Astrid & Miyu: The Brand Lab S2 EP1 - Maria Hatzistefanis, the OG global beauty entrepreneur

Founder of Oliver Bonas, Olly Tress joins Conne Nam in this candid conversation about his founding story. Thank you to Payhawk for sponsoring this episode.In this episode, Olly shares how he created a brand with a consistent and compelling style, his own personal challenges ​​including his recent ADHD diagnosis, and how it influences his leadership style.Olly also discusses the pivotal role of fashion in his business, the intricacies of managing a diverse product range, and the importance of cultivating autonomy and a shared vision within his team. Follow @oliverbonasTo keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a Chief People Officer special, Connie Nam is joined by Payhawk’s CPO, Aya Sority, and her own CPO at Astrid & Miyu, Alexia Aronsten. Thank you to Payhawk for sponsoring this episode.In this episode, they do a deep dive into how to build a positive and strong working culture when laying the foundation of your business. They discuss how to build values that reflect your business, how to identify and act on toxic culture quickly and the biggest mistakes founders make when hiring. To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of Beyond Nine, Naomi Raybould joins Connie Nam to share how she revolutionised the maternity wear industry. Thank you to Payhawk for sponsoring this episode.In this episode, Naomi reveals the discrimination she faced coming back from maternity leave before starting her own business, the fascinating insights behind only 30% of her customers being pregnant and the best type of people to hire into a start-up. Follow @_beyond_nineTo keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of iconic accessories brand Elizabeth Scarlett joins Connie Nam to share how she’s creating a business marrying her artistic passions and love for wildlife. Thank you to Payhawk for sponsoring this episode.In this episode, Elizabeth shares how her hero product was almost a happy accident, the story behind her husband being her maternity cover and tips for getting your first products out into the world. Follow @elizabethscarlettTo keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we feature another early-stage founder to show what it’s like to start a business in 2024.Mollie Michelle launched her handmade mug company during the pandemic and maternity leave and 2 years on she’s organically grown to 100,000 followers. In this episode, she joins Connie Nam and shares why she’s grateful for making so many mistakes early on, how she built a 10+ strong production team and the influencer repost which changed everything.Thank you to Payhawk for sponsoring this episode.Follow @naetive.studioTo keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite being a Professor in Reproductive and Molecular Genetics, when researching her own fertility Helen O’Neill found it confusing and expensive. This week, she joins Connie Nam to share the inspirational story behind her company ‘Hertility’, how she’s making hormone and fertility testing accessible from home and why she likens being a female founder to walking up a down escalator. Plus, she offers her top advice for dealing with investors, how she educated customers about her offering and why it’s so important to understand your hormones. Thank you to Payhawk for sponsoring this episode.Follow @hertilityTo keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Astrid & Miyu founder Connie Nam shares her second AMA of the season, all about juggling parenthood and building a successful business.Connie answers burning questions such as:What plans she put in place when she got pregnantHow her role changed with parenthoodHow to overcome mum guilt How to set boundaries whether you’re the boss or not!To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we featuring another early-stage founder to show what it’s like to start a business in 2024. Connie sits down with Feyi Flowers founder, Eni Awoyemi, to find out the realities of being a serial side hustler, how she’s utilised her background in influencer marketing and she spills the secrets on how to create strong and lasting brand relationships. Plus, Eni quizzes Connie on her advice on personal brand building, and juggling parenthood and starting a business.Follow @feyiflowersTo keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyuThis episode is sponsored by Payhawk.Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Biscuiteers founder Harriet Hastings joins Connie Nam for a fascinating insight on how to leverage the power of PR. In this episode, Harriet explains how her iced biscuits company is really a design business, why PR is the most cost-effective strategy to tell your brand story and she offers her top tips if you’re thinking of crowdfunding. Plus, she shares a critical mistake she made about funding which is key for any early-stage founder to hear, so you don’t do it too.  Follow @biscuiteersltdTo keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyuThis episode is sponsored by Payhawk.Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Astrid & Miyu founder, Connie Nam kicks off the new season with a special Q&A answering your question on how to build a successful consumer brand.Listen to find out how to find manufacturers, where to find effective market data and how to create highly anticipated cult products – like A&M’s own Advent Calendar.Plus, Connie shares her thoughts on the pros and cons of selling direct to consumers vs retailers, what’s more important: product or brand and what are the 3 elements of creating a cult brand.To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.