#0302 - Carrie Minter Ebers - Carrie's Pilates

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Carrie Minter Ebers, founder of Carrie’s Pilates Plus. From her early days as a successful model to building one of the most respected fitness studios in Los Angeles, Carrie’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and redefining what strength really means.

She’s not just shaping bodies—she’s shaping the conversation around fitness, mental health, and community. Her high-intensity Pilates method blends cardio, strength training, and mindfulness, creating a space where everyone is welcome and empowered.

On this week’s episode, you’ll learn:
Why Carrie fell in love with Pilates—and how it changed her life
How she designed and developed her own custom reformer machine

The key mindset shifts and business moves behind her entrepreneurial success

The full episode is out now—and trust us, you don’t want to miss this one.

PLUS: We’re announcing a special giveaway this Wednesday, so stay tuned!

#0301 - Wayward Film - Jacquelyn Fröhlich

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re spotlighting the powerful indie film Wayward—a gripping coming-of-age thriller that dives deep into themes of defiance, self-discovery, and unexpected connection. Written, directed, and co-produced on a micro-budget by first-time filmmaker Jacquelyn Fröhlich, Wayward tells the story of Cleo, a rebellious pre-teen who forms an unexpected bond with a mysterious hitchhiker during a cross-country trip with her mother. As the lines between freedom and fear begin to blur, the film takes audiences on an emotionally raw and resonant journey.

Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Jacquelyn brings a unique multicultural perspective to the film—infusing it with both magic and authenticity. Wayward is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of independent filmmaking, pushing the boundaries of survival, independence, and trust.

Wayward will be available to stream on Friday, April 4th on Apple TV, Google Play, and Amazon. Follow along on Instagram at @wayward_thefilm.

In this week’s episode, you’ll learn:

• How to make a movie on a small budget without compromising vision.

• Why you need to stop waiting and start making your dreams a reality today.

• The inspiring impact of Tangerine—a groundbreaking film shot entirely on an iPhone.

• How the magic of collaborative creation brought Wayward to life.

#0300 - Timeless Skin Care - Veronica Pedersen

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re sitting down with Veronica Pedersen, the founder and CEO of Timeless Skin Care — a brand that’s proof you don’t need investors or a massive marketing budget to build something big.

Veronica started Timeless with a single product — 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid — and turned it into a globally recognized skincare line trusted by millions. Today, Timeless is known for its clean, effective, and affordable products, including their viral Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum, which has earned praise from dermatologists and is often preferred over luxury options like Skinceuticals.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Veronica:
• Dominated Amazon beauty sales in 2023
• Grew the brand without outside investors
• Started on eBay and scaled to global success
• Is now expanding into Target stores nationwide

She also shares her journey as a founder, the lessons learned along the way, and her take on what consumers really want from skincare today.

It’s an inspiring story of grit, growth, and building a brand that puts people first — don’t miss it.

#0299 - Red's - Michael Adair

On this week’s episode of Startup to Storefront, we’re sitting down with Michael Adair, CEO and Founder of Red’s — the number one premium burrito and breakfast brand in the country.

You’ve probably seen Red’s in the frozen aisle at Target, Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Publix, and just about every major retailer nationwide. What started 15 years ago in Mike’s family trailer while he was in business school has grown into a national brand — and Mike’s still at the helm, rolling up his sleeves (and sometimes burritos) to make it all happen.

His story is packed with everything we love to highlight on this show — grit, hustle, and real-world lessons that every founder can learn from.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Insider insights from Expo West — and why it’s one of the most intense events in the food and beverage world

• Why breakfast is booming — and how it’s become one of Red’s fastest-growing and most exciting categories

• The unexpected and heartfelt origin behind the name Red’s

We’re also celebrating a major milestone — this is our 300th episode, and we just hit 7,000 followers. Thank you for being part of this community! To celebrate, we’ll be announcing a special giveaway this Wednesday, so make sure you’re following along.

Let’s get into it — here’s our conversation with Michael Adair of Red’s.

#0298 - Heraclea Olive Oil - Berk Bahceci

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Berk Bahceci, founder of Heraclea Olive Oil—a brand rooted in heritage, sustainability, and a deep love for the land.

Founder Berk Bahceci rekindled his family’s olive oil legacy in an effort to preserve the rich history of their family groves. Driven by a deep connection to his roots, Berk saw an opportunity to modernize his family’s conventional approach to production.  The result? A thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation—powered by solar energy, rainwater collection, and natural fertilizers—ensuring that every drop of Heraclea Olive Oil is not only delicious, but also a reflection of a deep commitment to sustainability. 

What began on a 100-acre stretch of mountainous land in Turkey—where life moves in harmony with nature—is now a brand that’s reshaping how we think about the most essential ingredient in our kitchens.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 The history of olive oil and where it really comes from
 The ultimate guide to buying real quality olive oil
 How worker-owned funds can help transform entire communities
 The best way to store olive oil for peak freshness and flavor

This isn’t just a conversation about food—it’s a story about honoring legacy, embracing sustainable innovation, and building a brand deeply connected to the land it comes from.

 Tune in now—link in bio.

P.S. Keep an eye out—we’re announcing a very special Heraclea Olive Oil giveaway this Wednesday!  You won’t want to miss it.

#0297 - Suntide - Spencer & Wyatt Hanson

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re toasting to life’s greatest moments with Spencer & Wyatt Hanson, co-founders of Suntide 🍊🥂 Built on the belief that life is meant to be savored, Suntide is all about simplicity—real ingredients, no pretense, and a reminder to be present. Founded by Spencer, Wyatt, and their sister Lyda, Suntide brings the classic Mimosa to a can, making it easier than ever to celebrate the little (and big) things in life.

✨ On this week’s episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Their CPG strategy and what it takes to build a standout beverage brand

✔️ How they are revolutionizing the brunch experience one can at a time

✔️ The power of pivoting and embracing change in business 🍾

Catch the full episode now on YouTube! And stay tuned because we’ll be announcing a giveaway on Wednesday, with the winner revealed on Friday! 👀🎉

#0296 - SUGARED + BRONZED - Courtney Claghorn - Founder Story

Welcome to this episode of Startup to Storefront, where we spotlight entrepreneurs turning passion into thriving businesses. Today, we’re diving into the story behind SUGARED + BRONZED—a unique blend of sunless tanning and eco-friendly hair removal that’s redefining beauty in Santa Monica.

Courtney Claghorn always felt her best with a tan—even though she was the only Italian in her family who didn’t naturally tan. Rather than "baking in the sun," she embraced a faux glow that ultimately shaped her career. After meeting her now-husband and co-founder, Sam Offit, at the University of Colorado Boulder, Courtney set her sights on Santa Monica to create a better tanning experience.

On this week’s episode, you'll learn:

• How Courtney started the business with just $1,000

• Why she chose to fuse sugaring with bronzing for a unique service

• Her unforgettable experience with her very first customer

Join us as we explore Courtney’s journey from a spark of inspiration to entrepreneurial success, and discover how SUGARED + BRONZED is setting a new standard in beauty and self-care.

#0295 - Eight Sleep - Matteo Franceschetti

Today, we’re sitting down with Matteo Franceschetti, the founder and CEO of Eight Sleep—a company revolutionizing the way we think about rest, recovery, and human potential.

Matteo has always been obsessed with performance—whether it was on the slopes as a competitive ski racer in his native Italy, on the tennis court, or behind the wheel of a race car. That same drive propelled him into the legal world and led him to launch not one, but two clean-tech companies across two continents—all before the age of 30. But with success came sleepless nights. Frustrated by the lack of innovation in sleep technology, Matteo set out to change that. He founded Eight Sleep, a company turning the bed into a seamless health platform designed to optimize sleep, improve performance, and even extend longevity.

On this week’s episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How elite athletes, including Formula 1 drivers and professional sports teams, are using Eight Sleep to gain a competitive edge.

✅ Why sleep is the next frontier in a multi-billion-dollar wellness revolution—and how technology is transforming the way we rest.

✅ The science behind sleep temperature, and why getting it right can be the key to deeper, more restorative sleep.

From athlete to entrepreneur, from restless nights to unlocking the science of better sleep, Matteo’s path to building Eight Sleep has been anything but ordinary. Join us as we explore the intersection of technology and wellness, the future of sleep optimization, and how Matteo is redefining what it means to rest well and perform at your peak. 

#0294 - Tonal - Troy Taylor

Today on Startup to Storefront, we’re sitting down with Troy Taylor, a globally recognized leader in human performance and innovation. With a career spanning seven Olympic Games, Troy has worked with over 500 Olympians and 50 Olympic medalists, helping athletes reach peak performance on the world’s biggest stage. As the former High Performance Director at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, he played a pivotal role in securing 15 Olympic medals—including seven gold—at the 2018 PyeongChang Games.

Now, as the Senior Director of Performance & Innovation at Tonal, Troy is bringing his expertise to the world of connected fitness. Tonal, the pioneer behind the world’s smartest strength training system, is redefining how people train by combining revolutionary digital weight technology with AI-powered coaching. From strength training and HIIT to mobility and recovery, Tonal adapts to each user’s needs, helping them break through plateaus and reach their full potential.

On this week's episode, you’ll learn:
 Why most fitness apps fail—and the science behind keeping people engaged in long-term fitness
 The shocking reason 90% of people quit the gym—and how technology is changing the way we approach strength training
 Everything you need to know about Tonal—from its game-changing features to cost, installation, and whether it’s worth the investment

Get ready for an episode packed with expert insights, industry secrets, and a deep dive into the future of fitness.

#0293 - REVERIE - Garrett Markenson

This week on Startup to Storefront: Garrett Markenson, Founder of REVERIE 

Over a decade ago, industry-leading hairstylist Garrett Markenson set out to change the way we think about hair. Frustrated by the industry's approach, he created REVERIE—a brand rooted in integrity, innovation, and clean, effective formulas designed to truly nurture hair.

Beyond being a visionary in haircare, Garrett shares how becoming a hairstylist was a liberating, life-changing decision—one that shaped his perspective on creativity, business, and sustainability.

This week, we dive into:
 Haircare secrets you need to know
 Garrett’s journey to building a brand that disrupts the industry
 The art of hairdressing & why it’s more than just a profession

Tune in to hear how he’s redefining beauty, one thoughtful formula at a time. 

#0292 - KOA Life - Alexis McClay

From Celeb Fashion to Women’s Wellness Disruption!

This week on the Startup to Storefront Podcast, we’re sitting down with Alexis McClay, a powerhouse entrepreneur and philanthropist who’s been redefining industries for over 16 years.

Co-founder of NAVEN, the celeb-loved fashion brand worn by icons like the Kardashians, Taylor Swift, J Lo, and Selena Gomez, Alexis has built a career at the intersection of style, innovation, and purpose. She’s collaborated with fashion giants like Revolve and bebe, graced stages like the Forbes Women’s Summit, and even earned recognition at the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards.

Now, she’s disrupting the $5T wellness industry with KOA LIFE, a revolutionary women’s wellness brand bridging the gap between beauty and health. From peptide-infused skincare at CVS and Target to virtual clinics tackling the root causes of aging, Alexis is empowering women to thrive, not just survive.

On this week’s episode, you’ll learn:

• Why staying true to yourself and rejecting societal expectations can unlock your greatest potential.

• How it’s never too late to start your entrepreneurial journey.

• The importance of focus and how prioritizing one goal at a time leads to greater success.

Tune in to hear how Alexis turned personal challenges into entrepreneurial triumphs, what it takes to lead in the beauty and wellness space, and her vision for the future of women’s health.

#0291 - CANN - Jack Bullock

To kick off 2025, we’re diving into CANN-uary with a brand that’s redefining the way we socialize. Our guest today is Jake Bullock, founder of Cann, the #1 leading THC-infused beverage brand in America. Jake’s entrepreneurial journey began with a bold idea: finding a better alternative to alcohol that still brings the fun but ditches the hangover. What started as small-scale experimentation with microdosed cannabis and all-natural ingredients has now grown into a thriving business leading the $1.1B cannabis beverage industry.

Jake has overcome the challenges of launching a disruptive brand, navigating the complex cannabis industry, and educating a market unfamiliar with THC beverages. In less than five years, Cann has become an industry pioneer and market leader, boasting:

🌱 A 50% repeat customer rate.

🌱 THC beverages outselling Chardonnay in Minnesota, the first state to legalize their sale.

🌱 Partnerships with bars and restaurants nationwide, where Cann has become a must-have menu item.

🌱 A global supply chain that has made Cann the #1 exporter of Sicilian Blood Orange Juice.

 In this episode, we’ll explore the grit and innovation it took to launch Cann in 2019, Jake’s entrepreneurial lessons in scaling a disruptive brand, and the exciting future of the cannabis and social beverage industries.

And to celebrate CANN-uary, we’re hosting a giveaway! Stay tuned for details—winners will be announced this Friday! Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a fan of innovation, or curious about the booming cannabis market, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Let’s dive in!

#0290 - DJ Kaila Troy

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re thrilled to welcome DJ Kaila Troy—an international talent whose career spans music, media, and global influence. As a DJ, Kaila has shared stages with icons like Lil Wayne, Black Eyed Peas, Nelly, Keyshia Cole, and Wyclef Jean, performing in countries across Africa, India, Dubai, France, the UK, China, and more.

With over 100,000 followers on Instagram and collaborations with top brands like Nike, Monster Energy, and Puma, Kaila’s influence extends far beyond the turntables. She’s been featured in major publications like Radio Times and Irish Mirror, and even made her mark on daytime TV with an appearance on ABC Chicago.

And if she looks familiar, it’s because she brought her charisma to millions on Hulu and ITV Network’s Love Island UK Season 7.

On this week’s episode, you’ll discover:

• Kaila’s incredible DJ journey

• Her unforgettable Love Island experience

• What’s next for Kaila as she continues to elevate her career

#0289 - Funkkoff - Sonia Hounsell and Joelle Flynn (as seen on Shark 🦈 Tank)

This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re sitting down with Sonia Hounsell and Joelle Flynn, the dynamic Co-Founders of FunkkOFF!®, the lifestyle brand redefining personal and oral care with their innovative, reusable TeethRefreshers®!

With decades of experience in marketing, entrepreneurship, and invention, these powerhouse women took their game-changing product from concept to Shark Tank success—securing a deal with Robert Herjavec earlier this year. 🦈💼

On this week’s episode, you’ll learn: • Their experience on Shark Tank: Sonia and Joelle share the behind-the-scenes process of pitching their innovative product to the Sharks, what it was like standing in front of the panel, and how they secured a deal with Robert Herjavec. From preparation to the high-stakes moment, they offer valuable insights into navigating the high-pressure world of reality TV entrepreneurship.

How TV transformed their business overnight: Discover how their appearance on Shark Tank catapulted FunkkOFF!® into the spotlight, resulting in increased sales, brand recognition, and invaluable opportunities.

They dive into the ripple effects of the national exposure and how it changed the trajectory of their company almost immediately. 

The journey of building an innovative brand: Learn how Sonia and Joelle combined decades of experience to create a product that disrupted the personal care industry. 🎧

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts.