Uncommon Brands

How to stand out in a competitive market, Sarah Vilenskiy, Blossom Essentials Skincare

Sarah Vilensky is the founder and CEO of Blossom Essentials [https://tryblossom.com/]. In this episode, she shares how she’s used her digital marketing expertise to build a high-growth D2C skincare brand.  Sarah shares her journey from affiliate marketing to addressing chronic dry skin with clean, non-toxic products. This episode is full of insights on how they navigate the crowded skincare market and details on their massive upcoming retail rollout into Walmart's Beauty Space. What was covered: * Sarah's journey from affiliate marketing to founding a D2C brand. * The importance of authentic product expertise (addressing personal chronic dry skin). * The decision to shift from Amazon to owning the website/customer relationship. * How to build brand authority in the crowded clean beauty space. * The operational reality: Managing inventory and scaling supply chains. * Next Steps: The huge retail rollout into Walmart's Beauty Space Blossom Essentials Links: Website: https://tryblossom.com/ [https://tryblossom.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/try_blossom/ [https://www.instagram.com/try_blossom/]   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blossomessentials/ [https://www.facebook.com/blossomessentials/]   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blossomessentialsskin [https://www.tiktok.com/@blossomessentialsskin]  Parker Nash Links:  Website: parkertnash.com [http://parkertnash.com]   LinkedIn: Parker Nash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/]

Not your ordinary belt business, Gregg Hemphill, Nexbelt

Gregg Hemphill is the CEO of Nexbelt [https://www.nexbelt.com/] and Lejon Belts [https://lejonleathergoods.com/]. In this episode, he shares how these two brands take an overlooked product, the belt, and turn it into an engine for massive growth. Gregg, a 25-year veteran of the golf industry (Quiksilver, TaylorMade, Oakley), shares how Nexbelt's patented micro-adjusting ratchet technology provided both a functional benefit to the consumer and a huge inventory solution for retailers. This episode breaks down their strategy for profitable growth and how to turn the ordinary into not so ordinary. What was covered: * Leading Nexbelt after acquisition by a PE firm. * Overcoming the challenge of selling an overlooked accessory (the belt). * Why fashion sells the basics: Using color and design to drive repeat purchases. * The dual-benefit pitch: How Nexbelt solves the retailer's massive inventory problem. * Don’t sell features, sell the benefit * Advice for founders on profitable growth vs. "fake growth" spending. * Nexbelt Links: Website: https://www.nexbelt.com [https://www.nexbelt.com]   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nexbelt [https://www.instagram.com/nexbelt]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nexbelt [https://www.facebook.com/Nexbelt]  Parker Nash Links:  Website: parkertnash.com [http://parkertnash.com] LinkedIn: Parker Nash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/]

Building a Superfood Empire, Anna Rooke, Akasha Superfoods

Join Parker Nash and Anna Rooke, CMO and Co-founder of Akasha Superfoods [https://www.akashasuperfoods.com/], for a deep dive into health, wellness, and organic growth. Anna shares her journey with sea moss, from making gels in her kitchen to becoming a category creator on retail shelves. This episode is a masterclass in using short-form video to overcome low product awareness and dominate a new market without spending a dollar on paid ads. What was covered: * The challenge of creating a shelf-stable product * Why Akasha's initial target audience hypothesis was wrong * Anna's organic growth strategy * How to create irresistible storytelling videos * Why TikTok Shop is the new QVC and how to succeed on the platform * Lightning Round: Fun facts about Sea Moss, health hacks, and advice for founders Akasha Superfoods Links:  Website: https://www.akashasuperfoods.com [https://www.akashasuperfoods.com]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akashasuperfoods/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/akashasuperfoods/?hl=en] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@akashasuperfoods [https://www.tiktok.com/@akashasuperfoods]  Parker Nash Links:  Website: parkertnash.com [http://parkertnash.com] LinkedIn: Parker Nash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/]

Capturing moments that matter, Garrett Peters, Duncan & Stone

Today on the show, we have Garrett Peters, the co-founder and CEO of Duncan and Stone Paper Company. Duncan and Stone [https://www.duncanandstone.com] specializes in beautifully designed, keepsake notebooks and journals featuring simple guided prompts to easily capture important life moments. Garrett shares the company's journey, from its 2020 launch with a handful of items to its current portfolio of over 50 products. Garrett discusses the challenge of building a brand and audience primarily on a platform like Amazon and the strategic shift they made toward their own website to foster customer engagement through email and social media. He also emphasizes the critical role of product quality, timeless design, and a thoughtful customer experience in building a loyal customer base and driving organic growth. What we covered: * The Launch and Hero Products * The Shift from Amazon to Direct-to-Consumer * Product Design Philosophy and Delivering a Great Customer Experience * Q4 Holiday Sales Strategy: Making One Simple, Clear Offer * The Importance of Clarity in Product Offerings Duncan and Stone Links: Duncan and Stone Links: Website: https://www.duncanandstone.com [https://www.duncanandstone.com]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanandstone/ [https://www.instagram.com/duncanandstone/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuncanandStone [https://www.facebook.com/DuncanandStone]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@duncanandstone [https://www.tiktok.com/@duncanandstone]  Parker Nash Links:  Website: parkertnash.com [http://parkertnash.com] LinkedIn: Parker Nash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/]

A sweet business story, Maddie Steitz, Maddie's Natural Sweetener

Join Parker Nash in a conversation with Maddie Steitz, the founder and CEO of Maddie's Natural Sweetener. Maddie shares her uplifting journey from working as an assistant to launching her own company, driven by a passion for baking and a commitment to creating a truly healthy alternative. Maddie discusses the inspiration behind developing a healthier, natural sweetener that avoids the pitfalls of current market options, such as artificial ingredients and excessive calories. Her product offers a unique, guilt-free indulgence, featuring a proprietary blend of stevia, monk fruit, and other natural ingredients. What was covered: * The Entrepreneurial Shift * Product Science & Manufacturing Challenges * Vision for Guilt-Free Treats * Marketing & Retail Expansion Strategy Maddie’s Natural Sweetener Links: Website: https://www.maddiesnaturalsweetener.com [https://www.maddiesnaturalsweetener.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddiesnaturalsweetener [https://www.instagram.com/maddiesnaturalsweetener]  Parker Nash Links: Website: parkertnash.com [https://www.google.com/search?q=http://parkertnash.com]  LinkedIn: Parker Nash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernas/]