Shopify Masters

The Strategy Behind Elix’s First $1 Million and 90% Reorder Rate

Founder Lulu Ge turned personal pain into purpose with Elix, an herbal wellness brand rooted in Chinese medicine with 90% repeat customers. For more on Elix and show notes click here [https://www.shopify.com/blog/elix-chinese-medicine-modern-brand?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast] Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@shopifymasters] Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here. [https://utm.io/yt_podcast_trial]

How to Make Retailers Chase Your Brand

Nima Jalali built SALT & STONE out of his apartment into a $100M+ brand. After an ACL injury redirected his path, he created something he desperately wanted but didn't exist, a high quality, clean deodorant, that actually performs. SALT & STONE has now become one of the fastest growing brands in the space to-date by doing things differently. For more on Salt & Stone click here.  [https://www.shopify.com/blog/salt-and-stone-how-to-attract-retailersutm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast ] You’ll Learn:  * Why going through 5+ product iterations beats launching "good enough" * The digital excellence strategy that makes retailers chase you (not the other way around) * How to build legacy brand positioning even as a one-person startup * Why getting a "no" from retailers too early can kill your momentum * The mindset shift from solo athlete to team builder * The key to building a digital identity that inspires & attracts customers CHAPTERS:  00:00 Introducing Nima Jalali, Founder & CEO of SALT & STONE 3:00 Transitioning from Pro Snowboarder to Business Owner  4:55 The 5 Generations of Product Perfection 6:45 How to Think Like Nike When You're a Solo Founder 8:13 What Nima Did to Build a Brand Sephora NEEDS to Have 10:09 Steps to Achieve Digital Excellence  12:39 SALT & STONE’S Philosophy on: Ingredient Sourcing, Product Development & Testing  19:06 How to Set Your Business Up to Grow Into a Legacy Brand From Day 1   22:07 The Retail Strategy That Never Fails  28:35 Tackling Global Expansion & Managing Expectations as a Founder    29:55 Single Most Impactful Thing NIma Did in The First 6 Months That Made SALT & STONE Successful  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@shopifymasters] Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here. [https://utm.io/yt_podcast_trial]

From Kitchen Side Hustle to Sephora: How Harlem Candle Co. Hit Millions Without Investors

Harlem Candle Company founder Teri Johnson started pouring candles in her Harlem kitchen with no budget and no team—just a clear sense of purpose. That focus helped her turn handmade gifts into a nationally recognized brand rooted in culture, design, and storytelling. In this episode, she shares how she validated demand early, built trust online without samples, and made tough decisions to protect her peace and profits. For more on Harlem Candle Co and show notes click here [https://www.shopify.com/blog/harlem-candle-co-scent-of-success?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast] Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@shopifymasters] Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here. [https://utm.io/yt_podcast_trial]

How Purpose and Strategy Powered Actively Black’s Rise to $2 Million in 12 Months

Actively Black didn’t start with a product—it started with a community. By building a 23,000-person audience before launch, founder Lanny Smith turned purpose-driven storytelling into a $55,000 first day and a $2 million first year. His journey shows aspiring entrepreneurs why demand-first thinking, authentic mission, and smart list-building can change everything. For more on Actively Black click here [https://www.shopify.com/blog/actively-black-breakdown-for-building-a-brand?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast] You'll Learn: * Why Actively Black built community before developing a product * The email + SMS strategy that led to $55K in sales on launch day * How to sell $2M+ in your first year—even with constant stockouts * Why fast growth can be just as dangerous as no growth * How to use storytelling and cultural pride to create brand resonance * What it takes to build long-term customer trust without discounting * How Lanny structured partnerships with Marvel, Disney, and iconic estates * The real math behind inventory planning at scale (and why it’s so hard) * How to align investors with your vision, not just your bottom line * Why purpose is more powerful than product in competitive industries * How Lanny’s personal values fuel every decision—from pricing to hiring Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Lanny Smith, Founder of Actively Black 01:02 How a Career Pivot Sparked a $2M Vision 01:27 Building 10K Followers Before Launching a Product 03:31 Why Purpose-Driven Branding Fueled $55K on Day One 06:54 What Selling Out in 3 Weeks Taught Us About Manufacturing 10:30 How Actively Black Landed Partnerships with Marvel, Disney & More 17:52 The Traits Behind Scaling to 8 Figures and Beyond 18:48 What to Know Before Entering the $1.5T Apparel Market 19:54 From “No” to $2M: How to Power Through Rejection 21:43 Turning a Personal Setback Into Multi-Million Dollar Growth 25:35 Why Actively Black Is More Than Just Merch (And Why That Matters) 29:04 How Mission and Authenticity Drive Repeat Purchases Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@shopifymasters] Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here. [https://utm.io/yt_podcast_trial]

From Farmers Markets to 5,000 Stores: How Taza Chocolate Stayed True and Grew

Taza Chocolate didn’t follow trends—it built a lasting brand by doubling down on its differences. Founders Alex Whitmore and Kathleen Fulton share how staying true to their product, owning their manufacturing, and leading with purpose helped them weather crises and grow a resilient business. For more on Taza Chocolate and show notes click here [https://www.shopify.com/blog//taza-chocolate-successfully-going-against-the-grain?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast] Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@shopifymasters] Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here. [https://utm.io/yt_podcast_trial]