of accomplishment and growth. Overall, starting a business during uncertain times requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to the vision.
Versatile team member crucial for social media and influencer marketing success: Creating engaging content, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, strong brand identity, social media/influencer impact on consumer buying, and Shark Tank exposure can make a difference for a brand.
Having a versatile team member who can handle various aspects of social media and influencer marketing is crucial for a brand's success, especially in today's digital age where social media plays a significant role in consumer discovery and engagement. The speaker emphasized the importance of creating engaging and entertaining content, as well as sharing behind-the-scenes stories to build a cult following. Additionally, having a strong brand identity through packaging and branding can capture consumers' attention and make a difference in places where healthier options are limited. The speaker's experience with Dough, a healthy dessert brand, showcased how social media and influencers can impact the way we buy and how having a presence in various retailers can expand consumer reach. Ultimately, getting on Shark Tank was a game-changer for the brand, providing exposure and investment to take it to the next level.
Reality of Appearing on Shark Tank: Appearing on Shark Tank can lead to growth and exposure, but the application process is lengthy and the outcome unpredictable. Entrepreneurs must be resilient and adaptable to criticism and unexpected twists.
Appearing on Shark Tank can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs, but it comes with its challenges. Receiving the initial email invitation is validating, but the application process is lengthy. For some, the exposure on national TV can lead to significant growth, while others may face criticism or controversy. The entrepreneur in this story received an offer from Robert Herjavec but renegotiated, leading to the deal being retracted. Additionally, the entrepreneur's unique hot pink outfit caused a stir online. Despite the ups and downs, the experience provided valuable lessons and increased exposure to new consumers. Overall, Shark Tank offers a traditional approach to gaining exposure and reaching a wider audience, but it requires resilience and adaptability in the face of criticism and unexpected twists.
Negotiating confidently and expressing oneself can face criticism, but focus on support and positivity: Despite potential backlash, women should negotiate confidently, stay true to themselves, and lean on supportive networks for encouragement.
Negotiating and expressing oneself confidently in the workplace, especially for women, can be met with criticism and backlash. However, it's essential to focus on the support and positivity from those who believe in you and your abilities. The speaker shared her experience of facing criticism for negotiating and wearing a bold outfit on a business show, but she also received encouragement and validation from her supporters. She emphasized the importance of teaching young girls to negotiate and not letting negative feedback deter them from being true to themselves. The controversy around her appearance and negotiation skills likely contributed to the high ratings of the episode, demonstrating that sometimes, controversy can lead to success. For women struggling with confidence in the workplace, the speaker suggested recognizing that we've been conditioned to please others and staying quiet, but building confidence through practice and leaning on supportive networks.
Faking Confidence and Persistence Leads to Growth: Develop confidence by assuming a persona, reach out to big influencers, and don't let rejections discourage you.
Confidence can be developed through faking it till you make it, and persistence in reaching out to potential influencers or customers can lead to significant growth for a business. The speaker shares her personal experience of being shy and studious in her younger years but learning to be more confident and outgoing as she grew older. She also mentions the importance of assuming a "character" or confident persona during important meetings or interactions. Regarding her business success, she emphasizes that reaching out to big influencers with large followings can be just as effective as starting with micro-influencers, and that persistence in the face of rejections is crucial. The speaker also sees every "no" as an opportunity to try again or find another way, rather than a definitive rejection.
Building relationships with influencers and potential partners through personalized communication: Personalized communication with influencers and potential partners can lead to business opportunities, but it's essential to establish boundaries and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout.
Building relationships with influencers or potential partners can be achieved through personalized communication. This can include responding to messages on social media platforms, reaching out via email, or even sending them a product. Kim Kardashian and her family, for instance, could be potential customers for a dough brand due to their indulgent tastes and health journeys. However, having no boundaries during the early stages of starting a business can lead to burnout and unhealthy habits. Founders often work long hours and sacrifice personal time to ensure the success of their venture. While it's essential to put in the effort, it's also crucial to establish boundaries and prioritize self-care. This may include setting aside time for meals and weekends, as well as being prepared for unexpected issues that may arise. Ultimately, the hard work and dedication put into a business can lead to significant rewards, but it's essential to maintain a balance between work and personal life.
The Challenges and Joys of Entrepreneurship: Starting a business requires hard work and dedication, even in the early stages. Uncertainty is a constant companion, but the excitement of creating a unique, healthy, and delicious product can make it all worthwhile.
Starting a business involves constant effort and dedication, even during the early stages when survival mode is the priority. The speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work and the uncertainty that comes with it. They also mention their excitement about a new collaboration, a matcha white chocolate chip cookie dough, which is vegan, gluten-free, and free of preservatives, refined sugars, and animal byproducts. The unique product features white chocolate chips and coconut flakes, providing an interesting texture and taste combination. The speaker expresses their personal love for matcha, white chocolate, and coconut, and the benefits of using matcha, which is rich in antioxidants. Overall, the speaker's message highlights the challenges of entrepreneurship and the joy of creating a delicious, healthy, and unique product.
Sharing vulnerabilities and struggles builds connections: Focus on ingredients, build connections, indulge occasionally, and find what works best for individual wellness
Wellness is about making small improvements every day, both mentally and physically. The speaker, who is excited about a new collaboration, believes that sharing vulnerabilities and struggles is essential for building connections and supporting each other. She appreciates authenticity and openness about the highs and lows of life, which is not limited to entrepreneurship. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of focusing on ingredients rather than calories for overall well-being. She encourages people to indulge occasionally but make better choices the next day. The speaker's community, Dough, is focused on promoting a balanced approach to wellness and encouraging people to move away from diet culture and calorie counting. The speaker's personal story and her love for Pilates serve as examples of her wellness journey and the importance of finding what works best for each individual.
Bloom Times expanding to national retailers: Bloom Times is now available in Whole Foods, Target, Fresh Market, Hy Vee, Sprouts, and select Walmart stores. Engage with the brand for future episode suggestions and stay updated on new collaborations.
Bloom Times is expanding its reach and will soon be available in various national retailers such as Whole Foods, Target, Fresh Market, Hy Vee, and Sprouts. Additionally, their snack-size products will be available in select Walmart stores in Texas and Louisiana. The Bloom Times Dough collab is also worth looking out for. Fans are encouraged to engage with the brand by commenting on Mari Luwelyn's last Instagram post with their preferred guest for a future episode, and following for weekly episodes. Don't forget to share, leave a review, and keep an eye out for these exciting developments.
