Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs

Allbirds is a direct-to-consumer success story, upending the shoe industry with sustainable materials. Allbirds co-founder and CEO Joey Zwillinger shares how the company's mission fuels innovation in the first episode of the Shopify on Location in San Francisco.For more on Allbirds and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/allbirds-sustainability

Shopify Masters is back with a brand new miniseries from San Francisco. Join Benjamin Gottlieb and Shuang Esther Shan as they sit down with Shopify legends from our San Francisco office.Episodes drop each Thursday for the next couple months. If you like what you hear - and would like to listen to more in person interviews - make sure to leave subscribe and a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.For a full catalog of episodes, check us out online: https://www.shopify.com/blog/topics/podcasts 

CEO Gillian Gallant first saw Paper Shoot Camera on TikTok and convinced its inventor to let her build out exclusive distribution in North America. Here's how Paper Shoot Cameras went viral and sold to more than 70,000 customers.To learn more about Paper Shoot Camera and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/paper-shoot-camera-distribution

Known for vibrant iPhone accessories, Wildflower Cases was founded by the Carlson family after Miley Cyrus wanted the personalized phone case they had designed for fun.  For more on Wildflower Cases & show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/wildflower-cases-non-traditional-career-path-accessories-empire?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Pipcorn, a snack company focused on heirloom ingredients, found sustainable growth through relationships with suppliers. Since launch, the brand has been picked up by Oprah's Favorites Things and appeared on Shark Tank. For more on Pipcorn and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/pipcorn-heirloom-snacks-farming-relationships-shark-tank?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

If you're building a company from a small country with a limited market, ecommerce solutions can help. Find out how the clean period products company Riley was able to expand its reach across Europe and the world.To learn more about Riley and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/riley-international-expansion

Julia and Jordy Kay wanted to help reduce the amount of discarded plastic on the planet so they launched Great Wrap, a materials science company that's turning potatoes into compostable stretch wrap. Since its inception in 2019, Great Wrap has been featured on Netflix's Down To Earth with Zak Efron and the pair have raised more than $24 million to aid them in their mission to replace traditional polyurethane wrap. For more on Great Wrap and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/great-wrap-plastic-free-factory-global-recognition?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Jacob Winter co-founded Mush Studios, a design-focused rug brand selling unique and outside-the-box home décor. Jacob launched the brand after his tufting transformation videos went viral on TikTok. Now, Mush Studios offers exclusive drops and colorways through retailers like SSENSE and MRKT. For more on Mush Studios & show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/mush-studios-tik-tok-partnerships?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Literie Candles doesn't just sell scents, it sells memories. In this episode, Literie Candles founder Erica Werber explains how she created candles based on New Yorkers' favorite pastimes and why the packaging has made her scents sell.For more on Literie Candles and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/literie-candles-packaging

Sofas are an infrequent purchase, and the buying experience can be slow and frustrating. Snug founder Rob Bridgman set out to fix that, with modular couches that are delivered within days. He talks about the company's experimental social media strategies and his advice for other brands.To learn more about Snug and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/snug-content-strategies

Vanessa Pham and her sister, Kim, co-founded Omsom, an Asian sauce company, because they had a story to tell about growing up as first-generation Asian Americans. In this episode of Shopify Masters, Vanessa shares her tips for making your brand's story resonate.For more on Omsom and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/omsom-storytelling

Paul Chambers is a digital marketing and subscription economy researcher with over two decades of experience in the industry. Paul created his own networking event– SubSummit, to bring together founders at every stage of the subscription model journey and help them grow and expand their businesses.For more on Paul Chambers & show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/paul-chambers-subscription-business-sub-summit?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Tara Bosch wanted a better relationship with candy and sweets, so she created low-sugar gummy treats to “kick sugar but keep candy.” She dropped out of university to launch SmartSweets in 2016, and today the company surpasses $100 million in revenue annually. For more on SmartSweets & show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/smart-sweets-retail-celebrity-partnerships?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Parks Project founder Keith Eshelman wanted to leave parks and trails better for the next generation. He created a mission-driven company that designs outdoor-inspired apparel and gear. Here, he shares how he grew the business to give back more than $2 million to parks.For more on Parks Project and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/parks-project-impact

Sanzo founder Sandro Roco shares his inspiration for a sparkling water company, the mistakes he sometimes sees early founders make, and what he's learned about the food and beverage industry.For more on Sanzo and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/sanzo-food-and-beverage-insights

Matt Fiedler co-founded Vinyl Me, Please, a subscription-based vinyl-membership business, to give people the tangible connection to music they craved. After the first five years of bootstrapping, the business brought in over $11 million in revenue, and signed up more than 30,000 subscribers.For more on Vinyl Me, Please and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/vinyl-me-please-subscription-business-success%20?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Bank of Canada's director of data science Maryam Haghighi joins us for an in-depth conversation on the latest disruptive technologies, and how business owners can use and understand their customer data. For more on Maryam Haghighi & show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/maryam-haghighi-bank-of-canada?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Erica Davis and Catherine Carter founded The Sip, a tight-knit community where members receive curated sparkling wines from all over the world and learn more about the regions and ingredients behind their favorite bottles. For more on The Sip & show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/the-sip-representation-in-the-wine-industry%20?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Lindsey Carter founded SET Active, an activewear brand that blends form and function to make effortlessly comfortable clothing that sells out quickly. Its matching workout sets and lounge gear are extremely popular among the wellness community, and can be seen on “it girls” like Kylie Jenner and Hailey Beiber. For more on SET Active & show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/set-active-building-community?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast 

Founder Nancy Twine left her career on Wall Street to start Briogeo, a clean hair care company. In this episode, Nancy shares how she managed the risk of starting a company, scored a partnership with Sephora, and secured an acquisition of her brand.For more on Briogeo and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/briogeo-taking-smart-risks

Connie Steele, future of work expert, researcher, and author of The Business Of You, joins us to discuss business trends and how founders can better obtain and retain employees. For more on Connie Steele & show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/connie-steele-the-business-of-you?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Bird & Blend Tea Co. founder Krisi Smith wanted to bring fun tea blends to the UK., and gathered quite a following in the process. In this episode of Shopify Masters, Krisi shares how she built her customer base around students and tourists, getting their support to help fund retail expansion and rebrand the company.For more on Bird & Blend Tea Co. and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/bird-and-blend-community

Katonya Breaux launched Unsun Cosmetics in 2016 to educate consumers on the importance of sun protection for Black men and women, and to offer a mineral-based sunscreen that was specially developed for darker skin tones.For more on Unsun Cosmetics and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/unsun-cosmetics-inclusive-sunscreen?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Shopify released more than 100 product updates in February 2023. From checkout to PoS and everything in between, Shopify's Vice President of Product - Glen Coates - and Vice President of Product Marketing - Desiree Motamedi - have the 4-1-1 on everything you need to know about Winter Editions 2023. They also dispel some myths about Shopify and share how their team tackles some of the biggest challenges in e-commerce today.

Fly by Jing's founder Jing Gao wanted to change some of the misconceptions about Chinese food in the U.S., so she started selling a chili crisp that took the food world by storm. In this episode, Jing offers tips on Kickstarter campaigns, and dives deeper into her journey of reclaiming her culture through building a business.For more on Fly by Jing and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/fly-by-jing-reclaiming-culture

In this episode of Shopify Masters, we are joined by Shopify's president to chat about the current economic climate and the opportunities available to entrepreneurs in 2023.

Even nonprofits are on Shopify. In this episode of Shopify Masters, CEO Tom Vozzo explains how Homeboy Industries provides jobs for thousands of former gang members through the organization's various businesses, including a bakery and café.For more on Homeboy Industries and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/homeboy-industries-creating-job-opportunities

In the experience of floral designer and business owner Maurice Harris, capitalism isn't set up for creatives. On this episode of Shopify Masters, Maurice shares how he opened a flower and coffee shop in Los Angeles to make his art more accessible to everyone and create new streams of income.

Ross Mackay launched Daring in 2020 to remove chicken from our food system. In 2022 alone, the company helped save more than 500,000 chickens, and is daring to fix the chicken industry.For more on Daring and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/daring-plant-based-chicken-celebrity-endorsements?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Aspiring founders might wonder whether an uncertain economy is a good time to start a business. To those people, Retrospec founder Ely Khakshouri says, “Do it.” On this episode of Shopify Masters, Ely explains how he started a bike and outdoor gear company amid a recession, and why it's actually beneficial to do the same.For more on Retrospec and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/retrospec-starting-in-a-recession

P.F. Candle Co.'s scents take inspiration from California. On this episode of Shopify on Location in Los Angeles, founder Kristen Pumphrey shares how she found her candle niche, got discovered by big retailers, and continues to nurture her passion for making things.For more on P.F. Candle Co. and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/pf-candle-scale-your-craft

Hannah Mendoza created oat milk, superfood latte blends designed to help manage mood, energy, and stress levels. Clevr Blends' first investor, Meghan Markle, helped the company shake up the instant beverage industry. For more on Clevr Blends and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/clevr-blends-traveling-bar-investors?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Shock Surplus helps unique drivers reach their own car goals by offering premium shocks and suspension parts for any car. Based in Los Angeles, California, Sean Reyes founded Shock Surplus back in 2014 and now operates one of the largest companies in the automotive industry, reaching a little over $25 million in revenue each year.For more on Shock Surplus and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/shock-surplus-automotive-industry-meets-tech%20?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

In this episode of Shopify Masters, we're in London, chatting with Mathew Carver, the owner of The Cheese Bar. What started as a food truck in 2014 has grown into multiple restaurants, a retail store, and an online subscription business. Mathew shares his key learnings in business expansion, funding, and creating memorable food experiences.https://www.shopify.com/blog/cheese-bar-expansion

Youth to the People is famous for its nature-meets-science skin care products, often incorporating ingredients like superfoods and antioxidants. On this episode of Shopify on Location in Los Angeles, founder Greg Gonzalez shares his story, from his grandmother's skin care business to Youth to the People's acquisition.For more on Youth to the People and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/youth-to-the-people-ingredients

Jason Feifer is the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine and host of two popular podcasts, Build for Tomorrow and Problem Solvers. He stops by to talk about some of the big business trends founders need to be aware of in 2023, and how companies can work with the media auspiciously.For more on Jason Feifer and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/jason-feifer-entrepreneur-magazine-change?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Birdy Grey shook up the bridal wear industry with its affordable bridesmaid dresses priced under $100. Founder Grace Lee shares how she found suppliers, designed an online shopping experience, and pitched a wedding wear business to male investors in this episode of Shopify on Location in Los Angeles. For more on Birdy Grey and the show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/birdy-grey-affordable-pricing?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Amanda Rach Lee has become synonymous with bullet journaling and has built a community of more than two million on YouTube. Amanda also turned her passion for art and drawing into her own stationery business. In this episode of Learn With Shopify, Amanda shares her journey as a content creator and gives advice to those who wish to follow a similar path into business.  For more on Amanda Rach Lee and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/amanda-rach-lee-community-building?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Dr. Jason Wersland was in a life-altering motorcycle accident that left him in constant discomfort. His needs led him to create the Theragun, a one-of-a-kind electronic massage device that helps people alleviate their pain.For more on Therabody and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/therabody-innovation-house-hold-name?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Shopify Masters is back with a brand new miniseries to kick off 2023.Join Shuang Esther Shan and Benjamin Gottlieb as they sit down with Shopify legends from our Los Angeles office.Episodes drop each Thursday for the next couple months. If you like what you hear - and would like to listen to more in person interviews - make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.For a full catalog of episodes, check us out online: https://www.shopify.com/blog/topics/podcasts 

Bobbi Brown's son and Chief Marketing Officer at Jones Road Beauty, Cody Plofker talks about the strategies behind their success, and why their products work for customers of all ages. For more on Jones Road Beauty and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/jones-road-beauty-marketing-trends-strategies?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Sarah Paiji Yoo founded Blueland, a company that makes household cleaners and personal care products in tablet form. Blueland's innovative approach reduces single-use plastic and has prompted other competitors in the space to do the same. In this episode of Shopify Masters, Sarah shares how she and her chemist crafted the formula, found manufacturing partners, and negotiated a deal on Shark Tank.For more on Blueland and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/blueland-building-for-impact

LA stylist Karla Welch is changing menstrual care with absorbent and comfortable period underwear sold at an affordable price.For more on The Period Company and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/period-company-inclusive-affordable-underwear%20?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

After growing up in Los Angeles, Nica Yusay was an expert at hunting down the best secondhand finds to fit all the latest trends. Now, Nica sources vintage designer handbags that drop weekly at shopfashionica.com and sell out in a matter of minutes. For more on Fashionica and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/fashionica-bag-drops-connect-with-followers?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Vitruvi is a home scent company known for its air diffusers and humidifiers that can essentially double as home décor. In this episode of Shopify Masters, founder Sara Panton shares how she quit medical school to start Vitruvi, sourced clean ingredients, and kept design at the heart of it all.

Maarten Bodewes and Dimitri O founded the world's number-one-rated earplug company, Loop Earplugs. They reduce noise in style, and dedicate themselves to educating their customers and encouraging everyone to live life at their own volume.For more on Loop Earplugs and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/loop-earplugs-top-rated-manufacturing-partners%20?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

Lyn Allure built an audience on YouTube with no intention of starting a business herself. But after getting to know her viewers, Lyn understood their pain points and started several online businesses to address them. In this live episode of Learn with Shopify, Lyn shares her journey from content creator to serial entrepreneur, plus tips for people who want to do the same.For more on Lyn Allure and show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/lyn-allure-serial-entrepreneur