And Then This Happened

When Melissa Ben-Ishay was fired from her advertising job in 2008, she decided to turn to the one thing she knew she could always count on to make her happy—baking. She made 250 cupcakes and sent them into her friend's work the next day. They were such a hit, Melissa and her brother decided to go into business together, and Baked by Melissa was born. For years, Melissa was the chief product officer and the face of the company, while her brother held the position of CEO of the company. And then this happened.

Aishwarya Iyer was living in New York, cooking often, and started thinking about where the fundamental ingredients from her pantry were actually from. She realized she had no idea what good or bad olive oil actually meant, and this led Aishwarya to start looking into a way to source and produce a better olive oil, and she moved to California to meet different farmers and continue her learning. Aishwarya was new to the world of food, but she believed that there was a real opportunity to disrupt the industry with Brightland. And then this happened.

Bryan Edwards and Phil Riportella have been best friends since middle school. After college, the two stayed close, but their careers took them on different paths, and Bryan spent the first part of his career in management consulting. But Bryan had a feeling he would want to start his own business one day, and he knew Phil would be the ideal partner if he ever did—they just needed an idea. And then this happened.

Jamie Banks worked for several major fashion brands, with her longest tenure at Kate Spade as the senior design director for their ready-to-wear collection—and she loved her job. In fact, Jamie figured she'd never leave. But then Jamie's entire team was laid off during the pandemic, and although she had financial security from her husband's job, she was wanted to find a job that would fulfill her like her job at Kate Spade did. After a stint in consulting for a swimwear company, Jamie realized that she had the time, know-how, and resources to start her own company, and she found a business partner that she believed would help her succeed. And then this happened.

Ibraheem Basir started his career at General Mills, where he worked on iconic brands like Annie's and had the opportunity to learn about sourcing and ingredient quality—and that's when the idea for A Dozen Cousins. Ibraheem wanted to make food that was good for people and that also evoked the same feelings he associated with his childhood. At first, the business was bringing in enough to cover rent, but what Ibraheem really needed was to get into retail. And then this happened.

Eli Weiss grew up among 9 other siblings in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish household without TV, internet, or a secular education. But Eli wanted to break into the “real world.” After moving between New York City and Israel, traveling across Europe on credit card points, getting his high school diploma, and joining different startups, Eli was looking for his next challenge. So he did what any entrepreneurial minded person would—he started his own brand, which aimed to solve men's hair loss. And then this happened.

When Steph Hon was on a rock climbing trip, she realized there was an opportunity to develop travel capsules that would be more innovative, sustainable, and thoughtful than the traditional single-use plastic containers. But to create the product she wanted to bring to market, it would take years of prototyping. After searching far and wide for an engineer that would make Steph's dreams a reality, she found one. And then this happened.

Gwen Jimmere was working at Ford motor company and had all the comforts of a cushy, corporate job—until she was laid off. Fortunately, Gwen had already begun working on her own company on the side, and soon after, she launched Naturalicious, a holistic beauty brand with a focus on natural haircare products. As the brand took off, Gwen realized that there was an opportunity to expand by opening a salon. And then this happened.

Amanda Goetz was at the height of her career, but she was finding it difficult to manage her stress and anxiety as a single mother with a high profile job, who was also going through a divorce. Not to mention, the pandemic was in full swing. Amanda wanted to find a self care solution that didn't require turning to a glass of wine. That's when she started looking into CBD, and launched House of Wise. And then this happened.

Coming from the tech world and without any experience in fashion or apparel, Melanie Travis wasn't an obvious choice to become a swimwear designer. But after a long, iterative process to create the “little black dress” of bathing suits, women fell in love with Andie Swim. The only problem? Money was running out, and Melanie realized she would likely have to shut down the business. And then this happened.

Meet DanikaDanika Brysha is a wellness entrepreneur, body-positive fashion model, and life coach. Looking at her success today, you could say that Danika epitomizes the spirit of “Making it Happen.” But it wasn't until after realizing that starting a business might be the only way for her to survive financially that Danika founded Model Meals and began making the positive changes that got her to where she is today. On this episodeDanika talks with Katie and Jenny about:How hard times gave her clarity in her career pathThe driving forces that got her to where she is todayHow she dealt with debt

Becoming an entrepreneur is the result of a series of strategic decisions, and that's why it's so important to master the art of the pivot.As a founder, you have to be able to realize when something's working—and when it's not.Meet Monica:Monica started Marea Wellness, a menstrual wellness brand, to fill a gap in the women's health market.Throughout her journey, there were times when Monica had to quickly adapt when things didn't go according to plan—whether that was working with suppliers or deciding on her business model.  On this episode, Monica talks to Katie and Jenny about:How she decided what the product would look likeHer challenges finding a manufacturerWhy she decided to change her business model

Some founders believe having a positive impact on society is as important as profitability and performance.But working for the greater good still means that you have to face the challenges of entrepreneurshipMeet TinaSeven Starling is a next-generation membership that supports parents through pregnancy and early parenthood by making care more communal.But Tina Beilinson, co-founder and CEO of Seven Starling, knows that trying to make the world a better place with your business can also complicate the path to success.On this episodeTina talks with Katie and Jenny about:The support she received from her networkManaging stress as an entrepreneurThe frameworks she uses to stay afloat

The decision to turn your side hustle into a full-time gig is a turning point for many entrepreneurs.But what's the catalyst that makes someone decide to go full-steam ahead with their idea?Meet AshleyFor Ashley Rouse, Trade Street Jam Co. started as a hobby in her tiny apartment in North Carolina as a way to experiment with funky flavor profiles outside the confines of her culinary career.But it was equal parts passion and strategic decision making—plus, a pinch of good faith—that eventually influenced her to leave the comfort of her traditional job to pursue her business full time.On this episodeAshley talks with Katie and Jenny about:The day she decided to leave her jobThe steps Ashley took to pursue Trade St. Jam Co. full timeHow to balance blind passion and strategic decision-making

It may be 2021, but in some industries, it's still very much a man's world.One founder is disrupting the very traditional—and male-dominated—diamond industry with her unique approach to selling the world's most coveted gem stone.Meet OliviaOlivia Landau is a fourth-generation jeweler, GIA Graduate Gemologist, and a veteran of Tiffany & Co. With Olivia's background, there's no question as to why her friends have always trusted her to help pick out their dream engagement rings.Now, after founding The Clear Cut with her husband, Olivia's shaking things up—not just with her direct-to-consumer business model, but also as a woman disrupting the diamond industry and reimagining the engagement ring purchasing process.On this episodeOlivia talks with Katie and Jenny about:Her family's initial reaction to her businessHow she differentiates herself from traditional jewelersHow she overcame adversity and self-doubt

Your business is your baby, so it's of the utmost importance that your business partner is someone you trust like a life partner. For Lizzie, building Only Curls with her co-founder, Hugo, meant combining both.Meet Lizzie CarterLizzie Carter began her career in the fashion industry but had the itch to start a business of her own with her partner, Hugo Lewis. Then one day, Lizzie was looking for the perfect solution for her own hair, and she quickly realized there was a huge gap in the market. Curly hair had largely been neglected in the beauty sector, especially in the UK. In response, Lizzie and Hugo created Only Curls, a London-based haircare line made specifically to help people across the UK manage and maintain their luscious locks.On this episode of Making it HappenLizzie talks with Katie and Jenny about:Her and Hugo's dynamic as co-foundersHow the duo navigates disagreements Her advice for picking a business partnerA difficult time her and Hugo worked through together

Meet Kim LewisKim Lewis is the CEO and co-founder of CurlMix, a clean beauty brand for curly hair. Kim and Tim, her husband and co-founder, operate a manufacturing facility in Chicago, where they employ a full-time staff of 30+ minorities and women.They appeared on the 10th season of Shark Tank where they turned down a deal from Robert Herjavec who offered $400K for 20% of their company. Following their episode, CurlMix became one of less than 40 Black, women-owned companies to raise over $1M in venture capital funding; specifically, raising a seed round of $1.4 million, led by former LinkedIn CEO, Jeff Weiner.On this episode of Making It HappenKim recently made history by allowing her customers and the community to invest in and own shares of CurlMix. She raised $5M in two months, which is only fitting since the community is at the heart of every decision Kim makes.On this episode, Kim talks with Katie and Jenny about:The first investor check she ever receivedHow she turned a Shark Tank appearance into more investor meetingsHer advice on finding the funding for your business

Meet Erica Liu WilliamsErica Liu Williams is a former Olympic trials swimmer and Silicon Valley techie, so it's safe to say she knows a thing or two about ambition, perseverance, and determination. Today, Erica's career looks a lot different—she works full-time as the founder of gr8nola, a granola brand you can find in the kitchens at big tech company headquarters (think: Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, and Slack). Erica also sells her wildly delicious superfood snack through gr8nola's website, on Amazon, and in select retailers. On this episode of Making it HappenLeaving a stable career to start your own company takes grit. When Erica launched gr8nola, she quickly learned how to run a business and how to show up for herself as a solo founder. On this episode, Erica shares with hosts Katie and Jenny:How she went all in on gr8nola and held herself accountableHow she motivates herself during difficult timesWhere she turns for support when self-doubt creeps in

Meet Chelsea MooreChelsea Moore was born and raised in Los Angeles, where she attended UCLA. After graduating, Chelsea and her now co-founder Jenni Olivero moved to Venice Beach. That's where the idea for BOXFOX, an online personalized gift box service, was born. The duo spotted a gap in the lifestyle and service space for elevated and effortless gifting, and knew they had something to offer.On this episode of Making it HappenBeing a founder is all about taking risks. You may risk your financial stability, your lifestyle, or your career. Either way, you can't build a business without taking risks. And sometimes, leaps of faith far outweigh calculated decision-making. Chelsea decided that creating her own company instead of following a more traditional career path was a risk worth taking. On this episode, Chelsea talks with Katie and Jenny about:The audacity it takes to veer from a traditional career pathA moment that felt like an enormous riskA decision she made that didn't pan out as she expected

Meet Laurel ThompsonLaurel Thompson is a recovering fast-fashion designer. After spending her career in the world of NYC fashion, she landed back in her hometown of Atlanta, GA where she now lives with her husband and daughter, Beya—the inspiration behind her children's clothing line, Beya Made.If you're saying to yourself, “Great, more outfits my toddler will outgrow in months,” think again. Laurel's sustainably sourced, ethically produced designs grow with your kid, allowing them to fit at least three times longer than other childrenswear.On this episode of Making it HappenWhile Beya Made is shaking up the children's clothing space, starting her own business meant Laurel had to make certain sacrifices. While becoming an entrepreneur gave Laurel a certain amount of flexibility that most climbing the corporate ladder never gain, she quickly realized that carving your own path can also come at a personal cost.On this episode, Laurel talks with Katie and Jenny about:Adjusting to founder life when you have a familyHow to know when you need to take a step back from your workThe legacy she wants to leave with Beya Made

Introducing Making it Happen, a podcast series about what founder life is really like, co-created with Klaviyo and Brass Clothing.