Digging Deeper with Sarah Dalley (Founder of Bonding Over Books) | TRENCHES Rapid Fire

The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Playbook: How SIPPL's Founder, Parker Papaccio, Navigates Product Development, Retail Distribution, and Brand Identity | TRENCHES with Milan Terez

What does it take to leave a marketing career, bootstrap a non-alcoholic beverage brand, and get it in front of consumers at Coachella all while navigating FDA regulations, custom packaging costs, and influencer gifting gone wrong? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Parker Papaccio, founder of SIPPL, for the full behind-the-scenes breakdown of building a health-focused drink brand from the ground up. Parker covers the entire founder journey: product development and flavor testing, budgeting and initial investment, retail expansion and distribution challenges, building community through in-person events, and what she'd do differently with influencer marketing. If you're launching a beverage brand, building in the health and wellness space, or trying to get a physical consumer product to market — this is the episode you've been looking for. Key Takeaways Product development process for SIPPLBootstrapping and initial investmentConsumer feedback and market researchBuilding community through events and social mediaNavigating regulations and legal considerationsStrategic marketing and brand identityDistribution channels and logisticsLessons learned from Coachella and influencer marketing Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez 01:07 Parker's Journey to Entrepreneurship 04:22 Building in Health and Wellness 06:38 Transitioning In and Out of Fast-Paced Environments 07:21 Time Management and Juggling Responsibilities 11:08 Developing a Non-Alcoholic Drink Mix 13:51 Product Development Insights for Beverage Brands 18:17 SIPPL's Unique Position in the Beverage Market 20:25 Innovative Mixology: Crafting Non-Alcoholic Cocktails 21:49 Navigating Consumer Education and Market Challenges 24:25 Budgeting and Financial Insights for Startups 25:56 Perfecting the Product: Flavor Development and Feedback 26:43 Retail Expansion: Strategies and Distribution Challenges 30:10 The Cost of Custom Packaging 34:02 Building Community: The Role of In-Person Events 38:16 Experiencing Coachella: Opportunities and Lessons Learned 42:32 Influencer Gifting 101 45:43 The Importance of Contracts in Business Partnerships 51:37 Creating a Cohesive Brand Identity 52:57 Building in Public: The Founder Journey 58:45 Community and Confidence: The Driving Forces 01:01:22 Vision for the Future: Beyond the Trenches 01:03:38 Embracing Uncertainty: The Path to Success 01:05:53 Trenches with Milan Terez Resources Bev Source - https://www.bevsource.com [https://www.bevsource.com] ShipBob - https://www.shipbob.com [https://www.shipbob.com] ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com [https://chat.openai.com] Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com [https://www.anthropic.com] Connect With Us: Our Guest: Parker Papaccio Guest Brand - SIPPL Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sipplmixology/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipplmixology [https://www.tiktok.com/@sipplmixology] SIPPL Official Website: https://sipplmixology.com/ [https://sipplmixology.com/] Our Host: Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠/ milanterez⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠ ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠/ trenchesthepodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod⁠cast startup, entrepreneurship, beverage brand, SIPPL, branding, manufacturing, business growth, founder insights, mocktail mix, margarita mix, beverage, product development, community building, health and wellness, brand strategy, bootstrapping, Coachella, influencer marketing

Digging Deeper with Parker Papaccio (Founder of SIPPL Mixology) | TRENCHES with Milan Terez

What does it actually cost financially, mentally, and strategically to launch a functional beverage brand from scratch? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Parker Papaccio, founder of SIPPL, to break down the real behind-the-scenes of building a drink startup. Parker gets into the full founder playbook: how she found and vetted manufacturing partners, the early business decisions that carried major financial consequences, what brand recognition actually looks like as a traction signal, and how she keeps her focus sharp in the chaos of early-stage startup life. If you're building in the beverage space, launching a consumer product brand, or trying to figure out how to make a physical product company work this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Brand recognition is a key indicator of traction.Finding the right manufacturing partners is crucial and costly.Routine workouts help manage stress and maintain focus.Naming a brand can carry deep meaning and strategic intent.Early business decisions can have significant financial impacts. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez 00:39 Digging Deeper with Parker Papaccio 06:18 Trenches with Milan Terez Connect With Us:Our Guest: Parker Papaccio Guest Brand - SIPPL Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sipplmixology/ [https://www.instagram.com/sipplmixology/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipplmixology [https://www.tiktok.com/@sipplmixology] SIPPL Official Website: https://sipplmixology.com/ [https://sipplmixology.com/] Our Host: Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠/ milanterez⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠ ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠/ trenchesthepodcast ⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod⁠cast startup, entrepreneurship, beverage brand, SIPPL, branding, manufacturing, business growth, founder insights, mocktail mix, margarita mix

The Future of Clean Beauty: Michelle Doan on Scaling a Clean Beauty Brand Internationally, Korean Fermentation Tech, and 20 Years in the Beauty Industry

In this inspiring interview, Michelle Doan tells us what does two decades in the beauty industry actually teach you about building a brand that lasts? In this episode of TRENCHES host Milan Terez goes deep with Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Cosmetics, on what it takes to scale a clean beauty brand internationally in one of the most competitive markets in the world. Michelle breaks down the full product development playbook: including the three P's of skincare (Potency, Delivery, and Provenance), innovations in Korean fermentation technology, and how the beauty industry has evolved over 20 years. From surviving a Thai refugee camp to building a globally recognized clean beauty brand, Michelle's story is equal parts tactical and deeply human. If you're a beauty founder, a product developer, or someone building in a saturated market, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Michelle Doan's personal journey and resilienceThe evolution of the beauty industry over two decadesThe three P's of skincare: Potency, Delivery, ProvenanceInnovations in Korean fermentation technologyStrategies for scaling a beauty brand internationally Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Trenches01:32 Michelle Doan's Journey: From Struggles to Success08:41 The Birth of Emani Cosmetics14:37 Navigating the Beauty Industry as a Founder18:03 The Evolution of Clean Beauty19:51 Understanding the Three P's of Skincare24:43 The Science of Korean Fermentation Technology28:03 Adapting and Reformulating Products30:18 The Art of Product Development32:03 Navigating the Beauty Industry: A Founder's Guide35:05 Sustainability in Beauty: Why Packaging Matters39:18 Scaling and Distribution: The Modern Landscape43:01 From Zero to One: Key Changes for Growth49:34 International Expansion: Timing and Strategy51:52 The Future of Cosmetics: Personalization and Education52:57 How to be an Affective Leader55:01 Understanding Hormones and Skincare57:40 Self-Care for Founders: Recognizing the Signs of Breakthrough59:47 Embracing Positivity and Perspective01:02:10 Overcoming Adversity and Building Self-Worth01:05:32 The Power of Presence and Gratitude Connect With Us:Our Guest: Michelle DoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/] Guest Brand - Emani CosmeticsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanicosmetics [https://www.instagram.com/emanicosmetics]Website: https://emani.com [https://emani.com] Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram:   / milanterez [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTVHaHVaRTYyMzE1ai1taVlNaGs1eVVHTWpTQXxBQ3Jtc0ttTWZWYVNRSXl6RGRhWlV3MVMxRDk1UWFPX0E3VlMyRHM5ZjUyNlRXeF9MWnNYQjk4UE1KbVBRZkEzeW9McVdNa2d6cUFzQzZ6bVBiY2lTdWlOamM2X2dPQjRQdHNXb2c5bGZsajlWdlZfRF83LU5QYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmilanterez%2F&v=q3BXoj4v-aM]   ⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez [https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez] ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠⁠  / trenchesthepodcast [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3QzM0lTcm9mVGVEWmNyZVdnNXFtclBmZnB2UXxBQ3Jtc0trNlgwSjFxOVJQYXdLWVpxUldYVGg5ZkhxVnhJdlFONW1TTmpyOE9JSFJYWDNZbW9udTU5NzFlZG8ycUU2YXZNY3J4b1lsY0pJMnk3TFpRMWktOEU2ZDNONEVxOERXVWdmUGZiTkRQRTd2bEhDcHFVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ftrenchesthepodcast%2F&v=q3BXoj4v-aM]  TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod [https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod]... entrepreneurship, women in business, CPG brands, building a business, Michelle Doan, Emani Cosmetics, beauty brand, entrepreneurship, success, scaling, marketing, personal growth, Beauty industry, clean beauty, product development, scaling, sustainability, Korean fermentation, entrepreneurship, women founders, skincare, international expansion

Digging Deeper with Michelle Doan (Founder of Emani Cosmetics) | TRENCHES Rapid Fire

In this episode of Beyond the Trenches Digging Deeper, What does it take to build a successful beauty brand when you started with nothing and we mean nothing? In this episode of TRENCHES, host Milan Terez sits down with Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Cosmetics, who shares her remarkable journey from surviving a Thai refugee camp to scaling a recognized beauty brand. Michelle gets real about what sustainable brand growth actually looks like: why she stopped bottomless spending on paid marketing, how she shifted to genuine content that converts, and what working smarter not harder has meant for her business and her life. If you're a beauty founder, a first-generation entrepreneur, or someone building a brand on resilience and purpose, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Success is not overnight; it requires persistence and strategic effort.Working smarter, not harder, is key to sustainable growth.Avoid bottomless spending on marketing; focus on genuine content.Balance and self-care are crucial for long-term success.Interior design is a personal passion that fosters creativity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Trenches01:32 Welcome to Digging Deeper with Michelle Doan02:04 How to Stay Committed02:41 Overnight Success02:54 Working Hard or Hardly Working03:29 Overspending on Meta Ads04:00 How to Scale a Beauty Brand04:11 Are Marketing Agencies a SCAM?04:45 Life Passions and Hobbies Connect With Us:Our Guest: Michelle DoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/] Guest Brand - Emani CosmeticsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanicosmetics [https://www.instagram.com/emanicosmetics]Website: https://emani.com [https://emani.com] Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram:   / milanterez [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTVHaHVaRTYyMzE1ai1taVlNaGs1eVVHTWpTQXxBQ3Jtc0ttTWZWYVNRSXl6RGRhWlV3MVMxRDk1UWFPX0E3VlMyRHM5ZjUyNlRXeF9MWnNYQjk4UE1KbVBRZkEzeW9McVdNa2d6cUFzQzZ6bVBiY2lTdWlOamM2X2dPQjRQdHNXb2c5bGZsajlWdlZfRF83LU5QYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmilanterez%2F&v=q3BXoj4v-aM]   ⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez [https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez] ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠⁠  / trenchesthepodcast [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3QzM0lTcm9mVGVEWmNyZVdnNXFtclBmZnB2UXxBQ3Jtc0trNlgwSjFxOVJQYXdLWVpxUldYVGg5ZkhxVnhJdlFONW1TTmpyOE9JSFJYWDNZbW9udTU5NzFlZG8ycUU2YXZNY3J4b1lsY0pJMnk3TFpRMWktOEU2ZDNONEVxOERXVWdmUGZiTkRQRTd2bEhDcHFVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ftrenchesthepodcast%2F&v=q3BXoj4v-aM]  TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod [https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod]... entrepreneurship, women in business, CPG brands, building a business, Michelle Doan, Emani Cosmetics, beauty brand, entrepreneurship, success, scaling, marketing, personal growth

How Bonding Over Books Is Tackling Loneliness One Conversation Game at a Time | TRENCHES with Milan Terez

What happens when a marketing career in NYC leaves you craving real connection and you decide to build the solution yourself? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Sarah Dalley, founder of Bonding Over Books, a community-building conversation game designed to reduce loneliness and spark meaningful connection. Sarah breaks down the full founder journey: product development and physical product validation, retail strategy, funding through community programs, and what it actually takes to build a purpose-driven brand from scratch. If you're a founder building around a social mission, navigating funding for a physical product, or just trying to make something that genuinely matters — this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Journey from marketing to entrepreneurship Creating a community-focused product Funding and retail strategy for physical products Product testing and validation Funding through community programs Building a brand with purpose Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez 01:23 The Journey to Bonding Over Books 02:44 What It's Like Working in Lifecycle Marketing 03:49 When Moving Home is the RIGHT Move 06:00 Navigating Life Changes and Community Building 09:06 The Light Bulb Moment for Bonding Over Books 14:43 Defining 'All In' as an Entrepreneur 18:55 Tips for Starting a Service-Based Side Hustle 23:17 Funding the Initial Product Development 26:11 The Role of Pre-Orders in Product Launch 29:40 Key Lessons for Founders of Physical Products 34:55 How to Create a Card Game40:33 Mental Health Advocacy Through Connection 42:42 Leveraging Events for Brand Visibility 45:03 How to Get Your Brand Stocked in Barnes & Nobles and Paper Source 49:47 Essential Tools for Solopreneurs 53:03 How to Build a Mission Driven Brand 54:45 Building Meaningful Connections 56:52 Top Conversation Starters 01:00:45 The Mission Behind the Brand 01:01:23 Future Aspirations and Growth 01:02:47 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs ResourcesSquarespace - https://www.squarespace.com [https://www.squarespace.com] FAIRE Wholesale Platform - https://www.faire.com [https://www.faire.com] BookCon - https://www.bookcon.com [https://www.bookcon.com] Bas Blue Detroit - https://basblueus.com/the-basblue-foundation/zero-to-one/ [https://basblueus.com/the-basblue-foundation/zero-to-one/] Connect With Us: Our Guest: Sarah Dalley Guest Brand - Bonding Over Books Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bondingoverbooks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bondingoverbooks [https://www.tiktok.com/@bondingoverbooks] Bonding Over Books Official Website: https://bondingoverbooks.co [https://bondingoverbooks.co] Our Host: Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠/ milanterez⁠ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠ ⁠ TRENCHES with Milan Terez Instagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠/ trenchesthepodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod⁠cast Book clubs, community building, product development, mental health, entrepreneurship, bonding over books, game design, retail strategy, startup funding