Loose Threads — Inside the new consumer economy

Side Step — with Cheryl Kaplan of M.Gemi

April 10, 2019 21:00 - 47 minutes - 44.1 MB

#104. M.Gemi connects Italian craftsmanship with direct-to-consumer footwear. We talk with co-founder Cheryl Kaplan about M.Gemi’s drop model and emphasis on customer feedback in building an accessible luxury shoe brand. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Building Blocks — with Galyn Bernard and Christina Carbonell of Primary

April 03, 2019 21:00 - 56 minutes - 52.6 MB

#103. Primary builds basics for kids. We talk with co-founders Christina Carbonell and Galyn Bernard about how they applied their experience from Diapers.com to fuel a direct-to-consumer brand that makes simple and affordable children's apparel. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Role Reversal — with Mia Duchnowski of Oars + Alps

March 27, 2019 21:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MB

#102. Oars + Alps is a natural men’s skincare brand founded by women. We talk with co-founder Mia Duchnowski about launching a multi-channel brand from the ground up with a fresh perspective. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Triple Cleanse — with Dave and Charlotte Cho of Soko Glam

March 20, 2019 21:00 - 53 minutes - 50.1 MB

#101. Soko Glam is an online Korean skincare marketplace for education, discovery and connection. We talk with co-founders Charlotte and Dave Cho about building a curated ecommerce platform that brings K-beauty to American audiences. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

We'll be back soon

January 04, 2019 16:00 - 27 seconds - 531 KB

The Loose Threads Podcast will be back soon with a whole new slate of episodes and shows. Thanks for tuning in to our first 100 episodes featuring in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

A Handmade Tale — with Frederick Bouchardy of Joya Studio

December 19, 2018 22:04 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MB

#100. Joya Studio creates candles, perfumes and soaps with design at the forefront. We talk with founder Frederick Bouchardy about his path to building a design manufacturing company that’s collaborated with everyone from A24 to Katz’s Deli. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Face ID — with Ming Zhao of Proven Beauty

December 12, 2018 22:06 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB

#99. Proven Beauty customizes skincare by uniting customer reviews with machine learning. We talk with co-founder Ming Zhao about building a comprehensive database of clinical ingredients that ultimately grew into a vertically integrated company producing unique skincare regimens. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy. — Show Notes — Proven Beauty https://www.provenskincare.com/ Edited by George Drake, Jr. Music by Lu...

Universole — with Billy Price of Billy Footwear

December 05, 2018 22:03 - 47 minutes - 44 MB

#98. BILLY Footwear exchanges laces for zippers. We talk with co-founder Billy Price about how the adaptive shoe brand spiraled out of a personal need, only to grow into a solution for a wide swathe of customers in search of both convenience and design. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Support System — with Chat Razdan of Care+Wear

November 28, 2018 22:12 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MB

#97. Care+Wear creates apparel and accessories for medical patients and providers by merging function with style. We talk with co-founder Chat Razdan about how the company was founded to give clinicians and patients a better experience, working alongside them to solve real problems during some of life’s most challenging moments. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Drips and Drops — with Zak Normandin of Dirty Lemon

November 14, 2018 22:05 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MB

#96. Dirty Lemon quenches thirst with direct-to-consumer beverages. We talk with co-founder Zak Normandin about how the company uprooted the antiquated beverage industry to rapidly develop products and communicate with customers via text message. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Artistic License — with Tze Chun of Uprise Art

November 07, 2018 22:04 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MB

#95. Uprise Art revolutionizes art collecting and discovery for the digital age. We talk with founder Tze Chun about how she built an online-first gallery that connects emerging artists with collectors. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Global Roots — with Carmen Tal of Moroccanoil

October 31, 2018 21:11 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB

#94. Moroccanoil took a single product and gave it a global footprint. We talk with co-founder Carmen Tal about how she popularized oil-based hair care through traditional distribution methods after making a discovery of her own. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Bootstrapped — with Paul Hedrick of Tecovas

October 24, 2018 20:59 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB

#93. Tecovas is taking Westerns online with direct-to-consumer cowboy boots. We talk with founder Paul Hedrick about the innovations and challenges behind crafting and selling high-quality, timeless and affordable leather goods in the digital age. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Gut Feel — with Tom Patterson of Tommy John

October 17, 2018 21:01 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB

#92. Tommy John doesn’t take underwear too seriously, as long as it moves with you. We talk with co-founder Tom Patterson about starting a wholesale-driven men’s basic brand and later maneuvering into direct-to-consumer and physical retail—all without raising much venture capital. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Short Stories — with Sam Alston of Big Lives

October 10, 2018 21:01 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MB

#91. Big Lives brings together emerging designers and showcases them in unique and ephemeral retail experiences. We talk with co-founder Sam Alston about applying the best lessons of customer relations to harness the power of high-touch and narrative-driven offline spaces. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Counter Culture — with Eunice Byun of Material

October 03, 2018 21:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MB

#90. Material designs modern kitchen tools for the modern cook. We talk with co-founder Eunice Byun about Material’s quest to become the go-to, trusted brand in the kitchen, selling curated fundamentals to cooks of all calibers. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Breathing Room — with Ellie Burrows of MNDFL

September 26, 2018 21:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MB

#89. MNDFL's studios make meditation accessible. We talk with co-founder Ellie Burrows about why she gave the mindfulness practice a physical footprint and how the company differs from the fitness and yoga business. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Smile, You're on Camera — with Rachel Silver of Love Stories TV

September 19, 2018 20:59 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MB

#88. Love Stories TV broadcasts wedding videos and the filmmakers, venues and vendors that make them possible. We talk with founder Rachel Silver about how the company identified a missed opportunity in wedding videos, rather than photography, and how it grew into a platform that both empowers talent and publishes original content. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Money Grows on Trees — with Eliza Blank of The Sill

September 12, 2018 21:01 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MB

#87. The Sill reimagines how younger generations can interact with plants, buy plants and keep plants alive. We talk with founder Eliza Blank about growing a modern-day gardening center both online and offline. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Roasted — with Kara Cohen of Dripkit

September 05, 2018 20:59 - 43 minutes - 40 MB

#86. Dripkit makes artisan drip coffee accessible both at home and on the go. We talk with co-founder Kara Cohen about how her company is filling the void between instant coffee and retail coffee without sacrificing quality for convenience. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Raising the Bar — with Rachel Winard of Soapwalla

August 22, 2018 21:00 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MB

#85. Soapwalla is raising the bar on clean skincare. We talk with founder Rachel Winard about staying true to her origins and growing her business organically, but not recklessly. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Ringleader — with Bouchra Ezzahraoui of AUrate

August 15, 2018 21:05 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MB

#84. AUrate is creating a new gold standard for accessible and direct-to-consumer fine jewelry. We talk with co-founder Bouchra Ezzahraoui about building an international supply chain that aims to change the way and frequency that women buy accessories. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Small Footprint, Big Steps — with Barry Beck of Bluemercury

August 08, 2018 21:05 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

#83. Bluemercury took cosmetics out of department stores, pioneering small-format beauty retail. We talk with co-founder Barry Beck about starting the company with his wife Marla and navigating through various retail cycles to grow their business to more than 200 storefronts in 20 years—all the while remaining true to their playbook. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Kiddie Cup — with Miki Berardelli of Kidbox

August 01, 2018 21:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MB

#82. Kidbox personalizes shopping for kids. We talk with CEO Miki Berardelli about how the company is improving kids’ and parents’ lives with its try-before-you-buy model, evolving offerings and social mission. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Grab Bag — with Melissa Mash of Dagne Dover

July 25, 2018 21:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MB

#81. Dagne Dover creates bags and accessories that stand the test of morning commutes, happy hours and overseas flights. We talk with co-founder and CEO Melissa Mash about building a brand—and a mentality—that doesn't compromise on performance or design. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Singin' in the Rain — with Jackie De Jesu of SHHHOWERCAP

July 18, 2018 21:01 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MB

#80. SHHHOWERCAP is not your grandma’s shower cap. We talk with founder and CEO Jackie De Jesu about reinventing an antiquated product for use both in and out of the shower—a cross between fashion-forward headwear and waterproof functionality. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Circle of Life — with Ariane Goldman of Hatch

July 11, 2018 21:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MB

#79. HATCH is a maternity brand that serves women before, during and after pregnancy. We talk with founder Ariane Goldman about creating apparel that celebrates fashion and comfort equally and how HATCH is forging a community for women in its retail spaces. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Organic Growth — with Holly McWhorter of PLANT Apothecary

June 27, 2018 21:01 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MB

#78. PLANT Apothecary is a fully organic skincare brand that has a big focus on environmental friendliness and bold design. We talk with co-founder Holly McWhorter about her research-minded process and how she’s scaling a company that nurtures her customers as much as her planet. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Soft and Soulful — with Michelle Toney and Stephanie Cleary of Morrow Soft Goods

June 20, 2018 22:36 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MB

#77. Morrow Soft Goods makes luxury textiles and soft products for the home. We talk with co-founders Michelle Toney and Stephanie Cleary about building a brand that marries high-end materials with design that has a soul. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Pillow Talk — with Ashley Merrill of Lunya

June 13, 2018 20:59 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

#76. Lunya makes luxury sleepwear that puts equal emphasis on function and aesthetics. We talk with founder Ashley Merrill about how her business is breathing new life into a frequently forgotten, but everyday apparel category. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Full Circle — with Jeff Denby of The Renewal Workshop

June 06, 2018 21:04 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MB

#75. The Renewal Workshop partners with apparel brands to recycle and resell surplus inventory and damaged products. We talk with co-founder Jeff Denby about building a circular business model, as well as the factory and the technology necessary to breathe new life into apparel headed for the landfill. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Trick or Treat — with Gabby Slome of Ollie

May 30, 2018 21:04 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MB

#74. Ollie delivers human-grade pet food straight to the dog bowl. We talk with co-founder Gabby Slome about how she and her team created a nutritious alternative to the dog food already on the market and how the company is expanding to serve a growing population of canines. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Joy Bomb — with Natalie Mackey of Winky Lux

May 23, 2018 21:07 - 46 minutes - 43.1 MB

#73. Winky Lux is a quickly growing beauty brand built around accessible and fun products. We talk with co-founder Natalie Mackey, who started the company after realizing the mass market opportunity around drugstore-priced cosmetics that embody playfulness and delight. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Power Suits — with Eleanor Turner of Argent

May 16, 2018 21:06 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MB

#72. Argent makes smart workwear for women. We talk with co-founder Eleanor Turner about creating function-driven and aesthetically-minded womenswear—which have been priorities in menswear for decades—and creating a community that empowers women. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Agency — with Tony King of King and Partners

May 09, 2018 21:07 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MB

#71. King & Partners is a creative and technology agency that works with leading brands. We talk with founder Tony King about his long career in helping brands embrace ecommerce and what it’s like working with a new crop of brands while maintaining integrity and control. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

All-Inclusive — with Fran Dunaway of TomboyX

May 02, 2018 21:00 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MB

#70. TomboyX makes underwear and other essential products for everyone, regardless of gender, size, geography or economic status. We talk with Fran Dunaway, who founded the company with her partner Naomi after struggling to find a brand that spoke to their aesthetic and values. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Kidproof — with Rachel Blumenthal of Rockets of Awesome

April 25, 2018 21:00 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

#69. Rockets of Awesome creates modern children’s clothes, conveniently delivered to busy parents. We talk with Founder and CEO Rachel Blumenthal, who started the company after running a previous business that made mothers’ lives easier, and has gone on to build a service that both mothers and kids love—a particular challenge as the buyer and the user are two different people. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Thread Journeys — with Carolyn Yim of Ply-Knits

April 18, 2018 21:00 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

#68. Ply-Knits is a knitwear label that marries a modern, direct-to-consumer approach with a high level of technical development and refined aesthetics. We talk with Ply-Knit’s Creative Director Carolyn Yim about the lessons she has learned from her family’s three generations of knitwear manufacturing expertise, what it’s like operating a consumer-facing business while also providing Original Equipment Manufacturing to brands, and how to approach customers as human beings in the age of data a...

Globetrotting — with Sarah Nakintu of Kintu

April 11, 2018 21:03 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

#67. Kintu is an internationally inspired and produced handbag brand that works with artisans in Uganda and Kenya. We talk with Founder Sarah Nakintu about her impulse to create high-quality but aspirationally priced bags with a global image—a brand with a unique aesthetic that also creates jobs in the economy Sarah grew up in. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Social(ism) — with Brian Schechter of SelfMade

April 04, 2018 21:02 - 44 minutes - 41.3 MB

#66. SelfMade provides Instagram-in-a-box for entrepreneurs, giving small businesses the tools and services they need to succeed on social media as conducting business online moves from websites to Instagram accounts. We talk with co-founder Brian Schechter about the company, where social media is headed, and what it’s like building on a closed and constantly evolving platform. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Squad Goals — with Brian Watkins of Rep the Squad

March 28, 2018 17:24 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MB

#65. Rep the Squad lets passionate sports fans rent any jersey they want, giving them access to an infinitely-expanding collection. We talk with co-founder and CEO Brian Watkins about how Rep the Squad is joining the rental economy in a path pioneered by Rent the Runway, democratizing the pride and notoriety that comes from sporting your favorite teams’ colors. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Passing the Baton — with Micky Onvural of Bonobos

March 21, 2018 17:56 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MB

#64. Bonobos was a healthy product-driven company, built on a strong vision and a small, but loyal audience. But since 2016, and Bonobos' Walmart acquisition, co-president Micky Onvural has helped steer the company into a resonating brand. We had a great talk with Micky about what it's like to take the reins at someone else's company, go through an acquisition and turn a company's core DNA into a long-lasting brand. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across t...

Blazers of Glory — with Jack Carlson of Rowing Blazers

March 14, 2018 20:47 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MB

#63. Rowing Blazers brings all the quirks of a blazer to life, quickly growing into a Supreme-meets-Brooks Brothers lifestyle brand. We talk with Founder Jack Carlson, about how the company sprung out of his rowing career and his years-long quest to understand the origins of the blazer, and how Rowing Blazers is evolving the meaning and purpose of heritage for the modern world. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Trending and Timeless — with Alex Fogelson of Taste Beauty

March 07, 2018 22:15 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

#62. Taste Beauty is a manufacturing company working at the forefront of the quickly evolving beauty industry. We talk with Co-Founder Alex Fogelson about how his company is bringing trend-driven products to more than 50,000 beauty retailers worldwide, including Walmart and Sephora, in addition to powering the product licenses for major food and entertainment companies. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Manufacturing the Moment — with Ben Kaufman of BuzzFeed

February 28, 2018 22:55 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MB

#61. BuzzFeed Commerce, the media company’s commerce and product arm, has proved in only a short span of time that it might be the most agile and prolific team in consumer products. We talk with its director, Ben Kaufman, who joined the company with his team in the fall of 2016 after realizing that BuzzFeed thinks about social content in the same way he thought about social products—in the last year and a half, Ben and his team have produce a litany of products that span audiences, categories...

FaceTime — with Michael Pollak of Heyday

February 21, 2018 22:05 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MB

#60. Heyday unbundles the facial from the spa, opening it up to a whole new audience. We talk with Co-Founder Michael Pollak, about the company’s origins, the excitement of being a retail-first business, and how highly-trained and qualified employees take the experience to the next level, both online and offline. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Creation over Commodities — with Joe Ferrara of Resonance

February 14, 2018 21:42 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MB

#59. Resonance is a venture-operating company that is helping designers scale their brands at record speeds. We talk with its co-founder, Joe Ferrara, who started the company with Lawrence Lenihan after spending close to a decade investing in consumer brands and realizing the importance of flexible supply chains and modest capital raising. Resonance is the pair’s most ambitious project yet, as they seek to redefine the skillset, infrastructure and capital needed to succeed today while Amazon ...

Tactical & Timeless — with Luc Lesénécal of Saint James

February 07, 2018 23:01 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MB

#58. Saint James is the French heritage brand known for its sweaters and stripes—and, the oldest brand we've had on the podcast. We talk with President Luc Lesénécal about the power of heritage brands, the opportunities and challenges of evolving them to compete in modern times, and the benefits of domestic production and retaining this expertise in house. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Trend Trailblazers — with Mariah Chase of Eloquii

January 31, 2018 23:47 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MB

#57. Eloquii is turning into the destination for on-trend plus-size fashion. We talk with CEO Mariah Chase, who has led Eloquii along with members of its original team since The Limited shut it down. Together, they have revitalized the company as it pushes the boundaries of true fashion for plus-size women, who have often been the last to receive attention—if they did at all. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Hyper-Value — with Ryan Babenzien of GREATS

January 24, 2018 21:30 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

#56. GREATS is the first digitally-native footwear brand that is hyper-focused on bringing extreme value to the sneaker market. We talk with founder Ryan Babenzien about how GREATS has prioritized quality and simplicity and flourished into a booming online and now offline sneaker business that he is now seeking to extend to new categories and branch out internationally. The Loose Threads Podcast features in-depth discussions with leaders across the rapidly changing consumer economy.

Loose Threads — Inside the new consumer economy

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