The product of a journalist mother, he is no stranger to storytelling and the power of the written word. Casey's college years were spent taking communications and marketing courses by day while serving tables in fine dining restaurants by night, all in hopes of one day combining these two passions into a career. 15 years, six cities (San Francisco to Seattle to Austin to Vancouver to Salem to Bellevue) and various in-house and agency roles later, Casey is now the Corporate Director of Marketing at Staypineapple Hotels, where he has the opportunity to share Staypineapple's fun and playful brand with the world.

Casey's love of hospitality combined with his deep connection to the communications industry continue to drive his need to find new and exciting ways to share experiences through visual and written storytelling.

Donate or volunteer at https://galaxyvets.foundation/

Help the Ukrainian Armed Forces: https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all/natsionalniy-bank-vidkriv-spetsrahunok-dlya-zboru-koshtiv-na-potrebi-armiyi

Andrew's social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ac-dvm/

Instagram: @okay_vet

https://www.facebook.com/DrAndrewDVM 

The Foundation's social media:

Here you can find some of our recent news: https://galaxyvets.foundation/news/. But we publish more on our social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/galaxyvetsfoundation/ 

https://www.instagram.com/galaxyvetsfoundation/

https://www.facebook.com/galaxyvetsfoundation

Dylan Katz is a volunteer for One Simple Wish

She has been named a PerformanceIN Top 50 Industry Player three times and has held multiple speaking and moderating engagements at industry conferences such as Affiliate Summit (East and West), CardCon and Capital One's Women in Business Panel.  Her writing has been featured in FeedFront magazine, PerformanceIN and numerous other publications, and you may hear her speak on trends in leadership, culture-building, and the future of affiliate marketing through social networks such as Forbes Agency Council and LinkedIn.

Stephanie Harris lives in New York with her husband and four children.

Where you're based out of and what got you started in the influencer marketing space? 

So right now I am in central Florida. We just moved here a couple of months ago.

Awesome. 

Yeah, I'm loving it. 

Where did you move from? 

Well, we were living in a tiny house RV, so we were kind of moving around constantly before COVID and everything. But we had like a little main base in North Carolina. So we would always like go back to North Carolina. 

What inspired you to start out as an influencer? What are your two channels?

I would say it all started in 2015. It was just a really, really rough year for me and my therapist suggested I start a journal or a blog just cause I express myself so much better writing. And so I did, and I wrote about everything I was passionate about and what stage of life I was in all of that.

I literally just dumped it and That was the Meg for it brand. I don't know where that name came from. It just like came to me one day. I thought it was funny and kind of cheeky. And that was the first blog that I started, the first brand that I started. And then I just started to learn SEO and best practices in the industry and started following other big bloggers and saw what they were doing.

And it, it grew and exploded. And then about two years ago is when I really did start the nurse Meg. Brand. I just wanted to reach more nurses. I was working as a night nurse for the last 13 years. Oh my God. We just wanted to reach more nurses. I had so much knowledge and so many successful little resources that I saw my little baby nurses use and I just wanted to reach more people.

So I just decided to copy paste, start a blog and do all the same things that I did with the first brand. And now I'm here doing two different brands. So I have so many questions. I don't even know where to start. Let's start with the fact that you actually started with a blog because so many people now don't.

Do you think having blog content has helped you? 

It is a lot more to maintain, but it is yours and. In a second, an entire platform can disappear. Like we saw, I think it was in 2018 where Facebook and Instagram were down for a whole 12 hours platforms will come and go.

But your blog is your blog. And I think even if you just want to be an Instagram influencer, I really think you need to own a space and have a blog and maintain it. If you really want to be a true influencer and transition from a hobby to a business.

So how did you kind of start learning about SEO and all this stuff? 

I'm a big believer in YouTube university. There's some, I mean, I even learned how to drive, stick shift on YouTube. Like there's so many free resources and if you want to support, you know, a creator and buy their course and, you know, kind of get their story along with it.

That's super valuable, but if you're just starting out and you don't have a budget to like invest in, in big courses, watch as much YouTube as you can, like replace any like entertainment, Netflix, Hulu, whatever, with learning on YouTube. It's so, so great. There's so many great resources of people that are ready to share their knowledge.

It's so funny. Cause you forget, like I'll be in the...]]>Meg Harrell is an entrepreneur, influencer and creator of megforit.com. She is a mother of two and runs her MEGFORIT digital brand from home in Central Florida. In addition, Meg provide tips to the medical community through TikTok from her experience as a Registered Nurse (RN). Meg loves to practice minimalism in every way, including travel, fashion, home design, and parenting. Her blog and social media presence inspires mothers to pursue their dreams and find joy in simplifying life. She will encourage you to take your ordinary life and make it extraordinary!

Where you're based out of and what got you started in the influencer marketing space? 

So right now I am in central Florida. We just moved here a couple of months ago.

Awesome. 

Yeah, I'm loving it. 

Where did you move from? 

Well, we were living in a tiny house RV, so we were kind of moving around constantly before COVID and everything. But we had like a little main base in North Carolina. So we would always like go back to North Carolina. 

What inspired you to start out as an influencer? What are your two channels?

I would say it all started in 2015. It was just a really, really rough year for me and my therapist suggested I start a journal or a blog just cause I express myself so much better writing. And so I did, and I wrote about everything I was passionate about and what stage of life I was in all of that.

I literally just dumped it and That was the Meg for it brand. I don't know where that name came from. It just like came to me one day. I thought it was funny and kind of cheeky. And that was the first blog that I started, the first brand that I started. And then I just started to learn SEO and best practices in the industry and started following other big bloggers and saw what they were doing.

And it, it grew and exploded. And then about two years ago is when I really did start the nurse Meg. Brand. I just wanted to reach more nurses. I was working as a night nurse for the last 13 years. Oh my God. We just wanted to reach more nurses. I had so much knowledge and so many successful little resources that I saw my little baby nurses use and I just wanted to reach more people.

So I just decided to copy paste, start a blog and do all the same things that I did with the first brand. And now I'm here doing two different brands. So I have so many questions. I don't even know where to start. Let's start with the fact that you actually started with a blog because so many people now don't.

Do you think having blog content has helped you? 

It is a lot more to maintain, but it is yours and. In a second, an entire platform can disappear. Like we saw, I think it was in 2018 where Facebook and Instagram were down for a whole 12 hours platforms will come and go.

But your blog is your blog. And I think even if you just want to be an Instagram influencer, I really think you need to own a space and have a blog and maintain it. If you really want to be a true influencer and transition from a hobby to a business.

So how did you kind of start learning about SEO and all this stuff? 

I'm a big believer in YouTube university. There's some, I mean, I even learned how to drive, stick shift on YouTube. Like there's so many free resources and if you want to support, you know, a creator and buy their course and, you know, kind of get their story along with it.

That's super valuable, but if you're just starting out and you don't have a budget to like invest in, in big courses, watch as much YouTube as you can, like replace any like entertainment, Netflix, Hulu, whatever, with learning on YouTube. It's so, so great. There's so many great resources of people that are ready to share their knowledge.

It's so funny. Cause you forget, like I'll be in the midst of something. And then I forget, I could just go to YouTube and I'm like, how do I do this? And then it's like, oh. Let me just go to cute. Even if it's like a stupid computer glitch, it's always there. There's always a video for literally everything.

Even like, I had some trouble with my RV of like how to empty a certain tank or do something and I was Googling it and it didn't make sense. I needed a visual. So then I just, I found a YouTube video. It was like two minutes long and walked me through it and it solved my problem. Like. Yeah, I'm doing that because last year I planted all these seedlings and none of them survive, even though I grew a lot of leaves, but this year I'm like, okay, I'm going to watch the YouTube videos.

I'm going to figure this out. Yep. We're in the age where knowledge is free. You guys. So I'm just thinking that this is like, making me think you might launch a third channel. I think you are, you still are being at all or no. No, we sold it. I grown up and we bought a house. Now I'm officially adulting. Yeah, that's always good.

I'd love to know in terms of like these parallel channels, one started earlier, but they're very different content. How do you go about devoting attention to Meg For It versus nurse Meg?

So they are totally and completely different in their content. And that is because the audiences are so completely different. So for the Meg Fort brand, it is really 30 to 40 five-year-old. Millennial females. They're mostly mothers. They mostly have kids under 10, and they're interested in things for their home things for their family and travel.

And minimalism is kind of like the big home thing. So that's like that audience. So everything I make, I kind of like think of this one, avatar. Female who's a mother, who's a millennial who's interested in travel and minimalism and loves her family. But then the nurse Meg side is completely different.

So my audience there is healthcare workers, not just nurses, it's ages 20 to 30. So they're a little bit younger. They're a little bit hipper. That's why there's more on tech talk. And it is also mostly female, but there's a good percentage. There's about like 30% that are male in healthcare that, that follow that channel.

So the content is completely different. The audiences are completely different. So when I think about. Creating content and like, what can I provide that will be beneficial and will be valuable. I like to imagine my entire audience as one person. So I create this like mental avatar of that person. And what do they want to hear?

What do they need? What would be valuable to that person? 

We at Babble Boxx have seen a lot of different companies coming to us saying, okay, we need to talk to nurses and to doctors, have you seen large growth on that channel the past year plus?

Absolutely. I think everybody. I mean because of quarantine and things like that, everybody kind of went online to socialize and to get human interaction. And I mean, nurses and doctors and healthcare workers did the same. Everybody kind of went on there and I think. My Tok Tok account that I started for the nurse Meg.

I really did start late, but the brand has been around for two years, but I just started the tick TOK in November of 2020. And it like exploded. We're almost to half a million followers and pliable. It really says two things. It really talks about how generous the algorithm, the Tech-Talk algorithm is compared to, you know, Facebook and Instagram and Twitter.

They are so generous. They will show your video to who wants to see it. And it really shows that when you niche down to a very specific thing, to a very specific audience, it will explode. You will have success.

What has been your favorite brand collaboration? What's been the most popular collaboration that you've done?

I did have a couple of Tok Toks go viral. I mean, like in the millions of views. Wow. I do have one tech talk that has 10 million views right now. Oh my God. It was because I talked about like a paranormal thing that happened to me at work. It's a segment that I do on my talk scariest things that have happened to me as a nurse.

Yeah. I feel like that like intrigue of just a relatable thing that happened. And then also the intrigue of something, little paranormal and stuff. I like, I don't care how long you have worked in healthcare. Like every night shift. Healthcare worker has a little bit of like an interest in the paranormal.

Like there's just things you see that happen that you're like, I can't explain that. So that was, so now, like I want to ask what they are. Give me an example. Could you share one just equipment going off. Well, like a call bell going off in a room that's completely empty or seeing the bedroom by itself.

God. Okay. I have tons of stories. Like that was the most viral thing that happened that I was like so proud of. But I think the most exciting, crazy collaboration was in 2018. When I started to write about my passion for Disney, because I, we had season passes and I went as a kid and I just wrote about like what it would be like when you first go there and.

Tips and tricks that like many people didn't know about and Disney actually reached out to me and they were like, would you like to go on a cruise and write about it and make a video? The ultimate, I always wanted to work with them. I never imagined that I could with my little tiny blog in my little corner of the internet and they loved it.

They sent me and my family on a cruise, and then I created content for them. They loved it. They shared it on their channels. And then. Later that summer, they said, can we fly you out to LA? We're doing a movie premiere for Christopher, Robin, will you also create such and such content? And I was like, over the moon, I was like, that's it mean it's me acknowledged that I'm a content creator.

That's it? I could die. That is amazing. Use the work with them now. I do. Yes. I do work with them every once in a while. They have something new coming out in the parks they'll invite me and my kids to, to come down and take a peek at whatever's happening or a new festival or something. That is so cool.

Do you remember the first collaboration you ever did?

I remember the first. Paid one that I did. It was a blanket company and they said, we're gonna pay you money.

I think it was $200, which was just astronomical. It was such a big deal. I'm going to pay you $200 to write a blog post and take four pictures. Of our blanket, like you using the blanket, my kids using the blanket and I was, oh my gosh, I was so excited to like, get paid money, to be creative. It was the first time that that had ever happened to me.

Cause I had been a nurse in it. You know, you didn't, I didn't realize that you can get paid to be creative and do a good job on the last day. Do it again. That was the most exciting time ever. And that was in. 2016. So I had had my blog for about a year. Wow. Only working on it before I ever made a penny.

Did you ever go after brands and try to interact with them to specifically pitch them?

You have to get the roots before you get the fruit. So it does mean that you're going to work hard on building your audience and building your platform, whether you choose to do a blog or social media or both, you really do have to put the time and effort.

Before, you're a valuable billboard because that's what brands are paying. They're paying for your social media expertise. They're paying for your photography skills or videography skills. They're also paying for your audience and you have to provide value for brands to want to work with you. So you can start off by pitching them and seeking them out.

But when you do that, you really have to come with. I have this valuable billboard instead of saying, oh, I love your chocolate. And I really want free chocolate. And I will, I'll post a picture on Instagram and it's not quite the right angle. But if you come with my audience, saw me eating this chocolate on stories.

They expressed all this interest. This is exactly who my audience is. And I think it aligns with your ideal customer. Let's have a partnership.

The other part of it is the affiliate side, is that something that you recommend to influencers getting started out? Is that still something that you think is supported by the influencer community? Do you recommend it? 

I mean, there's so many ways to do that. There are companies that will do affiliates, you know, with, oh, you get 2% of the sale. There are companies that give 50% of the sale with no cap, and that's obviously more valuable, I think in every way you get what you pay for.

So, if you just want to work with, you know, people who will take your free product and it's something that isn't. Super valuable. You may not get great engagement. You may not get great return on investment if you're just willing to give out your product or just work affiliates. But if you do want to reach more people and you want your marketing to be valuable, I think you have to pay.

I mean, no one would walk into an advertising firm and say, Hey, I'll give you a chocolate. If you create a billboard and hire a model and hire a photographer. You know, like you, you do have to pay for quality advertising. Yeah. And it's the audience, but like what you just said, there is so much that goes behind the scenes, the writing, the photography, the staging, it's just, it's the list goes on and on.

Yeah. And that's why I think. Digital marketing is the future. And influencers are the future of advertising, especially with what we learned in COVID. I mean, an influencer is literally everybody. They are an entire advertising firm in one person. 

And a lot of people realized, wow, I. Got great return on investment. Look at how many people purchased because of using influencers. It's a huge gap. If there's a huge translation, if you're just putting ads in magazines and newspapers and commercials versus somebody that people love and follow and trust saying, Hey, I use this, my kids used it.

I think it's pretty great. Why don't you try it out? I mean, conversion rates through the roof. 

What have you seen change in the past year or so, be it virtual events or boxes etc?

Yeah, I've seen a lot of virtual events Disney it, speaking of Disney Disney had a virtual event last week where they sent some influencers a box and it was advertising their new cruise ship.

That'll come out next summer and. You know, almost like a little virtual. Press release kind of thing that they would usually do in person, but everybody watched at home. I've seen a ton of that kind of thing. Launches where they invite influencers and they'll send them something in the mail and they'll say, let's hop on zoom all together and we'll do a presentation something like that.

So, yeah, I've seen a lot of that because of COVID, but I've also seen a lot of people choosing influencers because they can't hire out a studio and a photographer and a model. 

Have you seen an increase in the past year or decrease in terms of like those types of opportunities?

Oh, an increase for sure. It's a lot less, I guess, chasing and pitching on our end, especially when I talked to other influencers. I do have a couple of groups of influencers that we kind of just share tips and talk about where we are in our business. It was definitely a lot of chasing at the beginning of honey.

And then now it's like, We're turning down work and saying this, I literally don't have time to accept another campaign. Can can I do it maybe in the next quarter or can we find some other type of partnership? But I do see a huge explosion. 

I don't know how you manage it all. You have basically three jobs.

Yeah. Yeah, life around here is very calculated. I literally have a schedule of what happens every hour. For my business for my kids or everything and this is the first year that I decided to start hiring things out. So a video editor somebody to do SEO for YouTube. Somebody to help me manage emails and to pitch someone, to do my Facebook ads someone to handle my Pinterest.

It is a lot of moving parts. That's amazing. But yeah, now I've gotten to the point where I can ask for help and hire out, help. 

Where can people find you?

My main website is Meg for it. Dot com, M E G F R I t.com. And it's pretty much the same across the board.

On Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tik TOK. You can just find me by typing Meg for it. And then my second brand nurse, Meg, R N. Dot com and it's the same on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok. You can find me just type in nurse, Meg RN. And you'll see me. 

Name an influencer. You love to follow, but hate to admit that you do.

I love that question. I definitely have no hate in my heart for any influencer or like creating it on my business or building the future of this industry.

But it is a little bit embarrassing, like how obsessed I am with the bucket list family. It's like a family who constantly travels. And right now they live in Hawaii and I'm like obsessed with them. Every time they update any platform, I get an alert. I get a notification. I'm obsessed with the mom, Jessica.

I admire her as an influencer, as a mom, as an athlete. I just want to be best friends with them. 

What's it like being an entrepreneur these past six years?

I think a lot has changed, right? Like the, world moves very quickly now and I think because we've been around for so long kind of identifying those changes you know, even some of these platforms, like Tik Tok and we're seeing a lot of success there. Tik Tok wasn't even a part of the conversation 18 months ago, I don't even think I really, necessarily knew what it was. I kind of seen some white advertising. So the fact that it's, you know a bigger part of our mix today is, is really interesting. So I, I would say that's the biggest thing I've noticed over the past six years is that there's just, you know, the plans change the emphasis just where people spend their time. All of that has just shifted so dramatically. 

What channels are you focused on? Whether its Intagram or Tok Tok, and are you on Amazon or no because you're direct to consumer?

So we are actually available on Amazon, but that's part of this. There’s just like meeting the consumer where they are something that we really, really focus on is is really kind of cultivating a community. So that's, you know, Instagram has been amazing for that and just cultivating a community of, you know, very avid, you know, photographers, filmmakers, and just really passionate people, I would say. And really just having like a place for them to kind of showcase that and then of course, you know, like our email lists, our SMS lists. Once people are kind of like in our community, making sure that we're really communicating with them and making them feel included as well.

Tell us a little bit more about the product line. What inspired you to launch it? What's unique about it and tell us more about how you got started in this space.

So the, the very startup-y story was about six years ago, I was traveling abroad. I was looking for an affordable bag that could hold my camera and other things that looked nice. And so taking those kinds of. Three simple aspects, you know, affordable you know, could fit things besides your camera and then it looks nice and I couldn't find anything. So my older brother was trying to get into design school at the time, and he's also a phenomenal problem solver. So I went to him and I was like, Brandon, can you help me find this bag? He couldn't find it anything either. And he was like, why don't we just, you know, why don't we just make one?

And so like that day, or very soon after we went to a thrift store, got a sewing machine, went to Joann's fabric and we're off to the races. So he actually taught himself how to sew, made a bag. And then we kind of just were off to the races from there launched a Kickstarter that became organically kind of fully funded. And then before we knew it, we were shipping out 300 bags all over the world and then it just kind of never stopped. And so even today we no longer sell that bag, but kind of the the core of what we do on the product front is very much the same.

So designing these kinds of, you know, fun, functional bags, they can hold your camera, they can hold other things. And they come in a bunch of different colors. So really kind of never losing those core tenants, even though the product has...]]>Dylan Kim is the Head of Marketing at Brevite, a direct-to-consumer backpack company that makes fun, functional and innovative backpacks designed for everyday life. Dylan co-founded Brevite in 2015 with his brothers Elliot and Brandon after searching for a bag that could support their everyday needs, function as a camera bag for travel, and still look good. Over the last six years, the brothers have bootstrapped Brevite from a prototype they designed in college, to an Instagram famous brand with six products and over 2,000 five-star reviews. Today, Brevite is one of the top camera bags on the market, focused on creating sustainable bags that support their larger mission of giving back to the greater good.

What's it like being an entrepreneur these past six years?

I think a lot has changed, right? Like the, world moves very quickly now and I think because we've been around for so long kind of identifying those changes you know, even some of these platforms, like Tik Tok and we're seeing a lot of success there. Tik Tok wasn't even a part of the conversation 18 months ago, I don't even think I really, necessarily knew what it was. I kind of seen some white advertising. So the fact that it's, you know a bigger part of our mix today is, is really interesting. So I, I would say that's the biggest thing I've noticed over the past six years is that there's just, you know, the plans change the emphasis just where people spend their time. All of that has just shifted so dramatically. 

What channels are you focused on? Whether its Intagram or Tok Tok, and are you on Amazon or no because you're direct to consumer?

So we are actually available on Amazon, but that's part of this. There’s just like meeting the consumer where they are something that we really, really focus on is is really kind of cultivating a community. So that's, you know, Instagram has been amazing for that and just cultivating a community of, you know, very avid, you know, photographers, filmmakers, and just really passionate people, I would say. And really just having like a place for them to kind of showcase that and then of course, you know, like our email lists, our SMS lists. Once people are kind of like in our community, making sure that we're really communicating with them and making them feel included as well.

Tell us a little bit more about the product line. What inspired you to launch it? What's unique about it and tell us more about how you got started in this space.

So the, the very startup-y story was about six years ago, I was traveling abroad. I was looking for an affordable bag that could hold my camera and other things that looked nice. And so taking those kinds of. Three simple aspects, you know, affordable you know, could fit things besides your camera and then it looks nice and I couldn't find anything. So my older brother was trying to get into design school at the time, and he's also a phenomenal problem solver. So I went to him and I was like, Brandon, can you help me find this bag? He couldn't find it anything either. And he was like, why don't we just, you know, why don't we just make one?

And so like that day, or very soon after we went to a thrift store, got a sewing machine, went to Joann's fabric and we're off to the races. So he actually taught himself how to sew, made a bag. And then we kind of just were off to the races from there launched a Kickstarter that became organically kind of fully funded. And then before we knew it, we were shipping out 300 bags all over the world and then it just kind of never stopped. And so even today we no longer sell that bag, but kind of the the core of what we do on the product front is very much the same.

So designing these kinds of, you know, fun, functional bags, they can hold your camera, they can hold other things. And they come in a bunch of different colors. So really kind of never losing those core tenants, even though the product has evolved pretty drastically over time. 

How do you go about finding someone to manufacture the bag and launching the product? 

So we just reached out to like pretty much anyone we could find, you know, like we reached out to other Kickstarters where you're shut to other brands and, and maybe it was part like naivete. But we ended up getting a whole kind of myriad of responses. So you know, everything from, oh, here we are. Here's who we use. We'd get no response or some people would be like, I'm not telling you who I use. And then, so we kind of using that approach, just reach out to a bunch of different people, figured out the names of a couple and then kind of just went from there. And then we're no longer kind of with our original manufacturer as we've kind of grown in scale at our needs. And. Requirements have definitely changed a lot. But that was like kind of the great first foothold was just kind of reaching out to as many places as we could find, like learning kind of like the ins and outs and the jargon and all of that. And then kind of evolving from there. 

I'm so fascinated now the kickstart starter angle of it. Why did you decide to go that route? What did you think was the hardest part of Kickstarter and the benefits for you? 

Yeah. So I think it's, it's great as a platform to validate an idea. So it's not like we came in like well funded or anything like that. Before we launched the Kickstarter. So the Kickstarter was our first real introduction to the world. And so I, it really validated the product very quickly. You know, people either will kind of pre-order the product or not.

And it's a phenomenal validation tool. So when we launched on Kickstarter, that was I guess like the overall point was trying to figure out, like, would this product actually live in the real world? Yes or no. And we were fortunate enough to become like overfunded. And then yeah, that kind of was our initial launching point.

Im sure that helps because you have these consumers who are excited and they're probably helping with seeding the message out there to friends and family, but when you finally were ready to start marketing this product, I'm going to assume that social was a big area for the push?

Yes. And specifically Instagram was initially was, was quite Important and it still remains you know, our most active channel. I think something that was interesting with Instagram in 2015 was it's so remarkably different than it is today. Like I would say a creator with, you know, a hundred to 200,000 followers in 2015 would be equivalent to someone who has probably like 10 million today or something like that. 

You didn't really come across like tons of accounts, nowhere near as many as today that had large followings. And so we actually We were doing kind of influencer marketing very much from like the early days before it was even called that necessarily.

There wasn't really like a coined term. We were just reaching out to people that had large followings, gifting them bags, asking really for nothing in return. And that's, you know, that was one of the ways we were able to achieve kind of growing a community very much in the early days. 

Have you ever had any of those Instagrammers collab with you?

Yeah. So we haven't done any of those collaborations yet. They're definitely not out of the question for the future. But we just haven't really explored that. It's so interesting. I mean, I think that there's so much opportunity for a line like this collabs with influencers, collabs, with other brands, licensing opportunities. I'm happy to share all my ideas with you as well. So we have this call. I'll probably bombard you with ideas, big ideas guy, in terms of Instagram too.

Do you do paid media through influencer accounts and going into their backend and white listing their content?

Yeah. Yeah. So love white listing. I'm a, I'm a big fan of it. We, we do quite a bit of it as well. And then I think one thing I always find maybe a little funny about working with influencers or how brands typically perceive working with influencers is is expecting like everything to be like hyper performance driven. So like, I think a great thing for us is we still do a lot of gifting. And we love working with creators in that way. Just to really, you know, give them a bag kind of. You know, we'd love for you to post with it. If not like, you know, if you ever take photos, like send them our way. And so like, we're able to get like really nice content for our feed out of it.

And you know, that's more or less, the expectation is like, oh, this content that we have will now help us sell bags as opposed to like, I mean, yeah, Right, right. Whereas I think people don't realize that, like, you're not just getting the awareness when they promote, but then you could reshare it and then it's like a whole content division that you don't have to hire photographers and people, you have the content now.

Exactly. And I think a lot of, and that in turn, you know, for us sells bags right. Or sells your product, whatnot. Whereas I find that sometimes A lot of, some other brands that I speak with or things like that. They're they're so hyper-focused on like, oh wow. Like this one creator, like didn't work out for us.

So we're going to like scrap that or we're going to like cut it way down. Whereas it's, you know, it's fun. Say they didn't work it's because they didn't drive this many sales, but at the end of the day, they might've gotten a picture or a photo or a message or a video that is worth $20,000 or $5,000 or whatever.

Exactly. Exactly. And so I think it's much more so about the process then, and it's about the process and it's about, you know, treating these creators. Right. And that's, you know, why for us, like, we don't, we kind of give like light guidelines or, you know, best practices, that kind of thing, but it's never like, okay, here's exactly what we want and how we want it to look, you know, it's more just like this will make the bag look the best in your shot, you know?

That kind of thing. So much more kind of like guiding as opposed to kind of like forceful, like this is the box you must. 

In terms of the types of influencers you work with, I'm going to assume obviously photographers, but what other niches or verticals or sizes, whether it's nanos and micros and what's working for you and what do you think is beneficial for the brand?

Well, it's funny because I probably would have to have nano and micro defined to me, but we work with all sizes. So even, you know, we have people just with a few thousand followers, you know, and, and for us, it's like, if you're, if you're a talented photographer or a filmmaker or creator like we want to work with you and we're pretty like niche agnostic, I would say, I think like, We want a lot of our content is very, you know, kind of light and inspirational.

And so we, we try to find people that kind of exude that vibe. But yeah, we've kind of worked with so many different people across so many term verticals, you know, whether it's like travel photographers or. Fashion photographers or, you know just like fashion creators or things like that. Yeah. I think it can be inserted into anything.

I mean, you could, if you want to go more mainstream, you could do moms with kids who are older or college kids. It could be, you could, you know, everyone needs a backpack. Exactly exactly. And I, and that's, you know, very much kind of what like where we see ourselves as you know, is, is a value that you could, you know, bring to the office, but then a bag that you could also go to high school or college with.

And it's, it's not too much of a stretch or us trying to, you know, square, whatever square peg circle hole or whatever. There's so many opportunities. 

You guys are massive on Tik Tok. How did that play out for you?

Yeah. So it's funny because I feel like we still have so much growth to happen and it's been quite recent. I would say, I think since we've been kind of blatantly active for about a year, just really kind of figuring out the platform, like kind of what works for us in terms of content. But I think what I love about Tik TOK is that it forces you as a brand or a person to really communicate a lot and really work on kind of the messaging that you're kind of crafting like your narrative with, so for us, we've seen a lot of success within the past two months. And a lot of that has come from just us really kind of telling the world like who we are. And I think Instagram kind of achieves that in a different way than let's say, like YouTube achieves that and then take talk it's used that kind of in like a completely different way as well.

So they're each kind of. Each platform is great for different types of messaging. But I think for us, like getting across a lot of like very quick messages has been great. And so and it's allowed us a really good platform to respond to any sort of criticism. So we reach a lot into kind of like, I wouldn't say like hate comments, but they're kind of like internet troll comments, you know, like.

Why would I pay this much for a backpack? And so we were just, we just reply. And so we kind of use that as a, as a, as a launch point to have a much larger discussion. So will a great example would be like, you know, people are like, why are your bags so expensive? And then we'll take that and be like, Our bags are expensive because, you know, we're using high quality materials, you know, it's our own custom design you know, made in a sustainable and ethical factory.

And you're, you know, your profits are the profits that we make are going to good endeavors such as like we just did a, a large bag donation. And then we've also just. Donated to a bunch of different charities over the past year. So kind of like allowing that language to kind of come out in a pretty organic way has been great.

It's it's interesting. Cause you know, that's where you see the white listing, like, and a lot of the influencers are hesitant. They're like they want to be let white listed cause they'll get more eyeballs, but then they're afraid because all of a sudden you get all these haters and comments and it's like, how do you just, so that's a great tip.

Like just feed into it. Yeah. Yeah. And I think Tik Tok in particular kind of allows for that a little more maybe than Instagram. But I, I completely, I mean, I feel like white listing is just, it's such a wonderful tool for influencers do have, and to be really able to expand their reach. You know, there's some creators that we've been working with for, well over a year.

Over 2,000 five star reviews…What does that mean to you and how did you make that happen?

I mean, it really comes down to the product. And so that's something that we really, really focus on is just having, you know, the best product, the highest quality that we can. That's really, really what it comes down to. So the idea is that we'll, you know, we have this like very light and fun branding, but then at the end of the day, the product speaks for itself.

And so we actually see a lot of recommendations. So a lot of it, a lot of customers are like, oh, my best friend had this bag and I loved it. So I bought it or you know, my cousin's obsessed with this, so I had to get it, you know? And so having kind of the product be almost its own marketing channel because we've really focused on delivering the highest quality at the best price we can has been amazing.

So you have the backpacks, but what’s next?

Yeah. So continuing, just within the bag space, we feel like we're kind of just getting started in that sense. We're really big on kind of like like feedback and, you know, we love hearing from our customers, things like that. So we have a lot of really exciting stuff in the future and then just, you know, continuing to.

To grow on Tik Tok and really harbor this community of very driven people. Primarily it's been photographers, filmmakers but really just, you know, we are, we do create backpacks for the internet creator, and I think we're just in such an amazing time where that internet creator can be really anybody.

You know, I feel like I laugh to myself almost cause like, even just like some of the, like, Creators that I've seen on Tik TOK that come to mind, whether it's you know, like a mother cooking in her kitchen and like, that is what she does, you know? Or just like, I think there was even one guy he came across and he has like, he's super passionate about like, Raising goldfish.

And I, I know nothing about that, but it's amazing that at this, you know, in 2021, that you can really kind of follow your passion. And that's really kind of who we want as our customers is just this unbelievably passionate group of people. Yeah, so very, very excited. You are very, very inspiring and I'm smiling from ear to ear.

Where can people find you? Website, Social Media?

Yeah. So we're just at brevite B R E V I T E. On all socials. And then we're brevity B R E V I T E.CO. That's our website. 

Name an influencer you love to follow, but hate to admit that you do.

Oh man, I'm trying to think. That's a, that's a great question. What I like, I'm going to take out my phone. I feel like it's probably someone on Tik TOK. See, I just have easy ones. Like I follow all these Snoopy accounts cause I'm obsessed with Snoopy. So it shows how nerdy I am. But yeah, I'm trying to think.

You can get back to me if you want. I'll have to. I've never been asked. So I, I don't, I don't know. That's a great question. Maybe it's like the mother cooking in the kitchen. Yeah. Oh my God. Or there's this goldfish guy, the goldfish guy, but I'll I'll I have, I have a good answer. So I'll let, let me get back to you on that, but there's definitely some like, you know, awesome.

Well, thank you so much. We're wishing you the best of luck and please stay in touch and you know, we're always here for you. Yes. Thanks Sherry. Thank you.

Kerasal is an emerging, fast-growing foot care brand that has a variety of solutions to hydrate, repair, and protect your feet and help tackle common foot problems like dry and cracked heels, calluses, and nail fungus. 

Through his vast healthcare experience, Dave’s success stems from his ability to develop high-impact strategies and innovations for brands as well as securing transformative mergers and acquisitions.

You have spent your career as a Brand Manager focused on healthcare products. What drew you to this space?

Yeah. You know, that’s it, it’s a great question. About 20 years ago, I was at a little bit of a inflection in my career and I had actually popped out of brand management for a couple of years and I was about to get back in and I actually was down in Atlanta and I had a unique opportunity where I was choosing between two different roles. One was in the healthcare space with Novartis consumer care, and the other one was for a company down in Atlanta that makes some really sweet bubbling drinks.

And I thought to myself, why would I rather work on brands that help people and facilitate healthy lifestyles? Or would I rather not work in perhaps what might seem like a sexier waiting area of carbonated beverages and more recognized brands, but I said, you know what, let me, let me go in the healthcare space because that’s clearly going to be around for a long time and just, you know, not to sound corny or cheesy, but the, the idea of helping people improve their lives was, was it, you know, It’s amazing. 

You’ve been with Kerasal for close to 3 years. What did the brand look like when you first joined compared to where it is at today?

Yes. So it’s a really interesting brand. So carousel is in the foot care space and it, at the time it had two primary areas where it offered consumer products. One was for a post-op ring from nail fungus, and the other one was more for dry cracked feet.

And they were nice little businesses, but one of the things that inspired me was the opportunity to try and take them to the next level. And they seemed a little bit under marketed as me. And I felt like if we got more marketing muscle and investment behind them, as well as innovated, I thought we could take it to the next level.

And, and now we close to doubled over the past two and a half years. Through increasing our efforts, both in TV and traditional marketing vehicles like TV, but then also working with, with folks like yourself, the digital and social space. And then on top of that, we’ve also launched a really exciting new products that are extending the carousel brand name into other areas of foot care, such as what washes, what soaps.

But masks. So really catering to consumers, desire for care. And it’s been really exciting because just over the past year or so, as much as the pandemic has been such a tremendous drain on a lot of businesses and vibes from a category perspective. But care has really and self care has really taken off as people have had more time to engage in, in taking care of themselves, but also because a lot of traditional means salons and pedicures and things like that.

Haven’t been quite as, quite as accessible. So it’s been kind of an interesting intersection of. Of opportunity and growth to make the brain into an even higher level. 

So you’re saying that a lot of this growth in the past year at least is just because people are at home because they’re not going to the nail salon. So they’re doing all their, as you...]]>On this episode of #Influencer, Sherry is joined by the dynamic, senior brand marketing leader in the healthcare industry and one of our brand partners, Dave Goodman, who’s known for his work with Bayer Consumer Care managing brands such as Aleve, Alka-Seltzer, Miralax and Bayer Aspirin. Currently, Dave is managing Kerasal’s brand portfolio on behalf of Advantice Health. 

Kerasal is an emerging, fast-growing foot care brand that has a variety of solutions to hydrate, repair, and protect your feet and help tackle common foot problems like dry and cracked heels, calluses, and nail fungus. 

Through his vast healthcare experience, Dave’s success stems from his ability to develop high-impact strategies and innovations for brands as well as securing transformative mergers and acquisitions.

You have spent your career as a Brand Manager focused on healthcare products. What drew you to this space?

Yeah. You know, that’s it, it’s a great question. About 20 years ago, I was at a little bit of a inflection in my career and I had actually popped out of brand management for a couple of years and I was about to get back in and I actually was down in Atlanta and I had a unique opportunity where I was choosing between two different roles. One was in the healthcare space with Novartis consumer care, and the other one was for a company down in Atlanta that makes some really sweet bubbling drinks.

And I thought to myself, why would I rather work on brands that help people and facilitate healthy lifestyles? Or would I rather not work in perhaps what might seem like a sexier waiting area of carbonated beverages and more recognized brands, but I said, you know what, let me, let me go in the healthcare space because that’s clearly going to be around for a long time and just, you know, not to sound corny or cheesy, but the, the idea of helping people improve their lives was, was it, you know, It’s amazing. 

You’ve been with Kerasal for close to 3 years. What did the brand look like when you first joined compared to where it is at today?

Yes. So it’s a really interesting brand. So carousel is in the foot care space and it, at the time it had two primary areas where it offered consumer products. One was for a post-op ring from nail fungus, and the other one was more for dry cracked feet.

And they were nice little businesses, but one of the things that inspired me was the opportunity to try and take them to the next level. And they seemed a little bit under marketed as me. And I felt like if we got more marketing muscle and investment behind them, as well as innovated, I thought we could take it to the next level.

And, and now we close to doubled over the past two and a half years. Through increasing our efforts, both in TV and traditional marketing vehicles like TV, but then also working with, with folks like yourself, the digital and social space. And then on top of that, we’ve also launched a really exciting new products that are extending the carousel brand name into other areas of foot care, such as what washes, what soaps.

But masks. So really catering to consumers, desire for care. And it’s been really exciting because just over the past year or so, as much as the pandemic has been such a tremendous drain on a lot of businesses and vibes from a category perspective. But care has really and self care has really taken off as people have had more time to engage in, in taking care of themselves, but also because a lot of traditional means salons and pedicures and things like that.

Haven’t been quite as, quite as accessible. So it’s been kind of an interesting intersection of. Of opportunity and growth to make the brain into an even higher level. 

So you’re saying that a lot of this growth in the past year at least is just because people are at home because they’re not going to the nail salon. So they’re doing all their, as you call it, or as we came up with on one of our calls, “Sole” care at home.

Yeah, I think, I think that’s been a big part of the trend that we’ve been able to, I think, promote as well as leverage. So it’s been somewhat of a rising tide for us in that consumers, just not having access to the lines.

And then also just taking more time to take care of themselves, I think has really contributed to a lot of our growth. And I think with a lot of consumers, Migrating to shopping online has been another really positive trend for categories like foot care, where it’s a little bit more of what we call like a shy to buy type of category, where it’s nice to be able to go online and make a discreet purchase versus making a separate trip to the store.

And maybe being a little bit embarrassed to put a nail fungus. Brought up the, on the, on the on the cash register and, and, and pay for that. So, so it’s been, like I said, this really neat intersection of opportunity and trends and then leveraging that has really been fantastic for the growth of this business.

Can you tell us more about Kerasal’s unique product line?

There’s, you know, there’s so many different ways that consumers can take care of their nails and there’s also by the same token, a lot of different ways. Nails can be damaged can be anything from nail fungus can be causing the damage too much gel manicure, your processes and also damage.

Now, sometimes it’s just a function of, of, of age that could cause you know, then an age it could be nail psoriasis. So we came up with a product that helps consumers who are kind of confused about. Like, gee, I mean, I’ve know what’s wrong with my nails, but I know I need to do something about it. So we actually came up with a specific product called Kerasal multipurpose nail repair that helps consumers address this confusion about what’s going on with their nails and how to properly remedy those, those challenges.

How has Amazon contributed to Kerasal’s growth and success?

Yeah, it’s been nothing short of remarkable. It’s been breathtaking at me. I come from the traditional world of. Having a certain expectation each year for how much product I’m going to sell through Walmart or Walgreens or CVS target.

And when I first started know two and a half years ago, which now seems like a lifetime ago, the amount of business we were selling through Amazon was a very, very small fraction of what we’re doing in a. That’s a by-product of Amazon’s growth in general, but I think also the pandemic putting that growth on warp speed and just contributing to this hyper-growth where people that are much more on the Amazon platform and then this category in particular of foot care and nail care lends itself even, even more.

So, so now to the point where. No Amazon, I spend at least a third of my time working on my Amazon business. And that is highly appropriate for, for me as a resource and for my team in terms of allocating their time, because Amazon has just become this enormous beast and incredibly important. That’s wild.

I I’m not in the, so do other pharmaceutical companies, are there too many regulations that they can’t or do they sell on Amazon or because you’re over OTC, like, that’s a great point. I mean, all over the counter products can definitely sell on Amazon. So, so if something’s in Walmart or Walgreens and CVS, And is available over the counter.

It’s just as accessible online, but that being said, we still have to operate by the same rules and regulations that we would of the bigger pharma. Yeah. Actually, technically our Kerasal products are actually technically cosmetics. And so from a regulatory perspective, we’re actually technically not a drug.

So we operate under the cosmetic. Guidelines because we, they people’s nails and feet look better, but we don’t actually deliver a drone if that makes any sense. No, I get it. It’s just interesting. Is there so many nuances that I can imagine, like the big pharma companies, even if you’re one of their OTC brands, you might still not be able to be on Amazon because the broader company, you know, you have to abide by their rules.

When did you first noticed a spike in sales from an influencer endorsing your products? 

It was insane.

We went from settling. Let’s say, and I’ll just make up numbers for conversation’s sake, 5,000 units of, of one of our products a week to all of a sudden, since selling 25,000 units or one influencer. Yes. And so actually before my grants, because this was such an incredibly new dynamic and completely unknown, I was.

Entirely missed by what was actually broadening it. And it took a lot of digging and investigation to actually figure out that it was coming from an influencer, a celebrity quote, unquote dermatologist who was on YouTube and did like a 30 minute video on all different types of foot care products. And about five minutes of it.

Because on my product and it really, it was, it was stunning to see the reaction and what we call almost like a direct response. So I’m so used to thinking of direct responses, like when you’re up in the middle of night and you can’t get to sleep and you see one of those PBS that says, I just bought an air fryer a few weeks ago.

Yeah. It’s sitting in a box.

So really what we’re seeing now is if a, an influencer with a high degree of credibility or a high following, or some combination thereof really lands a message. I’m seeing some incredibly respond to. And, and of course, mostly on Amazon, because it’s so easy for them to just search it up on Amazon and buy it immediately.

Like I’m actually even seeing the power of influencers transcend. Retail channels. And I’m seeing not just spikes on Amazon when influencers post about my products, but even I’ll see the spikes at a Walmart or a target as well. Hmm. And spikes and search too, for your products? Probably. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, it’s insane.

I mean that first video came and I thought that was a lot. And then about a month later, I thought we had reached a new, higher level of baseline sales based on that first influencer. And then maybe a month later, I actually had to double, triple check orders I was seeing and the sales levels because they didn’t even look real.

I was so stunned by load, and that was a tick tock video where somebody. Who had a following posted a before and after of using my products and it wouldn’t make the overuse more completely viral with millions of shares and lights. And I completely blew out of stock of the product. It was unbelievable.

It should happen to everyone. Yes. Yes. It felt like a lottery ticket. It did. 

What do you think the state of influencer marketing in your space looks like, post COVID? 

Yeah. Great question. I mean, I think, I think you can be compliant and you should be compliant and be influencers.

Yeah. Great question. I mean, I think, I think you can be compliant and you should be compliant and be influencers.

She had open these, talk about the products. And when we work with companies like yourself, we of course guide people and the influencers you speak about the prominence in only the most truthful, inappropriate ways. And I think that’s important for a variety of reasons. Number one as a reputable organization, we don’t want to get into trouble with FTC.

So we want to follow it and be compliant with all the guidelines and regulations. Number two, you certainly don’t want to over promise. Or consumers, the last thing you want is claims being made that can’t be delivered on. We guarantee this is gonna, you know, you’re going to lose 22 pounds in two days.

Exactly. Right, right. So, so why over promise and under deliver that, that that’s just the very short-term path to success. It’s certainly not sustainable. So I think, I think you can certainly play by the rules and win at the same time. 

You seem to be taking a two-pronged approach by working with Macro and Micro content creators. Why do you think this strategy works for you?

Yeah, that’s interesting because it’s actually from a variety of sources. So this celebrity dermatologist, I think we were 300,000 followers at the time YouTube video had I think about a hundred, 150,000 views. So fairly robust amount of followers and.

The person had 30 and that’s the one that really went well. What’s out of stock and that’s, that’s basically a micro-influencer because it’s like someone who doesn’t even have a hundred thousand followers, which is crazy. Yeah. And that was, that was stunning because it was counterintuitive, right. Because you’d expect the larger following the yield, the higher results.

But there was actually a situation where somebody with a smaller following ended up yielding the breathtaking results. It just, they just had very strong authenticity and credibility. And I think. By showing a video of how they use the product, what their foot looked like before, and then showing the after and the dramatic difference that carousel and sensitive foot repair made for them really ended up being incredibly compelling and very sharable.

Yeah. Yeah. And so there’s no environment reason. I mean, we always talk about. You know, is it, do you work with the nanos you work with micros you work with, so you’re taking like an approach to kind of testing and trying, working with all different sizes of influencers. Yeah. It’s almost kind of like a portfolio.

If you think about it, it’s like you don’t buy the same stocks, right? Different types of stocks and hear different types of influencers to diversify and give yourself a chance to win. Across a variety of different approaches. Okay. And so in that, you know, cross functional cross, you know, what are, what are some of the categories of influencers?

Because you know, to me, I’m naturally going to say, Oh, well, you know, beauty and lifestyle influencers, but then when you start to talk about the products, there’s gotta be other types of contact criteria that you’re looking for in the types of influencers beyond just beauty and lifestyle. Yeah, I, I think that’s a, that’s a great point.

I mean, I think what I’ve seen work is when the person has the credibility and the authenticity. So the folks that have moved the needle so far have ranged from obviously a dermatologist has a high degree of credibility being a doctor, but. The woman who had 32,000 followers on tic-tac, she was the nurse.

So that probably helped, but I don’t want people to think that because it’s a healthcare product, they had to be a healthcare expert. I’ve seen folks that just are very down to earth and very authentic and believable, who we just talked about the product in a really natural sort of way. And. What it did for them and how it made their ebook better, how it made, make their nails look healthier and shiny, or like it wasn’t necessarily one particular category, as much as it was more about the personal approach and their delivery. 

What format of content (video, static posts, stories blog etc) and which platform (IG, FB, YouTube etc) yields the best results for the brand?

Yeah. I think more are brought up. I think, I think both video and static could work. I think. I’ve seen video work where people talk about the product and if they do it with passion and authenticity and they show literally, Hey, here’s what my quote looked like before. Here’s what it looked like after I’ve seen that be successful so far.

I’ve seen it be more successful in video than in static, but I think we kind of live in a little bit of a video society. But if people love looking at video. So I think that helps, I think a lot depends on the product. So one of my products is very experiential, so I’m looking to see that more in video.

One of them is more about the before and afters. So static images might be okay for an outline. So I think it just kind of has to be thought through. And what is your product? What are the benefits? What is compelling, and then looking at your product again to customize you. And what’s the right way to tap into an influencer to bring that to life.

Super helpful. 

How can people find Kerasal?

Yeah, I mean, you know, Kerasal is interesting. Having worked on more households, high awareness brands that I mentioned earlier, the weaves the outfit, so to respond can here.

I was like really unfamiliar with the brand, but it turns out. Yeah, that’s really, really good distribution. And so that certainly wasn’t an area of opportunity. You could put a Kerasal like pretty much any major drove store or mass merchant, like Walmart and target were online. And I feel like it’s this little best kept secret out there.

And I, I think that’s one of the reasons why I think influencers have been so successful for us because. There’s this share-ability and there’s this untapped potential. And whereas I don’t think that influencer would be really telling anybody anything new. If they said, Hey, you know, or you already know that.

But if an influencer says, Hey, I’ve tried this Kerasal stuff. And wow. It made my feet go from dry, cracked and flaky to baby smooth. Or this problem now I’ve had is now. Nice that I can wear sandals. I feel like it’s this, it’s this secret that is starting to get unlocked and shared. And so that’s, what’s been really exciting for me as a marketer and, you know, working with folks like yourself and tapping into influencers to share the secret and spread the word that’s, what’s been so exciting and inspiring and rewarding for me.

Well, I will say that, you know, it’s been a very hard year for everyone. And when I look back on the year, we kind of started working together right before COVID. So I’m truly, we’re truly blessed to be working with you. We love your passion and your energy, and it’s just been just so nice to have you as part of the Babel blocks family, as we say, well, I mean, we, we, we thank you guys for the partnership.

We’ve learned so much from you guys and, and it’s been one of those ideal agency relationships where, you know, there’s just been a natural chemistry and, and a really great synergy and a lot of, a lot of positive results. So, so thank you. Thank you. 

Name an influencer you love to follow, but hate to admit that you do. 

Oh, yeah. You know, it’s Jenna Fisher. I don’t know fanatic. I do admit, even though I’m happily married to my beautiful wife, I have a little bit of a crush for, for Pam Beasley. And I think she’s such a great parasol endorser because I just love when she posts her videos, it always feels like she’s talking to you one-on-one and letting you in on a little secret.

So. And she’s just adorable and fun. And so, yeah, that’s my that’s my painful hate to admit, but, but that’s who I follow. All right. So we’re going to tag her when we share the podcast. Thank you, Dave, for everything and great to have you on the show and wish you lots and lots of success with Karasal. 

]]>72cae383-8f98-41df-86d1-2d5c8f72b36fThu, 13 May 2021 10:00:00 -050028:32falsefull2662Dave Goodman from Kerasal reflects on his career and how Influencers have helped market Kerasal products.JJ YoshJJ Yosh is a multifaceted entrepeneur who is not only an influencer and content creator, but a TV-host, adventure filmmaker, producer, and owner of Higher Earth Media, an entertainment and film production company based out of Boulder, Colorado which strives to educate, empower, and inspire people around the world to help build a more sustainable path for our current and future generations.

]]>JJ Yosh is a multifaceted entrepeneur who is not only an influencer and content creator, but a TV-host, adventure filmmaker, producer, and owner of Higher Earth Media, an entertainment and film production company based out of Boulder, Colorado which strives to educate, empower, and inspire people around the world to help build a more sustainable path for our current and future generations.

]]>45044269-c115-4530-9831-74408bcd4b3fThu, 22 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -050028:08falsefull2552Reading aloud to ChildrenJennifer Tegan is the National Director of Marketing and Communications for Reach Out and Read. In this role, she is responsible for the strategy and efforts to promote and advance the organization’s mission of incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together every day.

]]>Jennifer Tegan is the National Director of Marketing and Communications for Reach Out and Read. In this role, she is responsible for the strategy and efforts to promote and advance the organization’s mission of incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together every day.

]]>fac8fe84-324c-4666-96c3-474ae26e7d00Thu, 01 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -050027:26falsefull2442Women in Influencer MarketingJessy Grossman is a long time entrepreneur in the entertainment and digital media space who was awarded a spot in the “Influencer Top 50” by Talking Influence in 2020. In less than two years she created one of the fastest growing new talent agencies in the country. Amidst unprecedented growth, the agency was sold in early 2020 and she pivoted to focus on her long-time passion project: Women in Influencer Marketing. WIIM is a non-profit networking organization that was founded in 2017 and provides numerous resources to its members. Due to popular demand, WIIM recently launched a membership collective that offers even more resources than ever before including casting services, job recruitment services, virtual events, an exclusive Facebook community, even more networking opportunities and much more.

]]>Jessy Grossman is a long time entrepreneur in the entertainment and digital media space who was awarded a spot in the “Influencer Top 50” by Talking Influence in 2020. In less than two years she created one of the fastest growing new talent agencies in the country. Amidst unprecedented growth, the agency was sold in early 2020 and she pivoted to focus on her long-time passion project: Women in Influencer Marketing. WIIM is a non-profit networking organization that was founded in 2017 and provides numerous resources to its members. Due to popular demand, WIIM recently launched a membership collective that offers even more resources than ever before including casting services, job recruitment services, virtual events, an exclusive Facebook community, even more networking opportunities and much more.

]]>0bf62eaa-0a5c-46c2-b040-a62311ea8aacThu, 18 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -050031:33falsefull2332Breaking the Taboos associated with Feminine HygieneIn this episode of Hashtag Influencer, Sherri confronts stigma head on to talk periods with Leesa Raab of Thinx, Inc. Leesa is a New York-based PR and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She spent the majority of her career in boutique PR agencies focused on wellness, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands. In 2018, Leesa moved to an in-house PR position with Thinx, where she dedicates her time to helping continue to break the taboos associated with menstruation, and bladder leaks.  Leesa shares valuable insights from her PR career as well as the value of working for a company with a mission you can get behind. Thinx has capitalized on the influencer space to push a game changing product but more importantly to educate a new generation all while promoting sustainability.   

Key Takeaways

• 
  
• Leesa’s journey into PR.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• College at Ball State – after a trip to NYC, felt the need to live there and find a career that would lead her there.
• 
  
• 
  
• Honed her skills through internships
• 
  
• 
  
• His latest venture: Thinx
• 
  
• 
  

• 
  
• Advice to someone venturing into PR
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Go to everything, meet as many people as you can.
• 
  
• 
  
• “Hone in on people that you are interested, either in the company they're working for or familiar with their work and don't be afraid to go introduce yourself. Write a LinkedIn message or find their email and introduce yourself.” (3:19)
• 
  
• 
  

• 
  
• What is Thinx all about
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Thinx is a brand that sells washable period proof underwear as well as Speaks by Thinx, which is underwear for light to moderate bladder leaks.
• 
  
• 
  
• Discovered Thinx from a Subway campaign but also from personal experience following and loving the brand from afar. 
• 
  
• 
  
• Having worked with period cup and vibrator brands, Leesa had carved a niche for herself.
• 
  
• 
  
• I love being part of a conversation that you know helps break taboos.” (8:40)
• 
  
• 
  
• What makes Thinx different: “we take a lot of pride in being a solutions company for periods and bladder leaks and making sure that we offered the best product that it's well made.(11:10)
• 
  
• 
  
• Sustainable manufacturing space, large variety of styles colors and prints, giving consumers confidence to wear and talk about them.
• 
  
• 
  

• 
  
• Sustainability in period products
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• “7 billion tampons that are thrown out in the US every year, and most of them 88% are sold with applicators. So it takes 500 years for a single use plastic applicator to decompose.” (12:15) 
• 
  
• 
  
• So much waste coming from something that happens every single month for about 38 years.
• 
  
• 
  
• One Thinx pair can last up to two years or 24 wash cycles
• 
  
• 
  
• “it makes you feel good to have that thought.”
• 
  
• 
  
In this episode of Hashtag Influencer, Sherri confronts stigma head on to talk periods with Leesa Raab of Thinx, Inc. Leesa is a New York-based PR and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She spent the majority of her career in boutique PR agencies focused on wellness, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands. In 2018, Leesa moved to an in-house PR position with Thinx, where she dedicates her time to helping continue to break the taboos associated with menstruation, and bladder leaks.  Leesa shares valuable insights from her PR career as well as the value of working for a company with a mission you can get behind. Thinx has capitalized on the influencer space to push a game changing product but more importantly to educate a new generation all while promoting sustainability.   







Key Takeaways







• 
  
• Leesa’s journey into PR.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• College at Ball State – after a trip to NYC, felt the need to live there and find a career that would lead her there.
• 
  
• 
  
• Honed her skills through internships
• 
  
• 
  
• His latest venture: Thinx
• 
  
• 
  




• 
  
• Advice to someone venturing into PR
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Go to everything, meet as many people as you can.
• 
  
• 
  
• “Hone in on people that you are interested, either in the company they're working for or familiar with their work and don't be afraid to go introduce yourself. Write a LinkedIn message or find their email and introduce yourself.” (3:19)
• 
  
• 
  




• 
  
• What is Thinx all about
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Thinx is a brand that sells washable period proof underwear as well as Speaks by Thinx, which is underwear for light to moderate bladder leaks.
• 
  
• 
  
• Discovered Thinx from a Subway campaign but also from personal experience following and loving the brand from afar. 
• 
  
• 
  
• Having worked with period cup and vibrator brands, Leesa had carved a niche for herself.
• 
  
• 
  
• I love being part of a conversation that you know helps break taboos.” (8:40)
• 
  
• 
  
• What makes Thinx different: “we take a lot of pride in being a solutions company for periods and bladder leaks and making sure that we offered the best product that it's well made.(11:10)
• 
  
• 
  
• Sustainable manufacturing space, large variety of styles colors and prints, giving consumers confidence to wear and talk about them.
• 
  
• 
  




• 
  
• Sustainability in period products
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• “7 billion tampons that are thrown out in the US every year, and most of them 88% are sold with applicators. So it takes 500 years for a single use plastic applicator to decompose.” (12:15) 
• 
  
• 
  
• So much waste coming from something that happens every single month for about 38 years.
• 
  
• 
  
• One Thinx pair can last up to two years or 24 wash cycles
• 
  
• 
  
• “it makes you feel good to have that thought.”
• 
  
• 
  
• Know your flow tool on the Thinx website - tells you not only what product suits you but it also tells you how much waste you're personally able to eliminate by switching.
• 
  
• 
  




• 
  
• Give back initiatives
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Boys and Girls Club – Thinx between 15,000 pairs of Thinx Between donated across  19 of their chapters (14:22).
• 
  
• 
  
• Consistently partnering with organizations and non-profits
• 
  
• 
  




• 
  
• Challenges
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Good news is it’s gotten better – Taboo is there but it’s more widely accepted to talk and advertise in this space.
• 
  
• 
  
• “Interesting to see where you know there has been some improvement, some progress, but there are other spaces where it's so continues to come up.” (17:20)
• 
  
• 
  
• Different for men – In some ways Thinx has paved the way for the expansion of this conversation and in many ways it continues to be easier to advertise for products related to men.
• 
  
• 
  
• “We definitely want to keep working to break that mold and make people realize it's OK to talk about it and you know we're all here because someone had a period.” (18:51)
• 
  
• 
  




• 
  
• Social media & its impact
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Using social media to educate women on feminine health and hygiene and especially for younger women.
• 
  
• 
  
• Use for product education as well as showcasing new product launches
• 
  
• 
  
• We use these social platforms to demonstrate a lot of like how the underwear works and how to care for it and what to expect from it. (20:44)
• 
  
• 
  
• Try not to go humorous – talk directly, use correct terminology
• 
  
• 
  
• Influencers are inspired and excited to work with us
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Ilana Glazer campaign was particularly successful 
• 
  
• 
  
• Addressing bladder leaks: “It is more challenging to get people to say, yeah, I'll do a campaign with you on that, you know, and I think it's because periods are a function of the body and bladder leaks are seen as more of a dysfunction of the body, so that's a harder space.” (22:38)
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Busting myths and education is important: Bladder leaks are not just associated with getting older, one in three women has them and many college athletes use them. 
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  




• 
  
• New and exciting for 2021 for Thinx
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Thinx activewear
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• “Obviously it was designed for working out but considering we're all spending a lot more time in our in our comfort clothes it’s great for working out at home or just working from home.” (25:18)
• 
  
• 
  
• Lot’s coming down the road to look forward to – keep an eye on this space.
• 
  
• 
  




• 
  
• Name an influencer you love to follow – but hate to admit it!
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Andy Cohen – NO hate about it at all
• 
  
• 
  
• I just I think it's so funny and entertaining. 26:35
• 
  
• 
  









About Sherri:




Sherri Langburt is the CEO of BabbleBoxx and has been a pioneer in the influencer marketing space since 2007. A passion for storytelling and brand marketing, and a desire to create an innovative social media solution, led Sherri to create BabbleBoxx - the influencer marketing agency best known for its co-sampling and signature box solutions. BabbleBoxx currently provides a full-range of integrated marketing services to brands across industries. Launched in December 2015, BabbleBoxx was named to the Inc. 500 fastest-growing private companies in 2018. 






Leesa Raab:




LinkedIn




Website: http://www.shethinx.com/






Follow Sherri and BabbleBoxx:




Website: https://babbleboxx.com




@Instagram




@Twitter




@LinkedIn

]]>5207fc73-7a96-4979-9972-18a2f9a659b7Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -050027:31falsefull2222Launching & Marketing a Product During a PandemicIntro

In today’s episode of Hashtag Influencer, Sherri gets the global perspective from Barak Orenstein of Else Nutrition, the new plant-based company winning high marks from parents looking for a healthy alternative to traditional baby formula. Despite launching midway through a year of global pandemic, the company has shot out of the gate. Barak, who is Else’s global director of marketing, shares his insights from years as a marketing and content leader in both Canada and Israel, including a breakdown on how Else’s marketing strategy shifted and adapted to a marketplace upturned by Covid19. The short answer: Micro- and macro-influencers have been a secret sauce, driving double-digit market growth and setting the stage for retail and geographic expansion heading into 2021. It doesn’t hurt that – beyond parents thrilled to have a healthy, co-friendly option -- Else’s “satisfied customers” are adorable babies whose telegewnic media snippets are crowd-pleasers no matter the social platform!

Key Takeaways

• Barak’s journey as a marketer.
• Started out in Canada on behalf of products like L’Oreal and Evian. 
• Shifted gears and relocated to Israel to direct marketing and communications for SodaStream and AHAVA.
• His latest venture: Else Nutrition.


• What is Else Nutrition all about?
• Reshaping early childhood nutrition with plant-based food options specifically for babies and toddlers.
• “There are many plant-based categories for adults but what about babies and toddlers? What about our most vulnerable?” (2:53)
• Product grew out of seven years of R&D dedicated to delivering the full array of nutrients essential to developing infants and children.
• “It’s the first real alternative to dairy and soy in terms of formula … a next-gen alternative reimagining things.” (4:04)


• Why parents choose the plant-based lifestyle for their children.
• Two core markets:
• Families already committed to a healthy, earth-friendly lifestyle.
• Families with children who have food allergies.
• “It’s being perceived as the Netflix or Airbnb of the baby nutrition industry.” (5:33)
• Great reception from parents who welcome a clean, plant-based alternative to traditional formulas.


• The plant-based market is booming. 
• Plant-based market is disrupting food choices across all sectors
• “Food is values and we believe that food is values and what people choose to give their children says a lot.” (7:00)
• Else launched in the United States & Canada in August 2020.


• Launching a new-to-market product in the midst of pandemic.
• Trust is a huge factor with an online-only presence.
• Moved into the marketplace with Amazon.
• Expanding into the wider storefront retail marketplace in 2021.
• “We’ve had an outpouring of requests from parents around the world. It’s a universal need.” (8:50)
• Adapted marketing strategy to Covid19 limitations, including:
• Digital platforms and a variety of micro-and macro-social media influencers.
• Public relations through traditional channels such as trade and consumer/lifestyle/parenting...]]>Intro

  In today’s episode of Hashtag Influencer, Sherri gets the global perspective from Barak Orenstein of Else Nutrition, the new plant-based company winning high marks from parents looking for a healthy alternative to traditional baby formula. Despite launching midway through a year of global pandemic, the company has shot out of the gate. Barak, who is Else’s global director of marketing, shares his insights from years as a marketing and content leader in both Canada and Israel, including a breakdown on how Else’s marketing strategy shifted and adapted to a marketplace upturned by Covid19. The short answer: Micro- and macro-influencers have been a secret sauce, driving double-digit market growth and setting the stage for retail and geographic expansion heading into 2021. It doesn’t hurt that – beyond parents thrilled to have a healthy, co-friendly option -- Else’s “satisfied customers” are adorable babies whose telegewnic media snippets are crowd-pleasers no matter the social platform!

  Key Takeaways

  • Barak’s journey as a marketer.
  • Started out in Canada on behalf of products like L’Oreal and Evian. 
  • Shifted gears and relocated to Israel to direct marketing and communications for SodaStream and AHAVA.
  • His latest venture: Else Nutrition.
  
  
  • What is Else Nutrition all about?
  • Reshaping early childhood nutrition with plant-based food options specifically for babies and toddlers.
  • “There are many plant-based categories for adults but what about babies and toddlers? What about our most vulnerable?” (2:53)
  • Product grew out of seven years of R&D dedicated to delivering the full array of nutrients essential to developing infants and children.
  • “It’s the first real alternative to dairy and soy in terms of formula … a next-gen alternative reimagining things.” (4:04)
  
  
  • Why parents choose the plant-based lifestyle for their children.
  • Two core markets:
  • Families already committed to a healthy, earth-friendly lifestyle.
  • Families with children who have food allergies.
  • “It’s being perceived as the Netflix or Airbnb of the baby nutrition industry.” (5:33)
  • Great reception from parents who welcome a clean, plant-based alternative to traditional formulas.
  
  
  • The plant-based market is booming. 
  • Plant-based market is disrupting food choices across all sectors
  • “Food is values and we believe that food is values and what people choose to give their children says a lot.” (7:00)
  • Else launched in the United States & Canada in August 2020.
  
  
  • Launching a new-to-market product in the midst of pandemic.
  • Trust is a huge factor with an online-only presence.
  • Moved into the marketplace with Amazon.
  • Expanding into the wider storefront retail marketplace in 2021.
  • “We’ve had an outpouring of requests from parents around the world. It’s a universal need.” (8:50)
  • Adapted marketing strategy to Covid19 limitations, including:
  • Digital platforms and a variety of micro-and macro-social media influencers.
  • Public relations through traditional channels such as trade and consumer/lifestyle/parenting publications. 
  • Establishing trust with pediatricians and experts.
  
  
  • Stories: What kinds of content performs best?
  • Video was a hands-down winner because of the lovable, photogenic nature of babies themselves.
  • Allowing influencers to be natural and try the product without too much interference or staging.
  • “Those authentic moments are what have been best for us: Influencer parents talking about how (Else) has impacted their lives.” (15:34)
  • Instagram Live has also been highly effective (i.e. a brief chat between Hilaria Baldwin and an early childhood nutrition expert).
  • Repurposed snippets used in emails and other platforms further boosts views into the tens of thousands.
  • “We want to be at the forefront of the conversation about what’s happening in this space and … starting conversations between parents and influencers in terms of what matters to them.” (17:48)
  • Other forums: Facebook and YouTube.
  • Influencer marketing has accounted for at least 30-40% of sales in the early months since launch.
  
  
  • What’s the influencer landscape in Israel?
  • Micro-influencers are the dominant force among social media.
  • Celebrity influencers can tend to be more challenging because of demands on their time.
  • “There’s a pretty vibrant scene in Israel in terms of influencers.” (19:50)
  • Pluses and minuses of being based in Israel:
  • Limited number of consumer packaged brands.
  • Very active b2b marketplace to tap into goods globally.
  • “It’s been a very, very fast startup pace and you’ve got to be extra-agile working in Israel.” (22:05)
  • Israel is a “volcano of talent” across all sectors of the economy.
  
  
  
  • What’s new and exciting for Else Nutrition in 2021?
  • Envisioning a year ahead full of “something else” and a new celebrity endorser (TBA) who will be key to the brand.
  • Launching additional low-sugar vanilla and chocolate products for kids 6 months+.
  • Entering the retail space as the economy shifts back to bricks and mortar post-pandemic.
  • Geographic expansion with a focus in Europe.
  
  
  
  • Name an influencer you love to follow – but hate to admit it!
  • Gary Vaynerchuk –“He’s an interesting figure and very vibrant … with many interesting insights in the marketing space.”
  • Tony Robbins – “A very influential individual.”
  
  
  
  

  About Sherri:

  Sherri Langburt is the CEO of BabbleBoxx and has been a pioneer in the influencer marketing space since 2007. A passion for storytelling and brand marketing, and a desire to create an innovative social media solution, led Sherri to create BabbleBoxx - the influencer marketing agency best known for its co-sampling and signature box solutions. BabbleBoxx currently provides a full-range of integrated marketing services to brands across industries. Launched in December 2015, BabbleBoxx was named to the Inc. 500 fastest-growing private companies in 2018. 

  
  

  Follow Barak:

  LinkedIn

  Website: https://elsenutrition.com

  
  

  Further References/Resources:

  Gary Vaynerchuck: https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/biography/

  Tony Robbins: www.tonyrobbins.com

  
  

  Follow Sherri and BabbleBoxx:

  Website: https://babbleboxx.com

  @Instagram

  @Twitter

  @LinkedIn

  
  ]]>e41797d6-742a-41c6-baf3-e26ccc48dfd3Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -050028:23falsefull2112Barak Orenstein, Global Director of Marketing for Else Nutrition, discusses launching midway through a year of global pandemic and how the company has shot out of the gate.Introducing Hashtag InfluencerBeyond the Boxx is now Hashtag Influencer! Join BabbleBoxx CEO Sherri Langburt as she interviews the biggest Brands, Agencies & Influencers to uncover their Influencer Marketing Secrets to Success!
  ]]>Beyond the Boxx is now Hashtag Influencer! Join BabbleBoxx CEO Sherri Langburt as she interviews the biggest Brands, Agencies & Influencers to uncover their Influencer Marketing Secrets to Success!
  ]]>45ceaa60-6275-48b5-8184-161a0506ba52Mon, 22 Feb 2021 10:57:00 -050000:46falsetrailerCultural Awareness in ChildrenChild Psychiatrist Dr. Zabina “Zee” Bhasin, MD, is a diversity and inclusion expert and entrepreneur and the founder of In Kidz, a lifestyle brand dedicated to creating connections through culture and championing unity amongst diversity. Kidz creates kid-focused products that help children learn about cultures while inspiring them to create a world that embraces diversity of all kinds.
  ]]>Child Psychiatrist Dr. Zabina “Zee” Bhasin, MD, is a diversity and inclusion expert and entrepreneur and the founder of In Kidz, a lifestyle brand dedicated to creating connections through culture and championing unity amongst diversity. Kidz creates kid-focused products that help children learn about cultures while inspiring them to create a world that embraces diversity of all kinds.
  ]]>262fd3db-d5e7-453c-b7a8-1de70f177a01Thu, 18 Feb 2021 10:45:00 -050033:53falsefull3232Educating Influencers in a Diverse & Evolving Landscape

  Brittany Hennessy is the best-selling author of “INFLUENCER: Building Your Personal Brand In The Age Of Social Media” and a Co-Founder of CARBON AUGUST, a digital platform providing resources for influencers.She is the co-founder of Carbon August, an influencer education company that produces the Influencer Business Plan, the Influencer Launch Plan, and The Miner: Your weekly dose of OMG, LOL and WTF in influencer marketing.

  Brittany is a pioneer in the influencer industry and has booked influencers for Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Esquire, Town & Country, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, Travel Channel, Food Network, Lifetime and more.She has judged the Influencer Marketing Awards and is a member of the Real-Time Academy of Short Form Arts and Sciences where she judges the annual Shorty Awards and the Shorty Social Good Awards.

  ]]>

  Brittany Hennessy is the best-selling author of “INFLUENCER: Building Your Personal Brand In The Age Of Social Media” and a Co-Founder of CARBON AUGUST, a digital platform providing resources for influencers.She is the co-founder of Carbon August, an influencer education company that produces the Influencer Business Plan, the Influencer Launch Plan, and The Miner: Your weekly dose of OMG, LOL and WTF in influencer marketing.

  Brittany is a pioneer in the influencer industry and has booked influencers for Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Esquire, Town & Country, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, Travel Channel, Food Network, Lifetime and more.She has judged the Influencer Marketing Awards and is a member of the Real-Time Academy of Short Form Arts and Sciences where she judges the annual Shorty Awards and the Shorty Social Good Awards.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/05e7b4f9-613a-31f5-afb1-0da31a85b090Thu, 11 Feb 2021 12:01:00 -050043:34falsefull3232Brittany Hennessy is the best-selling author of “INFLUENCER: Building Your Personal Brand In The Age Of Social Media” and a Co-Founder of CARBON AUGUST, a digital platform providing resources for influencers.She is the co-founder of Carbon August, an influencer education company that produces the Influencer Business Plan, the Influencer Launch Plan, and The Miner: Your weekly dose of OMG, LOL and WTF in influencer marketing. Brittany is a pioneer in the influencer industry and has booked influencers for Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Esquire, Town & Country, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, Travel Channel, Food Network, Lifetime and more.She has judged the Influencer Marketing Awards and is a member of the Real-Time Academy of Short Form Arts and Sciences where she judges the annual Shorty Awards and the Shorty Social Good Awards.What it Takes to Run a Digital Marketing Agency

  Take it from me, running a digital marketing agency is not easy. Today, we're going to hear all about what it takes from Tom Cunha, CEO of Brigade Marketing, a super creative and highly energetic firm, which specializes in the entertainment industry.

  About Tom Cunha, CEO of Brigade Marketing

  Tom Cunha is CEO of Brigade, a digital-first, award-winning marketing, publicity and advertising firm specializing in entertainment industry clientele. Brigade has executed hundreds of successful theatrical, digital, television and festival campaigns over its ten year history with clients that include Amazon, CBS, Focus Features, Hulu, IFC Films, Lionsgate, Netflix, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros.

  Tom has been working in Film & Television PR and Marketing for nearly two decades and has led his teams on a wide variety of campaigns for films including 1917, BlackKklansman, Call Me By Your Name, Creed, Downton Abbey, Get Out, MA, Phantom Thread, The Shape of Water, and Soul.

  Prior to founding Brigade, Tom had worked in digital marketing capacities on both agency and client sides, including MGM Studios and 20th Century Fox; He also serves on the Board of Directors of Seriesfest, a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling.

  ]]>

  Take it from me, running a digital marketing agency is not easy. Today, we're going to hear all about what it takes from Tom Cunha, CEO of Brigade Marketing, a super creative and highly energetic firm, which specializes in the entertainment industry.

  About Tom Cunha, CEO of Brigade Marketing

  Tom Cunha is CEO of Brigade, a digital-first, award-winning marketing, publicity and advertising firm specializing in entertainment industry clientele. Brigade has executed hundreds of successful theatrical, digital, television and festival campaigns over its ten year history with clients that include Amazon, CBS, Focus Features, Hulu, IFC Films, Lionsgate, Netflix, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros.

  Tom has been working in Film & Television PR and Marketing for nearly two decades and has led his teams on a wide variety of campaigns for films including 1917, BlackKklansman, Call Me By Your Name, Creed, Downton Abbey, Get Out, MA, Phantom Thread, The Shape of Water, and Soul.

  Prior to founding Brigade, Tom had worked in digital marketing capacities on both agency and client sides, including MGM Studios and 20th Century Fox; He also serves on the Board of Directors of Seriesfest, a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/d7fe1e56-79d2-3966-be76-1a5d21f7a3e9Thu, 04 Feb 2021 12:00:00 -050015:19falsefull3131Take it from me, running a digital marketing agency is not easy. Today, we're going to hear all about what it takes from Tom Cunha, CEO of Brigade Marketing, a super creative and highly energetic firm, which specializes in the entertainment industry. About Tom Cunha, CEO of Brigade Marketing Tom Cunha is CEO of Brigade, a digital-first, award-winning marketing, publicity and advertising firm specializing in entertainment industry clientele. Brigade has executed hundreds of successful theatrical, digital, television and festival campaigns over its ten year history with clients that include Amazon, CBS, Focus Features, Hulu, IFC Films, Lionsgate, Netflix, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros.Tom has been working in Film & Television PR and Marketing for nearly two decades and has led his teams on a wide variety of campaigns for films including 1917, BlackKklansman, Call Me By Your Name, Creed, Downton Abbey, Get Out, MA, Phantom Thread, The Shape of Water, and Soul. Prior to founding Brigade, Tom had worked in digital marketing capacities on both agency and client sides, including MGM Studios and 20th Century Fox; He also serves on the Board of Directors of Seriesfest, a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling.From Kitchen Table to Multi-Million Dollar Jewelry BusinessWhat started out as a passion has turned into one of the leading jewelry companies now celebrating its 10th anniversary. I'm pleased to welcome to our show today Holly Daniels Christensen, founder and CEO of Dune Jewelry.
  About Holly Daniels Christensen

  The founder of Dune Jewelry left home at 15 years old, and never looked back taking a variety of jobs with stints as a zookeeper, pharmacy technician, promotional model, bartender, cellphone, car and cruise salesperson. She also successfully spent 14 years as a top agent in Boston’s highly competitive real estate market.

  This unique “bootstrap” entrepreneur who proved she was unafraid of hard work, was voted the 2016 Woman-Owned Business of the Year for Massachusetts and New England, by the Small Business Association (SBA). In 2018, Inc. magazine honored Dune Jewelry as No. 2590 on its 37th annual Inc. 5000 List, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Currently, Dune Jewelry is the one-and-only experiential jewelry brand in the world.

  ]]>What started out as a passion has turned into one of the leading jewelry companies now celebrating its 10th anniversary. I'm pleased to welcome to our show today Holly Daniels Christensen, founder and CEO of Dune Jewelry.
  About Holly Daniels Christensen

  The founder of Dune Jewelry left home at 15 years old, and never looked back taking a variety of jobs with stints as a zookeeper, pharmacy technician, promotional model, bartender, cellphone, car and cruise salesperson. She also successfully spent 14 years as a top agent in Boston’s highly competitive real estate market.

  This unique “bootstrap” entrepreneur who proved she was unafraid of hard work, was voted the 2016 Woman-Owned Business of the Year for Massachusetts and New England, by the Small Business Association (SBA). In 2018, Inc. magazine honored Dune Jewelry as No. 2590 on its 37th annual Inc. 5000 List, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Currently, Dune Jewelry is the one-and-only experiential jewelry brand in the world.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/f2c0a8e0-85af-3a0b-b50c-3674a053a7aaThu, 28 Jan 2021 12:00:00 -050030:11falsefull3030What started out as a passion has turned into one of the leading jewelry companies now celebrating its 10th anniversary. I'm pleased to welcome to our show today Holly Daniels Christensen, founder and CEO of Dune Jewelry.About Holly Daniels Christensen The founder of Dune Jewelry left home at 15 years old, and never looked back taking a variety of jobs with stints as a zookeeper, pharmacy technician, promotional model, bartender, cellphone, car and cruise salesperson. She also successfully spent 14 years as a top agent in Boston’s highly competitive real estate market. This unique “bootstrap” entrepreneur who proved she was unafraid of hard work, was voted the 2016 Woman-Owned Business of the Year for Massachusetts and New England, by the Small Business Association (SBA). In 2018, Inc. magazine honored Dune Jewelry as No. 2590 on its 37th annual Inc. 5000 List, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Currently, Dune Jewelry is the one-and-only experiential jewelry brand in the world.Emmy-Award Winning Producer Becomes Master of Integrated Marketing

  Our guest today, Emerald-Jane Hunter is a four time Emmy award winning television producer turned entrepreneur. She is now the ringleader and founder of myWHY Agency, an integrated marketing firm based out of Chicago.

  About Emerald-Jane Hunter

  As the Ringleader of myWHY Agency, Emerald-Jane Hunter is a force to be reckoned with. A four-time Emmy Award-winning Producer and a master of all things media, storytelling and content creation, EJ has a background of 15 years working in TV and is now making a splash in the world of Integrated Marketing.

  Born in Ghana, West Africa, she relocated to the US at the age of 19 and received her B.A. in Communications at Luther College in Iowa. In 2003 she moved to Chicago where she discovered her “WHY” was storytelling via television. From reality TV to live events, showrunning to talent booking EJ has done it all. She is an Emmy-Award winning Producer who’s Hollywood connection runs deep. EJ has brought Hollywood to Chicago numerous times through her many high-quality bookings, including stars such as Jennifer Hudson; Common; Cindy Crawford; Tony Goldwyn; Ne-Yo; Mike Tyson; Jane Lynch; Martha Stewart; Larry King; Cody Simpson; Sting; Boys II Men; and Barry Manilow just to name just a few.

  Now as president of her own agency, EJ is finally living (and basking) in her WHY. She’s most fulfilled working with entrepreneurially minded brands and companies, managing strategic communications and crafting integrated marketing campaigns aimed at further elevating and amplifying brand voices--and of course, telling compelling, inspiring stories.

  ]]>

  Our guest today, Emerald-Jane Hunter is a four time Emmy award winning television producer turned entrepreneur. She is now the ringleader and founder of myWHY Agency, an integrated marketing firm based out of Chicago.

  About Emerald-Jane Hunter

  As the Ringleader of myWHY Agency, Emerald-Jane Hunter is a force to be reckoned with. A four-time Emmy Award-winning Producer and a master of all things media, storytelling and content creation, EJ has a background of 15 years working in TV and is now making a splash in the world of Integrated Marketing.

  Born in Ghana, West Africa, she relocated to the US at the age of 19 and received her B.A. in Communications at Luther College in Iowa. In 2003 she moved to Chicago where she discovered her “WHY” was storytelling via television. From reality TV to live events, showrunning to talent booking EJ has done it all. She is an Emmy-Award winning Producer who’s Hollywood connection runs deep. EJ has brought Hollywood to Chicago numerous times through her many high-quality bookings, including stars such as Jennifer Hudson; Common; Cindy Crawford; Tony Goldwyn; Ne-Yo; Mike Tyson; Jane Lynch; Martha Stewart; Larry King; Cody Simpson; Sting; Boys II Men; and Barry Manilow just to name just a few.

  Now as president of her own agency, EJ is finally living (and basking) in her WHY. She’s most fulfilled working with entrepreneurially minded brands and companies, managing strategic communications and crafting integrated marketing campaigns aimed at further elevating and amplifying brand voices--and of course, telling compelling, inspiring stories.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/af4487da-c52f-3fb6-b849-4b01d9160f76Fri, 11 Dec 2020 11:00:00 -050037:02falsefull2929Our guest today, Emerald-Jane Hunter is a four time Emmy award winning television producer turned entrepreneur. She is now the ringleader and founder of myWHY Agency, an integrated marketing firm based out of Chicago. About Emerald-Jane Hunter As the Ringleader of myWHY Agency, Emerald-Jane Hunter is a force to be reckoned with. A four-time Emmy Award-winning Producer and a master of all things media, storytelling and content creation, EJ has a background of 15 years working in TV and is now making a splash in the world of Integrated Marketing. Born in Ghana, West Africa, she relocated to the US at the age of 19 and received her B.A. in Communications at Luther College in Iowa. In 2003 she moved to Chicago where she discovered her “WHY” was storytelling via television. From reality TV to live events, showrunning to talent booking EJ has done it all. She is an Emmy-Award winning Producer who’s Hollywood connection runs deep. EJ has brought Hollywood to Chicago numerous times through her many high-quality bookings, including stars such as Jennifer Hudson; Common; Cindy Crawford; Tony Goldwyn; Ne-Yo; Mike Tyson; Jane Lynch; Martha Stewart; Larry King; Cody Simpson; Sting; Boys II Men; and Barry Manilow just to name just a few. Now as president of her own agency, EJ is finally living (and basking) in her WHY. She’s most fulfilled working with entrepreneurially minded brands and companies, managing strategic communications and crafting integrated marketing campaigns aimed at further elevating and amplifying brand voices--and of course, telling compelling, inspiring stories.Why You Should Leverage a Fractional CMO to Grow Your BusinessI remember my days in corporate America and can say with conviction that nothing compares to the tactical training you receive in a large enterprise. Our guests today, Ilene Rosenthal, is an industry veteran who took her experience working at Young & Rubicam to carve out a niche consulting practice. Ilene now offers fractional CMO services through her agency, White Space Marketing.
  About Ilene Rosenthal

  Ilene Rosenthal is the Owner and CEO of White Space Marketing Group, LLC—a career culmination of her experience in the marketing and advertising arena. Ilene’s extensive history as a hybrid marketing expert is the foundation for the proven, on-the-ground, in-market marketing strategy and planning for mid-market B2B and B2C companies.

  Ilene’s accomplishments span the healthcare, financial and tax services, building and manufacturing, human resources, and not-for-profit industries. Her brand resume includes Kraft Foods, AT&T, Merck, J&J, Pfizer/Warner-Lambert, SAP, American Home Products—among others. Ilene received a Bachelor of Arts in Government Studies from Clark University and an MBA in Marketing from New York University-Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

  ]]>I remember my days in corporate America and can say with conviction that nothing compares to the tactical training you receive in a large enterprise. Our guests today, Ilene Rosenthal, is an industry veteran who took her experience working at Young & Rubicam to carve out a niche consulting practice. Ilene now offers fractional CMO services through her agency, White Space Marketing.
  About Ilene Rosenthal

  Ilene Rosenthal is the Owner and CEO of White Space Marketing Group, LLC—a career culmination of her experience in the marketing and advertising arena. Ilene’s extensive history as a hybrid marketing expert is the foundation for the proven, on-the-ground, in-market marketing strategy and planning for mid-market B2B and B2C companies.

  Ilene’s accomplishments span the healthcare, financial and tax services, building and manufacturing, human resources, and not-for-profit industries. Her brand resume includes Kraft Foods, AT&T, Merck, J&J, Pfizer/Warner-Lambert, SAP, American Home Products—among others. Ilene received a Bachelor of Arts in Government Studies from Clark University and an MBA in Marketing from New York University-Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/580d282a-495b-30c1-802b-0172743ebb7fFri, 04 Dec 2020 21:14:12 -050030:42falsefull2828I remember my days in corporate America and can say with conviction that nothing compares to the tactical training you receive in a large enterprise. Our guests today, Ilene Rosenthal, is an industry veteran who took her experience working at Young & Rubicam to carve out a niche consulting practice. Ilene now offers fractional CMO services through her agency, White Space Marketing.About Ilene Rosenthal Ilene Rosenthal is the Owner and CEO of White Space Marketing Group, LLC—a career culmination of her experience in the marketing and advertising arena. Ilene’s extensive history as a hybrid marketing expert is the foundation for the proven, on-the-ground, in-market marketing strategy and planning for mid-market B2B and B2C companies. Ilene’s accomplishments span the healthcare, financial and tax services, building and manufacturing, human resources, and not-for-profit industries. Her brand resume includes Kraft Foods, AT&T, Merck, J&J, Pfizer/Warner-Lambert, SAP, American Home Products—among others. Ilene received a Bachelor of Arts in Government Studies from Clark University and an MBA in Marketing from New York University-Leonard N. Stern School of Business.User Generated Content Propels Bridal Sales OnlineI first reached out to today's guests in 2011, when she was the brand manager working on the Skinnygirl Shapewear collection. I've been following her ever since. Ranu Coleman now spearheads marketing for Azazie, the leading bridal apparel retailer, and one of the fastest growing apparel merchants online.

  About Ranu Coleman

  Ranu Coleman is a seasoned marketing and communications leader with deep experience in the retail/fashion space. She serves as the CMO of direct-to-consumer bridal and bridesmaid dress company Azazie and their sister company and new fast-fashion e-tail brand Blush Mark. These digitally native fashion brands focus on high-quality, size inclusive (0–30 & XS-3X) and affordable styles — marrying innovative technology with online shopping. She joined Azazie in February 2018, and since, has been leading the marketing team in implementing brand strategy, driving awareness of Azazie’s product offerings and engaging consumers with the brand to bring them into one of their most successful years yet.Prior to her work with Azazie, Coleman was a senior program manager consultant, store designer for Sephora, where she led the rollout of a new urban location prototype, Sephora Studio. She has held various marketing managerial positions at apparel brands, where she has negotiated and shepherded strategic partnerships with national brands including Nicole Miller, Skinnygirl by Bethany Frankel, Playboy, XOXO and Laura Ashley.Coleman began her career as a brand manager for Earthbound LLC and received her bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Irvine and professional designation program-visual communications degree from Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). Ranu Coleman is married with two children and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

  ]]>I first reached out to today's guests in 2011, when she was the brand manager working on the Skinnygirl Shapewear collection. I've been following her ever since. Ranu Coleman now spearheads marketing for Azazie, the leading bridal apparel retailer, and one of the fastest growing apparel merchants online.

  About Ranu Coleman

  Ranu Coleman is a seasoned marketing and communications leader with deep experience in the retail/fashion space. She serves as the CMO of direct-to-consumer bridal and bridesmaid dress company Azazie and their sister company and new fast-fashion e-tail brand Blush Mark. These digitally native fashion brands focus on high-quality, size inclusive (0–30 & XS-3X) and affordable styles — marrying innovative technology with online shopping. She joined Azazie in February 2018, and since, has been leading the marketing team in implementing brand strategy, driving awareness of Azazie’s product offerings and engaging consumers with the brand to bring them into one of their most successful years yet.Prior to her work with Azazie, Coleman was a senior program manager consultant, store designer for Sephora, where she led the rollout of a new urban location prototype, Sephora Studio. She has held various marketing managerial positions at apparel brands, where she has negotiated and shepherded strategic partnerships with national brands including Nicole Miller, Skinnygirl by Bethany Frankel, Playboy, XOXO and Laura Ashley.Coleman began her career as a brand manager for Earthbound LLC and received her bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Irvine and professional designation program-visual communications degree from Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). Ranu Coleman is married with two children and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/b71b7f77-603c-3367-8599-1e485c7f13bcThu, 19 Nov 2020 16:28:18 -050017:43falsefull2727I first reached out to today's guests in 2011, when she was the brand manager working on the Skinnygirl Shapewear collection. I've been following her ever since. Ranu Coleman now spearheads marketing for Azazie, the leading bridal apparel retailer, and one of the fastest growing apparel merchants online.About Ranu ColemanRanu Coleman is a seasoned marketing and communications leader with deep experience in the retail/fashion space. She serves as the CMO of direct-to-consumer bridal and bridesmaid dress company Azazie and their sister company and new fast-fashion e-tail brand Blush Mark. These digitally native fashion brands focus on high-quality, size inclusive (0–30 & XS-3X) and affordable styles — marrying innovative technology with online shopping. She joined Azazie in February 2018, and since, has been leading the marketing team in implementing brand strategy, driving awareness of Azazie’s product offerings and engaging consumers with the brand to bring them into one of their most successful years yet.Prior to her work with Azazie, Coleman was a senior program manager consultant, store designer for Sephora, where she led the rollout of a new urban location prototype, Sephora Studio. She has held various marketing managerial positions at apparel brands, where she has negotiated and shepherded strategic partnerships with national brands including Nicole Miller, Skinnygirl by Bethany Frankel, Playboy, XOXO and Laura Ashley.Coleman began her career as a brand manager for Earthbound LLC and received her bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Irvine and professional designation program-visual communications degree from Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). Ranu Coleman is married with two children and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.CEO Spreads Joy to Hospitalized Children Through Activity Kits

  They say necessity is the mother of invention and today's guest is the perfect example. Shalini Shamtani is the founder of Open the Joy, which partners with Spread the Joy Foundation aims to brighten up the lives of kids who are hospitalized and fighting major pediatric illnesses.

  Although Shalini Samtani has a diverse background in law, real estate and interior design- her true passion lies in bringing joy to hospitalized children.

  Through her youngest child’s repeated hospitalization, she experienced first hand the toll that childhood diseases have on children and their caregivers. As CEO of Open the Joy and as the President of the Spread The Joy Foundation, her mission is to change the perception and dialogue about childhood diseases to a more positive, joyful and purposeful one.

  ]]>

  They say necessity is the mother of invention and today's guest is the perfect example. Shalini Shamtani is the founder of Open the Joy, which partners with Spread the Joy Foundation aims to brighten up the lives of kids who are hospitalized and fighting major pediatric illnesses.

  Although Shalini Samtani has a diverse background in law, real estate and interior design- her true passion lies in bringing joy to hospitalized children.

  Through her youngest child’s repeated hospitalization, she experienced first hand the toll that childhood diseases have on children and their caregivers. As CEO of Open the Joy and as the President of the Spread The Joy Foundation, her mission is to change the perception and dialogue about childhood diseases to a more positive, joyful and purposeful one.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/8383fbd9-66ea-3ee1-a6d4-bcf0c48efabfWed, 11 Nov 2020 23:44:16 -050025:35falsefull2626They say necessity is the mother of invention and today's guest is the perfect example. Shalini Shamtani is the founder of Open the Joy, which partners with Spread the Joy Foundation aims to brighten up the lives of kids who are hospitalized and fighting major pediatric illnesses. Although Shalini Samtani has a diverse background in law, real estate and interior design- her true passion lies in bringing joy to hospitalized children. Through her youngest child’s repeated hospitalization, she experienced first hand the toll that childhood diseases have on children and their caregivers. As CEO of Open the Joy and as the President of the Spread The Joy Foundation, her mission is to change the perception and dialogue about childhood diseases to a more positive, joyful and purposeful one.How Influencers Helped Launch a Plant-Based Meal Delivery ServiceJoining us today is Monica Klausner, co-founder of Veestro, the premier plant-based meal delivery services company. Born and raised in Costa Rica and now pioneer in both vegan and subscription-based spaces, we're thrilled to have Monica with us on the show today.

  In this episode learn about how this plant based business got its start as a brother and sister team and how growing up in Costa Rica shaped the business. Family dynamics are interesting in any business.

  Veestro has a number of different plan options with a variety of meals catering to different lifestyles. Monica talks about choosing a la carte options or their chefs choice. You'll also want to find out which of their meals is a customer favorite.

  Sherri asks the tough questions like, why are meal delivery service businesses so hard? Frozen foods pose a number of challenges for the food delivery business that Monica helps us understand.

  Coming up with food ideas means partnering with the right culinary expert and Monica explains how they found their chef.

  You won't want to miss Monica's advice to entrepreneurs or startups seeking to take their business to the next level. From customer acquisition to how they launched the business with influencers there is so much to learn from Monica at Veestro. 

  Get the full transcript at https://babbleboxx.com/podcast/.

   

   

   

  About Veestro

  Mark and Monica had grown up in Costa Rica, where fresh, home-cooked meals with tons of vegetables and fruit were the daily normal. It’s also where that happy, healthy outlook called pura vida was a way of life.

  Now, Mark and Monica are bringing some of that pura vida to modern American life. Veestro is about what feeds us, body and soul—delicious, organic, healthy, sustainable, from plants. And it’s fully prepared for any time we need to eat it. Mark and Monica like to think of Veestro as pura vida, right to your doorstep. And feeding your happy makes them very happy.  

   

   

  ]]>Joining us today is Monica Klausner, co-founder of Veestro, the premier plant-based meal delivery services company. Born and raised in Costa Rica and now pioneer in both vegan and subscription-based spaces, we're thrilled to have Monica with us on the show today.

  In this episode learn about how this plant based business got its start as a brother and sister team and how growing up in Costa Rica shaped the business. Family dynamics are interesting in any business.

  Veestro has a number of different plan options with a variety of meals catering to different lifestyles. Monica talks about choosing a la carte options or their chefs choice. You'll also want to find out which of their meals is a customer favorite.

  Sherri asks the tough questions like, why are meal delivery service businesses so hard? Frozen foods pose a number of challenges for the food delivery business that Monica helps us understand.

  Coming up with food ideas means partnering with the right culinary expert and Monica explains how they found their chef.

  You won't want to miss Monica's advice to entrepreneurs or startups seeking to take their business to the next level. From customer acquisition to how they launched the business with influencers there is so much to learn from Monica at Veestro. 

  Get the full transcript at https://babbleboxx.com/podcast/.

   

   

   

  About Veestro

  Mark and Monica had grown up in Costa Rica, where fresh, home-cooked meals with tons of vegetables and fruit were the daily normal. It’s also where that happy, healthy outlook called pura vida was a way of life.

  Now, Mark and Monica are bringing some of that pura vida to modern American life. Veestro is about what feeds us, body and soul—delicious, organic, healthy, sustainable, from plants. And it’s fully prepared for any time we need to eat it. Mark and Monica like to think of Veestro as pura vida, right to your doorstep. And feeding your happy makes them very happy.  

   

   

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/46b3db1b-ea89-3978-84ee-b98e029f59a5Fri, 16 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -050022:55falsefull2525Joining us today is Monica Klausner, co-founder of Veestro, the premier plant-based meal delivery services company. Born and raised in Costa Rica and now pioneer in both vegan and subscription-based spaces, we're thrilled to have Monica with us on the show today.In this episode learn about how this plant based business got its start as a brother and sister team and how growing up in Costa Rica shaped the business. Family dynamics are interesting in any business.Veestro has a number of different plan options with a variety of meals catering to different lifestyles. Monica talks about choosing a la carte options or their chefs choice. You'll also want to find out which of their meals is a customer favorite.Sherri asks the tough questions like, why are meal delivery service businesses so hard? Frozen foods pose a number of challenges for the food delivery business that Monica helps us understand.Coming up with food ideas means partnering with the right culinary expert and Monica explains how they found their chef.You won't want to miss Monica's advice to entrepreneurs or startups seeking to take their business to the next level. From customer acquisition to how they launched the business with influencers there is so much to learn from Monica at Veestro. Get the full transcript at https://babbleboxx.com/podcast/.   About VeestroMark and Monica had grown up in Costa Rica, where fresh, home-cooked meals with tons of vegetables and fruit were the daily normal. It’s also where that happy, healthy outlook called pura vida was a way of life.Now, Mark and Monica are bringing some of that pura vida to modern American life. Veestro is about what feeds us, body and soul—delicious, organic, healthy, sustainable, from plants. And it’s fully prepared for any time we need to eat it. Mark and Monica like to think of Veestro as pura vida, right to your doorstep. And feeding your happy makes them very happy.    Lovebeon Creates a Buzz in the Natural Foods Market (with Avi Markus)If you're in need of a pick me up, today's guest will come to the rescue with his personality and product. Avi Markus is the president of BeOn Energy Gems. Dark chocolate energy supplements, packed with caffeine so you can skip those runs to Starbucks.

  Listen in to hear how Avi first got involved with the natural foods space and the other ventures he's been involved with. Avi shares his most challenging and rewarding parts of being an entrepreneur. 

  From there we dive into the BeOn product line and how things have shifted in a post COVID world from retail to eCommerce. 

  Avi then shares his thoughts on what its like being a food marketer that does work in the US but is based in Canada.

  It's interesting to hear his thoughts around influencer marketing and the natural foods industry from his experience and what others should consider.

  ]]>If you're in need of a pick me up, today's guest will come to the rescue with his personality and product. Avi Markus is the president of BeOn Energy Gems. Dark chocolate energy supplements, packed with caffeine so you can skip those runs to Starbucks.

  Listen in to hear how Avi first got involved with the natural foods space and the other ventures he's been involved with. Avi shares his most challenging and rewarding parts of being an entrepreneur. 

  From there we dive into the BeOn product line and how things have shifted in a post COVID world from retail to eCommerce. 

  Avi then shares his thoughts on what its like being a food marketer that does work in the US but is based in Canada.

  It's interesting to hear his thoughts around influencer marketing and the natural foods industry from his experience and what others should consider.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/2f9d68c5-c533-3428-9a8f-95d27026f2e7Thu, 24 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -050022:23falsefull2424If you're in need of a pick me up, today's guest will come to the rescue with his personality and product. Avi Markus is the president of BeOn Energy Gems. Dark chocolate energy supplements, packed with caffeine so you can skip those runs to Starbucks.Listen in to hear how Avi first got involved with the natural foods space and the other ventures he's been involved with. Avi shares his most challenging and rewarding parts of being an entrepreneur. From there we dive into the BeOn product line and how things have shifted in a post COVID world from retail to eCommerce. Avi then shares his thoughts on what its like being a food marketer that does work in the US but is based in Canada.It's interesting to hear his thoughts around influencer marketing and the natural foods industry from his experience and what others should consider.How Event Planning is Changing in a Virtual World

  The events business has been hit one of the hardest since the pandemic started. To shed some perspective on the industry and how it's changing, I invited Cheryl Gentry from Glow Global Events to join us.

  Cheryl Gentry is the Founder and CEO of Glow Global Events.  Named 2019 and 2018 Top People in Events by Bizbash, 2017 Top Influential Women in Meetings and 2017 Brava Award Winner Top Female CEO by SmartCEO Magazine.   In addition to being a leader in the $40-billion event industry , Cheryl is a strategic entrepreneur constantly seeking out innovative opportunities. 

  Gentry has been a role model and prominent voice on entrepreneurship. Serving on the boards of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and the Kigali Reading Center in Rwanda.  Gentry was inducted into the YWCA/New York City Top Women Executives, received the Howard University Alumni Association Golden Bison Award, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Outstanding Achievement Award to name a few. She's been featured in O, the Oprah Magazine, Black Enterprise, Huffington Post among others.

  Managing a global agency, Gentry travels extensively.  She journeyed to Cuba on a humanitarian mission, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in 5 days, skydived from 10,000 feet, trekked alongside silverback gorillas in Rwanda, walked with lions in South Africa and swam with dolphins in Mexico.

  Glow Global Events, is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise (W/MBE).About Glow Global EventsGlow Global Events, recently ranked No.145 on Inc. 5000, Fastest Growing Companies in America list, is a New York-based, full-service agency specializing in dynamic, purpose-driven events.  Over the course of more than 20 years, the agency has successfully coordinated meetings, conferences, galas, outdoor events, and other special productions in the U.S., Asia, Africa, and Europe.  Glow Global serves a mix of brands, nonprofits, A-list celebrities and organization including Allianz, Shiseido,  FIFA, PGA and United Way of New York City.

  ]]>

  The events business has been hit one of the hardest since the pandemic started. To shed some perspective on the industry and how it's changing, I invited Cheryl Gentry from Glow Global Events to join us.

  Cheryl Gentry is the Founder and CEO of Glow Global Events.  Named 2019 and 2018 Top People in Events by Bizbash, 2017 Top Influential Women in Meetings and 2017 Brava Award Winner Top Female CEO by SmartCEO Magazine.   In addition to being a leader in the $40-billion event industry , Cheryl is a strategic entrepreneur constantly seeking out innovative opportunities. 

  Gentry has been a role model and prominent voice on entrepreneurship. Serving on the boards of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and the Kigali Reading Center in Rwanda.  Gentry was inducted into the YWCA/New York City Top Women Executives, received the Howard University Alumni Association Golden Bison Award, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Outstanding Achievement Award to name a few. She's been featured in O, the Oprah Magazine, Black Enterprise, Huffington Post among others.

  Managing a global agency, Gentry travels extensively.  She journeyed to Cuba on a humanitarian mission, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in 5 days, skydived from 10,000 feet, trekked alongside silverback gorillas in Rwanda, walked with lions in South Africa and swam with dolphins in Mexico.

  Glow Global Events, is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise (W/MBE).About Glow Global EventsGlow Global Events, recently ranked No.145 on Inc. 5000, Fastest Growing Companies in America list, is a New York-based, full-service agency specializing in dynamic, purpose-driven events.  Over the course of more than 20 years, the agency has successfully coordinated meetings, conferences, galas, outdoor events, and other special productions in the U.S., Asia, Africa, and Europe.  Glow Global serves a mix of brands, nonprofits, A-list celebrities and organization including Allianz, Shiseido,  FIFA, PGA and United Way of New York City.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/1485ca79-088a-3d1d-887c-ce2dbfbc7866Thu, 03 Sep 2020 13:41:32 -050032:25falsefull2323The events business has been hit one of the hardest since the pandemic started. To shed some perspective on the industry and how it's changing, I invited Cheryl Gentry from Glow Global Events to join us. Cheryl Gentry is the Founder and CEO of Glow Global Events.  Named 2019 and 2018 Top People in Events by Bizbash, 2017 Top Influential Women in Meetings and 2017 Brava Award Winner Top Female CEO by SmartCEO Magazine.   In addition to being a leader in the $40-billion event industry , Cheryl is a strategic entrepreneur constantly seeking out innovative opportunities. Gentry has been a role model and prominent voice on entrepreneurship. Serving on the boards of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and the Kigali Reading Center in Rwanda.  Gentry was inducted into the YWCA/New York City Top Women Executives, received the Howard University Alumni Association Golden Bison Award, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Outstanding Achievement Award to name a few. She's been featured in O, the Oprah Magazine, Black Enterprise, Huffington Post among others.Managing a global agency, Gentry travels extensively.  She journeyed to Cuba on a humanitarian mission, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in 5 days, skydived from 10,000 feet, trekked alongside silverback gorillas in Rwanda, walked with lions in South Africa and swam with dolphins in Mexico.Glow Global Events, is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise (W/MBE).About Glow Global EventsGlow Global Events, recently ranked No.145 on Inc. 5000, Fastest Growing Companies in America list, is a New York-based, full-service agency specializing in dynamic, purpose-driven events.  Over the course of more than 20 years, the agency has successfully coordinated meetings, conferences, galas, outdoor events, and other special productions in the U.S., Asia, Africa, and Europe.  Glow Global serves a mix of brands, nonprofits, A-list celebrities and organization including Allianz, Shiseido,  FIFA, PGA and United Way of New York City.Launching A Company During a Pandemic Isn't All Fun and GamesSo much has happened since I saw today's guest at Toy Fair 2020. I'm excited to have Rachel Griffin, founder of PlayWise Partners join us to share her industry insights and what it's like to start a business amidst a pandemic.

  We discuss here latest venture, Playwise Partners and her advice to people looking to branch out on their own. 

  Rachel tells us she got into the toy industry as a fluke when she landed a job working for the creator of the Power Rangers.

  Most recently Rachel participated in Sweet Suite, tune in to find out what her experience is like and the benefits of virtual conferences.  We also discuss how to stay top of mind with influencers during these challenging times.

   

   

  ]]>So much has happened since I saw today's guest at Toy Fair 2020. I'm excited to have Rachel Griffin, founder of PlayWise Partners join us to share her industry insights and what it's like to start a business amidst a pandemic.

  We discuss here latest venture, Playwise Partners and her advice to people looking to branch out on their own. 

  Rachel tells us she got into the toy industry as a fluke when she landed a job working for the creator of the Power Rangers.

  Most recently Rachel participated in Sweet Suite, tune in to find out what her experience is like and the benefits of virtual conferences.  We also discuss how to stay top of mind with influencers during these challenging times.

   

   

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/970c0afa-f7e2-3aa7-b13a-1b637f6c3e4eThu, 13 Aug 2020 20:50:00 -050029:26falsefull2222So much has happened since I saw today's guest at Toy Fair 2020. I'm excited to have Rachel Griffin, founder of PlayWise Partners join us to share her industry insights and what it's like to start a business amidst a pandemic.We discuss here latest venture, Playwise Partners and her advice to people looking to branch out on their own. Rachel tells us she got into the toy industry as a fluke when she landed a job working for the creator of the Power Rangers.Most recently Rachel participated in Sweet Suite, tune in to find out what her experience is like and the benefits of virtual conferences.  We also discuss how to stay top of mind with influencers during these challenging times.  How to Get Started with Homeschooling featuring Issa MasI met today's guests back in 2013 at BlogHer and she is a pioneer in our space. I'm so pleased to welcome Issa Mas, award-winning writer, influencer, and homeschooling expert who will be sharing her insights on this topic, which I'm sure is top of mind for many parents right now.

   

  From her start as a single mom blogger in New York City to winning a Blogher award, Issa is accomplished writer with a lot of information to offer.  She leverages the power of social media, particularly Facebook groups where she founded a Keto group.  

   

  Issa doesn't necessarily consider herself an influencer but she definitely knows what she's good at. She tells us how it's important to be both honest and authentic. 

   

  If you're curious about what it's like to be a single mom in New York City during these challenging times you won't want to miss this episode of Beyond the Boxx. From her own experiences homeschooling her child, Homeschool Starter Set was born. 

   

  Visit https://babbleboxx.com for more influencer marketing insights.

  ]]>I met today's guests back in 2013 at BlogHer and she is a pioneer in our space. I'm so pleased to welcome Issa Mas, award-winning writer, influencer, and homeschooling expert who will be sharing her insights on this topic, which I'm sure is top of mind for many parents right now.

   

  From her start as a single mom blogger in New York City to winning a Blogher award, Issa is accomplished writer with a lot of information to offer.  She leverages the power of social media, particularly Facebook groups where she founded a Keto group.  

   

  Issa doesn't necessarily consider herself an influencer but she definitely knows what she's good at. She tells us how it's important to be both honest and authentic. 

   

  If you're curious about what it's like to be a single mom in New York City during these challenging times you won't want to miss this episode of Beyond the Boxx. From her own experiences homeschooling her child, Homeschool Starter Set was born. 

   

  Visit https://babbleboxx.com for more influencer marketing insights.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/0fa0d759-b229-3da1-8c15-07eef0d381ebThu, 30 Jul 2020 16:39:25 -050029:28falsefull2121I met today's guests back in 2013 at BlogHer and she is a pioneer in our space. I'm so pleased to welcome Issa Mas, award-winning writer, influencer, and homeschooling expert who will be sharing her insights on this topic, which I'm sure is top of mind for many parents right now. From her start as a single mom blogger in New York City to winning a Blogher award, Issa is accomplished writer with a lot of information to offer.  She leverages the power of social media, particularly Facebook groups where she founded a Keto group.   Issa doesn't necessarily consider herself an influencer but she definitely knows what she's good at. She tells us how it's important to be both honest and authentic.  If you're curious about what it's like to be a single mom in New York City during these challenging times you won't want to miss this episode of Beyond the Boxx. From her own experiences homeschooling her child, Homeschool Starter Set was born.  Visit https://babbleboxx.com for more influencer marketing insights.Match.com Falls in Love with Influencer MarketingIn the world of online dating, Amy Canaday is a PR and marketing pioneer. I know from firsthand experience that Amy is a risk taker who always thinks outside the box. 

  This episode of Beyond the Boxx explores the rich history of Match.com, its portfolio of companies and it's love for influencer marketing. You'll also hear how love wins even during a pandemic and how Match.com and its users have embraced video for virtual dating.

   

  ]]>In the world of online dating, Amy Canaday is a PR and marketing pioneer. I know from firsthand experience that Amy is a risk taker who always thinks outside the box. 

  This episode of Beyond the Boxx explores the rich history of Match.com, its portfolio of companies and it's love for influencer marketing. You'll also hear how love wins even during a pandemic and how Match.com and its users have embraced video for virtual dating.

   

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/1457dc75-8540-55a8-95ec-8199b883dd85Thu, 25 Jun 2020 11:00:00 -050018:57falsefull2020In the world of online dating, Amy Canaday is a PR and marketing pioneer. I know from firsthand experience that Amy is a risk taker who always thinks outside the box. This episode of Beyond the Boxx explores the rich history of Match.com, its portfolio of companies and it's love for influencer marketing. You'll also hear how love wins even during a pandemic and how Match.com and its users have embraced video for virtual dating. Miss Megan's Kindergarten Camp Influences Thousands of Parents and Children 

  If you' haven't heard of Miss Megan, she stepped onto the scene at the onset of the COVID pandemic and is now delighting and comforting thousands of children and parents around the world.

   

  You can join Miss Megan's Kindergarten Camp by joining her Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/510772009639053/

   

  Miss Megan is a former kindergarten teacher and current preschool assistant, who wanted to help add routine to In this time of uncertainty and little structure. She goes live on Facebook regularly with her morning meetings to get your 3-7 year old’s day started! We will do calendar, counting, days of the week, months of the year, weather, morning message, letter(s) of the day, some guitar playing, and it all ends with a book being read.

   

  ]]> 

  If you' haven't heard of Miss Megan, she stepped onto the scene at the onset of the COVID pandemic and is now delighting and comforting thousands of children and parents around the world.

   

  You can join Miss Megan's Kindergarten Camp by joining her Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/510772009639053/

   

  Miss Megan is a former kindergarten teacher and current preschool assistant, who wanted to help add routine to In this time of uncertainty and little structure. She goes live on Facebook regularly with her morning meetings to get your 3-7 year old’s day started! We will do calendar, counting, days of the week, months of the year, weather, morning message, letter(s) of the day, some guitar playing, and it all ends with a book being read.

   

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/93bb5aa8-b659-53f4-9c7e-1e1f670a7661Thu, 11 Jun 2020 13:43:04 -050024:18falsefull1919 If you' haven't heard of Miss Megan, she stepped onto the scene at the onset of the COVID pandemic and is now delighting and comforting thousands of children and parents around the world. You can join Miss Megan's Kindergarten Camp by joining her Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/510772009639053/ Miss Megan is a former kindergarten teacher and current preschool assistant, who wanted to help add routine to In this time of uncertainty and little structure. She goes live on Facebook regularly with her morning meetings to get your 3-7 year old’s day started! We will do calendar, counting, days of the week, months of the year, weather, morning message, letter(s) of the day, some guitar playing, and it all ends with a book being read. Erin's Faces: From Startup to Cult Beauty BrandToday's guest is a musical theater performer turned makeup artist, and now CEO of the clean and green cosmetic line, Erin's Faces. Erin is not only all hustle, she's all heart, and I'm delighted to have her join us. 

  We discuss how Erin went from being a makeup artist to the CEO of the cult beauty brand. I learned it wasn't without flaws. From packaging her products to learning the best way to fill a bottle there was lots to do and she was on her own at the very beginning. There was even the time Erin had to call her Dad for advice to deal with an overstock issue after a deal went south.

  Don't know what clean green beauty is? Erin gives us all a primer on The challenge is there aren't any regulations on clean and green beauty so many brands can make claims. For Erin, it's about using plant based ingredients to avoid potentially toxic chemicals that may be harmful. In the early days it was difficult because even if clean beauty products existed they didn't hold up quite as well on the red carpet.

  Early on Erin recognized her strengths and rather than try to figure things out at home, her first products all went to the lab for forumulation and testing. When asked if Erin remembered her first sale she recounts a story of returning to her home in Texas to host a party for friends and family to sell $2000 in product to buy a new laptop.

  The beauty industry comes with it's own set of challenges that led Erin to question if she was "too heavy" to run a beauty company. Influencers also have their own set of standards when it comes the types of products they will use in the clean and green beauty products. 

  From humble beginnings to a blowout during Black Friday Sale, you'll want to hear more about his incredible startup story in the beauty industry. It didn't happen over night and influencer marketing plays a part of their authentic social media strategy you can follow on their Instagram page https://instagram.com/erinsfaces.

   

   

   

  ]]>Today's guest is a musical theater performer turned makeup artist, and now CEO of the clean and green cosmetic line, Erin's Faces. Erin is not only all hustle, she's all heart, and I'm delighted to have her join us. 

  We discuss how Erin went from being a makeup artist to the CEO of the cult beauty brand. I learned it wasn't without flaws. From packaging her products to learning the best way to fill a bottle there was lots to do and she was on her own at the very beginning. There was even the time Erin had to call her Dad for advice to deal with an overstock issue after a deal went south.

  Don't know what clean green beauty is? Erin gives us all a primer on The challenge is there aren't any regulations on clean and green beauty so many brands can make claims. For Erin, it's about using plant based ingredients to avoid potentially toxic chemicals that may be harmful. In the early days it was difficult because even if clean beauty products existed they didn't hold up quite as well on the red carpet.

  Early on Erin recognized her strengths and rather than try to figure things out at home, her first products all went to the lab for forumulation and testing. When asked if Erin remembered her first sale she recounts a story of returning to her home in Texas to host a party for friends and family to sell $2000 in product to buy a new laptop.

  The beauty industry comes with it's own set of challenges that led Erin to question if she was "too heavy" to run a beauty company. Influencers also have their own set of standards when it comes the types of products they will use in the clean and green beauty products. 

  From humble beginnings to a blowout during Black Friday Sale, you'll want to hear more about his incredible startup story in the beauty industry. It didn't happen over night and influencer marketing plays a part of their authentic social media strategy you can follow on their Instagram page https://instagram.com/erinsfaces.

   

   

   

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/d263b45e-e04f-5788-9c59-721c260587bdThu, 04 Jun 2020 11:00:00 -050034:21falsefull1818Today's guest is a musical theater performer turned makeup artist, and now CEO of the clean and green cosmetic line, Erin's Faces. Erin is not only all hustle, she's all heart, and I'm delighted to have her join us. We discuss how Erin went from being a makeup artist to the CEO of the cult beauty brand. I learned it wasn't without flaws. From packaging her products to learning the best way to fill a bottle there was lots to do and she was on her own at the very beginning. There was even the time Erin had to call her Dad for advice to deal with an overstock issue after a deal went south.Don't know what clean green beauty is? Erin gives us all a primer on The challenge is there aren't any regulations on clean and green beauty so many brands can make claims. For Erin, it's about using plant based ingredients to avoid potentially toxic chemicals that may be harmful. In the early days it was difficult because even if clean beauty products existed they didn't hold up quite as well on the red carpet.Early on Erin recognized her strengths and rather than try to figure things out at home, her first products all went to the lab for forumulation and testing. When asked if Erin remembered her first sale she recounts a story of returning to her home in Texas to host a party for friends and family to sell $2000 in product to buy a new laptop.The beauty industry comes with it's own set of challenges that led Erin to question if she was "too heavy" to run a beauty company. Influencers also have their own set of standards when it comes the types of products they will use in the clean and green beauty products. From humble beginnings to a blowout during Black Friday Sale, you'll want to hear more about his incredible startup story in the beauty industry. It didn't happen over night and influencer marketing plays a part of their authentic social media strategy you can follow on their Instagram page https://instagram.com/erinsfaces.   Spin Master Toys: Masters Influencer MarketingToday's guest, Brock McLaughlin hails from Toronto, Canada. In his spare time, Brock is a social media influencer, but for full-time, he's a digital marketing manager at Spin Master, one of the leading toy manufacturers.

  First we dig into Brock's later ego as Brockstar Gaming and what lured him into social media. Then we discuss his role at Spin Master Toys. Brock does a lot of different things with different brands that fall under his umbrella. From Batman to Bakugan, the Fugglers and more, we hear how much Brock really loves what he does.

  It was important to discuss how their marketing efforts shifted during the current health crisis. For many of us we know, it's not all about selling right now. Parents and children are interacting with brands differently now. We hear some great examples of what's working for Spin Master Toys.

  Listen in to the full episode to find out how Brock and Spin Master Toys are leveraging influencers to make an impact.

  Uncover more influencer marketing secrets and complete transcripts of the episode at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com.

   

  ]]>Today's guest, Brock McLaughlin hails from Toronto, Canada. In his spare time, Brock is a social media influencer, but for full-time, he's a digital marketing manager at Spin Master, one of the leading toy manufacturers.

  First we dig into Brock's later ego as Brockstar Gaming and what lured him into social media. Then we discuss his role at Spin Master Toys. Brock does a lot of different things with different brands that fall under his umbrella. From Batman to Bakugan, the Fugglers and more, we hear how much Brock really loves what he does.

  It was important to discuss how their marketing efforts shifted during the current health crisis. For many of us we know, it's not all about selling right now. Parents and children are interacting with brands differently now. We hear some great examples of what's working for Spin Master Toys.

  Listen in to the full episode to find out how Brock and Spin Master Toys are leveraging influencers to make an impact.

  Uncover more influencer marketing secrets and complete transcripts of the episode at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com.

   

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/e941ce80-0eee-504f-b33a-9bea3d68d7a7Thu, 28 May 2020 11:00:00 -050025:13falsefull1717Today's guest, Brock McLaughlin hails from Toronto, Canada. In his spare time, Brock is a social media influencer, but for full-time, he's a digital marketing manager at Spin Master, one of the leading toy manufacturers.First we dig into Brock's later ego as Brockstar Gaming and what lured him into social media. Then we discuss his role at Spin Master Toys. Brock does a lot of different things with different brands that fall under his umbrella. From Batman to Bakugan, the Fugglers and more, we hear how much Brock really loves what he does.It was important to discuss how their marketing efforts shifted during the current health crisis. For many of us we know, it's not all about selling right now. Parents and children are interacting with brands differently now. We hear some great examples of what's working for Spin Master Toys.Listen in to the full episode to find out how Brock and Spin Master Toys are leveraging influencers to make an impact.Uncover more influencer marketing secrets and complete transcripts of the episode at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com. Western Digital Embraces Influencer Marketing GloballyIn a world that is increasingly digitized, data storage, backups, hard disk, cloud storage, devices have become terms and language of necessity. Our guest today, from Western Digital, is Heather Davis, who's going to share with us how influencer marketers not only need and use their products, but how Western Digital itself has embraced influencer marketing as part of their overall marketing process.

   

  About Heather Davis Leader of Corporate Communications at Western Digital

   

  A 20-plus year veteran of the Public Relations industry, Heather Davis is a seasoned professional who has been with tech storage giant Western Digital for the past 13 years. She leads the development and implementation of strategic and comprehensive PR plans that integrate traditional and social media tactics both globally and in the Americas. In her time at Western Digital, Heather has driven PR campaigns for several consumer tech products from enterprise to smart video, and also launched the company’s first-ever gaming brand, WD_Black. It was with WD_Black that she formally launched the Global Influencer program for Western Digital, an initiative that spans across multiple digital platforms including Twitch and YouTube, and which Heather continues to spearhead.

   

  Born and raised in Orange County, CA, Heather now lives in a sleepy beach town (Cardiff-by-the-Sea) in San Diego County, CA with her husband and their two dogs, Boomer and Emma.  She practices Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, and in her spare time, runs Cardiff Sweets, a small-batch custom cookie business. 

  Get the complete transcript at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com

   

  ]]>In a world that is increasingly digitized, data storage, backups, hard disk, cloud storage, devices have become terms and language of necessity. Our guest today, from Western Digital, is Heather Davis, who's going to share with us how influencer marketers not only need and use their products, but how Western Digital itself has embraced influencer marketing as part of their overall marketing process.

   

  About Heather Davis Leader of Corporate Communications at Western Digital

   

  A 20-plus year veteran of the Public Relations industry, Heather Davis is a seasoned professional who has been with tech storage giant Western Digital for the past 13 years. She leads the development and implementation of strategic and comprehensive PR plans that integrate traditional and social media tactics both globally and in the Americas. In her time at Western Digital, Heather has driven PR campaigns for several consumer tech products from enterprise to smart video, and also launched the company’s first-ever gaming brand, WD_Black. It was with WD_Black that she formally launched the Global Influencer program for Western Digital, an initiative that spans across multiple digital platforms including Twitch and YouTube, and which Heather continues to spearhead.

   

  Born and raised in Orange County, CA, Heather now lives in a sleepy beach town (Cardiff-by-the-Sea) in San Diego County, CA with her husband and their two dogs, Boomer and Emma.  She practices Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, and in her spare time, runs Cardiff Sweets, a small-batch custom cookie business. 

  Get the complete transcript at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com

   

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/0751337a-a21b-53ca-8e47-a7309ab4f2beThu, 26 Mar 2020 10:00:00 -050023:27falsefull1616In a world that is increasingly digitized, data storage, backups, hard disk, cloud storage, devices have become terms and language of necessity. Our guest today, from Western Digital, is Heather Davis, who's going to share with us how influencer marketers not only need and use their products, but how Western Digital itself has embraced influencer marketing as part of their overall marketing process. About Heather Davis Leader of Corporate Communications at Western Digital A 20-plus year veteran of the Public Relations industry, Heather Davis is a seasoned professional who has been with tech storage giant Western Digital for the past 13 years. She leads the development and implementation of strategic and comprehensive PR plans that integrate traditional and social media tactics both globally and in the Americas. In her time at Western Digital, Heather has driven PR campaigns for several consumer tech products from enterprise to smart video, and also launched the company’s first-ever gaming brand, WD_Black. It was with WD_Black that she formally launched the Global Influencer program for Western Digital, an initiative that spans across multiple digital platforms including Twitch and YouTube, and which Heather continues to spearhead. Born and raised in Orange County, CA, Heather now lives in a sleepy beach town (Cardiff-by-the-Sea) in San Diego County, CA with her husband and their two dogs, Boomer and Emma.  She practices Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, and in her spare time, runs Cardiff Sweets, a small-batch custom cookie business. Get the complete transcript at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com Insights on Events, Influencers & Affiliates with Shawn CollinsWe’re here today to talk about events and affiliate marketing, two topics where Shawn Collins, founder of Affiliate Summit is a pioneer and is here to share his insights.

  Shawn is Co-CEO of the Affiliate Summit, the leading industry conference for affiliate marketing, which regularly sells out and features the biggest names in performance marketing.

  He is also the Co-Editor-in-Chief of FeedFront Magazine and Founder of GeekCast.fm, a marketing podcast network where he hosts This is Affiliate Marketing.

  His book, ‘Successful Affiliate Marketing for Merchants‘ is the best selling book in the space, and it is considered to be required reading by affiliate managers. He wrote the Amazon best-selling book, Extra Money Answer, as well as Affiliate Manager Boot Camp: Recruiting, Educating, and Retaining Affiliates.

  Website: https://podcast.babbleboxx.com

  iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-boxx/id1481895725

  Spotity: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UVIN4zEpMmU8XmXNyNFQ0

  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beyond-the-boxx

  ]]>We’re here today to talk about events and affiliate marketing, two topics where Shawn Collins, founder of Affiliate Summit is a pioneer and is here to share his insights.

  Shawn is Co-CEO of the Affiliate Summit, the leading industry conference for affiliate marketing, which regularly sells out and features the biggest names in performance marketing.

  He is also the Co-Editor-in-Chief of FeedFront Magazine and Founder of GeekCast.fm, a marketing podcast network where he hosts This is Affiliate Marketing.

  His book, ‘Successful Affiliate Marketing for Merchants‘ is the best selling book in the space, and it is considered to be required reading by affiliate managers. He wrote the Amazon best-selling book, Extra Money Answer, as well as Affiliate Manager Boot Camp: Recruiting, Educating, and Retaining Affiliates.

  Website: https://podcast.babbleboxx.com

  iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-boxx/id1481895725

  Spotity: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UVIN4zEpMmU8XmXNyNFQ0

  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beyond-the-boxx

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/97dcb52c-5102-5154-b00b-3cb678070dd9Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:22:21 -050026:37falsefull1515We’re here today to talk about events and affiliate marketing, two topics where Shawn Collins, founder of Affiliate Summit is a pioneer and is here to share his insights.Shawn is Co-CEO of the Affiliate Summit, the leading industry conference for affiliate marketing, which regularly sells out and features the biggest names in performance marketing.He is also the Co-Editor-in-Chief of FeedFront Magazine and Founder of GeekCast.fm, a marketing podcast network where he hosts This is Affiliate Marketing.His book, ‘Successful Affiliate Marketing for Merchants‘ is the best selling book in the space, and it is considered to be required reading by affiliate managers. He wrote the Amazon best-selling book, Extra Money Answer, as well as Affiliate Manager Boot Camp: Recruiting, Educating, and Retaining Affiliates.Website: https://podcast.babbleboxx.comiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-boxx/id1481895725Spotity: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UVIN4zEpMmU8XmXNyNFQ0Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beyond-the-boxxHow to Create Integrated Campaigns with Long Term ValueShipt is a leading same-day delivery marketplace with personal shoppers who handpick and bring products you want right to your doorstep. We’re here today with Riley Cronin, Director of Influencer Marketing, who’s going to share some insights with us.

  Riley Cronin is a seasoned influencer marketing strategist who has built and managed Shipt’s aggressive influencer playbook to support rapid national expansion since 2015. Shipt was acquired by Target in Nov. of 2017 for $550M and continues to grow as a nationally recognized brand. Riley believes in a relationship-first approach and uses next-level connectors to create integrated campaigns with long-term value.

  Listen to Beyond the Boxx at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com

  Also available on these podcast platforms:

  Spotity: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UVIN4zEpMmU8XmXNyNFQ0

  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beyond-the-boxx

  ]]>Shipt is a leading same-day delivery marketplace with personal shoppers who handpick and bring products you want right to your doorstep. We’re here today with Riley Cronin, Director of Influencer Marketing, who’s going to share some insights with us.

  Riley Cronin is a seasoned influencer marketing strategist who has built and managed Shipt’s aggressive influencer playbook to support rapid national expansion since 2015. Shipt was acquired by Target in Nov. of 2017 for $550M and continues to grow as a nationally recognized brand. Riley believes in a relationship-first approach and uses next-level connectors to create integrated campaigns with long-term value.

  Listen to Beyond the Boxx at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com

  Also available on these podcast platforms:

  Spotity: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UVIN4zEpMmU8XmXNyNFQ0

  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beyond-the-boxx

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/0ea28fcf-468f-5001-a593-f7811d6a6438Thu, 05 Mar 2020 11:00:00 -050028:23falsefull1414Shipt is a leading same-day delivery marketplace with personal shoppers who handpick and bring products you want right to your doorstep. We’re here today with Riley Cronin, Director of Influencer Marketing, who’s going to share some insights with us.Riley Cronin is a seasoned influencer marketing strategist who has built and managed Shipt’s aggressive influencer playbook to support rapid national expansion since 2015. Shipt was acquired by Target in Nov. of 2017 for $550M and continues to grow as a nationally recognized brand. Riley believes in a relationship-first approach and uses next-level connectors to create integrated campaigns with long-term value.Listen to Beyond the Boxx at https://podcast.babbleboxx.comAlso available on these podcast platforms:Spotity: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UVIN4zEpMmU8XmXNyNFQ0Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beyond-the-boxxWorking With Celebrities to Change BehaviorIn the world of publishing content is key, particularly when it is celebrity focused. Today we're going to get the inside scoop from Lindsey Benoit on what it's like to work as a deputy editor in entertainment and partnerships.

  Lindsey Benoit O'Connell is the Deputy Editor of Entertainment at Thrive Global and the creator of Happily Imperfect Mama — a lifestyle brand celebrating the amazingly-messy and breathtakingly-chaotic aspects of motherhood. At Thrive, O’Connell is responsible for all of the celebrity and thought leader content; as well as booking and producing Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global Podcast and talent curation for WaitWhat's Meditative Story podcast.

  Prior to her role at Thrive, O'Connell was the Entertainment + Special Projects Director at Hearst booking covers, features, videos and online stories for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Redbook and Woman’s Day. She had worked on major initiatives like Vogue’s Fashion Rocks and Vanity Fair’s Movie’s Rock and launched a passion project while at Good Housekeeping — the GH Lab experiential store in the Mall of America with Amazon. She is an advocate for skin and cervical cancer —as a survivor of both — and speaks out about postpartum anxiety and depression awareness. She works in Soho and lives in Astoria, NY with her husband Brian and her adorable son, Hunter.

  ]]>In the world of publishing content is key, particularly when it is celebrity focused. Today we're going to get the inside scoop from Lindsey Benoit on what it's like to work as a deputy editor in entertainment and partnerships.

  Lindsey Benoit O'Connell is the Deputy Editor of Entertainment at Thrive Global and the creator of Happily Imperfect Mama — a lifestyle brand celebrating the amazingly-messy and breathtakingly-chaotic aspects of motherhood. At Thrive, O’Connell is responsible for all of the celebrity and thought leader content; as well as booking and producing Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global Podcast and talent curation for WaitWhat's Meditative Story podcast.

  Prior to her role at Thrive, O'Connell was the Entertainment + Special Projects Director at Hearst booking covers, features, videos and online stories for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Redbook and Woman’s Day. She had worked on major initiatives like Vogue’s Fashion Rocks and Vanity Fair’s Movie’s Rock and launched a passion project while at Good Housekeeping — the GH Lab experiential store in the Mall of America with Amazon. She is an advocate for skin and cervical cancer —as a survivor of both — and speaks out about postpartum anxiety and depression awareness. She works in Soho and lives in Astoria, NY with her husband Brian and her adorable son, Hunter.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/3735fea8-44a8-55b0-86e4-effe44373481Thu, 13 Feb 2020 11:00:00 -050036:16falsefull1313In the world of publishing content is key, particularly when it is celebrity focused. Today we're going to get the inside scoop from Lindsey Benoit on what it's like to work as a deputy editor in entertainment and partnerships.Lindsey Benoit O'Connell is the Deputy Editor of Entertainment at Thrive Global and the creator of Happily Imperfect Mama — a lifestyle brand celebrating the amazingly-messy and breathtakingly-chaotic aspects of motherhood. At Thrive, O’Connell is responsible for all of the celebrity and thought leader content; as well as booking and producing Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global Podcast and talent curation for WaitWhat's Meditative Story podcast.Prior to her role at Thrive, O'Connell was the Entertainment + Special Projects Director at Hearst booking covers, features, videos and online stories for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Redbook and Woman’s Day. She had worked on major initiatives like Vogue’s Fashion Rocks and Vanity Fair’s Movie’s Rock and launched a passion project while at Good Housekeeping — the GH Lab experiential store in the Mall of America with Amazon. She is an advocate for skin and cervical cancer —as a survivor of both — and speaks out about postpartum anxiety and depression awareness. She works in Soho and lives in Astoria, NY with her husband Brian and her adorable son, Hunter.Creating Content at Scale with Influencer MarketingIn the world of apparel and accessories, Sequential Brands is one of the largest scale licensing companies with an extensive portfolio of famous brands across multiple industries. And today's guest, Lauryn McLaughlin, seems to manage it all.

  On today's episode, your host Sherri Langburt goes on a deep dive going back to how Lauryn started as a digital assistant and what her journey was like in landing this role as the Senior Director of Marketing for Sequential Brands. Sherri also discusses her passion working for a brand and her time at Weight Watchers.

  Juggling a portfolio of brands like Lauryn does on a daily basis is no easy task. Sherri asks "How do you make sure you give every brand the love and attention they want? Or is it just defined by how big that brand is?"

  There are also the challenges of working with influencers in the beauty and fashion industries. From creating authenticity, clothes that fit and letting influencers choose their own clothes, things could get out of control! 

  Listen in at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com as we uncover Sequential Brands secrets to marketing success in this weeks episode.

  About Lauryn

  Lauryn McLaughlin is the Director of Marketing at Sequential Brands Group, which manages and license a diversified portfolio of consumer brands. Some of these brands includes JOE's, Ellen Tracy, William Rast, Gaiam, And 1, Caribbean Joe, Heelys, Avia, DVS, SPRI, the Franklin Mint, and Jessica Simpson. 

  She works within the fashion brands at Sequential, and communicates with a multitude of stakeholders, partners, media, and others, ensuring the brand guidelines and voice are aligned across all the different marketing initiatives. She strives to keep true to the brand and making it authentic, which is the Sequential value proposition. She is passionate about creatively forging emotional connections, which is why Lauryn feels she’s in her dream job. “Every day is different and I’m never bored."

  Lauryn earned her Bachelor of Arts and Political Science from Bucknell University, and resides in New York City.   

   

  ]]>In the world of apparel and accessories, Sequential Brands is one of the largest scale licensing companies with an extensive portfolio of famous brands across multiple industries. And today's guest, Lauryn McLaughlin, seems to manage it all.

  On today's episode, your host Sherri Langburt goes on a deep dive going back to how Lauryn started as a digital assistant and what her journey was like in landing this role as the Senior Director of Marketing for Sequential Brands. Sherri also discusses her passion working for a brand and her time at Weight Watchers.

  Juggling a portfolio of brands like Lauryn does on a daily basis is no easy task. Sherri asks "How do you make sure you give every brand the love and attention they want? Or is it just defined by how big that brand is?"

  There are also the challenges of working with influencers in the beauty and fashion industries. From creating authenticity, clothes that fit and letting influencers choose their own clothes, things could get out of control! 

  Listen in at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com as we uncover Sequential Brands secrets to marketing success in this weeks episode.

  About Lauryn

  Lauryn McLaughlin is the Director of Marketing at Sequential Brands Group, which manages and license a diversified portfolio of consumer brands. Some of these brands includes JOE's, Ellen Tracy, William Rast, Gaiam, And 1, Caribbean Joe, Heelys, Avia, DVS, SPRI, the Franklin Mint, and Jessica Simpson. 

  She works within the fashion brands at Sequential, and communicates with a multitude of stakeholders, partners, media, and others, ensuring the brand guidelines and voice are aligned across all the different marketing initiatives. She strives to keep true to the brand and making it authentic, which is the Sequential value proposition. She is passionate about creatively forging emotional connections, which is why Lauryn feels she’s in her dream job. “Every day is different and I’m never bored."

  Lauryn earned her Bachelor of Arts and Political Science from Bucknell University, and resides in New York City.   

   

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/757493f9-97f4-5872-a48c-6a073262b7ecThu, 30 Jan 2020 11:00:00 -050028:45falsefull1212In the world of apparel and accessories, Sequential Brands is one of the largest scale licensing companies with an extensive portfolio of famous brands across multiple industries. And today's guest, Lauryn McLaughlin, seems to manage it all.On today's episode, your host Sherri Langburt goes on a deep dive going back to how Lauryn started as a digital assistant and what her journey was like in landing this role as the Senior Director of Marketing for Sequential Brands. Sherri also discusses her passion working for a brand and her time at Weight Watchers.Juggling a portfolio of brands like Lauryn does on a daily basis is no easy task. Sherri asks "How do you make sure you give every brand the love and attention they want? Or is it just defined by how big that brand is?"There are also the challenges of working with influencers in the beauty and fashion industries. From creating authenticity, clothes that fit and letting influencers choose their own clothes, things could get out of control! Listen in at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com as we uncover Sequential Brands secrets to marketing success in this weeks episode.About LaurynLauryn McLaughlin is the Director of Marketing at Sequential Brands Group, which manages and license a diversified portfolio of consumer brands. Some of these brands includes JOE's, Ellen Tracy, William Rast, Gaiam, And 1, Caribbean Joe, Heelys, Avia, DVS, SPRI, the Franklin Mint, and Jessica Simpson. She works within the fashion brands at Sequential, and communicates with a multitude of stakeholders, partners, media, and others, ensuring the brand guidelines and voice are aligned across all the different marketing initiatives. She strives to keep true to the brand and making it authentic, which is the Sequential value proposition. She is passionate about creatively forging emotional connections, which is why Lauryn feels she’s in her dream job. “Every day is different and I’m never bored."Lauryn earned her Bachelor of Arts and Political Science from Bucknell University, and resides in New York City.    Influencers are Here to Stay in the Hospitality IndustryIt seems no industry or business sector is immune from the growing impact of influencer marketing. Our guest today, Kevin Scholl of Red Roof Inn can share with us the how the hospitality industry has been influenced and how Red Roof has sought to incorporate influencer marketing into its current and future planning.

  Everyone has a story to tell, finding the right way to tell is the challenge. Dead set on engaging an audience as a storyteller from a young age, Kevin had every intention of being a writer and director of bad movies but instead has found himself the Director of Digital Marketing for an international hotel brand.Early on in his attempts to have a "real job", Kevin discovered a simple idea that at the time did not seem so simple, technology would lead the way for the ultimate in instant communication and connection around the world and become a platform for storytelling with an audience greater than any medium before it.As marketing has shifted from single sided lectures to immersed conversation, the storyteller has found a home in leading the conversation for brands large and small.Kevin has spent his career becoming a subject matter expert in marketing, technology, project management, consumer relations, partnerships, content management, training, corporate communications and everything that falls in between.As the world evolves at a rapid pace around him, he attempts to keep up, always focused on his core, his roots, he is at heart, a storyteller.

  ]]>It seems no industry or business sector is immune from the growing impact of influencer marketing. Our guest today, Kevin Scholl of Red Roof Inn can share with us the how the hospitality industry has been influenced and how Red Roof has sought to incorporate influencer marketing into its current and future planning.

  Everyone has a story to tell, finding the right way to tell is the challenge. Dead set on engaging an audience as a storyteller from a young age, Kevin had every intention of being a writer and director of bad movies but instead has found himself the Director of Digital Marketing for an international hotel brand.Early on in his attempts to have a "real job", Kevin discovered a simple idea that at the time did not seem so simple, technology would lead the way for the ultimate in instant communication and connection around the world and become a platform for storytelling with an audience greater than any medium before it.As marketing has shifted from single sided lectures to immersed conversation, the storyteller has found a home in leading the conversation for brands large and small.Kevin has spent his career becoming a subject matter expert in marketing, technology, project management, consumer relations, partnerships, content management, training, corporate communications and everything that falls in between.As the world evolves at a rapid pace around him, he attempts to keep up, always focused on his core, his roots, he is at heart, a storyteller.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/influencers-are-here-to-stay-in-the-hospitality-industry-621fc300609cf5bc3dd9395d3010cafbThu, 19 Dec 2019 11:55:00 -050031:32falsefull1111It seems no industry or business sector is immune from the growing impact of influencer marketing. Our guest today, Kevin Scholl of Red Roof Inn can share with us the how the hospitality industry has been influenced and how Red Roof has sought to incorporate influencer marketing into its current and future planning.Everyone has a story to tell, finding the right way to tell is the challenge. Dead set on engaging an audience as a storyteller from a young age, Kevin had every intention of being a writer and director of bad movies but instead has found himself the Director of Digital Marketing for an international hotel brand.Early on in his attempts to have a "real job", Kevin discovered a simple idea that at the time did not seem so simple, technology would lead the way for the ultimate in instant communication and connection around the world and become a platform for storytelling with an audience greater than any medium before it.As marketing has shifted from single sided lectures to immersed conversation, the storyteller has found a home in leading the conversation for brands large and small.Kevin has spent his career becoming a subject matter expert in marketing, technology, project management, consumer relations, partnerships, content management, training, corporate communications and everything that falls in between.As the world evolves at a rapid pace around him, he attempts to keep up, always focused on his core, his roots, he is at heart, a storyteller.A Tale of Two InfluencersOn today's episode of Beyond the Boxx, Sherri Langburt is joined by two influencers whose respective journeys she's followed from the beginning. Their creativity, ambition and moxie are awe inspiring. Listen in as Diana Elizabeth and Alyssa Amorsso share their insights from the influencer perspective as we head into a new decade of influencer marketing.

  Diana Elizabeth Steffen is a former journalist, a lifestyle blogger and small business owner. She holds a B.A. in journalism from The University of Arizona and has served as a red-carpet reporter and ghostwriter for E! and a reporter for The Arizona Republic. In 2006 she opened her graphic design boutique, Silver Spoon Studio, and went on to launch Diana Elizabeth Photography. She continues to exercise her journalism skills via her blog, www.dianaelizabethblog.com - where she covers lifestyle, photography, travel and other interests, including life as an entrepreneur, with camera in hand.

  Alyssa Amoroso is the force behind the influential brand, Publyssity, which spans across multiple digital verticals - Publyssity.com (blog), ShopPublyssity.com (merchandise), The Publyssity Podcast, and @Publyssity on Instagram. She is a standout voice in the multifaceted and ever-changing millennial space.

  Aside from being a NYC-based social influencer and public figure, Alyssa is a former public relations, marketing and communications professional. Her strong professional background shines through her work, whether it be content creation, verbal communications or ideating.

   

  ]]>On today's episode of Beyond the Boxx, Sherri Langburt is joined by two influencers whose respective journeys she's followed from the beginning. Their creativity, ambition and moxie are awe inspiring. Listen in as Diana Elizabeth and Alyssa Amorsso share their insights from the influencer perspective as we head into a new decade of influencer marketing.

  Diana Elizabeth Steffen is a former journalist, a lifestyle blogger and small business owner. She holds a B.A. in journalism from The University of Arizona and has served as a red-carpet reporter and ghostwriter for E! and a reporter for The Arizona Republic. In 2006 she opened her graphic design boutique, Silver Spoon Studio, and went on to launch Diana Elizabeth Photography. She continues to exercise her journalism skills via her blog, www.dianaelizabethblog.com - where she covers lifestyle, photography, travel and other interests, including life as an entrepreneur, with camera in hand.

  Alyssa Amoroso is the force behind the influential brand, Publyssity, which spans across multiple digital verticals - Publyssity.com (blog), ShopPublyssity.com (merchandise), The Publyssity Podcast, and @Publyssity on Instagram. She is a standout voice in the multifaceted and ever-changing millennial space.

  Aside from being a NYC-based social influencer and public figure, Alyssa is a former public relations, marketing and communications professional. Her strong professional background shines through her work, whether it be content creation, verbal communications or ideating.

   

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/a-tale-of-two-influencers-3cc0d8a24f89e1530be2a51e8c0c2dabThu, 12 Dec 2019 11:43:00 -050047:07falsefull1010On today's episode of Beyond the Boxx, Sherri Langburt is joined by two influencers whose respective journeys she's followed from the beginning. Their creativity, ambition and moxie are awe inspiring. Listen in as Diana Elizabeth and Alyssa Amorsso share their insights from the influencer perspective as we head into a new decade of influencer marketing.Diana Elizabeth Steffen is a former journalist, a lifestyle blogger and small business owner. She holds a B.A. in journalism from The University of Arizona and has served as a red-carpet reporter and ghostwriter for E! and a reporter for The Arizona Republic. In 2006 she opened her graphic design boutique, Silver Spoon Studio, and went on to launch Diana Elizabeth Photography. She continues to exercise her journalism skills via her blog, www.dianaelizabethblog.com - where she covers lifestyle, photography, travel and other interests, including life as an entrepreneur, with camera in hand.Alyssa Amoroso is the force behind the influential brand, Publyssity, which spans across multiple digital verticals - Publyssity.com (blog), ShopPublyssity.com (merchandise), The Publyssity Podcast, and @Publyssity on Instagram. She is a standout voice in the multifaceted and ever-changing millennial space.Aside from being a NYC-based social influencer and public figure, Alyssa is a former public relations, marketing and communications professional. Her strong professional background shines through her work, whether it be content creation, verbal communications or ideating. Brand Ambassadors Are A Subscription Box's Best FriendThis week on Beyond the Boxx Sherri Langburt interview Kris Hing. Kris Hing is a Senior Marketing Associate at BARK, the makers of BarkBox. She and her dog Grady have worked for BARK, the world’s most dog-centric company, for four years.

  Kris helps BARK on its mission of making dogs as happy as they make their humans by managing strategic partnerships, collaborations, and experiences. Kris founded BARK’s influencer program from the ground up, and has since grown it into a network of over 600 brand ambassadors. While her responsibilities have spanned many areas of the marketing function, she has always focused on creating 1-on-1 relationships with customers and fans of BARK. While not at work Kris enjoys blowing glass, home-brewing beer, and of course, snuggling with Grady.

  For more influencer marketing secrets visit https://podcast.babbleboxx.com

  ]]>This week on Beyond the Boxx Sherri Langburt interview Kris Hing. Kris Hing is a Senior Marketing Associate at BARK, the makers of BarkBox. She and her dog Grady have worked for BARK, the world’s most dog-centric company, for four years.

  Kris helps BARK on its mission of making dogs as happy as they make their humans by managing strategic partnerships, collaborations, and experiences. Kris founded BARK’s influencer program from the ground up, and has since grown it into a network of over 600 brand ambassadors. While her responsibilities have spanned many areas of the marketing function, she has always focused on creating 1-on-1 relationships with customers and fans of BARK. While not at work Kris enjoys blowing glass, home-brewing beer, and of course, snuggling with Grady.

  For more influencer marketing secrets visit https://podcast.babbleboxx.com

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/brand-ambassadors-are-a-subscription-boxs-best-friend-b0acf484a481c757c621bd41888a80bcThu, 05 Dec 2019 11:46:00 -050028:10falsefull99This week on Beyond the Boxx Sherri Langburt interview Kris Hing. Kris Hing is a Senior Marketing Associate at BARK, the makers of BarkBox. She and her dog Grady have worked for BARK, the world’s most dog-centric company, for four years.Kris helps BARK on its mission of making dogs as happy as they make their humans by managing strategic partnerships, collaborations, and experiences. Kris founded BARK’s influencer program from the ground up, and has since grown it into a network of over 600 brand ambassadors. While her responsibilities have spanned many areas of the marketing function, she has always focused on creating 1-on-1 relationships with customers and fans of BARK. While not at work Kris enjoys blowing glass, home-brewing beer, and of course, snuggling with Grady.For more influencer marketing secrets visit https://podcast.babbleboxx.comGo Back to School with College Influencers to Drive EngagementToday's guest is Mickey Katz from Campus Commandos. By pulling from his experiences as both an entrepreneur and a consultant Mickey Katz takes a very simplified approach to attacking problems and finding solutions that can be put into action. Startups looking for solutions on strategy, marketing tactics, or simply need a mentor to help them think through problems from a new perspective will find value in a discussion with Mickey. 

  His career was built in the startup world with a focus in the mobile consumer B2C space targeting college students and universities. He currently acts as the Director of Operations at Campus Commandos and Co-Founder of a revolutionary mobile saas product connecting brands to college students on over 1,000 college campuses called Go Commando App.

  Visit https://podcast.babbleboxx.com for more episodes and transcripts. 

   

  ]]>Today's guest is Mickey Katz from Campus Commandos. By pulling from his experiences as both an entrepreneur and a consultant Mickey Katz takes a very simplified approach to attacking problems and finding solutions that can be put into action. Startups looking for solutions on strategy, marketing tactics, or simply need a mentor to help them think through problems from a new perspective will find value in a discussion with Mickey. 

  His career was built in the startup world with a focus in the mobile consumer B2C space targeting college students and universities. He currently acts as the Director of Operations at Campus Commandos and Co-Founder of a revolutionary mobile saas product connecting brands to college students on over 1,000 college campuses called Go Commando App.

  Visit https://podcast.babbleboxx.com for more episodes and transcripts. 

   

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/go-back-to-school-with-college-influencers-to-drive-engagement-a91e32be285c6cc8f863d29fc476849cThu, 21 Nov 2019 11:55:00 -050031:50falsefull88Today's guest is Mickey Katz from Campus Commandos. By pulling from his experiences as both an entrepreneur and a consultant Mickey Katz takes a very simplified approach to attacking problems and finding solutions that can be put into action. Startups looking for solutions on strategy, marketing tactics, or simply need a mentor to help them think through problems from a new perspective will find value in a discussion with Mickey. His career was built in the startup world with a focus in the mobile consumer B2C space targeting college students and universities. He currently acts as the Director of Operations at Campus Commandos and Co-Founder of a revolutionary mobile saas product connecting brands to college students on over 1,000 college campuses called Go Commando App.Visit https://podcast.babbleboxx.com for more episodes and transcripts.  CBD Pioneer Soars By Educating InfluencersThis week's guest on Beyond the Boxx is Emily Loss. 

  Emily Loss is Manager of Influencer Relations and Social Media Strategy for CBDistillery, the company that is the driving force behind the #CBDMovement™.

  She strives to assimilate brand vision and goals with influencer’s voice by pushing boundaries in real-time ad development. Emily has a passion for experience architecture and immersive video, and tries to weave both through all marketing projects that she is a part of. She is passionate about creatively forging emotional connections and authentic relationships between brands and influencers while nurturing online communities and gaining an audience’s trust.

  Emily is extremely passionate about holistic healing, and progression of the CBD industry. Her mission is to empower others to heal themselves naturally through accurate information, education and the compelling voices and stories of real human beings.

  ]]>This week's guest on Beyond the Boxx is Emily Loss. 

  Emily Loss is Manager of Influencer Relations and Social Media Strategy for CBDistillery, the company that is the driving force behind the #CBDMovement™.

  She strives to assimilate brand vision and goals with influencer’s voice by pushing boundaries in real-time ad development. Emily has a passion for experience architecture and immersive video, and tries to weave both through all marketing projects that she is a part of. She is passionate about creatively forging emotional connections and authentic relationships between brands and influencers while nurturing online communities and gaining an audience’s trust.

  Emily is extremely passionate about holistic healing, and progression of the CBD industry. Her mission is to empower others to heal themselves naturally through accurate information, education and the compelling voices and stories of real human beings.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/cbd-pioneer-soars-by-educating-influencers-907b860fbd0092a3e5f69ce9124431f3Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:52:00 -050040:10falsefull77This week's guest on Beyond the Boxx is Emily Loss. Emily Loss is Manager of Influencer Relations and Social Media Strategy for CBDistillery, the company that is the driving force behind the #CBDMovement™.She strives to assimilate brand vision and goals with influencer’s voice by pushing boundaries in real-time ad development. Emily has a passion for experience architecture and immersive video, and tries to weave both through all marketing projects that she is a part of. She is passionate about creatively forging emotional connections and authentic relationships between brands and influencers while nurturing online communities and gaining an audience’s trust.Emily is extremely passionate about holistic healing, and progression of the CBD industry. Her mission is to empower others to heal themselves naturally through accurate information, education and the compelling voices and stories of real human beings.Influencers, Fashion & Ice Cream: The Perfect Match

  Today's guests are Russell Barnett, CMO My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream and Angie Thomas, Director of Marketing My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream.

  Russell Barnett is a creative marketing executive with deep experience in category-creating food and beverage items. He specializes in providing vision, direction and leadership to entrepreneurially spirited brands.  After a stint in the advertising business, Barnett was asked to open the US Operation and run marketing for an unknown alcohol beverage, mike’s hard lemonade. During his tenure he took the brand from inception to +$150M in just 5 years.

  Barnett then headed marketing for gardein, where the brand grew from ~$30M to a run rate of ~$90M annually before being purchased by Pinnacle Foods PF (NYSE). Additionally, Mr. Barnett held CMO tenure at KeVita which was recently sold to PepsiCo PEP (NYSE). Other career highlights include launching the popular snack brand popchips in the US, Canada and the UK while creating the “popped chip” category. He was also just named one of Forbes’ CMO Next 2019: 50 Game-Changing Marketing Leaders and one of Adweek’s 2019 LA Brand Stars.

  Angie Thomas is a results-driven, passionate marketing professional with over ten years of experience in the food & beverage industry. She has driven growth of innovative brands such as 5-hour ENERGY, gardein (NYSE: PF), KeVita (NYSE: PEP), JUST water, and most recently, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream! Prior to CPG, Angie worked for the New York Yankees. Angie graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University, where she studied Sport Management at David B. Falk School of Sport & Human Dynamics and Public Communications at S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications. During her tenure at SU, she was a 4-year Division I scholarship student-athlete, 4x All-Academic, and 2x Time BIG EAST Softball Champion Pitcher.  Angie was born and raised in New York and currently resides in Los Angeles. 

  See more episodes at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com

  ]]>

  Today's guests are Russell Barnett, CMO My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream and Angie Thomas, Director of Marketing My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream.

  Russell Barnett is a creative marketing executive with deep experience in category-creating food and beverage items. He specializes in providing vision, direction and leadership to entrepreneurially spirited brands.  After a stint in the advertising business, Barnett was asked to open the US Operation and run marketing for an unknown alcohol beverage, mike’s hard lemonade. During his tenure he took the brand from inception to +$150M in just 5 years.

  Barnett then headed marketing for gardein, where the brand grew from ~$30M to a run rate of ~$90M annually before being purchased by Pinnacle Foods PF (NYSE). Additionally, Mr. Barnett held CMO tenure at KeVita which was recently sold to PepsiCo PEP (NYSE). Other career highlights include launching the popular snack brand popchips in the US, Canada and the UK while creating the “popped chip” category. He was also just named one of Forbes’ CMO Next 2019: 50 Game-Changing Marketing Leaders and one of Adweek’s 2019 LA Brand Stars.

  Angie Thomas is a results-driven, passionate marketing professional with over ten years of experience in the food & beverage industry. She has driven growth of innovative brands such as 5-hour ENERGY, gardein (NYSE: PF), KeVita (NYSE: PEP), JUST water, and most recently, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream! Prior to CPG, Angie worked for the New York Yankees. Angie graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University, where she studied Sport Management at David B. Falk School of Sport & Human Dynamics and Public Communications at S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications. During her tenure at SU, she was a 4-year Division I scholarship student-athlete, 4x All-Academic, and 2x Time BIG EAST Softball Champion Pitcher.  Angie was born and raised in New York and currently resides in Los Angeles. 

  See more episodes at https://podcast.babbleboxx.com

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/influencers-fashion-ice-cream-the-perfect-match-b47149f56d9507eef2f14d3188945125Thu, 07 Nov 2019 11:58:00 -050034:28falsefull66Today's guests are Russell Barnett, CMO My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream and Angie Thomas, Director of Marketing My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream. Russell Barnett is a creative marketing executive with deep experience in category-creating food and beverage items. He specializes in providing vision, direction and leadership to entrepreneurially spirited brands.  After a stint in the advertising business, Barnett was asked to open the US Operation and run marketing for an unknown alcohol beverage, mike’s hard lemonade. During his tenure he took the brand from inception to +$150M in just 5 years. Barnett then headed marketing for gardein, where the brand grew from ~$30M to a run rate of ~$90M annually before being purchased by Pinnacle Foods PF (NYSE). Additionally, Mr. Barnett held CMO tenure at KeVita which was recently sold to PepsiCo PEP (NYSE). Other career highlights include launching the popular snack brand popchips in the US, Canada and the UK while creating the “popped chip” category. He was also just named one of Forbes’ CMO Next 2019: 50 Game-Changing Marketing Leaders and one of Adweek’s 2019 LA Brand Stars. Angie Thomas is a results-driven, passionate marketing professional with over ten years of experience in the food & beverage industry. She has driven growth of innovative brands such as 5-hour ENERGY, gardein (NYSE: PF), KeVita (NYSE: PEP), JUST water, and most recently, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream! Prior to CPG, Angie worked for the New York Yankees. Angie graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University, where she studied Sport Management at David B. Falk School of Sport & Human Dynamics and Public Communications at S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications. During her tenure at SU, she was a 4-year Division I scholarship student-athlete, 4x All-Academic, and 2x Time BIG EAST Softball Champion Pitcher.  Angie was born and raised in New York and currently resides in Los Angeles. See more episodes at https://podcast.babbleboxx.comSnack Brand Pops with Influencer MarketingThis week's guest on Beyond the Boxx is Jennifer Santiago, the Vice President of Strategy & Communications at Popchips.

  Prior to joining Popchips, she was at the Wonderful Company at Teleflora and POM wonderful. Jennifer has over 10 years of experience in marketing, influencers, events, social/digital and PR.

  ]]>This week's guest on Beyond the Boxx is Jennifer Santiago, the Vice President of Strategy & Communications at Popchips.

  Prior to joining Popchips, she was at the Wonderful Company at Teleflora and POM wonderful. Jennifer has over 10 years of experience in marketing, influencers, events, social/digital and PR.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/snack-brand-pops-with-influencer-marketing-55c973c0e13ca8d294e1de5cf354a501Thu, 31 Oct 2019 12:02:00 -050024:18falsefull55This week's guest on Beyond the Boxx is Jennifer Santiago, the Vice President of Strategy & Communications at Popchips.Prior to joining Popchips, she was at the Wonderful Company at Teleflora and POM wonderful. Jennifer has over 10 years of experience in marketing, influencers, events, social/digital and PR.Keeping an Eye on Influencer Trends with Zenni OpticalThis week's episode features Deanna Dawson, Head of Content and Social Marketing at Zenni.com Deanna has been in the social media business since 2010 with Snapfish.com a leading photo eCommerce site and loves the authentic, storytelling nature of Social Media Marketing.
  ]]>This week's episode features Deanna Dawson, Head of Content and Social Marketing at Zenni.com Deanna has been in the social media business since 2010 with Snapfish.com a leading photo eCommerce site and loves the authentic, storytelling nature of Social Media Marketing.
  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/keeping-an-eye-on-influencer-trends-with-zenni-optical-152dc927724dac42c835c83d259673ecThu, 24 Oct 2019 13:27:33 -050012:41falsefull44This week's episode features Deanna Dawson, Head of Content and Social Marketing at Zenni.com Deanna has been in the social media business since 2010 with Snapfish.com a leading photo eCommerce site and loves the authentic, storytelling nature of Social Media Marketing.Blowing Up The Gaming Industry One Influencer At a TimeThis week's guest on Beyond the Boxx is Andrew Lilien, Vice President of Marketing at TURTLE BEACH CORPORATION.  

  Andrew Lilien has 20-plus years of brand, consumer and retail marketing experience. During the past eight years with Turtle Beach he’s developed and launched numerous innovative marketing programs, including developing and placing over 20,000 interactive displays globally that increase consumer product trial to drive sell-through at retail.

  As Turtle Beach’s Vice President of Marketing, Andrew oversees all retail and consumer facing initiatives, including new product introductions and launches; media campaign planning and execution; brand, trade and digital marketing; communications, social media and events.

  Prior to joining Turtle Beach Andrew worked at ESPN, Fleer Trading Cards and National Media Group – a leading sports marketing agency, and has also consulted for Sports Illustrated Kids and Parents Magazine. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University.

  ]]>This week's guest on Beyond the Boxx is Andrew Lilien, Vice President of Marketing at TURTLE BEACH CORPORATION.  

  Andrew Lilien has 20-plus years of brand, consumer and retail marketing experience. During the past eight years with Turtle Beach he’s developed and launched numerous innovative marketing programs, including developing and placing over 20,000 interactive displays globally that increase consumer product trial to drive sell-through at retail.

  As Turtle Beach’s Vice President of Marketing, Andrew oversees all retail and consumer facing initiatives, including new product introductions and launches; media campaign planning and execution; brand, trade and digital marketing; communications, social media and events.

  Prior to joining Turtle Beach Andrew worked at ESPN, Fleer Trading Cards and National Media Group – a leading sports marketing agency, and has also consulted for Sports Illustrated Kids and Parents Magazine. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/blowing-up-the-gaming-industry-one-influencer-at-a-time-ecbf7e8787f49342ca0644cab511f30cThu, 17 Oct 2019 10:58:00 -050021:56falsefull33This week's guest on Beyond the Boxx is Andrew Lilien, Vice President of Marketing at TURTLE BEACH CORPORATION.  Andrew Lilien has 20-plus years of brand, consumer and retail marketing experience. During the past eight years with Turtle Beach he’s developed and launched numerous innovative marketing programs, including developing and placing over 20,000 interactive displays globally that increase consumer product trial to drive sell-through at retail. As Turtle Beach’s Vice President of Marketing, Andrew oversees all retail and consumer facing initiatives, including new product introductions and launches; media campaign planning and execution; brand, trade and digital marketing; communications, social media and events. Prior to joining Turtle Beach Andrew worked at ESPN, Fleer Trading Cards and National Media Group – a leading sports marketing agency, and has also consulted for Sports Illustrated Kids and Parents Magazine. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University.Leading Editor-in-Chief Goes SocialIn this premier episode of Beyond the Boxx, Sherri Langburt, CEO of Babbleboxx interviews Liz Vaccariello. For show notes from this interview and more influencer marketing secrets, visit https://podcast.babbleboxx.com.

  Liz Vaccariello is the Editor-in-Chief of Parents magazine, the 2.2 million rate base title. In addition, she is currently the Group Editorial Director for Parents Latina and Meredith’s lifestyle titles including Shape, Real Simple, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, Health.

  Vaccariello has led many of the media industry’s most recognizable brands, developing content across print, digital and social channels. Prior to joining Meredith, Vaccariello held numerous executive editorial roles including serving as the Chief Content Officer for Reader’s Digest.  She has also served as Editor-in-Chief of Rachael Ray Every Day; Editor-in-Chief of Prevention; Executive Editor of Fitness; and Editor-in-Chief of Cleveland Magazine. 

  Vaccariello regularly appears on national broadcast media including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, and Dr. Oz.  She is the author of nine best-selling books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Flat Belly Diet!

  She has received numerous awards and honors over her distinguished career and is a frequent speaker at major summits presented by the MPA, Folio, MIN, and Digiday among others.

  Vaccariello, who is the parent of twin daughters, earned a BA in Communications with Distinction from the University of Michigan and lives in New Jersey with her family.

  ]]>In this premier episode of Beyond the Boxx, Sherri Langburt, CEO of Babbleboxx interviews Liz Vaccariello. For show notes from this interview and more influencer marketing secrets, visit https://podcast.babbleboxx.com.

  Liz Vaccariello is the Editor-in-Chief of Parents magazine, the 2.2 million rate base title. In addition, she is currently the Group Editorial Director for Parents Latina and Meredith’s lifestyle titles including Shape, Real Simple, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, Health.

  Vaccariello has led many of the media industry’s most recognizable brands, developing content across print, digital and social channels. Prior to joining Meredith, Vaccariello held numerous executive editorial roles including serving as the Chief Content Officer for Reader’s Digest.  She has also served as Editor-in-Chief of Rachael Ray Every Day; Editor-in-Chief of Prevention; Executive Editor of Fitness; and Editor-in-Chief of Cleveland Magazine. 

  Vaccariello regularly appears on national broadcast media including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, and Dr. Oz.  She is the author of nine best-selling books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Flat Belly Diet!

  She has received numerous awards and honors over her distinguished career and is a frequent speaker at major summits presented by the MPA, Folio, MIN, and Digiday among others.

  Vaccariello, who is the parent of twin daughters, earned a BA in Communications with Distinction from the University of Michigan and lives in New Jersey with her family.

  ]]>babbleboxx.podbean.com/leading-editor-in-chief-goes-social-bfdba7a00af64ae3ea8b3409064b7de0Wed, 25 Sep 2019 18:24:26 -050023:37falsefull22In this premier episode of Beyond the Boxx, Sherri Langburt, CEO of Babbleboxx interviews Liz Vaccariello. For show notes from this interview and more influencer marketing secrets, visit https://podcast.babbleboxx.com.Liz Vaccariello is the Editor-in-Chief of Parents magazine, the 2.2 million rate base title. In addition, she is currently the Group Editorial Director for Parents Latina and Meredith’s lifestyle titles including Shape, Real Simple, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, Health.Vaccariello has led many of the media industry’s most recognizable brands, developing content across print, digital and social channels. Prior to joining Meredith, Vaccariello held numerous executive editorial roles including serving as the Chief Content Officer for Reader’s Digest.  She has also served as Editor-in-Chief of Rachael Ray Every Day; Editor-in-Chief of Prevention; Executive Editor of Fitness; and Editor-in-Chief of Cleveland Magazine. Vaccariello regularly appears on national broadcast media including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, and Dr. Oz.  She is the author of nine best-selling books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Flat Belly Diet!She has received numerous awards and honors over her distinguished career and is a frequent speaker at major summits presented by the MPA, Folio, MIN, and Digiday among others.Vaccariello, who is the parent of twin daughters, earned a BA in Communications with Distinction from the University of Michigan and lives in New Jersey with her family.