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Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses. In this interview, Samantha Coxe shares her journey from law to founding Flaus, the world's first electric flosser. Discover how her perseverance, strategic research, and innovative mindset led to creating a new category in oral care, overcoming challenges, and leveraging opportunities like Shark Tank and Indiegogo. Links Website - https://goflaus.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goflaus LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacoxe/[⁠](https://www.linkedin.com/in/omsalem/) Key Topics Journey from law to entrepreneurshipCreating a new product category in oral careStrategic market research and validationLeveraging crowdfunding and TV for growthLessons learned from building a startup Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Flaus and Its Unique Proposition 02:41 Childhood Influences and the Development of Perseverance 05:52 The Journey from Law to Entrepreneurship 08:52 Realizing the Need for Creativity in Career 11:42 The Birth of the Electric Flosser Idea 14:53 Market Research and Validation of the Business Idea 17:36 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Business Vision 20:40 Building a Brand for Diverse Demographics 23:28 Strategic Insights and Future Opportunities 35:36 Targeting Diverse Audiences in Branding 36:42 Navigating the Challenges of Product Development 40:59 Learning from Mentors and Industry Leaders 44:57 The Journey to Shark Tank: Preparation and Strategy 49:15 The Impact of Shark Tank on Business Growth 51:03 Behind the Scenes of Shark Tank 55:30 The Power of Manifestation in Business 01:00:34 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Summary Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses. This week, Zainab Ghadiyali shares her unconventional journey from growing up in India to becoming a tech entrepreneurin San Francisco. She discusses the hype around AI, her startups in food and AI, and practical lessons on building impactful businesses. Links Websites https://www.eatcookjoy.com/ https://www.stackbirds.xyz/ LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zainabg/ |Chapters 00:00 - AI: Overhyped or Undervalued?02:32 - The Journey of an Entrepreneur05:28 - Childhood Influences and Curiosity08:36 - Navigating Challenges and Risks11:45 - From Health Economics to Tech14:25 - Learning to Code and Breaking into Facebook17:32 - The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People20:22 - Values and Relationships in Personal and Professional Life23:22 - Vulnerability and Connection26:27 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit29:12 - Financial Stability and Taking Risks32:17 - Overcoming Homelessness and Building Resilience35:22 - Finding Balance and Growth38:28 - The Inspiration Behind Eat Cook Joy40:14 - The Challenge of Culinary Entrepreneurship42:51 - From Idea to Pilot: The Journey of a Startup48:46 - Building a Business: Lessons from the Ground Up53:29 - Navigating the Two-Sided Marketplace55:47 - The Birth of StackBirds: A New Venture01:00:45 - AI in Daily Operations: A Founder’s Perspective01:11:58 - The Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur01:18:18 - Starting Your Own Business: Practical Steps

Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses. Eli Halliwell shares his entrepreneurial journey from disrupting the haircare industry with innovative, microbiome-friendly products to his past ventures in the automotive space. Discover how he identifies opportunities for innovation, the challenges of changing routines, and the impact of AI on entrepreneurship. Links Website - sanssavon.com & hairstory.com Substack - Eli Halliwell⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eli Halliwell's Entrepreneurial Journey 08:45 Innovative Approaches to Hair and Body Care 19:21 Eli's Unique Background and Early Career 27:38 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship in Today's World 42:14 Navigating the Haircare Industry 48:52 Innovative Business Models in Haircare 53:34 Challenges in Changing Consumer Behavior 56:10 Transitioning Leadership and New Ventures 01:00:08 Creating a New Brand: Sans Savon 01:06:35 Customer Acquisition in a Changing Market 01:09:41 Evaluating Growth and Future Steps 01:14:28 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Summary Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses. In this conversation, Michael Kiss, CEO and co-founder of Symmetry Commerce, shares his journey from a tech-savvy childhood in Ontario to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the e-commerce space. He discusses his experiences at Shopify, the challenges of starting his own company, and the importance of leadership and company culture. Links Website - https://symmetrycommerce.com/ LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/michael-kiss?originalSubdomain=ca⁠ Chapters 00:0 Introduction to Mike Kiss and Symmetry Commerce 05:10 Mike's Upbringing and Early Influences 09:43 Education and Career Path to Shopify 14:42 Lessons Learned at Shopify 19:48 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 24:38 Building Symmetry Commerce 29:52 Mindset and Growth as a Business Owner 36:29 Vision for Building a Better Shopify 38:34 Evolving Service Offerings and Differentiation 43:29 Balancing Business Strategy and Execution 47:18 Team Collaboration and Problem Solving 49:52 The Remote Work Advantage 51:58 Reflecting on Initial Business Plans 53:39 Navigating Challenges and Growth 55:52 Defining Growth Goals and Company Vision 59:16 Integrating AI into Business Operations 01:01:19 Personal Sacrifices in Entrepreneurship 01:05:30 Lessons Learned from Starting Over 01:09:56 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses. Adam Hale shares his journey from digital media enthusiast to data analyst and AI innovator, detailing how he built a weather prediction website using AI tools in just hours. Discover insights on AI experimentation, SEO strategies, human connection, and turning side projects into impactful tools. Links Website - https://www.dryoutside.com/ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhale2/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:29 The Evolution of Social Media and Personal Privacy 05:01 AI in Data Analysis and Website Development 07:27 The Role of AI in Daily Work 10:24 Building DryOutside: The Concept and Inspiration 12:58 Understanding Weather Conditions for Drying Clothes 15:41 The Journey from Idea to Launch 18:18 Initial Steps and Learning Process 21:14 Feedback and Iteration in Development 26:43 Building an SEO-Friendly Website 30:06 The Power of Reddit for Promotion 31:01 From Idea to Live Website in Hours 35:20 The Importance of Human Connection 37:34 Tech Stack and Data Sources 39:13 Unexpected Traffic Surge from Newsletters 42:58 Website Redesign and New Features 48:18 Feedback-Driven Improvements and AI Inspiration 53:13 Advice for Aspiring Project Builders

Summary Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses. In this conversation, Omar shares his journey from growing up in Jordan to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Australia. He discusses his experiences at Canva, where he learned valuable lessons about scaling and product growth. Omar reflects on the transition to founding Adora, a company focused on providing visibility into product experiences. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and the challenges of building a startup. Website - https://www.adora.so/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omsalem/ Chapters 00:00 Omar's Early Life and Influences 01:55 Lessons from Canva: Growth and Product Development 13:45 The Transition to Entrepreneurship: Timing and Readiness 20:15 Exploring Ideas: Product Growth vs. Education 28:21 Understanding Engagement Mechanics 29:21 The Birth of Adora 33:31 Frustrations with Product Visibility 38:28 Building a Solution 46:10 Navigating the Development Process 51:07 Lessons from Beta Testing 55:43 Insights on Founding a Business 01:00:47 Advice for Aspiring Founders

Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses into the world. This week, Ian Black talks to Aidan Cramer about his business AI Apply, which leverages generative AI to help job seekers find and apply for the best job opportunities. Aidan also shares his experience in building multiple businesses and the importance of finding product-market fit. Aidan shares his philosophy on killing ideas that don't work and focusing on the core offering, as well as his growth targets and the strategies he is using to achieve them, including content creation and influencer marketing. Website https://aiapply.co/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@aidancramer Twitter https://twitter.com/AidanCramer We Discuss What Generative AI is Common Mistakes in Job Applications Experimentation with Different Business Ideas How to Achieve Fast Growth and Profitability New Perspectives on Defining Product Market Fit Listening to Customers and Their Ideas Defining Success and Growth Targets Content Creation and Strategy Choosing the Right Co-founder Sacrifices and Loneliness of Entrepreneurship Motivations and Rewards of Entrepreneurship Advice for Starting a Business ––––––– Host: Ian Black Intro Music: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life⁠ License code: 9TQ4MEAPMU4WJWZ4

Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses into the world. This week, Ian Black talks to Patrick Manning, the founder of Alio, an allergy-friendly protein bar company, who shares his journey from medical school to entrepreneurship. He saw a need for a protein bar free from the top nine food allergens and high in protein, and decided to create it himself. He shares his perspective on overcoming doubts and challenges as a founder and the unique lessons he has learned through entrepreneurship. Website https://livealio.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/livealionow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/livealio Chapters Introduction and Background Identifying the Need for Allergy-Friendly Protein Bars Transition from Medical School to Entrepreneurship Finding a Mentor and Overcoming Fear Lessons Learned from Starting a Business Challenges in Recipe Development and Manufacturing Rebranding and Refining the Product Market Response to the Relaunch of Allio Importance of Customer Feedback and Launch Strategy Delegating and Bringing in Experts Building a Team and Seeking External Funding Organic Marketing Strategies Effective Sales Tactics through Engagment with Facebook Groups Sales Channels and Retail Expansion Profitability and Margin Refinement Shelf Life and Expiry Dates Daily Operations and Balancing Work Future Team Expansion Overcoming Doubts and Challenges Advice for Founders and Dealing with Doubt Setting Goals and Managing Friction Product Expansion and New Flavors Challenges in Scaling and Retail Expansion The Power of Creation and Overcoming Challenges Where to Find Alio --- Host: Ian Black Intro Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life License code: 9TQ4MEAPMU4WJWZ4

Shane Monks O'Byrne teaches people how to build camper vans and live a van life. He shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the philosophy of van life, and the lessons he learned from building his latest startup - https://www.thevanconversion.com. Contents: Introduction and Background Shane's Business: Teaching People to Build Camper Vans The Philosophy of Van Life Shane's Journey into Entrepreneurship Choosing the Right Path as an Entrepreneur Lessons from Investing Applied to Life Balancing Details and Output in Design Finding Fun and Passion in Work Finding Passion and Interests Using Childhood as a Starting Point Questioning False Assumptions and Self-Doubt Exploring Different Interests and Skills Learning New Skills and Trying Something New Learning How to Build a Van Documenting the Van Conversion Process Transitioning from Building Vans to Writing a Book Launching the Book and Building a Sustainable Business Preparing for a Long-Term Bike Journey Handling the Business During Time Away Starting a Business: Choosing the Right Direction

Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show where I, Ian Black, talk to founders of early-stage companies about how they launched their business into the world. I’m talking with Lorin Winata, founder of Melati Drinks, and part of the Forbes 30 under 30 list for 2023. Among many things, we discuss: The history of Asian tonic drinks, dating back to 1293 What it means to be a non-alcoholic spirit, in the Better-for-you category Borrowing extraction techniques from the perfume industry to create the most accessible drink The loneliness of moving the business to a new country, new culture, with no network Whittling down 150 classic ingredients from the spice islands of Indonesia, into the two Melati drinks What it’s like to leave the male-dominated world of venture capital in Asia, to become an Asian female founder The challenges you face doing everything for the first time as an entrepreneur, and why it gets easier. And much more... So sit back and enjoy the show! Company website https://melatidrinks.com/ Find Melati near you: https://melatidrinks.com/pages/store-locator

Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show where Ian Black talks to founders of early stage companies about how they launched their business into the world. This week I’m talking with Brian Davis, co-founder founder of Parable. Among many things, we discuss: Why Brain Care is so important for an ageing population The 4 Pillars of Brain Care How to communicate the benefits of a product when customers aren’t problem-aware yet The importance of finding founder-fit The problems with fundraising and launching a business at the same time Deciding to shut down the business The problem with taking advice from Outliers The lack of failure stories on social media Sit back and enjoy the show!

Welcome to Ready For Launch. This week I’m talking with Derek Sivers, ex-musician, ex-entrepreneur, TED speaker and four-time book author. Among many things, we discuss: Why New Zealand is the best place in the world to raise a kid How to adapt your values to your current situation The secrets to becoming a great speaker What still terrifies Derek about speaking on stage The best way to write a book The value of self-publishing and retaining your copyrights The importance of doing the opposite of your creative habits What Derek’s latest book is all about How your belief and perspectives change your actions The barbell strategy of living in the extremes Why graveyards are a great place to sleep Useful beliefs about writing. And so much more! So sit back and enjoy the show Website https://sive.rs/

Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show where Ian Black talks to founders of early stage companies about how they launched their business into the world. This week I’m talking with Stephanie Golik Founder at Huddle. Among many things, we discuss: From Design to Founder: Steph’s journey from studying Architecture to becoming co-founder of Huddle The Power of Building: How Steph used app development as a way to kick start her career in design Searching for The One: How moonlighting on different creative projects led to finding the one to go all in on. The Idea Graveyard: Learnings from killing small projects that helped launch Huddle Getting Paid In Equity: What designers and builders should know about getting paid in equity by startups. The Art of Investment: How getting seed funding was a strategic choice in moving quickly and catching the wave of people looking for more work flexibility Being Non-Scalable: The importance of doing non-scalable tasks early on to deliver a great customer experience, and how to relinquish that control later on. Quarterly Planning: How looking ahead helps Huddle stay on track with their vision to make the future of work more flexible. Enjoy the show! Links: Huddle site https://www.huddle.works/ Want to join as a builder? app.huddle.works/builder-invite/itomblack Want to hire a team? app.huddle.works/invite/itomblack Workshops on becoming a founder https://www.dive.club/course/go-from-designer-to-founder

Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show where I, Ian Black, talk to founders of early stage companies about how they launched their business into the world. This week I’m talking with Hunter Hammonds, founder of Assembly. We discuss: What Assembly is: a business that builds businesses from scratch Hunter’s career pre-Assembly: from skipping college to 8-figure agencies The challenges of selling a design agency The importance of having your heart in your business 6 key attributes of a strong business operator Leading with a “Burn the ships” mentality A playbook for building a business from nothing Pivoting as a company of companies. How to decide which businesses to invest in 3 components to hiring at speed The value of building an audience Links: If you need the world’s best design team: https://offmenu.design/ If you need the most kick-ass high engagement short form viral videos: https://www.viralcuts.co/ Amazing product demo animation launch videos https://www.keyframe.design/ The coolest youtube agency in the world https://www.heyfriends.studio/ Twitter https://twitter.com/_hunterhammonds

Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show where Ian Black talks to founders of early-stage companies about how they launched their business into the world. This week I’m talking with Brigitte Kaps CEO & Founder of Rent a PR, a company that offers Public Relations & Communications Advisory on demand. Among many things, we discuss: Brigitte’s finance background before starting her company Seeking out inspiration from Silicon Valley: the mindset difference of the USA The main components of PR: Paid and unpaid media How to create a good PR briefing PR for different stages of a company: Startups to mid-cap Misconceptions about PR Choosing a PR agency: What kind of coverage do you need? The cost of PR: from on demand to retainers Crisis management for businesses And much more! So sit back and enjoy the show LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigitte-kaps-6912985/ Company Website https://www.rentapr.ch/ Twitter https://twitter.com/rent_a_pr