Disrupting The Pickle Aisle: How Two Founders Made Pickles Hot Again | Leah Marcus And Yasaman Bakhtier Of Good Girl Snacks Shopify Happy Hour podcast

32:34

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour , we sit down with Kristin Charbo, co-founder and CEO of glonuts —a clean, craveable donut alternative with just 1g of sugar. Kristin shares the honest story of building glonuts from her one-bedroom apartment kitchen alongside her co-founder (and now husband) Grover, hand-making over 100,000 donuts before scaling to national retail shelves. We dive into how they approached retail without relying on digital ads, why packaging became their best salesperson, the challenges of manufacturing a totally unique product, and how they raised capital the scrappy way. Kristin also opens up about managing PCOS through diet and how that inspired glonuts' mission to make healthy snacking more fun and accessible. Whether you're building a CPG brand or just love a good founder journey, this one’s packed with insights—and donut jokes. Brands mentioned: Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Daisey Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Kif Erewhon Alfred Nowadays Zara French Squirrel Chapters 00:00 Introduction to glonuts and Healthy Eating 06:21 The Origin Story of glonuts 12:14 Challenges in Manufacturing and Fundraising 20:13 Retail Strategy and Building Relationships 24:40 Marketing and Brand Differentiation 27:48 Future Plans for glonuts…

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Disrupting the Pickle Aisle: How Two Founders Made Pickles Hot Again | Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtier of Good Girl Snacks 31:25

6 days ago31:25

31:25

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour , Dan sits down with Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar , the best-friend duo behind Good Girl Snacks , creators of the now-famous Hot Girl Pickles . From launching in public on TikTok to landing Erewhon as a retail partner within a year, Leah and Yasaman share their journey of building a pickle brand that’s bold, crunchy, and anything but traditional. They dive into: How they used TikTok to build a loyal audience (before ever launching the product) Why social media is their most powerful (and free) growth tool Tips for building in public, going viral, and managing content without a big team Balancing best-friend energy with business structure Their advice for new brand owners and how they’d approach hitting 7 figures from scratch Grab a snack (maybe a pickle?) and get ready for a fresh, fun, and insightful conversation with two sharp ladies disrupting the sleepy pickle category. 🥒✨ Brands mentioned during this episode: Good Girl Snacks Erewhon Shoedog by Phil Knight Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Pistakio Brave Sauce Reformation Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Good Girl Snacks 01:14 The Art of Pickle Tasting 02:45 Flavor Innovations and New Releases 05:10 The Journey of Founders 09:27 Growing in Public: Social Media Strategy 13:35 Consistency and Authenticity in Content Creation 16:28 Roles and Responsibilities of Co-Founders 17:56 Maintaining Friendships in Business 20:04 Retail Success and Market Positioning 22:30 Balancing D2C and Retail Strategies 24:07 The Future of Social Commerce 25:32 Lessons Learned and E-commerce Insights 27:12 The Secret to Crunchy Pickles 28:49 Speed Round: Quick Insights…

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Soda with a Spark: Unleashing Perfy’s Mood Boost with Founder Vasa Martinez 39:15

18 days ago39:15

39:15

This episode of Shopify Happy Hour features Vasa Martinez, the founder behind Perfy—a mood-boosting soda that’s not just quenching thirst but supercharging brainpower. Vasa takes us on a ride through his personal journey launching a brand that focuses on blood sugar regulation and brain health, while serving up innovative flavors and disruptive marketing tactics. Get ready to discover: ✅ The secret to forging rock-solid manufacturer partnerships ✅ Using organic social to attract distributors and retailers ✅ Winning strategies for blending D2C hustle with retail success ✅ Tools and platforms to move product early in your CPG journey ✅ Why limited time flavors can create buzz and be a win for a brand If you’re an e-commerce founder craving innovation or a beverage buff on the hunt for the next big thing, this episode is sure to give you a new perspective on growth. Tune in and get ready to elevate your game—one sip at a time. Products / services mentioned: Perfy Quest Nutrition RX Bar Clif Kind One Bar Siete Spindrift Faire Mabel Popup Grocer Snack Magic Range Me Aisle WeStock Klaviyo Sendlane Wholefoods Sprouts Wegman’s Publix Ayoh ChocZero Native The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler Founder’s Brand by Dave Gerhardt Forging an Ironclad Brand by Lindsay Pedersen Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Perfee and Its Unique Offerings 08:32 The Journey Behind Launching Perfee 17:11 Product Development and Manufacturing Insights 21:24 Navigating Early Challenges in Product Launch 24:25 The Synergy of D2C and Retail Channels 27:35 Building Trust Through Social Proof 30:21 Innovative Promotions and Customer Engagement 33:20 Strategies for Successful Shopify Brands 35:36 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations…

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Pioneering Cannabis-Infused Spirits with Justin Tidwell of Nowadays 48:04

28 days ago48:04

48:04

This episode of Shopify Happy Hour features Justin Tidwell, the visionary behind Nowadays—a cannabis-infused spirit brand that's shaking up the beverage industry. Justin walks us through the evolution of his THC beverage brand, sharing candid insights on everything from product development hurdles to the art of organic marketing. He explains how pivoting during the pandemic fueled rapid growth, and why authenticity in influencer marketing and customer engagement is the secret sauce to building lasting credibility. We also explore: ✅ Launching products only when they’re 100% ready ✅ Harnessing organic marketing on TikTok to drive rapid growth ✅ Balancing DTC and retail growth for sustainable expansion ✅ Tailoring strategies to a diverse THC beverage market ✅ Building a strong company culture and memorable customer experiences ✅ The future of THC beverages—education, compliance, and growth potential If you’re in e-commerce, DTC, or just curious about building a groundbreaking brand in the cannabis industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world experiences to elevate your game. Products and brands mentioned: NOWADAYS John D. Rockefeller’s Letters to his Sons Slate Milk glonuts Kemosabe Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Nowadays and Its Unique Offering 03:09 Crafting the Perfect Beverage: R&D and Flavor Development 06:02 From Concept to Market: The Journey of Nowadays 08:57 The Power of Organic Marketing and Social Media 11:59 Building Credibility Through Customer Experience 14:51 Influencer Marketing: Authenticity Over Promotion 24:05 Understanding the Target Market 27:01 Marketing Strategies and Growth 28:50 DTC vs Retail Growth 30:25 Navigating Retail Opportunities 33:28 Future of THC Beverages 35:13 Surreal Moments in Business 36:30 Hiring for Growth 39:39 Building a Strong Company Culture 42:02 Recommended Reads and Products 44:01 Efficiency as an Entrepreneur 45:52 Memorable Shopping Experiences 47:12 Connecting with Justin…

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Building a Premium Non-Alcoholic Spirits Brand with David Fudge, Co-Founder & CEO of Aplós 53:12

5 weeks ago53:12

53:12

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with David Fudge, co-founder and CEO of Aplós, a brand redefining non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails. David shares the journey behind Aplós, from the art of mixology to crafting functional beverages that don’t compromise on flavor or experience. He dives into the growing demand for premium non-alcoholic options, why consumers are shifting habits, and how Aplos is positioning itself in this evolving market. We also explore the challenges of building a beverage brand, including: ✅ Balancing D2C and retail—how Aplos approaches distribution. ✅ Marketing in a competitive space—strategies that work (and don’t). ✅ Post-purchase experience—why customer connection is key. ✅ Authenticity in branding—what makes a brand truly stand out. If you're in DTC, retail, or just love learning from brand builders, this episode is packed with valuable insights on creating a premium product and scaling a brand the right way. Brands mentioned: Aplós Lesse Adgile Media Group Mixology Masterclass Lynnette Marrero The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Barney’s Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Aplos and Non-Alcoholic Spirits 01:15 Exploring Aplos Cocktails and Their Unique Ingredients 09:05 The Role of a Master Mixologist in Non-Alcoholic Beverages 14:29 Balancing Flavor and Functionality in Non-Alcoholic Spirits 18:34 Consumer Demand for Non-Alcoholic Options 24:44 The Distinction Between Canned Cocktails and Bottled Spirits 28:35 The Effects of Non-Alcoholic Spirits 30:03 The Inspiration Behind Aplos 34:43 Building a Brand: Early Strategies 39:13 Influencer Marketing and Authenticity 42:39 Marketing Strategies: Hits and Misses 47:30 D2C vs Retail: Growth Strategies 52:03 Connecting with Customers: The Personal Touch 56:08 Rapid Fire Insights…

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Bootstrapped to 100K Email Subscribers @ IQBAR: Will Nitze’s Genius Growth Playbook 56:03

7 weeks ago56:03

56:03

Will Nitze, founder and CEO of IQBAR, shares how he built a brain and body fuel brand from the ground up. This episode is packed with game-changing insights for founders and health-conscious hustlers! Will reveals: The "secret" growth hack that helped him generate his first $90K in sales—something you won’t find in any marketing book How he built an email list of 100K subscribers without spending a dime on paid ads The brain-boosting science behind IQBAR’s ingredients and why they work How a bold Kickstarter launch helped turn IQBAR from an idea into a brand Why he pivoted from just “brain food” to a full-body performance nutrition approach The toughest manufacturing challenges he faced—and how he powered through them Why pricing is actually a marketing strategy—and how to use it to your advantage The founder’s role in product development—and why you can’t afford to outsource it too soon Tune in now to get the inside scoop on how Will built a profitable, mission-driven CPG brand from the ground up. Products and brands mentioned during this episode: IQBAR Mission in a Bottle by Seth Goldman and Gary Nalebuff Grain Brain by David Perlmutter Traction : Gino Wickman Traction : Gabriel Weinberg Clean Skin Club Chapters 00:00 Introduction to IQ Bar and Its Offerings 03:01 The Science Behind IQ Bar's Ingredients 06:09 Evolution of the Product: From Brain Food to Body Fuel 12:02 The Journey of Launching IQ Bar 17:49 Kickstarter Success: Strategies and Insights 27:16 Funding and Financial Challenges 30:23 Product Evolution and Manufacturing Journey 37:08 Navigating Manufacturing and Supply Chain 42:12 Marketing Strategies and Sales Channels 50:42 Achieving Profitability Through Volume 54:12 Lessons Learned and Future Strategies…

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Turn Influencers into Revenue Machines: Yash Chavan's Proven Strategy | Founder of Saral 49:05

8 weeks ago49:05

49:05

Yash Chavan, founder and CEO of Saral , breaks down a smarter way to approach influencer marketing and why brands are shifting from paid media to earned media. This is a must-listen for e-commerce brands looking to scale influencer partnerships as he explores: The pyramid approach to influencer marketing and how it helps brands scale effectively Why seeding products to influencers is the best way to find top-performing creators The power of earned media and why brands are moving away from paid ads Why Instagram Stories are one of the most effective content types for influencers How to identify the ideal creator persona for your brand Why revenue should be seen as a side effect of strong influencer relationships How brands can use influencer feedback to improve products and marketing If you’re looking to turn influencers into affiliates, ambassadors, and long-term partners, this episode is packed with insights! Brands and products mentioned during this episode: Araku coffee Relentless by Tim Grover Ridge Hexclad Nooe Bacha Coffee Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Influencer Marketing and Saral 02:15 The Genesis of Saral: Simplifying Influencer Marketing 04:15 Understanding the Influencer Marketing Landscape 05:51 Successful Strategies in Influencer Marketing 09:11 The Pyramid Approach to Influencer Engagement 10:36 Selecting the Right Influencers for Your Brand 12:34 The Importance of Feedback from Influencers 15:50 Content Types and Their Effectiveness 18:15 Comparing Influencer Platforms: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube 22:40 Maximizing Influencer Relationships 30:25 Understanding Influencer Motivations 37:29 Key Performance Indicators in Influencer Marketing 42:09 Building a Brand from Scratch with Influencers 45:21 Speed Round Insights…

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Tea Time: Using Restaurants as a Paid Sampling Program for DTC With Jennifer Commins of Pluck Tea 53:24

10 weeks ago53:24

53:24

Jennifer Commins, founder of Pluck Tea and certified tea sommelier, shares her journey launching and growing her premium, eco-friendly tea business. This is a must-listen for tea lovers as she explores: the journey of tea from leaf to cup the health benefits of matcha, and why it's different than other tea one surprising truth about tea most people don't believe using restaurants as a paid-sampling program to grow DTC sales how Shopify saved her business during the COVID-19 pandemic one game-changing business decision Jennifer wish she did earlier why brand storytelling through organic social is a priority Brands and products mentioned during this episode: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell Fevertree Pluck Tea : use code HAPPYHOUR20 on your first order Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Pluck Tea and Jennifer Commins 03:07 The Journey of Matcha: From Leaf to Cup 05:59 Understanding Matcha Preparation and Quality 09:02 Health Benefits of Matcha and Green Tea 12:00 The Process of Tea Production 15:07 Tea Brewing Techniques and Best Practices 17:56 The Importance of Tea Bags and Sustainability 21:14 Personal Health and Fitness Journey with 75 Hard 29:25 Embracing the Challenge of 75 Hard 34:17 The Journey to Starting Pluck Tea 43:52 Building a Brand Through Relationships 49:51 Adapting to Change: The Shift to D2C 53:17 Lessons Learned and Future Strategies…

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Crowdfunding Investors for a CPG Brand with Kevin O'Leary and Will Patch of Cape Cod'r 44:19

14 weeks ago44:19

44:19

Kevin O'Leary and Will Patch, co-founders of Cape Cod'r craft cocktails, share their journey launching a beverage brand made for those who crave memories of care-free summers. In this episode we dove into topics including: using crowdfunding to raise cash for marketing and create raving fans why founders need to share their story over and over advice for anyone thinking about founding a CPG brand how to get sips to lips and cans in hands for a new beverage brand why speaking to the right investors and co-packers can get you to market faster with less risk Brands, services, books and products mentioned in this episode include: Cape Cod'r Start Engine Burn the Boats by Matt Higgins Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough Nantucket Crisps Bezi Labneh…

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Getting Into Your First 100 Retail Stores with Drea Groeschel of Better Than Booze 48:09

16 weeks ago48:09

48:09

This episode of the Shopify Happy Hour features Drea Groeschel, founder of Better Than Booze, an award winning beverage brand that duplicates craft cocktail flavors for consumers seeking non-alcoholic options. Drea shared TONS of insights and lessons learned from launching and growing Better Than Booze including: why early-stage brands need to KISS how she got into her first hundred retailers the value of face to face interactions and consumer feedback how to choose between marketing strategies why product quality matters what she would do if starting her beverage brand all over again Plus, lots more! Products mentioned during this podcast include: Better Than Booze Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer Dafu Sauce…

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Launching the Fastest Growing DTC Beverage Brand with Aaron Nosbisch of Brez 59:36

22 weeks ago59:36

59:36

Aaron Nosbisch is founder of BRĒZ which creates microdosed cannabis & mushrooms in a can. During this episode Aaron shared his journey launching one of the fastest growing DTC beverage brands. We dove into topics including: launch strategies using organic UGC amplified by paid ads why every brand should advertise on Meta navigating regulations in a new category DTC vs retail expansion new product development And lots more! Brands and products mentioned in this episode include: What Doesn’t Kill Us by Scott Carney Brass Monkey Blue Cube Nomad Sauna Almost Heaven Sauna Apple store Brez Zero to One by Peter Thiel…

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Direct Mail for E-Commerce + BFCM Marketing Tips with Drew Sanocki of PostPilot 53:54

28 weeks ago53:54

53:54

Episode 3 of the Shopify Happy Hour features Drew Sanocki, e-commerce veteran and CEO of PostPilot, the #1 direct mail app on Shopify. During this episode Drew shared tips including: - the most valuable direct mail campaign types - why coupon codes aren't as important as you think - how to "prove" performance through appropriate audience targeting - Black Friday / Cyber Monday strategies that work - what brands are doing to get ready for 2025 And LOTS more...all shared over a Bulleit Old Fashioned and Manhattan. Products and brands mentioned during this episode: Bulleit Whiskey More Labs PostPilot Dr. Squatch Taylor Stitch How Brands Grow by Byron Sharp Top Grading by Bradford Smart Database Marketing by Kevin Hillstrom Drilling Down by Jim Novo…

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Marketing Strategies for New Shopify Brands with Greg Rollett of the Grommet 50:41

31 weeks ago50:41

50:41

In today's episode we interview Greg Rollett, head of brand growth at Grommet and an Emmy® award winning producer and discuss: growth strategies for new Shopify brands and products an underrated content strategy all founder-led brands should use how to generate sales without paid advertising one type of asset brands should invest in coffee and nootropics and lots more! Products mentioned in this episode include: High Brew Nitro Everyday Dose Macro Barista (IG) Return to Esperanza SubSafe Arete Shades Marketing to the Affluent by Dan Kennedy The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler…

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Underrated Shopify Apps and Marketing Strategies with Paul Drecksler of Shopifreaks 46:28

32 weeks ago46:28