Uncommon Brands

Sarah Vilensky is the founder and CEO of Blossom Essentials. In this episode, she shares how she’s used her digital marketing expertise to build a high-growth D2C skincare brand. Sarah shares her journey from affiliate marketing to addressing chronic dry skin with clean, non-toxic products. This episode is full of insights on how they navigate the crowded skincare market and details on their massive upcoming retail rollout into Walmart's Beauty Space.What was covered:Sarah's journey from affiliate marketing to founding a D2C brand.The importance of authentic product expertise (addressing personal chronic dry skin).The decision to shift from Amazon to owning the website/customer relationship.How to build brand authority in the crowded clean beauty space.The operational reality: Managing inventory and scaling supply chains.Next Steps: The huge retail rollout into Walmart's Beauty SpaceBlossom Essentials Links: Website: https://tryblossom.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/try_blossom/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blossomessentials/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blossomessentialsskin Parker Nash Links: Website: parkertnash.com  LinkedIn: Parker Nash

Gregg Hemphill is the CEO of Nexbelt and Lejon Belts. In this episode, he shares how these two brands take an overlooked product, the belt, and turn it into an engine for massive growth. Gregg, a 25-year veteran of the golf industry (Quiksilver, TaylorMade, Oakley), shares how Nexbelt's patented micro-adjusting ratchet technology provided both a functional benefit to the consumer and a huge inventory solution for retailers. This episode breaks down their strategy for profitable growth and how to turn the ordinary into not so ordinary.What was covered:Leading Nexbelt after acquisition by a PE firm.Overcoming the challenge of selling an overlooked accessory (the belt).Why fashion sells the basics: Using color and design to drive repeat purchases.The dual-benefit pitch: How Nexbelt solves the retailer's massive inventory problem.Don’t sell features, sell the benefitAdvice for founders on profitable growth vs. "fake growth" spending.Nexbelt Links:Website: https://www.nexbelt.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nexbelt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nexbelt Parker Nash Links: Website: parkertnash.comLinkedIn: Parker Nash

Join Parker Nash and Anna Rooke, CMO and Co-founder of Akasha Superfoods, for a deep dive into health, wellness, and organic growth. Anna shares her journey with sea moss, from making gels in her kitchen to becoming a category creator on retail shelves. This episode is a masterclass in using short-form video to overcome low product awareness and dominate a new market without spending a dollar on paid ads.What was covered:The challenge of creating a shelf-stable productWhy Akasha's initial target audience hypothesis was wrongAnna's organic growth strategyHow to create irresistible storytelling videosWhy TikTok Shop is the new QVC and how to succeed on the platformLightning Round: Fun facts about Sea Moss, health hacks, and advice for foundersAkasha Superfoods Links: Website: https://www.akashasuperfoods.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akashasuperfoods/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@akashasuperfoods Parker Nash Links: Website: parkertnash.comLinkedIn: Parker Nash

Today on the show, we have Garrett Peters, the co-founder and CEO of Duncan and Stone Paper Company. Duncan and Stone specializes in beautifully designed, keepsake notebooks and journals featuring simple guided prompts to easily capture important life moments. Garrett shares the company's journey, from its 2020 launch with a handful of items to its current portfolio of over 50 products.Garrett discusses the challenge of building a brand and audience primarily on a platform like Amazon and the strategic shift they made toward their own website to foster customer engagement through email and social media. He also emphasizes the critical role of product quality, timeless design, and a thoughtful customer experience in building a loyal customer base and driving organic growth.What we covered:The Launch and Hero ProductsThe Shift from Amazon to Direct-to-ConsumerProduct Design Philosophy and Delivering a Great Customer ExperienceQ4 Holiday Sales Strategy: Making One Simple, Clear OfferThe Importance of Clarity in Product OfferingsDuncan and Stone Links:Duncan and Stone Links: Website: https://www.duncanandstone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanandstone/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuncanandStone TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@duncanandstone Parker Nash Links: Website: parkertnash.comLinkedIn: Parker Nash

Join Parker Nash in a conversation with Maddie Steitz, the founder and CEO of Maddie's Natural Sweetener. Maddie shares her uplifting journey from working as an assistant to launching her own company, driven by a passion for baking and a commitment to creating a truly healthy alternative.Maddie discusses the inspiration behind developing a healthier, natural sweetener that avoids the pitfalls of current market options, such as artificial ingredients and excessive calories. Her product offers a unique, guilt-free indulgence, featuring a proprietary blend of stevia, monk fruit, and other natural ingredients.What was covered:The Entrepreneurial ShiftProduct Science & Manufacturing ChallengesVision for Guilt-Free TreatsMarketing & Retail Expansion StrategyMaddie’s Natural Sweetener Links:Website: https://www.maddiesnaturalsweetener.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddiesnaturalsweetener Parker Nash Links:Website: parkertnash.com LinkedIn: Parker Nash

Join Parker in an insightful conversation with John Gaither, CEO of Feetures. John leads America's number one running sock brand, a performance-driven, family-run business based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Having served in various roles from sales and marketing to COO before becoming CEO in 2023, John brings a comprehensive understanding of the business he now runs.John shares the compelling story of Feetures, started by his father in 2002 with a vision to innovate performance socks. He discusses the brand's growth within the booming running industry, their careful balance between wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels, and their strategies for maintaining strong relationships with specialty retailers while expanding into larger chains. John also offers valuable lessons on product development driven by consumer feedback, staying ahead in a competitive market, and the unique dynamics of leading a family business through succession and daily operations.What was covered:A Family LegacyStrategic Growth & ChannelsProduct Innovation & PerformanceLeading a Family BusinessParker Nash Links:Website: parkertnash.comLinkedIn: Parker NashFeetures Links:Website: https://feetures.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeeturesBrand/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feetures/

Join Parker in an inspiring conversation with Lauren Dellinger, President of Headbands of Hope. Lauren shares the incredible mission behind Headbands of Hope: for every headband purchased, one is donated to a child with an illness, with over a million donated globally since 2012. She dives into the brand's growth strategies, from leveraging public speaking to building robust wholesale partnerships. Lauren also offers valuable lessons from her extensive experience in trade shows, highlighting the importance of strategic presentation, packaging, and managing relationships with diverse retailers, all while staying true to their powerful mission.What was covered:A Mission-Driven BrandBuilding Community & RelationshipsWholesale & Growth StrategiesNavigating Business ChallengesProduct Presentation & MarketingParker Nash:Website: parkertnash.comLinkedIn: Parker Nash Lauren Dellinger of Headbands of HopeWebsite: https://www.headbandsofhope.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headbandsofhope/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadbandsOfHope/

Today’s episode is an inspiring conversation with Ashley Nickelsen, founder of BTR Nation. Ashley shares the deeply personal story behind her mission to reimagine "junk food" found in hospital vending machines, driven by her experience as a caretaker for her parents, who both battled rare forms of cancer. She reveals how this personal journey, and her late father's entrepreneurial spirit and mantra "be bold, tenacious, and resilient" (which inspired the brand's name, BTR), fueled her to launch BTR Nation at the end of 2020.Ashley dives into BTR Nation's growth strategy, emphasizing the power of authentic relationships over transactional interactions in building a loyal community of brand ambassadors and influencers. She also discusses the brand's unique approach to distribution, from initial direct-to-consumer success to expanding into alternative channels like airports and strategic collaborations, making healthier choices accessible where they are needed most. This episode offers invaluable insights into building a brand with an unstoppable mission, navigating the challenges of a rapidly growing CPG business, and the importance of a clear, simple message.What was covered:A Mission-Driven BrandThe Power of Personal ConnectionStrategic Growth Beyond Traditional RetailNavigating Entrepreneurial ChallengesLessons in Product & MessagingParker Nash:Website: parkertnash.comLinkedIn: Parker NashBTR Nation:Website: https://www.btrnation.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btr.nation TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@btr.nation 

In this episode of the Uncommon Brand podcast, host Parker Nash sits down with Dez Price, co-founder and CEO of BN3TH (pronounced "Beneath"), a brand dedicated to making comfortable men's underwear and base layers for various activities, from mountain adventures to the office. BN3TH is notable for being the first to create men's underwear with a three-dimensional pouch.Dez shares the intriguing origin story of BN3TH, which began around 2009-2010 when he and his business partner, Dustin, recognized an unmet need in the apparel market. They explored various product categories and ultimately focused on underwear, aiming to innovate beyond existing designs to offer unparalleled comfort and support.What was covered:BN3TH's Founding: Identifying a market gap for men's underwear.The Revolutionary Pouch: Impact of 3D pouch technology on comfort.Brand Evolution: Building a unique product into a successful brand.Product Philosophy: Comfort and support for all-day activity.Entrepreneurial Advice: Passion, innovation, and embracing challengesParker Nash Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernas/ Dez Price Links:Website:  https://www.bn3th.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bn3thapparel/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BN3THapparel/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bn3thapparel 

In this episode, Parker sits down with Bryce McConville, former athlete and distance runner at the University of Miami, and the founder of Chicknlegs, a brand specializing in fun, comfortable, and unique apparel for distance runners.Bryce shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting college as he sought to stay connected to the running community. He discusses the origin of the brand name and how early, funny Instagram videos helped generate interest even before production. The brand quickly grew by connecting with the high school cross-country and track community, and now participates in major events like the New York and Chicago Marathons.What was covered:Athlete to Entrepreneur: Founding ChicknlegsCommunity-Driven Growth & Social Media ImpactDesign, Quality, and Product DevelopmentStrategic Inventory & Product Line ManagementAnalytical Approach to Business GrowthParker Nash Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/ Chicknlegs Links: Website: https://www.chicknlegs.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chicknlegsrunning/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicknLegsRunning  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chicknlegs

In this episode, Parker sits down with Jeff Chisholm, president of Little Hometown, a baby brand that designs locally themed blankets, onesies, PJs, and bibs featuring over 200 unique regional designs across the U.S.. Unlike many e-commerce brands, Little Hometown has never been on Amazon or Walmart, choosing instead to partner with independent retailers to grow its business.After years in corporate America, working in strategy, sales, and consulting, he took a leap into entrepreneurship—first with an Amazon-based business that exploded, then collapsed. That experience shaped his approach to building Little Hometown, a brand that thrives by being different, staying off mass marketplaces, and focusing on quality, nostalgia, and strong retail partnerships.Tune in to hear Jeff’s practical tips on building a profitable, niche baby brand.SPECIAL BONUS FOR LISTENERS:Get 25% off with code uncommon25What was covered:The rise and fall of his first e-commerce ventureWhy Little Hometown refuses to sell on Amazon and WalmartHow they’ve grown to over 2,000 independent retail partnersThe power of regional, nostalgia-driven product designHow seasonality impacts marketing spend and how they adjustJeff’s data-driven approach to ads and customer retentionLittle Hometown & Jeff Chisholm Links:Website: https://www.littlehometown.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlehometown/Parker Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash

In this episode, Parker sits down with Hayley Segar, the founder of onewith swim, a swimwear brand that’s redefining how swimsuits should feel and fit. Hayley has a background in social media, content creation, and the bridal industry, but her frustration with traditional swimwear led her to create something entirely new—swimsuits that fit like underwear.After struggling to find a comfortable swimsuit for a trip, Hayley had a lightbulb moment: why didn’t swimwear feel as comfortable as no-show underwear? That insight led to the launch of onewith swim in 2021. Today, the brand is a category creator, making dig-free, elastic-free, and edgeless swimsuits that have gone viral multiple times.What was covered:Hayley’s journey from content creator to fashion entrepreneurHow a frustrating shopping experience led to a product ideaThe challenges of launching a fashion brand with no design backgroundHow viral TikTok moments propelled onewith swim's successThe importance of customer education and brand transparencyWhy first-order profitability is key for bootstrapped businessesonewith swim's & Hayley Segar Links:Website: https://onewithswim.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onewithswim/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onewithswim TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onewithswim Hayley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleysegar/Parker Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash

In this episode, Parker sits down with Antje Pepper, the founder of Keep Going First Aid.Antje created Keep Going First Aid to bring beautifully designed, high-quality first aid products to families. As a full-time traveling mom, she saw the need for a compact, well-organized, and kid-friendly first aid kit. What started as a personal solution turned into a thriving brand that stands out in a crowded market.What was covered:How Keep Going First Aid was born out of a real-life parenting needThe power of branding, storytelling, and knowing your customerWhy selling a feeling is more powerful than selling a productHow Antje scaled her business using influencer marketingThe strategy behind working with agencies vs. in-house employeesHow Keep Going First Aid stands out on Amazon and e-commerce platformsHow to build a brand from anywhere in the worldAntje Pepper & Keep Going First Aid Links:Website: https://www.keepgoingfirstaid.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepgoingfirstaid/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepgoingfirstaid/Parker Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash

In this episode, Parker sits down with Al Matheny, the founder of Promix Nutrition. Al has an extensive background in human performance and nutrition, holding a Master of Science in Human Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and Food Science & Human Nutrition. He’s also a former elite athlete at the University of Florida, where he competed in track and field and cross country.After college, Albert trained professionally and co-founded Soho Strength Lab in NYC, one of the top independent training gyms in the city. But his most well-known venture is Promix Nutrition, a brand dedicated to creating the cleanest, highest-quality supplements and snacks on the market.What was covered:Albert’s journey from elite athlete to entrepreneurThe science behind clean, high-quality protein and supplementsThe challenges of building a business in the supplement industryThe importance of transparency and quality in nutritional productsThe role of partnerships, marketing, and branding in growing ProMixHow Promix differentiates itself in a crowded marketAl Matheny's & Promix's Links: Website: https://promixnutrition.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/promix/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PROMIX-Nutrition-100052188322036/Parker's Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Dawson, the founder of Arber, a pioneering company in the organic plant wellness industry. Arber offers a range of non-toxic, highly effective gardening products for both indoor and outdoor plants. Peek into Vanessa's entrepreneurial journey and learn how Arber is transforming gardening practices for a healthier home and world. What was covered:Vanessa's background in startups and founding ArberThe innovative, non-toxic gardening products offered by ArberChallenges and strategies in scaling a retail businessThe importance of customer education and engagementHow Arber's membership model enhances customer loyalty and community buildingArber's Links:Website: https://growarber.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growarber/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growarber  Parker's Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash  

In this episode, Parker sits down with Perry Kamel, the founder of DNA Vibe.  DNA Vibe makes intelligent red light therapy products to help reduce pain and speed recovery for athletes and anybody with pain. While their products are revolutionary, what’s arguably more revolutionary is Perry’s Local Advanced Manufacturing Pod (LAMP) approach. Perry has a bold vision for manufacturing innovative products and how they can be made locally and decentralized.Peek into the mind of a mad scientist (I mean mad in the best way possible ;) ) and listen to this episode.   What was coveredThe science behind red light therapy and recoveryThe unique Local Advanced Manufacturing Pod (LAMP) approach The benefits of local and decentralized manufacturing for community involvement…it’s not just a cost savings but that’s pretty amazing alreadyThe importance of a supportive and purpose-driven company cultureHow DNA Vibe products help with pain relief and recoveryPerry Kamel Links:Website: https://dnavibe.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dna.vibe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dna.vibe/ Parker Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash 

In this episode, Parker sits down with Andrew Arbogast, an Apache helicopter pilot in the army for 10 years and corporate employee turned cheese entrepreneur. Andrew is the founder and commander in cheese of Arbo's Cheese Dip.  Inspired by his father’s cheese dip recipes, Arbo’s cheese dips are real-deal American-made cheese dips with bold flavors. Over a short period of time, they’ve reached 20 states and 2,000 stores and counting. What was coveredHow Arbo's Cheese Dip startedFinding purpose post-militaryTaking a family recipe and turning it into a cheesy businessUsing product sampling for amazing word-of-mouth marketingDifferentiating your brand in a competitive food industryThe problems with growing too fastKnowing when to ask for help Andrew Arbogast Links: Website: https://www.arboscheesedip.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arbosdip/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arbosdipTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arbosdip  Parker Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash 

In this episode, Parker sits down with Ty Hiss, the co-founder of Fresh Sends, making the world a little less lonely, one gift at a time by shipping flowers and gifts nationwide. Ty shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the initial idea behind Fresh Sends to scaling it into a successful business. She opens up about the challenges she faced early on, how perseverance played a key role in her success, and the strategies she used to grow and market her business. Listen for inspiring stories of resilience and actionable business advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. What was covered:How Fresh Sends startedThe power of product packaging and designThe importance of delivering unforgettable customer experiencesHow Fresh Sends uses unboxings for amazing word-of-mouth marketingDifferentiating your brand in an industry dominated by big brandsHow Ty’s team creates shareable, engaging social media contentTy Hiss Links:Website: https://freshsends.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshsends TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshsends  Parker Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash 

In this episode, Parker sits down with Jackson Corley, the founder of Incrediwear.  An athlete, a chiropractor, and a man who knows how to take lemons and turn them into lemonade.  After suffering a catastrophic mountain biking injury, Jackson developed innovative wearable anti-inflammatory therapy like back braces and joint sleeves to heal his own pain.  Today that initial product has turned into a brand with dozens of recovery products helping the world's greatest athletes train harder, reduce pain, and recover faster. If you want to hear an insane story about turning an insane injury into an incredible brand, strap in because Jackson is a man of energy with an amazing story to tell!   What was covered:How a terrible injury turned into the idea for IncrediwearThe power of perseverance and resilience in businessStrategies for scaling and growing an athletic recovery brandThe role of brand partnerships in growing IncrediwearHow he uses medical research to keep his product innovation pipeline full Jackson Corley Links:Website: https://incrediwear.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/incrediwearX: https://x.com/incrediwearFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/incrediwear/ Parker Nash LinksWebsite: https://www.parkertnash.comLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash 

In this episode, Parker sits down with Erica Bethe Levin, the founder of Globowl, which makes internationally-inspired baby and toddler food introducing babies to big flavors and common allergens to help prevent picky eating and mitigate food allergies.  Erica shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the initial idea behind Globowl to scaling it into a successful business and being featured on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. She opens up about the challenges she faced early on, how perseverance played a key role in her success, and the strategies she used to grow and market her business. Listen in for inspiring stories of resilience and advice for founders.What was covered:From idea to product, how Globowl startedIdentifying an opportunity and the importance of being different Taking a chance and getting on Gordon Ramsay’s Food StarsKnowing when and how to sell to big box retailers like TargetErica’s vision for the future of GlobowlGlobowl Links:Website: https://globowl.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglobowl/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globowlfoodieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglobowl Parker Nash Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/