In this episode, Ellie-Mae Healy, Head of Growth at Marna Iced Tea, shares her journey from sports to the startup world, discussing the unique approach Marna takes in brewing iced tea with real loose leaf tea.

She highlights the challenges and successes of the brand, the importance of utilising AI for operational efficiency in such a small team.

It was also great to hear about her time at Perfect Ted and what she learnt along the way.

I loved this chat, and the tea is delicious - this is a brand to watch for sure!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:29 Ellie May's Role at Marna Iced Tea

01:49 The Unique Selling Proposition of Marna Iced Tea

03:46 The Founding Story of Marna

04:55 Ellie's Journey into the Iced Tea World

06:23 The Lean Team Structure at Marna

08:16 Utilising AI in Operations and Sales

09:59 A Day in the Life of Head of Growth

11:42 Ellie's Career Path and Transition to Manna

15:03 Lessons Learned from Perfect Ted

18:32 Big Wins and Experiences at Marna

18:51 Navigating Commercial Strategies in Retail

20:32 Expanding Retail Presence and Key Partnerships

22:53 Challenges in the Iced Tea Market

27:45 Learning from Tough Days in a Startup

30:43 Transferable Skills from Hospitality to Sales

33:28 Advice for Entering the Startup World

35:10 Embracing the Messiness of Startup Life