The Key to Building a Kickass Community in 2022 with Grace Blacksea of Quench Collective

"How can my brand get more exposure without spending a fortune?" is one of the most commonly asked questions by founders. And as we all know, building credibility and trust is crucial in the world of marketing. That's where social proof comes into play. Social proof is like having a third-party endorsement, which could be in the form of a quote, testimonial, or, you guessed it, a feature in a renowned publication. Today's guest has mastered the art of scoring features in major publications through good old-fashioned pitching - no fancy PR agencies or expensive promotions needed. Emma Vollrath, the founder of Emma Lou the Label, has managed to get her brand featured in top-tier publications such as Sports Illustrated, Cosmo, Forbes, Marie Claire, and more. Emma Lou the Label is an athletic wear brand that uses recycled thermoplastic fabric to reduce water weight and bloating while enhancing your silhouette. Emma's no-nonsense approach to getting PR for her brand is nothing short of impressive, and we're thrilled to have her on the show to share her exact process with listeners. So if you're ready to steal Emma's scrappy PR strategies and get your brand noticed by the big leagues, then tune into this episode, and don't forget: you don't need a huge budget or fancy connections to make a splash in the media world. Shop Emma Lou the Label: https://emmalouthelabel.com/ Follow Emma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmamvollrath/

Welcome back to a new season of The Next Big Thing podcast!  In this episode, we chat about the intersection of design and AI with Lauren DeVane, founder of The Bemused Studio. Together, we explore why many people view AI as a threat to their jobs and discuss how design and creativity can work with, rather than against, this rapidly evolving technology. Lauren shares her insights on why the distinction between art and design is subjective and how AI comes from prompting. We dive into the differences between creativity and technical skills and discuss how designers can build their skills to stay ahead in the industry. Rather than fearing the impact of AI, Lauren encourages designers to embrace learning and to see this technology as a positive tool for their careers. We explore how creativity is essential for staying ahead in the field and how designers can use their skills to create meaningful, impactful work.  The power of this innovative tool also extends far beyond design alone. Brands can use Midjourney AI to streamline their product photography process by creating high-quality backdrops without the need for an elaborate photo shoot.  We also discuss how product photographers can use Midjourney AI to plan out their own photo shoots by experimenting with different lighting and backdrop options so they can create a clear vision for their shoots. Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebemusedstudio/ Get on the wait list for Lauren's Bais Camp: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63c75f8fde520bd60dc32e13 Try Midjourney for yourself (not sponsored BTW): https://www.midjourney.com/

Community: it's so hot right now. But are brands and entrepreneurs really building community in a sustainable, thoughtful way that actually nurtures and satisfies members? Today, we're catching up with Grace Blacksea, a community founder who helps modern leaders connect and learn from one another. After feeling burned out and confused in the corporate world, Grace set out to build something AMAZING. Quench Collective is the ultimate values-driven community where founders can be vulnerable, honest, and open. Grace manages this community as well as the brand's Instagram to make sure that every single member has a five-star experience. But what does it really take to build a thriving, incredible community in 2022? And how has community evolved over the last few years? We dive into all of that and more in today's amazing episode with Grace! What you'll learn: The motivation for Grace to create a community - the real tipping point Why we (brands included) need to start focusing on we vs. me What motivated Grace to leave her corporate career for good Why you can’t talk about your values without vulnerability What Grace’s day-to-day looks like as the founder of Quench Collective The conversation Regina had with the manufacturer - and how she set expectations for her ingredients The trending topics within Quench Collective right now Examples of brands who are doing community right The secret ingredient to a successful community Different types of community, and how to think about community outside of the confines of a dedicated space Grace’s timely and thoughtful advice for entrepreneurs Check out Quench Collective - https://www.quench-collective.com/ (https://www.quench-collective.com/) Connect with Grace on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/quench.collective/ (https://www.instagram.com/quench.collective/) Follow TNBT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/ (https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/) Contact us - [email protected]

If you're feeling stressed TF out about the upcoming recession, and you're also a business owner or founder, you're not alone. It's easy to fall into the media trap of constantly feeling like the world is ending and business is going to start to slide. In fact, the fear-mongering from the media makes it even worse, as they highlight the upcoming doom and gloom without giving us as founders and consumers an opportunity to prepare, do things differently, and put our minds at ease. If you're looking for smart tactics for your brand that you can actually implement TODAY to prepare for a recession, you're in the right place. In this episode, we cover three EASY changes you can make right now to start to recession-proof your business. Links: Get the marketing spreadsheet here: https://stan.store/marketingwithsam (stan.store/marketingwithsam) Follow TNBT on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod

What if sticking to your values (and not conforming to the industry norm) actually helped your brand pave its own way in a highly competitive industry packed full of heritage brands? Today, we're chatting with the thoughtful, brilliant, and provocative changemaker from Nemi Snacks, Regina Trello. Surprisingly, Regina got her career start as a lawyer before creating her own snack foods on the side. While her first product didn't work out, she was determined to create something delicious and healthy that also celebrated her Mexican heritage. What stays true to Regina throughout her journey with Nemi Snacks is her ability to put her values at the forefront of the company. From vendor negotiations to branding, she's made sure that her mission is threaded throughout every element of the brand. Regina is a true advocate for self-care and self-nourishment which is such a pleasant departure from the rampant hustle culture that exists in the startup world. She is a true leader and an incredible inspiration for any woman who wants to start their own brand! What you'll learn: Why Regina moved from Mexico City to Chicago How Regina made the pivot from immigration law to her startup Why understanding your values can help guide your trajectory How Regina learned about CPG - without coming from a CPG background The first snack idea Regina had, and why it didn’t work out The conversation Regina had with the manufacturer - and how she set expectations for her ingredients Why Nemi has a vendor compliance questionnaire What Nemi means in the Aztec language The flip side of being a startup in the midst of major CPG companies on the shelves Why operating a business can be more challenging than starting a business The beauty of Nemi’s nutrition profile for snacking Check out Nemi Snacks - https://neminative.com/ (https://neminative.com/) Connect with Regina directly - [email protected] Follow TNBT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/ (https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/) Contact us - [email protected]

What if you launched a brand in a highly competitive category right before the pandemic hit? And beyond that - what if you built so much momentum that you had the opportunity to go on a major network TV show DURING the pandemic? Today, we're chatting with the vibrant, charismatic, and creative co-founder of Aura Bora, Maddie Voge. Maddie started Aura Bora with her husband Paul in 2019 after realizing that the sparkling water industry had so much more room for FUN. Between bright branding, delicious taste combinations, and a close-knit community, Maddie and Paul have built a brand unlike anything else in the space. From going on Shark Tank to sustained growth post-show, Maddie also breaks down challenges the brand had to overcome in order to establish itself in the fast-paced CPG world. Maddie has such valuable advice on what it's like being a female co-founder, what to do if your brand isn't working, and more. She is a pioneer in the CPG industry - yet anybody will find Maddie's perspective worth a listen! What you'll learn: Why it’s so important to attend bigger trade shows (even if they’re intimidating) What Maddie and her husband Paul were doing before Aura Bora Why Maddie and Paul became obsessed with sparkling water How these founders were able to launch a brand within a year and a half How living in Denver helped the brand get its start How Aura Bora was able to make its first 1,000 cans How Maddie and Paul came up with Aura Bora's brand positioning How the opportunity to go on Shark Tank came about What happened to the brand after their Shark Tank episode aired What it’s like being a female founder as part of a founding duo What it will take for women to get more investment in the startup world Check out Aura Bora - https://aurabora.com/ (https://aurabora.com/) Follow Aura Bora on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drinkaurabora/ (https://www.instagram.com/drinkaurabora/) Follow TNBT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/ (https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/) Contact us - [email protected]

What if your intuition was guiding you toward a game-changing product idea? Would you listen to what everybody else was saying you should do with your career - or would you tap into your gut feeling? Today, we're chatting with the thoughtful, provocative, and bold founder of Wherewithal, Danielle Rushton. Danielle was a tomboy growing up, but always had a challenge finding a strapless bra that fit properly (hello - don't we all?) Fast forward to her career in the corporate world, where she still wasn't feeling fulfilled day-to-day. Danielle decided to listen to the voice inside her head, buy a sewing machine, and start crafting a solution to the problem that so many women face. In this episode, you'll learn how Danielle stayed resilient among different feedback from family and friends, how she's built a brand that challenges traditional strapless bras, and why Wherewithal is meant to be a household name. What you'll learn: What Danielle really wanted to be when she grew up Why she felt like she had a “dissociation” with her boobs - and why it was so harmful Why Danielle decided to buy a sewing machine How the universe rewards you when you start to go after your purpose Where Danielle started learning how to make garments Why it was important for Danielle to start a company for her - and not anyone else How Danielle left her corporate career How she's taking on the bra industry and carving out a new category What makes Wherewithal a different kind of bra Why this industry was ripe for disruption Check out Wherewithal - https://shopwherewithal.com/ (https://shopwherewithal.com/) Follow Wherewithal on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shopwherewithal/ (https://www.instagram.com/shopwherewithal/) Contact Danielle: [email protected] Follow TNBT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/ (https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/) Contact us - [email protected]

Have you ever thought about launching your own fashion brand - but wondered where you'd ever get the experience to start? Many of us go to college and focus on majors that we never end up using IRL. And sometimes, brick-and-mortar retail experience just isn't going to cut it. Xi Chen went from getting her PhD to realizing she wanted to start her own fashion brand. Her brand Sonderlier is truly a brand all of us will appreciate post-COVID. Focused on every day essentials, Sonderlier is a brand you can shop and feel good about adding extra pieces to your closet. Xi's journey hasn't come without challenges - from learning how to get a fashion brand off the ground, to understanding what consumers value and seek in clothing - Xi has gone through just about every hurdle modern entrepreneurs face today. What you will learn: The conversation that changed everything for Xi Why trade shows are so important if you’re starting a fashion brand The steps that Xi took after the trade show to figure out how to launch Why it’s so important to find a community you can learn from The community Xi joined - and how she used it to her advantage Why it’s important for Xi to have design control with her brand How Xi navigated overproduction with manufacturing and identifying the right manufacturers Why overconsumption and overproduction is such an issue in the fashion industry How Sonderlier’s fashion for everyday combats overconsumption What Xi believes it’s going to take to reduce fast fashion Check out Sonderlier - https://sonderlier.com/ (https://sonderlier.com) Follow Sonderlier on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sonderlier/ (https://www.instagram.com/sonderlier/) Follow TNBT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/ (https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/) Contact us - [email protected]

Talk about a mind-blowing episode (have you heard Sam mention that word enough?) In this episode, Sam sits down to chat with Tesla la Touche, the CEO of Zymonetics. Tesla is at the forefront of psychedelic therapy research and longevity studies. And she is here to share what she's learned in this space. If you've ever been curious about psychedelics or biohacking, or how to live longer, then you will absolutely love today's episode with Tesla. Also, Canadian listeners, represent! Tesla is based in Canada and is spearheading these best-in-class practices there. What you will learn: How Tesla is part of the forefront of this movement How much LeBron spends on health technologies (spoiler alert: it's a lot) How Tesla is trying to change the industry and have these technologies become adopted by major healthcare companies Why psychedelics is the reckoning - and why Tesla got started after a major surgery Why expanding our minds is so critical - and how we need to evaluate that neurological and physical experience The promising research around psychedelics vs. SSRIs (anti-depressants) How Canada is at the forefront of research for alternative therapy How big pharma is reacting to psychedelics and new age therapy strategies How psychedelics can be monetized Check out Zymonetics - https://www.zymonetics.com/ (https://www.zymonetics.com/) Connect with Tesla on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tesla-s-la-touche-a67a7627/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tesla-s-la-touche-a67a7627/) Connect with Tesla via email: tesla {at} zymonetics {dot} com Follow TNBT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/ (https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/) Contact us - [email protected]

In this week's solo episode, Sam tackles a question she answers often: why isn't my brand growing? Let's face it: the last few years have been stressful. If you've been busy running your own brand, you know that it can be hard to zoom out and really see your brand with constructive eyes, especially in the midst of COVID, inflation, evolving consumer shopping habits, and more. That's why in this episode, Sam chats about how you can gut check yourself (and your brand) to ensure you have the forward momentum to succeed. What you will learn: The three biggest reasons why brands don't grow The principles you need to keep in mind so you don't get tunnel vision Why you might not want to blame current events for your lack of growth Why primary consumer research may not always be valuable Why establishing a business objective is so important How you can start to benchmark your brand toward your EOY objective Why all entrepreneurs should have some grace when evaluating growth Follow TNBT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/ (https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthingpod/) Contact us - [email protected]