Digest

This episode of "How I Built This" features a special "Advice Line" segment where host Guy Raz and guest entrepreneur Vicki Tsai offer guidance to aspiring business owners. The episode features three callers: Jessica Liu, founder of Petit on Jew, a fine jewelry business; Brittany Low, founder of Baya, a vegan skincare brand; and Devin Climer, co-founder of Mugsy Bakes, a gluten-free mug cake mix brand. Each caller seeks advice on specific challenges they face, such as increasing brand awareness, securing retail partnerships, and generating buzz for a pre-launch product. Vicki Tsai, reflecting on her own entrepreneurial journey, emphasizes the importance of embracing one's vision, letting go of self-doubt, and building a strong community around one's brand. She encourages new founders to focus on creating a product or service that truly resonates with their target audience and to build a loyal customer base who believes in their mission. The episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs at all stages, offering practical advice on navigating the challenges of starting and growing a business.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Advice Line

This segment introduces the podcast and the "Advice Line" segment, where host Guy Raz and guest entrepreneur Vicki Tsai offer guidance to aspiring business owners.

00:00:29

Jessica Liu: Petit on Jew

Jessica Liu, a self-taught metalsmith and former attorney, shares her journey of starting a fine jewelry business. She seeks advice on increasing visibility and brand awareness for her high-priced products.

00:07:25

Brittany Low: Baya

Brittany Low, a healthcare professional with a passion for beauty, discusses her journey from starting a mascara brand at 16 to launching Baya, a vegan skincare brand addressing intimate concerns. She seeks advice on building brand awareness and securing retail partnerships.

00:21:57

Devin Climer: Mugsy Bakes

Devin Climer, a speech pathologist, and her co-founder Nina, an occupational therapist, share their story of creating Mugsy Bakes, a gluten-free mug cake mix brand. They seek advice on generating buzz and building a community for their pre-launch product.

00:36:02

Vicki Tsai's Advice for New Entrepreneurs

Vicki Tsai, reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, advises new founders to embrace their vision, let go of self-doubt, and focus on building a strong community around their brand.

00:49:27

Closing

The episode concludes with a summary of the advice given to the callers and a reminder to listeners to subscribe to Wondery Plus for early and ad-free access.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some effective strategies for increasing brand awareness and visibility for a high-priced, handcrafted jewelry business?

  Focus on showcasing the craftsmanship and quality of your products, allowing customers to see the work that goes into each piece. Consider a limited-edition approach to manage capital outlay and create exclusivity. Build a community of passionate clients who can act as advocates and ambassadors for your brand.

• How can a new skincare brand stand out in a saturated market and attract attention from retailers like Sephora?

  Focus on building a strong community around your brand by clearly communicating your intentions and values. Don't worry about retailers initially; focus on building a loyal customer base who understands and believes in your mission. Once you have a strong following, retailers will come to you.

• What are some creative ways to generate buzz and build a community for a pre-launch, gluten-free mug cake mix brand?

  Leverage the convenience and joy factor of your product by showcasing its ease of use and versatility. Consider creating engaging social media content that highlights the experience of making a mug cake. Explore partnerships with complementary brands and consider offering limited-edition mugs or kits for special occasions.

Show Notes