Do you need guidance on choosing the right packaging for your product—and making sure it actually works? This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Jessie Schwartz, CEO and founder of Strategic Packaging Partners, for a deep dive into the often-overlooked world of product packaging engineering. Jessie brings years of expertise to the table, sharing how to select the best packaging solutions, streamline operations, and build strong, reliable relationships with contractors and suppliers. If you’re ...
Jun 18, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Looking for expert PR tips? Today's guest is Annette Malkin, CEO and founder of Culturewise Collective, a PR agency that helps small-to-mid-size brands build awareness, amplification, and credibility through strategic and authentic messaging. Annette has worked with brands like Tequila Don Julio, Zacapa Rum, Altoids, TAZO Tea and Maxwell House. In this episode, you'll hear expert advice on amplifying your brand message through social media and traditional media outlets, as well as ways entrepren...
Mar 14, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 37
What if single-use packaging could just “disappear”? Drain-safe, dissolvable packaging is a new approach to sustainability. Today’s guest is Alex Abbott from SmartSolve, a producer of environmentally-safe papers & adhesives that dissolve in water and leave behind no residue. Alex answers our questions about dissappearing packaging and discusses emerging technologies, including SmartSolve’s new dissolvable packaging material that keeps food fresh, launching early 2025. Learn more at http://ww...
Dec 04, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In today's episode, Saloni Doshi helps us see beyond the hype to understand what sustainable packaging really means. Saloni is the CEO and self-proclaimed "Chief Sustainability Geek" of EcoEnclose, a packaging manufacturer that offers guidance to brands wanting to become more sustainable without breaking the bank. Saloni describes how EcoEnclose collaborates with producers of innovative packaging materials made from regenerative sources like seaweed and discusses new environmental regulations th...
Oct 06, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Is your cosmetics brand FDA MoCRA compliant? In this episode, we speak with Marcha Chaudry, an expert in cosmetic regulations and founder of The Equity Wellness Collaborative (EWC). Marcha explains how cosmetics companies, from startups to established brands, can become compliant with the FDA's enforcement of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA). We also discuss the lack of representation within the beauty industry and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs from under-r...
Sep 09, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Join us for a fun twist where Lauren interviews co-host Natalie Saporova, founder of the web design agency Cloud Create. Natalie describes her process for working with new clients and shares best website practices for new product businesses. Other topics up for discussion include SEO, mapping the customer journey, and addressing how customer expectations for websites have evolved over time. If you’d like to work with Natalie and Lauren on your next website project, contact us at https://cremedem...
Jul 11, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 33
How do you create a fragrance or a scent for your product? Get the inside scoop from product development expert Emilie Mascarell, who has helped everyone from startups to established brands like L'Oreal and Estee Lauder develop signature fragrances. In today's episode, Emilie walks us through the steps of product development and custom fragrance formulation. She touches on how she sees AI being incorporated into the process in the future and shares best advice for CPG startups. Want to work with...
Jul 11, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Today's guest is Carrie Sporer, co-founder of haircare brand Swair. With enthusiasm and humor, Carrie shares the lessons she learned while conquering product launch hurdles. As she says, putting out fires is part of being an entrepreneur. Carrie also talks about how traditional PR can help build consumer trust for new brands, and shares her experience of participating in Target's Accelerator Program. You can find Swair's products at https://www.swairhair.com/...
May 31, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 31
When Lori Kranczer couldn't find non-irritating products for her children with skin sensitivities and sensory concerns, she created Raising Junior with a mission of formulating clean products and partnering with nonprofits to support children with special needs. Hear Lori's story and her advice for entrepreneurs just starting out. Raising Junior's first product is a 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash with a clean formulation, available at or on Amazon ....
May 30, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Today's guest is Amy Marks-McGee, founder of Trendincite, a fragrance and flavor marketing company based in New York. Trendincite offers market research, trend reporting, and sensory excursions to stimulate creativity and inspire new product ideas. Amy gives us a behind-the-scenes peek into how the fragrances and flavors we experience daily in consumer packaged goods are chosen and developed, and shares the top fragrance and flavor trends of 2024.
May 30, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Today's guest is Rich Small, the Executive Vice President at Hunter, an award-winning marketing and PR firm based in New York. Rich offers expert advice for emerging beauty brands, including taking creative risks to break through the noise, and how to stay current with trends. Get tips on how to reach out to influencers and build long-term relationships with them, as well as ways to pique the interest of editors who can write about your product.
Apr 09, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 28
The demands of running a business combined with the pressure to always be "productive" can lead to severe burnout that damages our health and wellbeing. Lauren and Natalie have experienced this first hand and share their top tips for how to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur.
Mar 21, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In today's mini episode, Lauren and Natalie discuss how adding thoughtful touches to the customer journey and offering great customer service and can propel your brand above the competition and inspire brand loyalty.
Mar 14, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Discover how to source quality ingredients for your supplement line with today's guest, Rob Shaw. Rob has worked in the supplement industry since 1996 and started his import/export distribution company, Blue Star Corp, in 2019. Learn what to look for in an ingredient's Certificate of Analysis and what to ask manufacturers before you agree to work with them. Learn more about Blue Star Corp at https://www.bluestar.global/ Need branding and label design for your supplement line? Reach out to Lauren...
Feb 13, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Hey beauty entrepreneurs! Get the inside scoop on consumer-driven skincare trends from industry expert Jeffrey Martin. Make sure your products are aligned with emerging trends and hear Jeffrey's advice for scaling your business to get into larger retailers like Sephora or Ulta. Jeffrey is the Director of Marketing at Federal Package, a manufacturer of skincare products based in Chanhassen, MN. Learn more at FederalPackage.com Need branding and packaging design for your beauty line? Reach out to ...
Feb 09, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Let's take a deep dive into nutraceutical and supplement manufacturing with industry expert Lucas Schmidt! In today's episode, Lucas shares his passion for the science behind new product development, as well as advice for entrepreneurs just starting out in the supplement industry. Learn more at nutracapUSA.com or reach out to Lucas at [email protected] Need branding and label design for your supplement line? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com...
Feb 05, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Today’s guest, Brent Baubach, shares tried-and-true techniques for building a successful Shopify store. Learn how to reach 6+ figures per month with your Shopify store by increasing your Average Order Value, reorder rate, and more. Brent is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of online marketing experience who has generated OVER $150 million online. He is the Co-Founder and CMO of PURE Private Label, a supplement manufacturing company.
Jan 09, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Creating a custom gummy line? On today's episode, we discuss how to start your own gummy line with Iraiz Gomez, the CEO and Co-founder of Vitawest Nutraceuticals. Get sweet insights from a gummy expert to get inspired and avoid common pitfalls. Need branding and label design for your gummy line? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com
Dec 04, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Curious how to work with influencers to launch your food, beauty or supplement product? Get expert advice marketing your product from the co-founders of UMAI Marketing! On today's episode, Alison Smith and Karin Samelson share their thoughts on paid ads, influencers, organic social, and email marketing. Learn how much to budget for marketing in your first year and the number one question to ask yourself before you start. Need branding and packaging design for your new product line? Reach out to ...
Nov 28, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Most businesses start with WHAT—the products or services they offer. Or they focus on HOW—the way they operate that sets them apart from their competition. But the most successful brands start with WHY. WHY is more compelling—it taps into interest and passion. It speaks to a purpose, cause or belief. It’s the very reason your business exists. Lauren and Natalie ask some questions to help you tap into your why.
Nov 01, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Are you thinking about crafting your own alcohol or private label beverage? In today's episode, Victor Olshansky from Ziami Distillery shares his in-depth knowledge of the alcohol industry and the steps you'll need to take to get your brand off the ground. How will you appeal to your target audience? How will your packaging inspire curiosity that gets people to pick up your product? Crème de Mint is here to help you develop your brand. Schedule your free consultation! https://hello.dubsado.com/p...
Oct 10, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Hey alcohol entrepreneurs - you won't want to miss today's episode! Our guests from ZÍAMI Distillery share their knowledge about crafting alcohol and specialty beverages. Discover the steps you'll need to take to get your new product to market. How will you appeal to your target audience? How will your packaging inspire curiosity that gets people to pick up your product? Crème de Mint is here to help you develop your brand. Schedule your free consultation at www.cremedemint.com You can find ZÍAM...
Oct 10, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Starting your own alcohol brand? In this episode, we ask alcohol beverage attorney Ryan Malkin for advice on licenses, distribution contracts, marketing, and label requirements to help you start off on the right foot and avoid legal troubles down the road.Don't miss any of the helpful topics and guest speakers we have coming up. Hit the Subscribe button!You can find Ryan Malkin online: https://www.malkinlawfirm.com/ [email protected] RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:TTB Permits https://www.ttbo...
Oct 09, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Dreaming about creating a dietary supplement from scratch, but not sure where to start? Our guest today is Chad Brey, a chemist who has formulated hundreds of dietary supplements. He discusses the 3-phase process of developing and manufacturing unique supplement formulas and shares valuable guidance for entrepreneurs looking to create a vitamin or supplement from scratch. You can find Chad Brey online: https://thevitaminchemist.org/
Oct 05, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Are you struggling to understand regulatory for your herbs and supplements?? Look no further! This week, our guest is Dr. Zoë Gardner, a self-proclaimed herb nerd with over 20 years of experience working with medicinal plants. She earned a Ph.D. in plant science from the University of Massachusetts and co-leads the Emblossom Herbal Conference. Zoë shares her knowledge about product claims and caution statements, as well as what goes in to substantiation files that may be required by major retail...
Sep 13, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Do you have an amazing beauty product idea but you're not sure how to make it a reality? In this week's episode, our guest Christine Klahn answers questions about the product formulation process. Christine is the CEO of ChemE Queen Bee—a distinguished San Diego formulation and small batch manufacturing company. Need help with your beauty product design? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com
Aug 30, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Lauren and Natalie discuss how to niche down in your business, helping you save money by marketing only to your target audience. Have your sales slowed down? Maybe it's time to evolve your brand to meet the changing needs of your niche.
Aug 16, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Unlock the art of confident communication in any situation! When conflicts arise it can be tough to stand up to someone, gather information and respond clearly. This episode of Entrepreneur Minds Speak features Laura Lorber, an experienced family and civil mediator, as she shares invaluable techniques to master tough business conversations.
Aug 08, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 11
This episode of Entrepreneur Minds Speak features Christine Klahn, CEO of ChemE Queen Bee—a distinguished San Diego formulation and small batch manufacturing company. In this engaging session, Christine shares her insights on the process of research, development, formulation, and creating prototypes for custom beauty products. Christine is passionate about sharing her knowledge to help start-ups and small businesses thrive in the marketplace.
Jul 29, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 10
The pet products industry is recession proof and booming! But it's also a crowded market. Lauren and Natalie share their top pet product branding tips to help you stand out and build customer loyalty. Need help with your branding and packaging design? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com
Jul 17, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 9
