Honest Ecommerce

Nate Davenport is the Founder & CEO of Nebu Clothing, an outdoor apparel brand built for performance, versatility, and heart. Before launching Nebu, Nate led a finance team at Zappos and served as an infantry squad leader in the U.S. Marines, where he learned the value of gear that works under real pressure.Nebu was born from frustration, products that changed for the sake of change, colors that blended into landscapes but not the spirit of adventure, and fits that never quite fit. Nate set out to fix that by building apparel that feels great, performs hard, and actually looks good.In this episode, Nate shares how he rebuilt his Shopify site from scratch in 36 hours after a crash, how he found the right manufacturing partners through hands-on trial and error, and how he defines success by community and craftsmanship, not scale alone.Whether you’re an ecommerce founder navigating supply chain complexity or a brand builder chasing quality over quantity, Nate’s story is a masterclass in learning fast, leading with purpose, and finding fulfillment beyond revenue.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:26] Intro[01:09] Building products that solve real use problems[03:16] Turning frustration into a product opportunity[05:46] Building intuition through contrast and visits[10:25] Selling through friends before running paid ads[14:53] Stay updated with new episodes[15:03] Building profitability through paid learning[15:43] Turning events and emails into ad leverage[17:14] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap & Freight Right[21:50] Balancing goodwill with measurable profit[22:28] Moving fulfillment from warehouse to garage[27:01] Choosing product ideas by improving what exists[32:54] Redefining success beyond scale and revenue[36:42] Connecting community through personal supportResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeEveryday active apparel nebuclothing.com/Follow Nate Davenport linkedin.com/in/nathan-davenport-327483186Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Shelley Gupta is the Founder & CEO of BāKIT Box, a STEM-based baking kit bringing global flavors and cultural traditions into homes across America. Her path to CPG began far from the kitchen as a recording artist signed to EMI Music before earning her CFA, an MBA from Chicago Booth, and leading strategy work at Accenture.Blending creativity with financial rigor, Shelley turned a casual conversation with a homeschooling parent into a breakthrough channel, now approved as an official curriculum in 14 states. In this episode, she shares how that discovery reshaped her subscription strategy, why flexibility beats lock-in for retention, and how understanding the real buyer (not just the user) transformed her business.Whether you’re an ecommerce founder rethinking your subscription model or a CPG operator looking for smarter customer acquisition paths, Shelley’s story is a lesson in listening deeply, iterating fast, and staying true to your mission.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:24] Intro[00:49] Building community through shared passions[02:20] Transforming baking into an educational tool[03:41] Launching early versions to test real demand[04:32] Reaching first customers through organic channels[05:24] Applying to accelerators as a product founder[06:00] Differentiating users from true buyers[06:52] Rebranding to serve a clearer customer base[07:48] Testing niche ideas before fully committing[08:56] Stay updated with new episodes[09:07] Turning chance encounters into growth channels[10:17] Building growth through genuine relationships[10:53] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap & Freight Right[15:31] Designing subscriptions with built-in flexibility[16:44] Expanding marketing beyond paid social[18:19] Understanding customer complexity and fatigue[20:41] Leveraging creative roots to build a brandResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeSTEM Baking Kits for Curious Kids bakitbox.com/Follow Shelley Gupta linkedin.com/in/shelley-guptaSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Sonja Grasser is the Founder of Retention Theory, a consultancy helping CPG brands turn one-time buyers into loyal repeat customers through data-driven retention systems. With a background that spans law school, 60+ countries of travel, and hands-on work with brands like MaryRuth’s Organics, Sonja brings a uniquely behavioral approach to customer retention: rooted in psychology, not playbooks.After landing in retention by accident as a German-speaking marketer, Sonja discovered her passion for understanding why customers buy, not just what they buy. Her global perspective and analytical mindset help founders identify churn before it happens, build smarter lifecycle flows, and create experiences that keep customers coming back.Whether you’re a CPG founder tired of chasing acquisition or an operator ready to make retention your growth engine, Sonja shares a masterclass in turning customer behavior into predictable, sustainable revenue.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:33] Intro[01:05] Helping brands turn retention into revenue[01:30] Connecting communication to customer longevity[02:08] Identifying patterns behind consumable success[02:55] Leveraging analytical thinking for stronger retention[04:00] Educating first-time buyers before selling again[05:25] Helping buyers at their exact stage of the journey[07:11] Designing flows that nurture interest into action[07:45] Applying retention rules across every direct channel[08:18] Stay updated with new episodes[08:29] Spotting churn before customers disappear[10:19] Timing recovery emails before customers drift away[11:39] Resolving customer issues before they walk away[12:27] Setting triggers that match real customer behavior[14:16] Focusing on results-driven storytelling for CPG[15:26] Evaluating why memberships don’t always translate[16:36] Building loyalty from your first 100 buyers[17:07] Layering time data to reveal true retention health[19:08] Applying psychology to make retention truly workResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeHelps Ecommerce brands with retention marketing retentiontheory.com/Follow Sonja Grasser linkedin.com/in/sonjagrasserIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Kirsten Maitland is the co-founder of Rebel Cheese, an award-winning Austin-based vegan cheese brand backed by Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban. A former U.S. Navy veteran and Microsoft agile coach, Kirsten brings her background in tech innovation to reimagine plant-based dairy through traditional cheesemaking techniques and smart Ecommerce strategy.After leaving a stable four-day tech career to pursue purpose over comfort, Kirsten built Rebel Cheese from a six-bottle wine fridge experiment into a nationally recognized brand featured by The New York Times. From launching DTC overnight during COVID to scaling through broken shipments and real-time customer feedback, her journey reveals what it takes to grow authentically while staying true to your values.Whether you’re building a mission-driven CPG company or refining your feedback loop before scaling, Kirsten shares a masterclass in transforming curiosity and conviction into sustainable growth.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:03] Intro[00:55] Bringing tradition into modern food innovation[01:30] Turning passion for food into a scalable concept[02:34] Validating a product through emotional connection[03:33] Turning crisis into new growth channels[04:44] Fixing packaging with help from early partners[06:03] Shipping curated boxes to customers’ doors[07:00] Selling out with zero ads or paid marketing[08:00] Turning online orders into lasting connections[08:58] Delaying advertising to protect cash flow[10:21] Stay updated with new episodes[10:31] Learning to sustain momentum after viral moments[12:24] Studying investor dynamics before pitching[12:53] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye & Heatmap[15:32] Launching fast to gather real customer feedback[18:01] Leveraging AI agents to save time and moneyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePlant-based cheese you'll actually love rebelcheese.com/Follow Kirsten Maitland linkedin.com/in/kirstenmaitlandSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Beau Wangtrakuldee is the founder and CEO of AmorSui, a science-backed medical supply brand bringing innovation, safety, and sustainability to the $58B PPE industry. A former scientist turned entrepreneur, Beau is reimagining protective apparel with clean chemistry, circular materials, and design that finally puts the user first.After a lab accident exposed the flaws in traditional PPE, Beau built AmorSui to bridge the gap between safety, comfort, and sustainability: offering PFAS-free, recyclable, and biobased alternatives trusted by global brands like Thermo Fisher Scientific and Benco Dental.Whether you’re building a mission-driven ecommerce brand or rethinking your product’s lifecycle, Beau shares a masterclass in turning real-world problems into scalable innovation, proving that circular design and commercial growth can coexist.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:30] Intro[01:01] Building comfort and safety into every product[01:46] Creating a business from personal experience[04:37] Designing products people actually reuse[06:10] Validating ideas through real user stories[08:12] Raising capital before manufacturing begins[08:47] Allocating funds beyond first production run[09:45] Navigating minimum order quantity realities[10:32] Launching pre-sales with finished prototypes[11:04] Stay updated with new episodes[11:14] Balancing safety standards with speed to market[12:37] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye & Heatmap[15:18] Marketing through word-of-mouth momentum[17:01] Refining targeting through early experiments[19:00] Discovering growth through customer feedback[21:34] Testing demand before building logistics[23:17] Learning quickly by shipping imperfect products[24:09] Focusing every decision on the end userResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeModern PPE brand that protects people and the planet amorsui.com/Follow Beau Wangtrakuldee linkedin.com/in/beauwangtrakuldeeSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Bradley Keefer is the Chief Revenue Officer and Justin Jefferson is the VP of Strategy & Insights at Keen Decision Systems, where Bayesian-powered marketing mix modeling meets scenario planning and outcome forecasting, helping brands move from rearview analytics to predictive decisioning.With decades of combined experience across SaaS, analytics, and brand strategy, Bradley and Justin are redefining how marketers plan, forecast, and invest. Instead of treating marketing as a cost center, they help brands model “what if” scenarios, forecasting how every incremental dollar drives revenue across channels.Whether you’re scaling a fast-growing brand or managing a multimillion-dollar marketing budget, Bradley and Justin offer a masterclass in using data to make confident, forward-looking decisions that compound over time.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:38] Intro[01:12] Measuring how marketing spend drives growth[02:29] Building models that adapt to brand maturity[04:35] Balancing brand building with performance spend[07:24] Shifting focus from capturing to creating demand[08:41] Driving demand to boost bottom-funnel returns[09:34] Breaking growth limits with data-driven planning[12:49] Connecting viral moments to sustain momentum[14:50] Building brands that go beyond ad optimization[15:30] Stay updated with new episodes[15:43] Simplifying setup for data-heavy marketing tools[18:44] Designing analytics tools for marketing teams[20:23] Updating models fast to learn and adapt quicker[22:42] Using data to balance old and new media spendResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeMarketing mix modeling powered by AI keends.com/Follow Bradley Keefer linkedin.com/in/bradley-keeferFollow Justin Jefferson linkedin.com/in/justin-a-jeffersonIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Eugene Chew is the Global Chief Operating Officer at BikesOnline.com, a leading direct-to-consumer cycling retailer in the U.S. and Australia and the exclusive distributor of Polygon and Superior bikes.From the early days of the internet to scaling a global Ecommerce operation, Eugene has built a career at the intersection of creativity, data, and operational excellence. Before joining BikesOnline, he led digital transformation as Chief Digital Officer at J. Walter Thompson (WPP) and served as Greater China Regional Head at Lion (Kirin).At BikesOnline, Eugene and his team are redefining what it means to sell complex, logistics-heavy products online. From solving “dirty freight” challenges to perfecting the post-purchase experience, he’s proving that operational rigor and creative problem-solving can turn friction into a competitive moat.Beyond Ecommerce, Eugene is also an avid cyclist, gardener, and tea enthusiast — running Tea Urchin, his aged tea business that reflects his love for craftsmanship and detail.Whether you’re scaling a DTC brand, optimizing supply chains, or navigating global expansion with a lean team, Eugene offers an inside look at how to balance creativity, data, and discipline to build a sustainable business that lasts.This episode also mentions insights from Izzy Rosenzweig of Portless on rethinking global fulfillment, and Kyle Hency of GoodDay Software on building better systems for modern Shopify brands.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:38] Intro[01:36] Naming a brand that stands the test of time[02:09] Predicting automation in ad buying early on[05:01] Learning innovation from China’s all-in-one model[06:01] Balancing innovation with Western logistics limits[08:55] Recognizing the shift toward direct brand work[10:12] Shifting from service work to physical operations[11:50] Managing cash flow under market uncertainty[12:31] Stay updated with new episodes[12:41] Helping founders scale beyond day-to-day ops[13:27] Finding opportunity in a pandemic-era pivot[14:01] Designing packaging that simplifies assembly[15:30] Diversifying suppliers to reduce risk exposure[17:48] Protecting margins from tariff and fraud risks[19:01] Choosing Shopify for flexibility and speed[22:36] Hiring agencies to guide complex migrations[25:05] Training teams before adding new integrations[27:18] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye & Heatmap[29:59] Partnering with experts where specialization wins[31:58] Gaining perspective from cross-industry learnings[34:27] Avoiding costly trial-and-error learning[36:34] Prioritizing projects with impact and simplicity[41:20] Managing cost challenges in global logistics[44:50] Preparing for tariffs with flexible strategiesResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePremium bikes at unbeatable prices, direct from manufacturers bikesonline.com/Follow Eugene Chew linkedin.com/in/eugenechewMentioned episode with Izzy Rosenzweig of Portless: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpbeHvv3_1QMentioned episode with Kyle Hency of GoodDay Software: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQNsUfgl9E4Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Jeremy Barker is the founder and CEO of Murphy Door, best known for transforming hidden doors and space-saving furniture into a thriving direct-to-consumer brand. From humble beginnings to Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies 2025, Jeremy has built Murphy Door into the industry leader in functional design and custom craftsmanship.With Murphy Door, Jeremy is redefining what it means to blend utility, aesthetics, and engineering. What started as a bold idea, turning bookcases into fully functional hidden doors has scaled into a multi-million-dollar business recognized nationwide. By combining product innovation with viral social media, Murphy Door has grown from scrappy startup to household name.Jeremy’s story blends grit with vision. From serving as a firefighter and paramedic, to living out of his car while learning how to face failure head-on, to now running one of America’s most innovative companies, he’s proof that persistence and transparency can turn customers into lifelong advocates.Whether you’re scaling a DTC brand, looking to harness social media for growth, or exploring how AI and software can reshape customer experience, Jeremy offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to build with purpose and why owning mistakes early is the fastest path to building trust.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:43] Intro[01:16] Turning bold ideas into real products[02:04] Growing sales with early Facebook ads[07:05] Securing patents to gain attention[09:32] Stay updated with new episodes[09:42] Turning mistakes into loyal fans[14:56] Managing expectations with transparency[17:08] Simplifying processes to prevent confusion[19:00] Owning mistakes to improve clients’ trust[20:11] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye & Heatmap[22:52] Leveraging partnerships to fuel growth[24:01] Empowering customers to tell stories[26:42] Rewarding referrals with revenue share[31:12] Learning to test before scaling spend[34:53] Preventing conflicts with partner clarityResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeCustom-built, multi-purpose hideaway doors murphydoor.com/Follow Jeremy Barker linkedin.com/in/jeremy-barker-02007648Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Nathan Snell is a founder, executive, and three-time entrepreneur best known for co-founding nCino, the global leader in cloud banking, and now Raleon, an AI retention platform for DTC brands. With 15+ years in fintech, marketing technology, and AI, Nathan has built products that don’t just scale companies, they transform entire markets, including a 10-figure exit.With Raleon, Nathan is reimagining retention for Ecommerce. Instead of bloated teams or endless manual work, Raleon acts like a teammate, helping DTC brands and agencies handle retention 50% faster while driving more revenue. From campaign planning to segmentation, it automates the tactical grind so marketers can focus on strategy and growth.Nathan’s story blends technical expertise with market-shaping vision. From scaling nCino into a public company, to investing as an active angel, to now tackling one of Ecommerce’s biggest pain points, retention, he’s seen how AI can accelerate results but still requires human pilots to go beyond “average” output.Whether you’re building a lean DTC team, rethinking retention marketing, or trying to cut through the hype of AI, Nathan offers a grounded look at how to combine automation, brand taste, and strategy to drive the next era of Ecommerce growth.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:22] Intro[00:46] Building expertise in workflow automation[01:46] Experimenting with LLMs in workflows[03:18] Comparing AI models for DTC marketing[04:01] Starting email AI with copywriting[05:08] Fine-tuning prompts for better outputs[06:40] Elevating outputs with better context setting[08:08] Analyzing past campaigns to guide outputs[09:50] Stay updated with new episodes[10:02] Automating segmentation and copy at once[11:57] Recognizing AI delivers average by default[13:38] Editing outputs instead of chasing perfect prompts[15:20] Connecting Klaviyo and Shopify for campaigns[17:41] Automating learning cycles across campaigns[19:14] Guiding systems instead of replacing teamsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeAutomate DTC retention marketing with AI raleon.io/Follow Nathan Snell linkedin.com/in/nathansnellIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Ty Haney is a serial entrepreneur and three-time founder best known for building Outdoor Voices into one of the most recognizable activewear brands of the last decade. After proving that approachable, inclusive movement could compete with performance-first giants, Ty went on to launch Joggy, a natural energy brand, and TYB, a community commerce platform powering engagement for 200+ brands including Rare Beauty, Glossier, OUAI, and Urban Outfitters.What started as a personal pain point, wanting activewear that reflected her own lifestyle has scaled into a playbook for how to turn authenticity into category-defining brands. With TYB, Ty is now helping consumer companies reimagine loyalty, moving beyond points and email blasts into gamified, multi-brand ecosystems where fans prove their status, earn rewards, and build daily habits with the brands they love.Ty’s story blends personal insight with category innovation. From turning Outdoor Voices into a movement brand, to navigating the challenges of inventory-heavy DTC, to now building a software platform that redefines how brands grow, she’s seen the ups, downs, and pivots that come with scaling in Ecommerce.Whether you’re building a DTC brand, rethinking customer loyalty, or searching for new ways to deepen community engagement, Ty offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to transform personal pain points into platforms that fuel the next era of growth.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:24] Intro[01:08] Starting a brand from personal pain points[02:34] Expanding offerings while simplifying choice[04:40] Focusing on product before scaling[06:17] Building go-to-market around community[07:36] Stay updated with new episodes[07:48] Building momentum with early funding[08:27] Pioneering UGC early on Instagram[10:06] Challenging the direct-to-consumer thesis[12:16] Building TYB from hard-earned lessons[13:21] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Grow[16:30] Starting new ventures after stepping away[17:33] Building TYB as a rewards platform[18:56] Expanding into Target and Erewhon retail[20:51] Scaling community commerce into growth[23:21] Expanding loyalty into daily engagement[27:47] Inviting brands to build fan channelsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeTechnical apparel for recreation outdoorvoices.com/Plant-based steady energy supplements getjoggy.com/Community rewards platform, where community engagement pays off tyb.xyz/Follow Ty Haney linkedin.com/in/ty-haney-a4b1561aSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestThe Premier Conference for Ecommerce Operators joingrow.comIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Bradley Savage is the Founder & CEO of Gardencup, aka Salad as a Service, a D2C meal subscription brand that ships ultra-premium, ready-to-eat salads and produce snacks nationwide.What started with Brad taping boxes in his kitchen after getting tired of eating hot pockets every day has grown into a $29M ARR brand in just 18 months. Along the way, Gardencup scaled to nearly 2 million salads shipped a year, fueled by organic Instagram buzz and influencers before a single dollar was spent on ads.Brad’s story blends scrappy bootstrapping with rapid execution. From migrating to Shopify and building a custom tech stack, to juggling ecommerce, operations, and logistics under one roof, to solving retention challenges like menu fatigue, he’s learned what it really takes to scale a food subscription at breakneck speed.Whether you’re building a DTC subscription, navigating operational “puberty problems,” or looking for ways to blend convenience with customer loyalty, Brad offers an unfiltered look at the grind, the pivots, and the lessons behind turning fresh salads into one of Shopify’s fastest-growing brands.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:20] Intro[01:04] Creating a product from personal need[02:55] Solving churn through menu rotation[05:44] Migrating to Shopify for growth[09:44] Gaining traction from influencer posts[11:06] Driving adoption through daily habits[11:28] Stay updated with new episodes[11:39] Testing content angles and audiences[12:50] Finding right partners at each stage[14:49] Scaling ads without huge capital[15:12] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Grow[18:27] Collecting revenue before vendor bills[20:00] Leveraging Facebook’s feedback loop[21:15] Gaining strength from co-foundersResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeDelicious chef-crafted meals at your door gardencup.com/Follow Bradley Savage linkedin.com/in/savagebradleySchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestThe Premier Conference for Ecommerce Operators joingrow.comIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Yoav Oz is the Co-Founder and CEO of Rep AI, the conversational commerce platform giving online shoppers the kind of guided experience you’d expect from an in-store salesperson.The spark came from Yoav’s own frustration: landing on ecommerce sites where he was ready to buy but stuck with eight pages of product copy and no one to answer his questions. Call centers felt broken. Chatbots felt generic. Out of that gap came Rep,  short for “representative”: an AI sales assistant trained to step in at the exact right moment, with the context of everything a shopper has clicked, viewed, or abandoned.Yoav isn’t building alone. Alongside him is Shauli Mizrahi, Rep’s CTO and co-founder, who brings years of experience in behavioral AI. Together, they’ve built a tool that doesn’t just cut support costs: it upsells, converts hesitant browsers, and helps brands maximize the traffic they’ve already paid to bring in.Their story blends SaaS know-how with ecommerce scrappiness: from proving AI could act like a real salesperson, to showing how conversational data can optimize entire funnels, to scaling integrations that slot into any brand’s existing stack.Whether you’re running a DTC store, trying to push up average order value, or rethinking how AI fits into your tech stack, Yoav shares a candid look at why the ecommerce funnel is broken and how Rep AI is working to fix it.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:48] Intro[01:22] Sharing career paths before entrepreneurship[03:23] Bridging gaps between chatbots and consumers[07:01] Shifting mindset from support to revenue[08:33] Training AI with millions of conversations[12:55] Optimizing websites beyond guesswork[15:41] Creating experiences that drive purchases[17:16] Personalizing offers beyond discounts[18:11] Customizing tone of voice for every brandResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeeCommerce shopping AI agent www.hellorep.ai/Follow Yoav Oz linkedin.com/in/yoavozFollow Shauli Mizrahi linkedin.com/in/shaulimizrachyIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Joelle Weinand is the Founder of Nutcase Milk, the cashew-based chocolate milk brand taking on Nesquik with a cleaner, more sophisticated option built for adults.What started as a boredom-fueled kitchen experiment during COVID: blending cashews, cocoa, and dates in her Vitamix, quickly evolved into a business. A chance brunch in Las Vegas with old poker friends turned into a pre-seed round when investors tried and liked her “ChocoMilk”. Soon, big names like Ninja and Steve Aoki came on board, and an ops expert from Mezcla Bars helped Joelle scale.Joelle’s path blends relentless scrappiness with an instinct for spotting white space in crowded categories. From shelving the idea when no co-packers picked up the phone, to saying yes when opportunity appeared in unexpected rooms, to relaunching her formula based on real customer feedback, she’s showing how a so-called “nutcase” idea can capture the market’s imagination.Whether you’re trying to break into CPG, find your first investors, or take a product from Instagram post to retail shelf, Joelle shares a candid look at how to move fast, embrace serendipity, and build a brand people are proud to carry.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:42] Intro[00:57] Launching nostalgia as a premium product[01:24] Testing a concept with friends at brunch[07:02] Highlighting the power of simple ideas[08:13] Running small tests before scaling up[09:10] Connecting with ops partners through luck[12:46] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Grow[15:59] Meeting investors at random events[17:23] Building trust with passion and clarity[18:23] Raising a pre-seed with friends[22:18] Asking founders for advice directly[25:04] Reducing friction in early startups[26:55] Gathering feedback to guide reformulationResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeDelicious, healthy and nostalgic cashew milk https://drinknutcase.com/Follow Joelle Weinand https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelledSchedule an intro call with one of our experts https://electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization https://www.heatmap.com/honestThe Premier Conference for Ecommerce Operators https://www.joingrow.comIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Sam Shames is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Embr Labs, the company behind the Embr Wave: a wristband that heats and cools to help people manage comfort, sleep, stress, and hot flashes.What started as a project in an MIT prototyping competition turned into a 12-year journey building a hardware company from scratch. Along the way, Sam and his co-founders grew Embr Labs to 200,000+ units sold, $50M+ in lifetime revenue, and $66M in venture funding. A $100K Kickstarter goal became $630K in sales, powered by a loyal community they engaged long before launch.Sam’s path blends technical innovation with customer-driven growth. From proving the science behind their product, to surviving on $2K a month while raising capital, to pivoting into a hardware subscription model, he’s learned what it really takes to scale an ecommerce hardware brand.Whether you’re building a DTC product, validating a new idea, or evolving your business model to better serve customers, Sam offers an unfiltered look at the grind, the pivots, and the lessons behind turning a student prototype into a category-defining company.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:42] Intro[01:03] Sharing early lessons in subscription[01:34] Connecting through founder communities[02:26] Brainstorming solutions to real pain points[03:21] Receiving thousands of customer emails[03:58] Deciding to sell when demand was clear[04:52] Realizing experience changes decisions[05:14] Understanding the customer segments[06:34] Raising angel and pre-seed funding[07:41] Building community through early feedback[08:53] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Grow[12:05] Preparing manufacturing before crowdfunding[14:10] Adapting playbooks as channels change[15:36] Spotting misalignment in value capture[18:00] Screening customers to limit fraud[19:08] Partnering with experts on subscriptions[19:51] Highlighting temperature as a daily pain point[21:32] Showing value instantly on first tryResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePersonal temperature control embrlabs.com/Follow Sam Shames linkedin.com/in/samshamesSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestThe Premier Conference for Ecommerce Operators joingrow.comIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Shawn Khemsurov is the Co-Founder of Electric Eye, a Shopify design and development agency, and a Partner at Feel, a brand studio where art meets commerce. With over ten years of experience in fashion retail, Shawn has worked with iconic brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap Inc, Nike, Homage, and Only NY, spanning everything from digital experiences to product design.Shawn’s journey started in retail, where he immersed himself in the many facets of the industry: from visual merchandising to customer experience, giving him an ability to understand exactly what his clients need. He combines this insight with design expertise to create unique, engaging experiences that drive sales and build brand loyalty.Whether you’re running an Ecommerce brand or building your first Shopify store, Shawn offers a candid, insider look at what it takes to create digital experiences that sell and delight customers.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:44] Intro[01:18] Avoiding hiring the wrong designer[02:34] Identifying gaps in specialized expertise[03:39] Assessing designs for sales potential[04:29] Evaluating expertise before hiring partners[05:06] Balancing creativity with usability[09:02] Providing consulting upfront for clarity[11:19] Avoiding overloading the homepage[14:42] Focusing on what users actually see[15:26] Choosing the right theme upfront[16:38] Collaborating with competent developers[17:29] Balancing custom design and ShopifyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectBrand studio and creative partner feel.studio/workFollow Shawn Khemsurov linkedin.com/in/shawnkhemsurov/If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

John Clark is the founder of Modern Shelving and Tandm Surf, two brands born from a simple idea: if he could sell it, his wife, an engineer, could build it. What started as a family-run shelving business evolved into a global Ecommerce company, while a day on the water with his daughter inspired an inflatable tandem surfboard that would later appear on Shark Tank.John’s journey blends practicality with creativity. From solving everyday pain points with shelving to creating a patented surfboard that makes riding waves accessible to anyone, he’s built businesses that reflect both lifestyle and innovation. Along the way, he’s navigated the challenges of pitching on national TV, scaling niche products in the DTC market, and balancing multiple ventures without losing his entrepreneurial spark.Whether you’re running a growing ecommerce brand or looking to turn family values into scalable business, John offers an honest look at what it takes to transform passion into products people love and companies that last.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:37] Intro[01:21] Launching new products to fuel business growth[03:14] Adopting Google Adwords to drive early sales[04:00] Turning family traditions into a business idea[05:39] Making surfing accessible to everyone[07:07] Sharing prototypes at the beach for feedback[08:00] Pitching novelty ideas that capture attention[09:28] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Grow[12:40] Answering what really happens after the deal[14:29] Leveraging the Shark Tank bump for growth[17:56] Using events to build brand visibility[19:06] Finding the right partner for long-term success[19:40] Patenting inflatable boards for portability[20:45] Building community beyond physical products[23:01] Encouraging entrepreneurs to think globallyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeVersatile designs + unique storage solutions for any space modernshelving.com/Shark Tark approved Tandem bodyboards and pool saddles tandmsurf.com/Follow John Clark linkedin.com/in/johngclarkSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestThe Premier Conference for Ecommerce Operators joingrow.comIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher are the Co-Founders of Juliet Wine, where they’re redefining boxed wine with award-winning California varietals and eco-conscious cylindrical packaging that challenges the category’s decades-old perception. Allison is an award-winning brand builder with a dual BS in Finance and Marketing from Boston College, an MBA from The Wharton School, and WSET Level 2 Certification in Wine. She’s also a founding member of the Alternative Packaging Alliance, a coalition of high-end boxed wine brands dedicated to advancing sustainable packaging in the wine industry. Lauren brings nearly two decades of sales, business development, investor relations, and design expertise from leading roles at Virgin Galactic, Uber, and Douglas Elliman, along with a BS in Culture & Communications from NYU and a Sustainability Certification from Cambridge University’s Judge School of Business.Before launching Juliet, Allison built a career leading brand strategy, design, and storytelling for premium products, earning a reputation for transforming overlooked categories into high-value lifestyle experiences. Lauren honed her skills in building relationships, scaling sales, and translating brand vision into tangible growth. Together, they’ve created a brand that blends “affordable luxury” with modern consumer expectations and a design-first approach that stands apart from traditional boxed wine.In this episode, Allison and Lauren share how they spotted an opportunity to reimagine boxed wine, why they launched DTC first to prove product-market fit, and how they tested seven price points to find the sweet spot before expanding to retail. They also reveal how early customer data shaped their go-to-market strategy and helped secure high-quality retail partners who understood Juliet’s unique value.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:40] Intro[01:07] Highlighting sustainability as a core advantage[01:58] Reimagining a category for modern consumers[03:46] Meeting evolving consumer demands head-on[05:21] Sourcing partners to match product vision[06:55] Reframing consumer perceptions of boxed wine[09:03] Prototyping early to speed market entry[09:20] Testing multiple price points before scaling[11:47] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Zamp[15:44] Adjusting pricing after early market feedback[17:33] Making decisions to drive progress forward[19:21] Proving product-market fit to win distributors[20:48] Proving demand before pitching big retailers[21:10] Meeting online customers where they are [22:38] Boosting AOV with strategic bundlesResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeEco-friendly and delicious luxury boxed wine drinkjuliet.com/Follow Allison Luvera linkedin.com/in/allisonluveraFollow Lauren De Niro Pipher linkedin.com/in/iamldpSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestFully managed sales tax solution for Ecommerce brands zamp.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Marielle Bobo is the VP of Content at Shoptalk Spring and Fall, where she curates programming and secures industry-leading speakers to spark the most important conversations in retail and ecommerce. She’s spent 25 years in cross-platform media, serving as Editor-in-Chief & SVP of Programming at EBONY, Fashion Director at Essence, and shaping fashion, beauty, and retail narratives at Womenswear Daily, Allure, and Cosmopolitan.Before taking the helm at Shoptalk’s content strategy, Marielle built a career telling stories that resonate: across print, digital, video, and live events, earning a reputation for translating trends into actionable insights. That lens now drives how she programs Shoptalk, ensuring attendees walk away with strategies they can implement immediately.Marielle shares what’s different about Shoptalk Fall this year compared to year one, the genesis of the brand-new Leadership track, and why now is the moment for retail leaders to think differently about org design, planning, and agility. She also reveals which sessions ecommerce store owners and DTC brands can’t afford to miss, plus how her editorial background influences the way she curates content for maximum impact.Whether she’s explaining how to navigate a packed agenda or uncovering the most relevant themes for today’s volatile retail landscape, Marielle offers a candid look at how great content can transform an industry event into a growth engine.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:40] Intro[01:01] Exploring global event series for innovators[02:05] Kicking off with immersive retail experiences[04:13] Planning your conference strategy in advance[06:20] Recapping key learnings before the show ends[09:50] Learning from leading retail and DTC brands[11:51] Finding solutions through casual conversations[12:58] Highlighting brick-and-mortar’s role in EcommerceResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeOrganizing retail’s industry’s very best events shoptalk.com/Providing senior execs workshops, strategy sessions, Chicago retail tours, insights from 130+ leaders, and targeted connections fall.shoptalk.com/Follow Marielle Bobo linkedin.com/in/marielle-boboIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Hannah Ruhamah Crum is the Founder of Kombucha Kamp, the leading education platform and Ecommerce brand for homebrewed kombucha. She’s also the co-author of The Big Book of Kombucha and the cofounder and former president of Kombucha Brewers International, where she’s helped shape industry standards for fermentation and transparency.Before launching Kombucha Kamp, Hannah was a language teacher and aspiring actress who stumbled into kombucha at a raw food restaurant in San Francisco. A single sip turned into a full-blown obsession, leading her to teach local brewing classes out of her apartment, blog about the gut microbiome, and ship SCOBYs from her kitchen table before launching a full Ecommerce operation.Hannah shares how she followed inbound demand signals to grow from DIY educator to industry leader, why homemade kombucha is different from store-bought, and how she scaled without outside capital. She also unpacks how COVID reshaped her business overnight, why she walked away from a quarter-million-dollar facility, and what she's learned about managing people without formal training.Whether she’s explaining what it means to be a “bacteria farmer” or how her belief in gut health intersects with spiritual wellness, Hannah offers a candid look at what it takes to build a mission-driven CPG brand from scratch.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:40] Intro[01:15] Selling starter kits not just products[02:34] Discovering a product by total accident[04:56] Blogging to fix misinformation online[06:16] Podcasting early to build brand authority[09:05] Reclaiming gut health through real food[10:44] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Zamp[14:42] Protecting tradition through policy advocacy[18:51] Rebuilding ops with a lighter footprint[21:30] Outsourcing production for better margins[23:02] Building loyalty with rewards that convertResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeProviding free information and education about Kombucha kombuchakamp.comFollow Hannah Ruhamah Crum linkedin.com/in/hannahcrumlaSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestFully managed sales tax solution for Ecommerce brands zamp.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Leah Garcia is the Founder & CEO of NULASTIN®, the first beauty brand to commercialize elastin-based haircare. With a background as a professional athlete and award-winning media personality, Leah brings a performance mindset to DTC brand building, combining storytelling, product innovation, and operational grit.Before launching NULASTIN, Leah built a successful career in broadcast journalism and sports media, covering professional bull riding for CBS and competing internationally in mountain biking. That same tenacity shows up in how she scaled NULASTIN to $17.5M in revenue before hiring her first employee, bootstrapping the brand through direct response marketing, Indiegogo campaigns, and scrappy user-generated content.Leah shares why she shifted from a crowded skincare category to focus on brows and lashes, how “less polished” creative outperformed high-production assets, and why authenticity still drives her best-performing ads. She also breaks down her product development process, the metrics she tracks most closely, and how she’s approaching influencer and affiliate marketing now that the brand has scaled.Whether she’s explaining why awkward websites sometimes convert better or why prestige branding can alienate loyal buyers, Leah offers a no-BS look at building a beauty brand that lasts without relying on glossy tactics or VC backing.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:43] Intro[01:20] Launching niche beauty products with clear focus[02:00] Identifying a personal need in the market[03:20] Investing early in a science-backed idea[04:30] Taking control after early business loss[05:36] Accepting risk when investing your own money[06:53] Bootstrapping with decks, debt, and side hustles[09:22] Trusting instinct over validation frameworks[10:38] Learning from regulatory arrogance[12:55] Leveraging infomercial skills for DTC[14:46] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap & Zamp[18:43] Focusing early on user generated content[20:42] Understanding the tradeoffs of premium branding[22:30] Selling before customers hit the website[23:20] Learning from infomercial-driven growth[27:29] Blending legacy service with modern techResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeElastin-based hair and skincare nulastin.com/Follow Leah Garcia linkedin.com/in/leah-garcia-592988Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestFully managed sales tax solution for Ecommerce brands zamp.com/honestIf you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!