Advertise on podcast: Good Times Great Brands

Dive into the world of online entrepreneurship and sustainability with Anaita Sarkar, the force behind Hero Packaging. While previous episodes delve into the details of Anaita's various brands, this conversation sheds light on the unique challenges and triumphs she faced, balancing a business and family life with her partner and three kids.Anaita's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Balancing the demands of running a business with a family dynamic means work is seamlessly integrated into their lives, making it enjoyable for the kids but flexible enough for family needs. She candidly shares the tough decisions they made, including downsizing and adjusting business operations due to cash flow issues. Anaita emphasises the critical importance of cutting back to essentials for brand survival, regardless of its success.Throughout the episode, Anaita reflects on the strength of personal branding and how it has been a lifeline during challenging periods in their businesses. The ability to find a tolerable way to provide value has not only strengthened the Hero Packaging brand but has also infused financial support into their other ventures. Join us for this insightful conversation as Anaita Sarkar shares her entrepreneurial journey, demonstrating the resilience needed to navigate the highs and lows of business.Find Hero Packaging on Instagram, and visit their websiteConnect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step into the world of beauty entrepreneurship with Stacey Hollands, the visionary force behind Lust Minerals. With a decade of experience in the beauty industry, Stacey's journey is a masterclass in blending passion, business acumen, and a sky's-the-limit mindset inherited from her entrepreneurial parents.Stacey's unique path involved convincing her parents to let her finish school early to pursue beauty school, setting the stage for a career that seamlessly evolved from B2B sales to dominating the e-commerce space. The strategic shift from B2B to e-commerce was driven by Stacey's astute understanding of salon needs, acquired during her time in the industry. As demand surged, the Lust Minerals team expanded, overcoming skill shortages by bringing in specialised talent.In 2020, Lust Minerals underwent a $300k rebranding, a testament to Stacey's commitment to ensuring the brand's aesthetic matched the quality of its products. The brand not only sells beauty products but also invests in its community through initiatives like Lust Beauty School, a free resource reinforcing their commitment to community building. Stacey shares invaluable insights about inspiration, cautioning against getting stuck in the comparison game and encouraging entrepreneurs to draw inspiration from their communities and, most importantly, from within.Find Lust Minerals on Instagram, and visit their websiteConnect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this compelling episode of Behind the Brand, we explore the remarkable journey of Kym O'Leary, the visionary behind COgear, a pioneering brand that specialises in bespoke safety and worksite wear for women in the mining industry. Kym's story is a testament to resilience and determination, as she defied the odds to bring her unique products to a traditionally male-dominated sector. Kym's path was far from conventional; she dropped out of school at 15, only to find her way back through TAFE and eventually into the mines of Queensland. Learning on the job, she identified a significant gap in the market for women's bespoke mining wear. With no business background and limited access to the internet in remote mine sites, Kym embarked on a challenging journey, including facing failures along the way. Despite early setbacks and her initial design's flaws, Kym's unwavering determination led her to quit her job and embark on an epic journey, travelling across the country, door-to-door, to sell her products. Her fortunes took a turn when BHP recognized the need for women's mining wear, and they offered to support her with a minimum order quantity. This provided the breakthrough she needed, and COgear soon found its place in the mining industry. Kym's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of small businesses, and her willingness to bend her business around her life showcases the incredible power of determination. Join us for this inspiring conversation with Kym O'Leary, where we explore her incredible journey, the challenges she overcame, and her passion for making workwear tailored to women in the mining industry. Find COgear on Instagram, and visit their websiteConnect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we have the pleasure of delving into the delightful world of healthy confectionery with Daniel Kitay, the founder of FUNDAY Sweets. Daniel's journey is a testament to his passion for wellness and his bold leap from a well-paid job into the entrepreneurial realm. With a background in regulatory aspects of products, primarily in the wellness industry, he applied his knowledge to create gummy products that would revolutionise the confectionery market. FUNDAY Sweets experienced significant growth, thanks to a pivotal moment when Chemist Warehouse placed a substantial initial order and their own online store flourished. Daniel discusses the challenges of breaking into major retailers like Woolworths and Coles, emphasising that the days of easily securing a spot on their shelves are gone. He highlights the competitive nature of the food and beverage industry, where the first few weeks can determine a product's fate. Daniel shares a valuable perspective on the notion of quitting, asserting that quitting at the right time can be a positive decision. The future for FUNDAY Sweets looks promising, with plans to expand to more retailers in Australia and exploring opportunities for global expansion. Tune in to explore the sweet success story of FUNDAY Sweets and Daniel Kitay's journey to healthier confectionery. Find FUNDAY on Instagram, and visit their websiteConnect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we embark on an inspiring journey with Barb De Corti, the visionary behind ENJO Australia, a brand that has redefined cleaning for the better. Barb's journey began with a personal struggle - her young son's severe asthma. Unaware of the harmful impact of cleaning chemicals on his health, Barb's life took a transformative turn when she discovered the wonders of ENJO during her time in Austria, a product extensively used in Western Europe and Scandinavia. Upon returning home, Barb introduced ENJO to her friends and family, sparking immense interest. Recognizing the potential to make a difference in people's lives, she invested her entire life savings of $40,000 to launch ENJO Australia. The direct selling method, which allowed her to demonstrate the product's effectiveness, proved to be the best way to share the ENJO experience. This method not only transformed the cleaning industry but also provided an opportunity for individuals to reenter the workforce and learn the ropes of establishing their own businesses. Throughout the episode, Barb shares some impactful book recommendations that have guided her on her entrepreneurial journey, including "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, "Find Your Why" by Simon Sinek, "Diary of a CEO" by Steve Bartlett, and the work of Brené Brown. She emphasises the importance of passion, purpose, and profit in driving her mission. Barb also touches on the ebb and flow of direct selling consultants, highlighting the impact of changes in the workforce, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. To adapt, ENJO Australia transitioned to e-commerce while still incorporating consultants into the process. Find ENJO on Instagram, and visit their website Connect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we delve into the fascinating journey of Mike Halligan, the entrepreneurial mind behind Scratch, an e-commerce venture that has discovered the hidden opportunity in what some might consider the "boring stuff" - dog food. Together with his partner, Doug, Mike ventured into this niche market, applying a methodical approach to every aspect of their business. What sets Scratch apart is their commitment to staying true to their vision. Unlike many startups rushing for VC funding and exponential scaling, Mike and his team have maintained a steady and thoughtful course, keeping the same core team throughout their journey, with just two exceptions. They have chosen not to invest heavily in events or big marketing campaigns, instead focusing on product quality and customer service. In a market dominated by giant multinational companies, Scratch stands out by prioritising dog health above all else. Their commitment to delivering a quality product and excellent service has given them a voice far louder than their size would suggest. Mike shares his vision for the future, which includes exploring research and development to introduce new products in the coming years. Find Scratch on Instagram, and visit their website Connect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're diving into the heartwarming journey of Colbee Mifsud, the creative genius behind Sweater Club. Colbee's story is one of sheer determination and learning on the go as she embarked on a business journey with no prior knowledge of embroidery. She shares how her mom's encouragement led her to buy a sewing machine and pester the local sewing shop experts for guidance, all while documenting her learning process on Instagram. Colbee's timing couldn't have been better, as Instagram became the platform where she introduced her journey to a captivated audience. With a focus on building a strong connection with her customers, Colbee discusses her commitment to maintaining a sense of community, even at the cost of rapid growth opportunities. She also highlights the importance of authenticity and her gratitude for the supportive relationship she shares with the Shameless podcast hosts, who have been instrumental in her growth. While Colbee acknowledges that she could use more marketing avenues, she prefers not to overwhelm her audience with excessive promotions. Instead, she believes in offering a seamless user experience and refrains from overusing discount codes to avoid overwhelming her capacity. Colbee's message is clear: you can turn your passion into a business, and she's living proof of that. Find Sweater Club on Instagram, and visit their website Connect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we have the incredible Victoria Devine, a powerhouse in the finance world and the mastermind behind Zella and She's On The Money. As a business owner, author, and columnist, Victoria shares her expertise on keeping your business finances healthy and thriving. With her podcast boasting a staggering 1.5 million monthly listeners, Victoria has become a trusted voice for millennial women seeking financial empowerment. Victoria's journey is nothing short of inspiring, with over 500 episodes of her She's On The Money podcast offering invaluable insights into personal and business debt, hiring for business support, and the unique challenges she's faced as a young woman in finance. She emphasises the importance of surrounding yourself with individuals who truly understand your journey and navigating situations where your business needs funding, but the client may not be the right fit. In this episode, Victoria opens up about her thoughts on the profit-first model and shares her strategies for setting up finance structures that support business growth. As the "Finance Girlie," she embodies the principles of earning, spending, owning, and owing, and discusses the power of personal branding in establishing her expertise. Find She’s on the Money on Instagram, and visit Zella's website and the She’s On the Money website.Connect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessy Marshall is the brilliant mind behind boutique PR agency Hive HQ based in Sydney, specialising in beauty and fashion clients. Drawing on her experiences, including her internship at Mammamia, Jessy joins me to dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of public relations and media.Is media really dead? Join us as Jessy, armed with her expertise, engages in a candid discussion about the shifting dynamics of media and exploring the credibility that media exposure can bring to brands. We also touch on the age-old debate of whether a PR agency is essential or if handling PR yourself is equally effective.With Jessy’s unique perspective, coupled with the passion for clients wins, she’s able to share valuable insights into the intricate realm of managing expectations, the significance of media kits and the organising impactful launch events for small businesses that leave a lasting impression. Find Hive HQ on ⁠Instagram⁠, and visit their ⁠website⁠Connect with Behind the Brand on⁠ Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the ever-evolving world of social media strategy with the brilliant Nat Welfare, Founder of SZN Social. Nat shares valuable insights on the intricacies of effective social media posting, debunking myths about frequency and emphasising the importance of quality over quantity. Nat provides real-world examples of SZN Social's content that garnered up to 7 million views, revealing the power of controversy in driving viral engagement. From sparking conversations in the comments to using hooks and purpose-driven content on TikTok, Nat delves into the nuances of content creation across different platforms. The episode sheds light on the distinctions between TikTok and Instagram content creation, the significance of repetition in conveying your message, and successful brand examples. Nat also explains why SZN Social doesn't blindly follow TikTok trends and how paid ads play a crucial role in a well-rounded social media strategy. Find SZN Social on Instagram, and visit their website Connect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode we're thrilled to have Jess Ruhfus, the mastermind behind Collabosaurus, and No. 2 as our guest. Jess specialises in the art of creating brand partnerships that truly convert. She shares the fascinating story of how a serendipitous moment at an event led to the inception of Collabosaurus, a platform that matches brands for win-win collaborations. Collaboration, often underestimated in marketing, is at the heart of what Jess and Collabosaurus do. Jess explains that it's one of the most cost-effective ways to promote your brand, allowing you to leverage not just finances, but also audiences, skill sets, and products.  The beauty of collaboration lies in creating content while working together, making it a win-win for both parties. Throughout the episode, Jess highlights inspiring success stories and emphasises the importance of showing up for the other brand in a collaboration, clear communication, and aligning goals. Find Collabosaurus on Instagram, and visit their website. Check out No. 2 on Instagram, and visit their website. Connect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second instalment of our Mid Year Marketing series, Founder of #gifted and The Right Fit joins me to talk about the world of influencer marketing. Venturing beyond the conventional, Taryn Williams embarked on building an app to streamline payroll and scheduling for her modelling agency. Little did she know that this internal tool would evolve into a client-facing application. Fast forward to #gifted, a trailblazing platform that bridges the gap between sponsored products and influencers, Taryn shares her insights on influencer marketing, from broad practices to valuable do's and don'ts. As the landscape of social media marketing evolves, Taryn's wisdom shines through as she emphasises the importance of leveraging influencers' content creation skills while providing clear guidelines. Join us as we uncover unconventional yet rewarding marketing avenues like Pinterest, podcasts, and even employees. Throughout the episode, Taryn provides a wealth of advice, encouraging listeners to focus on what resonates personally rather than chasing every new trend. Find #gifted on Instagram, and download the #gifted app.Connect with Behind the Brand on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.