Small Business Unscripted

Melissa Butler was working at Barclays when she started making lipstick in her New York apartment. 1,500+ batches later, her scrappiness paid off with a spot on Shark Tank. She didn’t get the deal, but she did leave with a powerful lesson in branding instead. Now, The Lip Bar is sold on Target shelves nationwide—the retailer’s largest Black-owned beauty brand.  In this episode, Melissa takes us through her incredible journey from the apartment kitchen to the CEO chair, including the advice from Mark Cuban that changed everything, how she landed a deal with a major retailer, knowing when it’s time to quit your job and go all-in, and much more.   ➜ Follow Small Business Unscripted so you never miss a conversation. 3 Takeaways: Build your community before you build your product. Know the difference between working capital and growth capital. Your personal brand is your business's biggest asset. Chapters: [00:25] Meet Melissa Butler [02:47] From Detroit Roots to Wall Street [04:20] Quitting Finance to Start a Lipstick Brand [07:23] Learning Cosmetic Chemistry from Scratch [11:09] When to Quit Your Job [14:26] Shark Tank: What Really Happened [23:44] Raising Capital & Landing Target [32:38] Scaling the Brand: Retail, Marketing & Growth [45:30] Final Advice for Founders Melissa’s Highlights: "I saw this group of women who felt like they were aging outside of their beauty—and this idea that beauty has a time limit. That's another box I don't appreciate and I don't want to play up." "Beauty will happen wherever I choose." "A lot of founders make the mistake of thinking they need dollars when they need efficiency, or they need creativity, or they need to build a better community." Connect: ➜ Melissa Butler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-butler-4b7ba766/  ➜ Everett Sands: www.linkedin.com/in/everettksands Resources: ➜ Learn more about Lendistry: lendistry.com ➜ Learn more about The Lip Bar: thelipbar.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Isabel Guzman didn't plan on a career in policy. She planned on building businesses — starting in the front office of her father's veterinary practice, continuing through Wharton, Penn, and a stint at Procter & Gamble, and eventually back to California to help her dad scale what had become a chain of hospitals. Government found her, not the other way around. But once she was in, she went deep — and what she learned about how capital actually flows to small businesses changed how she thinks about everything. In this episode, Isabel joins Everett to break down the most common and costly misconceptions small business owners have about working with the government: why the grant era of COVID was an anomaly, not a baseline; why getting a "no" from one SBA lender doesn't mean the door is closed; and why building a strong private-sector portfolio is the single most important thing a founder can do before pursuing government contracts.  Follow Small Business Unscripted so you never miss a conversation. 3 Takeaways: Government capital has shifted back to loans. Founders who built on COVID-era grants need to recalibrate. Past performance is the entry ticket to government contracting (and most small businesses skip building it). LA's mega-events are a rare, time-bound revenue window. The businesses that benefit will treat it as a strategy, not a backdrop. Timestamps: [05:50] Why Isabel Left Corporate for Public Service [09:45] The LA Mega Events Opportunity [12:00] The Funding Story That Saved a Business [14:10] Biggest Mistakes with Government Capital [18:55] How to Win Government Contracts Isabel’s Best Insights: "One of the biggest hats you wear as an entrepreneur is a fundraiser for your company. Your ability to sustain and grow really relies on your ability to understand how to fundraise — loans, equity, grants, depending on your structure. I wish they had told me that in the beginning." "Expect that [getting government contracts] is going to be hard work to learn the rules of the road. Building up your portfolio of private companies can really help you advance further in the government contracting space." "I'm proud now to say everywhere I go that I've failed multiple times. But that doesn't mean I don't keep going." Connect: Isabel Guzman: www.linkedin.com/in/isabelcguzman Everett Sands: www.linkedin.com/in/everettksands  Learn more about Lendistry: lendistry.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Emory Jones went from a 13,000-person town in Maryland to Brooklyn at 16 with no family connections. Fashion was his communicator—the thing that helped him navigate rooms and build a career that spans Rocawear, Puma, and the creation of Paper Planes.But Emory's real superpower isn't just design—it's understanding that people buy energy and lifestyle before they buy product. He shares how he helped bring Puma back into cultural conversation after years of being ignored and the moment a nickname from his past became a movement about self-belief.This episode goes deep on building brands that match how you actually live, why comfort and function beat hype every time, and how walking—literally just walking with people—has become Emory's secret weapon for business, relationships, and creativity.What You'll Learn:Why you can't pick your customer anymore (and why that's actually freeing)How to be the best version of yourself in every room without losing your identityWhy paid marketing is an amplifier, not a driverThe power of building lifestyle brands around your actual lifestyleHow accountability to yourself changes everythingEmory: "Growing up, coming from where we come from, we wake up and bet on everything but ourselves. Everything—the gang, the block, anybody. We bet on everything but yourself.""Fashion has always been my communicator. Before I know what you do or where you're at, I can figure you out by sight. That alone helped me balance rooms.""If you're building something, you can't pick and choose who your customer is anymore. The guy across the street that you didn't think was your customer? That's your customer. Don't set yourself up for disappointment."Links & Resources:Follow Everett on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/everettksands Follow Emory on Instagram: @vegas_jonesLearn more about Paper Planes: www.paperplane.shopLearn more about Lendistry: lendistry.comKeep the conversation going at smallbusinessunscripted.comTimestamps:01:00 – Early Career and Influences02:05 – The Journey to New York and Rockawear07:00 – Challenges and Lessons in Merchandising10:35 – The Birth of Paper Planes16:35 – Puma Collaboration and Legacy21:40 – Bet on Yourself Philosophy26:10 – Building a Lifestyle Brand31:00 – Advice for Young Entrepreneurs32:30 – Looking Forward: Plans for 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wemimo Abbey immigrated from Lagos, Nigeria at 17. When he and his mother tried to borrow money, they were turned away by a major bank and sent to a payday lender charging over 400% interest. His mother sold his father's wedding ring to get them started in America.That experience became the foundation for Esusu, a fintech platform that reports rental payment data to credit bureaus—helping millions establish or improve credit scores. Before Esusu, less than 3% of the $1.4 trillion renters pay annually showed up on credit reports.Wemimo shares how he and co-founder faced 326 rejections, got kicked out of a Denny's for being $100,000 in credit card debt, and still pushed forward. They created a win-win-win model: landlords get more on-time payments, renters build credit, and lenders can better assess risk. The result? Over $50 billion unlocked in economic activity, bipartisan support in Congress, and partnerships with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Zillow.What you'll learn:Why timing matters more than originality when launching an ideaHow to create win-win-win scenarios for all stakeholdersThe power of stakeholder mapping: finding your entry pointThe co-CEO model: why sharing leadership can be a strengthHow to turn customer rejection into your biggest relationshipWemimo: "Life is too short to work on win-lose. I am just not interested. It doesn't get me out of bed. Money does not motivate me. Impact gets me on a high.""We always say think outside the box, but we never let people outside the box engage. That tells you how lopsided access to capital really is.""Be caught trying. In life, you're gonna be knocked down. People will tell you no. Your ideas won't work. You're gonna have heartache in life. You just gotta show up and be caught trying."Links & Resources:Follow Everett on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/everettksands Follow Wemimo on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wemimoabbeyLearn more about Esusu: esusurent.comLearn more about Lendistry: lendistry.comKeep the conversation going at smallbusinessunscripted.comTimestamps:01:50 – Early Life and Education in Nigeria04:05 – Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Early Ventures08:10 – Corporate America and the Birth of Esusu11:25 – The Power of Rental Data in Credit Scoring17:15 –Scaling and Impact of Esusu21:25 – The Importance of Win-Win-Win Scenarios22:35 – Overcoming Challenges and Rejections27:30 – The Co-CEO Structure at Esusu30:00 – Partnerships and Customer Focus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andre Johnson has worked everywhere—music A&R, gaming (he got Steven Spielberg's approval for a Jurassic Park VR game), hospitality, and now as EVP at Magic Johnson Enterprises. What connects it all? Vision. And the ability to get people rowing in the same direction without using fear.Andre breaks down how MJE evaluates partners (it starts with how they treat their people), where the next sports investment opportunities are hiding, and why the gaming industry's customer feedback loop should be required learning for every entrepreneur. What you'll learn:How to get your team aligned when they can't see your vision yetWhy fear-based leadership produces short-term wins but long-term failureHow to evaluate potential partners by watching how they treat subordinatesAndre: "If I can get the people involved to buy into the importance of their role and take us from here to there, and really understand it—if I can help you only be successful at what you do and not ask you to step into somebody else's shoes—then I find that the process is easier.""Fear-based culture doesn't work. I don't care how much success somebody has had. The team behind them will tell you it's not that way.""Gaming's not gonna slow down. You think about all the studios and people who have IP, they're now trying to get the gaming audience. The more that we can help young people see a pathway along those things, then we will start to see some of the great inventors of tomorrow."Links & Resources:Follow Everett on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/everettksands Follow Andre on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andre-johnson-31a8587Learn more about Magic Johnson Enterprises: magicjohnsonenterprises.comLearn more about Lendistry: lendistry.comKeep the conversation going at smallbusinessunscripted.comTimestamps:00:30 – Introduction to Andre Johnson and Magic Johnson Enterprises02:00 – Andre's Journey from Music to Business Development03:30 – Transitioning from Music to Gaming07:00 – Asset Management and Hospitality Ventures08:05 – Working at Magic Johnson Enterprises09:55 – Leadership and Vision in Business13:00 – Community Empowerment and Partnerships16:05 – Navigating Partnerships and Investments18:55 – WNBA's Growth and Excitement22:10 – Opportunities in STEM and Gaming25:25 – Location Matters in Investments27:15 – Leading Through Change31:00 – The Importance of Customer Feedback32:55 – Paying Attention to the Details Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Azurá Stevens is a power forward for the WNBA, but her understanding of business runs deep. Watching her dad start a food truck business, she learned that preparation, persistence, and authenticity matter as much in business as they do on the court.In this episode, Azurá gets real about the parallels between professional sports and entrepreneurship—the intensity of high-pressure moments, the discipline of showing up daily without seeing immediate results, and why authenticity is the only strategy that works for building lasting partnerships.What you'll learn:Why daily habits matter more than quick wins in sports and businessHow to build brand partnerships that actually align with your valuesWhy now is the time for businesses to invest in women's sportsAzurá: "There's a lot of parallels between on the court and business—discipline, putting in daily habits and not always seeing the results immediately, but eventually those coming to fruition.""Just stick with it. Even seeing my dad start the food truck, there were so many unknowns, but things tend to work out the way that they need to.""I always take a step back and ask: what am I learning right now? What is this situation trying to teach me?"Links & Resources:Follow Everett on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/everettksands Follow Azurá on Instagram: @azura_stevensSame O Dame O's Shrimp, Fish & Grits: @sameoshrimpsKeep the conversation going at smallbusinessunscripted.comLearn more about Lendistry: lendistry.comTimestamps:01:00 - Career Priorities and Quality of Life01:44 - Basketball Journey and Future Aspirations02:44 - International vs. Homeland Basketball Experience04:19 - College Basketball Experiences07:50 - Pro Athlete Mindset and Challenges08:50 - Hopes for the Future of Women's Basketball11:29 - Supporting Small Businesses12:26 - Intensity in Business and Sports13:22 - Building a Personal Brand15:39 - Community Involvement and Awards16:53 - Advice for Business Owners Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian Smith sold UGG boots out of a van at Malibu. His first year? Twenty-eight pairs. For five years, he worked construction jobs while sales barely hit $30,000 annually.Then a group of 12-year-old surfers called his ads "so fake." That brutal feedback changed everything. He switched to authentic athlete sponsorships, and sales jumped from $30,000 to $220,000 in one season.Brian gets honest about the realities of building a product business—the profitless prosperity trap, running out of capital right when you're gaining traction, and why he gave away 150 pairs of boots in his most effective marketing campaign ever.What you'll learn:Why "profitless prosperity" kills more businesses than failureThe pricing mistake that cost him seven years of profitsHow to know when your marketing is completely missing the markWhy your first five years will probably suck (even Nike's did)If you're grinding through the early stages or wondering if you should give up, this is what you need to hear.Brian: “There's a certain amount of ignorance you have to have. Because if you knew what was about to happen, you’d never start.”“You can’t give birth to adults. Every business starts as an infant. And most die in infancy—not because they’re bad ideas, but because people give up.”“Profitless prosperity—it’s when you grow fast but can’t afford to keep going. Margins matter more than momentum.”Links & Resources:Follow Everett on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/everettksands Follow Brian on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/briansmithuggfounderKeep the conversation going at smallbusinessunscripted.comLearn more about Lendistry: lendistry.comTimestamps:01:52 - The Birth of UGG: From Australia to California04:13 - Early Struggles and Marketing Lessons08:08 - Breakthrough and Growth Strategies13:15 - Perseverance and Entrepreneurial Wisdom19:08 - Empathy and Encouragement for Small Businesses22:17 - The Birth of Ugg: From Concept to Reality26:13 - Advice for New Product Companies31:40 - Navigating Product Pricing and Margins37:48 - Reflecting on the Journey38:54 - Future Plans and Closing Thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NASA to Silicon Valley CEO? That's Robert Green's unconventional path to launching Dizzion, Inc., a secure virtual desktop company that's changing how we think about cloud computing.But here's what makes Robert different: he brings a scientist's mindset to the busy world of entrepreneurship. Robert and Everett dig into why great products still need brilliant marketing, how to raise money without losing your soul, and why being honest with your team (even when it hurts) builds the kind of culture that actually lasts.Robert: “Science is really just a framework for solving problems—and leadership can be broken down in the same way.”“A great product doesn’t sell itself. Without marketing, messaging, and value, even the best ideas can die on the shelf.”“Resilience means owning your mistakes, being accountable, and never running away.”Links & Resources:Connect with Everett: linkedin.com/in/everettksands Connect with Robert: linkedin.com/in/rjgreenContinue the conversation at smallbusinessunscripted.comLearn more about Lendistry: lendistry.comTimestamps:01:00 – Career, compensation, or quality of life?01:55 – From NASA to Silicon Valley 04:05 – Science of leadership5:40 – Career highlights and lessons learned9:00 – Founding Dizzion11:30 – Building a successful team 15:50 – Overcoming setbacks and building resilience 18:30 – Lessons from customers23:00 – Staying ahead in the tech landscape25:20 – Advice to younger self Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Yeom knows success—from high-growth roles at Honest Company, eBay, and startups to buying and reinventing Evite. But if you ask David what makes him successful, he’ll start by telling you about his failures.That’s exactly what David and host Everett Sands dig into in this debut episode of Small Business Unscripted: how failures turn into the most valuable lessons. David shares why it all starts with finding what makes you “tick,” and breaks down the strategic moves that led Evite to profitability for the first time in a decade—and set the stage for international growth.Whether you're a small business owner, thinking about launching something new, or just figuring out what drives you, this episode is packed with real-world insights on perseverance, product instinct, and building a business you love.David: “I absolutely believe everyone is designed to love something and be good at something. Once you find that, everything else—career, quality of life, even compensation—falls into place.”Links & Resources:Connect with Everett: linkedin.com/in/everettksands Connect with David: linkedin.com/in/davidyeomContinue the conversation at smallbusinessunscripted.comLearn more about Lendistry: lendistry.comTimestamps:01:15 –  David’s Origin Story02:20 – Startup Experience and Success11:10 – Marketing Insights & Product Strategy21:40 – Evite’s Turnaround Story29:45 – Overcoming Initial Failures35:20 – Global Expansion & Future Plans Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anyone who’s built a business knows it never goes exactly according to plan. Every entrepreneur has a different story and their own stack of hard-won lessons. This is the show that takes you behind the scenes of building and scaling a successful business. Join host Everett Sands, CEO of Lendistry, as he and a diverse set of entrepreneurs and leaders throw out the usual questions and get real about the motivations, secrets, and strategies that brought them where they are today. Through triumphs and disruptions, there is no script - there’s only the story. This is Small Business Unscripted with Everett Sands.Brought to you by the team at Lendistry. Links:Follow EverettLearn more about LendistryJoin the conversation at smallbusinessunscripted.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.