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Author: Connie Nam

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Connie Nam, founder of Astrid & Miyu, explores what it takes for an aspiring entrepreneur to build an empire.


In every episode, you’ll hear our guest's stories of their biggest mistakes and greatest lessons while building their business. You’ll get valuable insights into what their company's early years looked like, the defining moments that shaped their future and their critical advice for early-stage founders. 


Get inspired and listen now. 


Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential @connienam @astridandmiyu



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

88 Episodes
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Founder and CEO of Nails.INC, Thea Green, joins Connie Nam to reveal how she transformed the culture of nail treatments in the UK over 20 years ago. Thea explains what nail salons were like in the late 90s, how she pitched to investors and why she thought about quitting by the hour.Plus, she shares how collaborations with Percy Pig came to be, how she overcame her ‘mum guilt’ and why it’s easy to overlook your wins. Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @nailsinc and @theanailsinc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In a special episode of Unboxed, host Connie Nam is interviewed by her producer Charlie about how she took Astrid & Miyu from idea to cult brand.Connie explains how she spotted the gap in the market, if she ever considered a co-foudner and how she found her initial audience.Plus, she offers insightful advice for entrepreneurs: what the difference between an Angel and VC investor is, what questions to expect in pitch meetings and how to figure out your exit plan. Got questions for Connie? Ask them here to be featured in our next AMA!Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lorna Luxe is one of Astrid & Miyu’s OG influencers and now she has 1.4 million followers and is the founder of her own brand LA SPACE.Connie Nam sits down with Lorna to discuss the steady yet meteoric growth she saw in the early days of influencing, how she wasn’t always the relatable creator she is today and her previous experience with a fast fashion edit that sold out in a day. Plus, Lorna explains why she built LA Space’s brand before developing a single product, the stats she looks for when working with influencers and tips to elevate your work wardrobe. Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @lornaluxe and @l_a_space Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jo Tutchener Sharp shares how a traumatic event led to founding Scamp & Dude and the poignant mission that she is still working towards today. Jo joins Connie Nam to discuss the near-death experience that led to her business, her advice for PR if you have zero budget and how the surprising transition from kidswear to womenswear occurred. Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @scampanddude and @scampanddudejoThis episode is sponsored by Payhawk.Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In a special episode of Unboxed, Connie Nam is joined by Astrid & Miyu’s Chief Marketing Officer and her first-ever hire, Sarah Hrywnak, to reveal what the early days of the business were like. Sarah shares the tumultuous times of interning in London, Connie shares the reasons she hired Sarah and they reminisce about working in Connie’s flat. Sarah and Connie also discuss the challenges of being the first employee, they offer advice if you’re keen to join a start up and how to get your first hire right. Plus, there’s an exclusive AMA with Connie (33:00), where she answers your questions about how she juggles motherhood and entrepreneurship, how to find investment and what she wishes she’d known when starting Astrid & Miyu. Got questions for Connie? Ask them here to be featured in our next AMA!Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aimee Connolly, the founder and CEO of makeup brand Sculpted by Aimee, joins Connie Nam to share how she went from MUA to building a beauty empire.Aimee explains how she built a simple beauty brand during the heavy IG makeup era, how she manages the influencing side of her role and how she juggles it all. Plus, Aimee describes the brand’s connections to South Korea, tips on how to find your perfect manufacturer and opening her first store out of Ireland. Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @sculptedbyaimee and aimeeconnolly_com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is an investor is really like? Connie Nam sits down with Matt Truman, founder of True Global, to find out if Dragon’s Den is more than a reality show. Matt breaks down common industry jargon, reveals the key market opportunities for the next 20 years and the important traits a successful founder needs to have. Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and follow Matt on Linkedin.This episode is sponsored by Payhawk.Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Travel writer and content creator Gina Jackson joins Connie Nam to share her expertise on influencing.As someone who has worked with influencers for huge fashion brands and is an influencer herself, Gina offers valuable insights whether you’re an aspiring influencer or you’re ready to use creators to promote your business. Gina explains how influencing has changed over the years, why she made the bold decision to leave a secure full time job and gives a cutting example of how NOT to approach an influencer as a brand. Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and @ginagoesto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Motivational speaker, author and founder of F*ck Being Humble, Stefanie Sword-Williams sits down with Connie Nam to explain why she turned her back on modesty. Stefanie explains how she spotted her gap in the market, where the FBH slogan came from and how she couldn’t have timed going freelance worse when she quit her job in March 2020. If you hate networking like Connie, Stefanie also offers some great advice, plus how to prep for a networking event and why her biggest mistake became her biggest benefit. Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and @fbeinghumbleThis episode is sponsored by Payhawk.Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Founder and CEO of fashion brand Saint and Sofia, Dessi Bell, joins Connie Nam for this week’s episode. Dessi reflects on how her experience moving to the UK from Bulgaria as a teenager has informed her role as a business owner, why she prefers to give her team full freedom rather than micromanage and practical advice for working with your romantic partner. Plus, she offers advice on how to crack the US market and teases the future of Saint and Sofia as they look to open their first ever physical store. Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and @saintandsofiaThis episode is sponsored by Payhawk.Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From out of Natasha Thoma’s kitchen, Lockdown Liquor was born as a fun pandemic activity to share with friends; now their chic and stylish premium blended cocktails are in stores, bars and restaurants. In this conversation with Connie Nam, Natasha explains how she was able to found her first business at 24, what it was like entering an industry she had no experience in and her advice for securing investment. Plus, Natasha discusses how they’re giving back in tribute to their lockdown origin, how they’ve adapted from a consumer brand to selling into hospitality and how she finds working with her co-founder, who happens to be her husband. Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and @lockdownliquorco Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Angel Investor Gary Clarke joins Connie Nam for a behind the scenes look of early stage investing, and what an investor can offer you and your business.Gary shares how failure has been pivotal for his success, what he looks for in potential founders for investment and the biggest mistakes he sees people make while trying to grow a business. Connie also shares her experience with investors, Gary explains the difference between public and private investing and how you can secure money for your business. Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential and find Gary on Linkedin.This episode is sponsored by Harbottle & Lewis and BAO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Joanna Jensen created sensitive skin products for her own daughter, but through founding Childs Farm it went on to change children’s lives around the world who were suffering from Eczema. Joanna joins Connie to discuss the shameless ways she sought customer feedback, how her stubbornness helped her succeed and the grief she felt after selling the business. As an investor herself, she also shares what she looks for when looking at potential investments, how she assesses a founder’s character and the importance of finding your gap in the market. Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential, @childsfarm and @joannajensenofficialThis episode is sponsored by Harbottle & Lewis and BAO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Founder of modern eyewear company Cubitts, Tom Broughton, joins Connie Nam to share his mission to change the stigma on wearing glasses.Tom shares how his disappointment in the high street glasses option when he was a teenager sparked his entrepreneurial vision, the turning point after only selling one frame a day for the first 6 months, and getting ghosted by investors. Plus, Tom and Connie discuss the difficulty of hiring the right person, how they separate being a founder and a CEO and how it feels when they see people wearing their products in the wild.Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential and @cubittsThis episode is sponsored by Payhawk. Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Katie Lopes, founder of Stripe & Stare, shares how she overcame £1.5 million debt, a relationship breakdown, and her low self-confidence, to create the knicker brand that everyone is talking about.Katie tells Connie Nam the devastating circumstances that pushed her to build a future for her children, how she learnt to trust her instincts, and the frustrating assumptions placed on female founders.Plus, they discuss the surprising impact of the #MeToo movement on underwear sales, how Stripe & Stare are showing their genuine pledge to sustainability and what exiting their businesses might look like for Katie and Connie.Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential and stripeandstare This episode is sponsored by Payhawk.Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Founder of cult coffee brand Grind, David Abrahamovitch, joins Connie Nam on this episode of Unboxed. After David’s first appearance on the podcast in 2020, where Grind was just focussing on its high street presence, it has now evolved into a multimillion-pound multichannel venture.David reveals the story behind acquiring Bottleshot Coffee, why it’s hard for him to sometimes provide leadership, and the joy of being able to do the things your biggest competitors can’t. Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential and @davidabrahamovitch and @grind.This episode is sponsored by Payhawk. Schedule a demo using the link in the podcast description and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nicola Elliott, the Founder of NEOM Organics joins Connie In this episode of Unboxed.After spending seven years working 60-hour weeks as a journalist, Nicola wanted to create a brand to address rising stress levels, lack of sleep, energy and low mood. NEOM Organics quickly became one of the first and fastest growing wellbeing brands in the UK, which specialises in 100% natural fragrances to boost your wellbeing.Nicola talks about the wellness movement, starting again and introducing NEOM to American audiences and the importance of testing your brand's story. Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential and Nicola @nicolaelliottneom and @neomorganics.This episode is sponsored by Payhawk. Schedule a demo using the link in the podcast description and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on After Hours we’ll be talking to the lovely Angel Arutura ~ anti-racism & environmental activist ~ about her experience of growing up in Northern Ireland, making her voice heard on social media and her fight against fast fashion! Want to hear more? Subscribe and stay tuned for new episodes of the Astrid & Miyu podcast every week!  Follow Angel: @angelarutura Follow Bella: @bodaciouslybella_ Thank you so much for tuning into Season 3, head to our Instagram @astridandmiyu to stay updated with new episodes!💫   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on After Hours we’ll be talking to the lovely Kasia Chinery ~ model and co-founder of florist Gloria ~ about her gorgeous floral creations, the secrets behind her enviable bleached locks and fashion faux pas’ at the flower market! Want to hear more? Subscribe and stay tuned for new episodes of the Astrid & Miyu podcast every week!  Follow Kasia: @kasiachin Follow Bella: @bodaciouslybella_ Thank you so much for tuning into Season 3, head to our Instagram @astridandmiyu to stay updated with new episodes!💫 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join our lovely host Bella as she sits down with the gorgeous and beautifully soulful singer/songwriter Jaz Karis. It's time to put on your comfy clothes, cosy up with a nice cup of tea and listen to them chat about her freestyle creative process, all time musical idols and carving out a space for homegrown RnB in the UK (plus, a little about the guilty pleasures on her playlist too!) Want to hear more? Subscribe and stay tuned for new episodes of the Astrid & Miyu podcast every week!  Follow Jaz: @jaz_karis Follow Bella: @bodaciouslybella_ Thank you so much for tuning into Season 3, head to our Instagram @astridandmiyu to stay updated with new episodes!💫 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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