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© Nathan Resnick and Aaron Alpeter
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Ecommerce on Tap is a world where Supply Chain meets storytelling. Join Nathan Resnick and Aaron Alpeter each week as they offer insights into the backend of successful businesses. Brought to you by Sourcify and Izba Consulting!
118 Episodes
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We’re kicking off an exciting new category—supplements! We dive deep into the origins, evolution, and explosive growth of the supplement industry in America, taking you from its roots in traditional medicine and early 20th century vitamin discovery, through the postwar boom of multivitamins, the bodybuilding and counterculture movements, and all the way to the modern era of influencer-led brands and trend-driven innovation.
Vacation was founded by a pair of beach-loving creatives who teamed up with the mastermind behind PoolSuite FM, an internet radio station obsessed with retro leisure vibes. Together, they built a brand that’s as much about playful escapism as it is about serious sun protection. From recreating the iconic Orange Gelee tanning gel to launching Instagram-worthy whipped sunscreen, Vacation’s journey is a masterclass on community-driven branding, product innovation, and leveraging cultural nostalgia for explosive growth.Nathan and Aaron break down the science behind sunscreen, the regulatory hurdles for global expansion, and how Vacation has gone from a DTC darling to the #1 sunscreen in Target. With $40 million in revenue and serious acquisition buzz, this episode peels back the layers on what it takes to disrupt a legacy category—and why the future of sunscreen just might look like the past.https://poolsuite.net/Vacation ad: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationinc/video/7132998444548885802(00:00) - Intro
(01:59) - Non-resident Import Record Loophole
(03:24) - Customs Fraud
(04:12) - Nutrabolt investing in Bloom Nutrition
(05:27) - Skincare Review
(07:15) - Sunscreen 101
(12:56) - Sunscreen around the World
(18:05) - Sunscreen Market
(19:22) - Vacation Founding Story
(32:08) - Brand Identity
(39:47) - Vacation Growth
(41:55) - Exit Potential
(49:27) - Closing
Nathan and Aaron dissect Medik8’s unique “CSA” framework (Vitamin C in the morning, Sunscreen by day, Vitamin A at night), explaining how clear, habit-forming routines became a cornerstone for consumer loyalty and retention. The episode unpacks Medik8’s growth strategy, including their unconventional start through professional channels like medispas and dermatologists, the transition to retail and D2C, and their eventual partnership with private equity for rapid expansion into the US.
Glow Recipe. From their origins as ambitious executives at L'Oréal to becoming founders who redefined how the West thinks about skincare, Christine Chang and Sarah Lee's journey is packed with bold decisions, cultural insight, and some seriously impressive growth.Nathan and Aaron unpack Glow Recipe’s evolution—from a K-beauty curation website born out of a mere $50,000 investment, to a fruit-forward, community-driven skincare powerhouse that’s become a best-seller in Sephora and pulled in over $300 million in revenue. They break down what made Glow Recipe stand out (hint: it’s not just watermelon masks) and discuss the smart supply chain maneuvers, viral community campaigns, and the huge brand pivot that fueled their rapid scale.
Starting from a college dorm room, Topicals quickly evolved into Sephora's fastest-growing skincare line, selling a product every minute at its peak. This isn't just a story of impressive growth—it's about challenging the historic blind spots of the beauty industry, championing cultural representation, and the tenacity of two founders determined to serve overlooked communities.Nathan and Aaron walk us through Topicals' rapid journey: their unique approach to brand-building, the grit required to raise funds, how they cracked the code to a coveted Sephora partnership, and what happens when hypergrowth meets the realities of scale. Beyond Topicals, they also unpack broader trends in ecommerce, recent acquisitions shaking up the space, and the future of culture-driven holding companies.Dr Squatch Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-alpha-why-dr-squatch-unilevers-next-flagship-mens-aaron-alpeter-nt5reKellogg Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/quiet-candy-empire-thats-eating-your-breakfast-aaron-alpeter-isuse
On this episode of Ecommerce On Tap, we broke down how Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand, Rhode, achieved a billion-dollar valuation in just three years—with less than ten products, no paid celebrity endorsements, and a viral waitlist strategy. We looked at why authenticity and hands-on founder involvement mattered more than just lending a celebrity name, how tactical storytelling and minimalism fueled insane demand, and what founders can learn about operational excellence, keeping product lines focused, and preparing for a massive exit.
Welcome to a new season of Ecommerce On Tap, brought to you by Sourcify! In this exciting category kickoff episode, hosts Nathan Resnick and Aaron Alpeter dive deep into the world of skincare—a market that’s grown from ancient rituals and status symbols into a multi-billion dollar industry shaped by science, social media, and a global consumer base.Nathan and Aaron trace the fascinating evolution of skincare, from Cleopatra’s milk baths and rice water in ancient China to today’s biotech formulations and viral TikTok routines. They explore how skincare’s meaning has shifted through history—from spiritual purity to social status, and now to self-expression and personalization—and reveal surprising differences in routines and values across cultures.Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own skincare brand, curious about how products are sourced and manufactured, or just want to know why the products on your shelf look and work the way they do, this episode will give you insider access and expert perspectives. Plus, the hosts break down the industry’s vast supply chain, modern regulatory challenges, white-label versus custom formulations, the global landscape, and why M&A is booming in this category.
Did you know the athleisure supply chain is still almost entirely Asia-based, and moving production elsewhere is insanely tough due to the complexity of technical fabrics? (Shoutout Beyond Yoga for doing it in LA!) Plus, just a decade ago, wearing your gym clothes to dinner was unthinkable. Now, multi-billion dollar brands like Lululemon and Gymshark have made “sporty chic” the new normal.
On this episode of Ecommerce On Tap, we unpacked the inspiring story behind Beyond Yoga—a DTC athleisure brand that bootstrapped their way from humble beginnings to a massive $400 million acquisition by Levi’s. We broke down how founders Michelle and Jodi championed body positivity, inclusive sizing, and buttery-soft fabrics, all while manufacturing locally in L.A. Their secret? Resisting industry norms, building real community, and letting their product fanbase fuel organic growth.
In this episode, Nathan and Aaron take us inside the journey of Adanola, the quietly confident UK-based athleisure brand making serious waves after years of flying under the radar. It’s a tale that starts with failure: two brothers, Hyrum and Josh Cook, first launched Zeven Media, an ambitious photo booth startup that ultimately collapsed despite a high-profile run on the UK’s Dragons' Den. But instead of calling it quits, Hyrum dusted himself off, doubled down on a side passion project, and spent years in the trenches perfecting what would become Adanola’s signature product—its Ultimate Leggings.We’ll explore how Adanola went from nearly five years of flatlining sales to a multimillion-pound empire, thriving during the COVID-19 lockdowns through a mix of product obsession, carefully crafted influencer partnerships, and the discipline to scale slowly and profitably. The story is packed with lessons on bouncing back from failure, building a brand on your own terms, and knowing when to step aside to let your company reach the next level.
Today on Ecommerce On Tap, we dove deep into the story of Rhone—a premium activewear brand redefining men’s athleisure by blending high-tech fabrics with a real commitment to mental health and authentic values. We broke down their unique approach to supply chain innovation, how they built a dedicated community before spending a single dollar on ads, and their bold move to buy back shares from their PE investor to preserve their mission. Rhone proves you can scale a brand with integrity, staying true to your purpose every step of the way.
This episode is all about Gymshark—one of the fastest-growing athleisure brands on the planet. Kicking off with breaking industry news and trends, Nathan and Aaron lay the groundwork for an exploration of what makes Gymshark a standout story: a college student, Ben Francis, who turned a passion for lifting and coding into a multi-billion dollar global powerhouse.We unpack Gymshark’s humble beginnings, its explosive early growth, and how a clever pivot from dropshipping supplements to creating apparel changed everything. You’ll hear about Ben’s bold decision to step back as CEO—a move rarely seen in fast-growing startups—and what that meant for the company’s trajectory. The episode also covers the nuts and bolts of Gymshark’s supply chain, the role of influencer-driven marketing, navigating international expansion (including a $200 million market entry in the US before even having a local staff!), and what the future might hold as IPO rumors swirl.Dye Ban Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/color-change-why-fdas-dye-ban-just-beginning-aaron-alpeter-cfuae
Journey through the dynamic world of athleisure as we deep dive into the story of Alo Yoga, a brand that's reshaped how we think about activewear. Here are 3 key takeaways:Resilient Growth: Alo Yoga experienced a staggering 200% growth during the pandemic, exemplifying the power of adaptation and meeting market demands. Their pivot to digital platforms with Alo Moves was a strategic win that engaged their community in innovative ways.Bold Branding: From proprietary fabrics to fashion-focused initiatives like New York Fashion Week partnerships and a luxury skiwear collection, Alo isn't just selling clothes; they're crafting a lifestyle. Their strategy of combining athleisure with high fashion demonstrates the importance of brand differentiation.Supply Chain Savvy: Leveraging a vertically integrated supply chain, Alo benefits from extensive manufacturing networks in Asia, ensuring they meet the technical demands of their products. Meanwhile, Bella + Canvas's U.S.-based operations showcase a strategic mix of onshore and offshore production capabilities.Catch the full episode for deeper insights into Alo's remarkable journey and learn how they're positioning themselves against giants like Lululemon.
Whether you're deep into the world of athleisure or just curious about its explosive growth, this episode is a must-listen. Check out these key takeaways:🔹 Athleisure's Market Growth: The athleisure industry could become a trillion-dollar market by the early 2030s, driven by a compound annual growth rate of nearly 10%. It's a booming sector with vast potential!🔹 Sustainability Challenges & Innovations: While athleisure is popular, it faces scrutiny for synthetic materials' environmental impact. Brands like Patagonia and Girlfriend Collective are leading the charge in sustainability with recycled materials and eco-friendly initiatives.🔹 Opportunities for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: The sector's growth presents a golden opportunity for new brands. By honing in on a niche and embracing innovative, sustainable practices, startups can carve out their space and thrive.
Studs is redefining the ear piercing and jewelry space for Gen Z—but their journey hasn’t been easy. In this episode of eCommerce on Tap, we dive into:💡 The inspiration behind Studs and how founders Anna Harmon & Lisa Bubbers built the brand🚀 How early funding & a premium domain name fueled their launch😷 Pivoting during COVID—from boutique closures to an e-commerce boom📱 Using TikTok, "Studs on Wheels," and unique collabs to drive engagement📦 Supply chain challenges & how they manage inventory for a dual-channel business💰 Potential exit strategies—who might acquire Studs?
From a surf trip in Costa Rica to a multimillion-dollar acquisition—Pura Vida Bracelets built an empire by blending handmade craftsmanship with savvy digital marketing. 🌊📿In this episode of eCommerce on Tap, we break down:✅ Pura Vida’s origin story and early growth strategy✅ How Facebook and influencer marketing (including Lauren Conrad) fueled its rise✅ The power of ambassador networks in scaling an eCommerce brand✅ Transitioning from bracelets to a full jewelry and apparel line✅ The challenges of adapting to new platforms like TikTok✅ The $75M acquisition by Vera Bradley and what’s next for Pura Vida
What happens when two founders rethink a centuries-old tradition? QALO co-founders Ted Baker and KC Holiday set out to solve a personal problem—traditional wedding rings didn’t fit their active lifestyles. What started as a simple idea turned into a brand that reshaped the jewelry industry.In this episode, we break down:✅ How QALO disrupted the wedding ring market with silicone bands✅ The challenges of competing against cheap alternatives✅ Their viral Hard Knocks moment with Andy Dalton✅ The launch of their health-tracking ring, QRNT✅ The strategic acquisition by Win Brands GroupWhether you’re an entrepreneur, eCommerce operator, or just love a great business story, this episode is packed with insights on product innovation, category creation, and scaling a brand.
We dive into the incredible story of Aurate, a jewelry brand redefining the industry. From their innovative pop-up store beginnings in Soho to their pioneering retail-first strategy, Aurate’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We discussed their unique partnerships, sustainability focus, and their impressive financial milestones including a recent $25 million Series B.
From resurrecting an old shoe polish brand to transforming it into a luxury watch and lifestyle powerhouse built in Detroit, Shinola is a testament to the power of American-made ethos. We discussed their dramatic growth, challenges in maintaining a U.S. assembly line, and their ambitious goal of becoming the LVMH of America.
On today's episode of Ecommerce On Tap, Nathan and I dive deep into the fascinating world of jewelry e-commerce. We unpack the differences between luxury and custom pieces, explore key manufacturing processes like lost wax casting and CNC milling, and discuss the growing demand for ethical sourcing and sustainability. Plus, we highlight successful DTC brands like Mejuri and Jaxxon, sharing how innovative marketing and supply chain strategies lead to high margins and growth. Whether you're a budding jewelry entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights you can't miss.
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