TRENCHES with Milan Terez is the playbook no one handed you. Whether you're pre-revenue, pre-launch, or just figuring it out, TRENCHES is your business toolkit. This is a how-to business podcast for early-stage female founders who are navigating the messy, meaningful work of building a business from scratch. Hosted by Milan Terez, each episode is a tactical deep dive into the real strategies, hard pivots, breakthrough moments so you can learn from the trenches, not the highlight reel. Female founders shouldn't have to figure it out alone.
What does it take to leave a marketing career, bootstrap a non-alcoholic beverage brand, and get it in front of consumers at Coachella all while navigating FDA regulations, custom packaging costs, and influencer gifting gone wrong? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Parker Papaccio, founder of SIPPL, for the full behind-the-scenes breakdown of building a health-focused drink brand from the ground up. Parker covers the entire founder journey: product development and flavor testing, budgeting and initial investment, retail expansion and distribution challenges, building community through in-person events, and what she'd do differently with influencer marketing. If you're launching a beverage brand, building in the health and wellness space, or trying to get a physical consumer product to market — this is the episode you've been looking for. Key Takeaways Product development process for SIPPLBootstrapping and initial investmentConsumer feedback and market researchBuilding community through events and social mediaNavigating regulations and legal considerationsStrategic marketing and brand identityDistribution channels and logisticsLessons learned from Coachella and influencer marketing Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez 01:07 Parker's Journey to Entrepreneurship 04:22 Building in Health and Wellness 06:38 Transitioning In and Out of Fast-Paced Environments 07:21 Time Management and Juggling Responsibilities 11:08 Developing a Non-Alcoholic Drink Mix 13:51 Product Development Insights for Beverage Brands 18:17 SIPPL's Unique Position in the Beverage Market 20:25 Innovative Mixology: Crafting Non-Alcoholic Cocktails 21:49 Navigating Consumer Education and Market Challenges 24:25 Budgeting and Financial Insights for Startups 25:56 Perfecting the Product: Flavor Development and Feedback 26:43 Retail Expansion: Strategies and Distribution Challenges 30:10 The Cost of Custom Packaging 34:02 Building Community: The Role of In-Person Events 38:16 Experiencing Coachella: Opportunities and Lessons Learned 42:32 Influencer Gifting 101 45:43 The Importance of Contracts in Business Partnerships 51:37 Creating a Cohesive Brand Identity 52:57 Building in Public: The Founder Journey 58:45 Community and Confidence: The Driving Forces 01:01:22 Vision for the Future: Beyond the Trenches 01:03:38 Embracing Uncertainty: The Path to Success 01:05:53 Trenches with Milan Terez Resources Bev Source - https://www.bevsource.com ShipBob - https://www.shipbob.com ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com Connect With Us: Our Guest: Parker Papaccio Guest Brand - SIPPL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipplmixology/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipplmixology SIPPL Official Website: https://sipplmixology.com/ Our Host: Milan Terez Instagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan Terez Instagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast startup, entrepreneurship, beverage brand, SIPPL, branding, manufacturing, business growth, founder insights, mocktail mix, margarita mix, beverage, product development, community building, health and wellness, brand strategy, bootstrapping, Coachella, influencer marketing
What does it actually cost financially, mentally, and strategically to launch a functional beverage brand from scratch? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Parker Papaccio, founder of SIPPL, to break down the real behind-the-scenes of building a drink startup. Parker gets into the full founder playbook: how she found and vetted manufacturing partners, the early business decisions that carried major financial consequences, what brand recognition actually looks like as a traction signal, and how she keeps her focus sharp in the chaos of early-stage startup life. If you're building in the beverage space, launching a consumer product brand, or trying to figure out how to make a physical product company work this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Brand recognition is a key indicator of traction.Finding the right manufacturing partners is crucial and costly.Routine workouts help manage stress and maintain focus.Naming a brand can carry deep meaning and strategic intent.Early business decisions can have significant financial impacts. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez 00:39 Digging Deeper with Parker Papaccio 06:18 Trenches with Milan Terez Connect With Us:Our Guest: Parker Papaccio Guest Brand - SIPPL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipplmixology/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipplmixology SIPPL Official Website: https://sipplmixology.com/ Our Host: Milan Terez Instagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan Terez Instagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast startup, entrepreneurship, beverage brand, SIPPL, branding, manufacturing, business growth, founder insights, mocktail mix, margarita mix
In this inspiring interview, Michelle Doan tells us what does two decades in the beauty industry actually teach you about building a brand that lasts? In this episode of TRENCHES host Milan Terez goes deep with Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Cosmetics, on what it takes to scale a clean beauty brand internationally in one of the most competitive markets in the world. Michelle breaks down the full product development playbook: including the three P's of skincare (Potency, Delivery, and Provenance), innovations in Korean fermentation technology, and how the beauty industry has evolved over 20 years. From surviving a Thai refugee camp to building a globally recognized clean beauty brand, Michelle's story is equal parts tactical and deeply human. If you're a beauty founder, a product developer, or someone building in a saturated market, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Michelle Doan's personal journey and resilienceThe evolution of the beauty industry over two decadesThe three P's of skincare: Potency, Delivery, ProvenanceInnovations in Korean fermentation technologyStrategies for scaling a beauty brand internationally Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Trenches01:32 Michelle Doan's Journey: From Struggles to Success08:41 The Birth of Emani Cosmetics14:37 Navigating the Beauty Industry as a Founder18:03 The Evolution of Clean Beauty19:51 Understanding the Three P's of Skincare24:43 The Science of Korean Fermentation Technology28:03 Adapting and Reformulating Products30:18 The Art of Product Development32:03 Navigating the Beauty Industry: A Founder's Guide35:05 Sustainability in Beauty: Why Packaging Matters39:18 Scaling and Distribution: The Modern Landscape43:01 From Zero to One: Key Changes for Growth49:34 International Expansion: Timing and Strategy51:52 The Future of Cosmetics: Personalization and Education52:57 How to be an Affective Leader55:01 Understanding Hormones and Skincare57:40 Self-Care for Founders: Recognizing the Signs of Breakthrough59:47 Embracing Positivity and Perspective01:02:10 Overcoming Adversity and Building Self-Worth01:05:32 The Power of Presence and Gratitude Connect With Us:Our Guest: Michelle DoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/ Guest Brand - Emani CosmeticsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanicosmetics Website: https://emani.com Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod ... entrepreneurship, women in business, CPG brands, building a business, Michelle Doan, Emani Cosmetics, beauty brand, entrepreneurship, success, scaling, marketing, personal growth, Beauty industry, clean beauty, product development, scaling, sustainability, Korean fermentation, entrepreneurship, women founders, skincare, international expansion
In this episode of Beyond the Trenches Digging Deeper, What does it take to build a successful beauty brand when you started with nothing and we mean nothing? In this episode of TRENCHES, host Milan Terez sits down with Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Cosmetics, who shares her remarkable journey from surviving a Thai refugee camp to scaling a recognized beauty brand. Michelle gets real about what sustainable brand growth actually looks like: why she stopped bottomless spending on paid marketing, how she shifted to genuine content that converts, and what working smarter not harder has meant for her business and her life. If you're a beauty founder, a first-generation entrepreneur, or someone building a brand on resilience and purpose, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Success is not overnight; it requires persistence and strategic effort.Working smarter, not harder, is key to sustainable growth.Avoid bottomless spending on marketing; focus on genuine content.Balance and self-care are crucial for long-term success.Interior design is a personal passion that fosters creativity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Trenches01:32 Welcome to Digging Deeper with Michelle Doan02:04 How to Stay Committed02:41 Overnight Success02:54 Working Hard or Hardly Working03:29 Overspending on Meta Ads04:00 How to Scale a Beauty Brand04:11 Are Marketing Agencies a SCAM?04:45 Life Passions and Hobbies Connect With Us:Our Guest: Michelle DoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/ Guest Brand - Emani CosmeticsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanicosmetics Website: https://emani.com Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod ... entrepreneurship, women in business, CPG brands, building a business, Michelle Doan, Emani Cosmetics, beauty brand, entrepreneurship, success, scaling, marketing, personal growth
What happens when a marketing career in NYC leaves you craving real connection and you decide to build the solution yourself? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Sarah Dalley, founder of Bonding Over Books, a community-building conversation game designed to reduce loneliness and spark meaningful connection. Sarah breaks down the full founder journey: product development and physical product validation, retail strategy, funding through community programs, and what it actually takes to build a purpose-driven brand from scratch. If you're a founder building around a social mission, navigating funding for a physical product, or just trying to make something that genuinely matters — this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Journey from marketing to entrepreneurship Creating a community-focused product Funding and retail strategy for physical products Product testing and validation Funding through community programs Building a brand with purpose Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez 01:23 The Journey to Bonding Over Books 02:44 What It's Like Working in Lifecycle Marketing 03:49 When Moving Home is the RIGHT Move 06:00 Navigating Life Changes and Community Building 09:06 The Light Bulb Moment for Bonding Over Books 14:43 Defining 'All In' as an Entrepreneur 18:55 Tips for Starting a Service-Based Side Hustle 23:17 Funding the Initial Product Development 26:11 The Role of Pre-Orders in Product Launch 29:40 Key Lessons for Founders of Physical Products 34:55 How to Create a Card Game40:33 Mental Health Advocacy Through Connection 42:42 Leveraging Events for Brand Visibility 45:03 How to Get Your Brand Stocked in Barnes & Nobles and Paper Source 49:47 Essential Tools for Solopreneurs 53:03 How to Build a Mission Driven Brand 54:45 Building Meaningful Connections 56:52 Top Conversation Starters 01:00:45 The Mission Behind the Brand 01:01:23 Future Aspirations and Growth 01:02:47 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs ResourcesSquarespace - https://www.squarespace.com FAIRE Wholesale Platform - https://www.faire.com BookCon - https://www.bookcon.com Bas Blue Detroit - https://basblueus.com/the-basblue-foundation/zero-to-one/ Connect With Us: Our Guest: Sarah Dalley Guest Brand - Bonding Over Books Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bondingoverbooks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bondingoverbooks Bonding Over Books Official Website: https://bondingoverbooks.co Our Host: Milan Terez Instagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan Terez Instagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast Book clubs, community building, product development, mental health, entrepreneurship, bonding over books, game design, retail strategy, startup funding
What does it look like to build a community-focused product brand organically without a big budget, without outside funding, and without pretending it's easy? In this episode of TRENCHES with Milan Terez, host Milan Terez sits down with Sarah Dalley, founder of Bonding Over Books, a conversation game designed to bring people together through reading and real connection. Sarah opens up about the real cost of branding as a first-time founder, unlearning perfectionism, navigating entrepreneurial mistakes, and how spirituality and personal growth have shaped the way she builds. If you're a founder, a book lover, or someone building a community-driven brand from scratch — this one's for you. Key TakeawaysBuilding Bonding Over Books as an organic community toolLessons learned from entrepreneurial challenges and mistakesThe importance of authenticity and unlearning perfectionismBalancing personal life, spirituality, and business growthStrategies for decision-making and managing stress in startups Chapters00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez00:39 Digging Deeper with Sarah Dalley00:58 The Morning Show01:50 Olivia Dean02:53 Spirituality & Guides03:25 Wedding Planning & Pop-up Events04:21 It's NOT Easy to Start a Business05:09 Branding is Expensive06:15 Get An Emotional Support Dog06:54 How to Fight Perfectionism08:22 Reading To Stay Grounded08:55 More Businesses Coming Soon11:01 Thank You Sarah Dalley Connect With Us:Our Guest: Sarah Dalley Guest Brand - Bonding Over Books Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bondingoverbooks/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bondingoverbooks Bonding Over Books Official Website: https://bondingoverbooks.co Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast Bonding Over Books, entrepreneurship, community building, mental health, book clubs, personal growth, spirituality, decision-making, branding, podcasting
What does it take to get your product into Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie while still clocking in at a full-time job in the film industry? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Haley Fritz, founder of Breezy's Nasal Strips, to break down exactly how she did it. From finding a manufacturer and navigating the packaging design process, to landing major retail partnerships, scaling on TikTok Shop, and selling on Amazon. Haley gives the full behind-the-scenes playbook on building a physical product brand from scratch in your 20s. If you're a first-time founder, a side-hustle entrepreneur, or trying to get a consumer product into retail doors, this one's for you. Key Takeaways - Balancing a full-time job and entrepreneurship - Product development and manufacturing process - Retail and Amazon sales strategies - Getting a brand into Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie - Getting started on TikTok Shop and TikTok Love Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES with Milan Terez01:16 Meet Haley Fritz Founder of Breezy's02:18 Haley's Life Before Starting a Business03:42 Growing Up with Entrepreneurial Parents05:54 Lessons from a Family of Business Owners09:12 How to Decide Which Business Idea to Start11:27 How Do Nasal Strips Work12:23 How to Make a Physical Product13:18 Product Development and Finding a Manufacturer15:46 Starting the Packaging & Design Process17:48 Starting a Creative Business19:14 What is a Fright Forwarder and How to Find a Freight Forwarder23:02 Retail Partnerships with Urban Outfitters & Anthropologie24:00 Advice for Getting into Retailers25:04 How to Get Your Product into Retail Doors26:18 Packaging for Retail versus E-commerce29:20 Scaling Strategies for Growth and Revenue30:55 Getting Started on TikTok Shop33:11 What is Your Business Tech Stack34:35 Shopify Email Marketing and Rella for Social Media Tools37:07 Mental Health and Entrepreneurship39:23 Building in Public and Community Engagement42:57 Balancing a Full-Time Job and Entrepreneurship44:43 Building Accountability and Discipline45:25 The Experience of Young Female Founders47:41 Taking Risks in Your 20s49:02 Taking Breaks, Days Off, and Battling Imposter Syndrome50:29 Future Aspirations for Breezy's51:33 Haley's Parting Advice to Founders53:24 See You Next Episode Connect With Us:Our Guest - Haley Fritz Guest Brand - Breezy’sInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/breezystrips/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breezy_strips?_t=ZP-8wM7N0QImGl&_r=1 Breezy’s Official Website - https://www.breezystrips.com Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - / milanterez TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - / trenchesthepodcast TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod ... Entrepreneurship, Product Development, Retail, Social Media, Balance, Breezy's Nasal Strips, Founder Tips, Scaling a Business, CPG, Female Founder
In this episode of TRENCHES Rapid Fire question, we get to know Haley Fritz, founder of Breezy's Nasal Strips. We dig deeper into exploring her entrepreneurial journey, daily rituals, and insights into building a successful brand in the CPG space. Key Takeaways Entrepreneurial journey of Haley FritzReimagining clinical products into stylish brandsDaily rituals and self-care for foundersChallenges of hiring and team buildingWork-life balance and unlearning hustle culture Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Digger Deeper00:42 Rapid Fire Questions with Hailey01:10 Do You Watch or Listen to Podcasts?02:06 Listening to Noah Kahan New Album02:40 How to Become More Extroverted03:10 How to Hire The Right Contractors03:44 Building a Brand is NOT Easy04:12 Making the Perfect London Fog Tea04:52 De-influencing Productiveitymaxxing05:38 Comforting TV Shows to Watch at Night06:27 Diving into Physical Products06:59 See You Next Episode07:48 Bye Bye! Connect With Us:Our Guest: Haley Fritz Guest Brand - Breezy’s Nasal StripsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breezystrips/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breezy_strips?_t=ZP-8wM7N0QImGl&_r=1 Breezy’s Official Website: https://www.breezystrips.com Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod ... entrepreneurship, women in business, CPG brands, nasal strips, branding, building a business, work-life balance, building confidence, hiring freelancers
How do you go from supply chain roles at Apple, Microsoft, and Peloton — to launching a shelf-stable organic meal brand for kids in just 60 days? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Roopa Annadatha, founder of Nomie, to break down exactly how she did it. From freeze-drying technology and R&D pilot testing to retail pricing strategy, certified organic certification, and trade show execution — this is the behind-the-scenes CPG playbook most founders never get access to. If you're building a consumer product brand, thinking about food entrepreneurship, or trying to get a physical product to market fast, this episode is for you. Episode Topics Product development and formulation processSupply chain and manufacturing challenges in CPGBranding and marketing strategies for launchLessons learned from early R&D and pilot testingGo-to-market planning and channel strategy Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage01:15 Roopa's Journey: From Corporate to Solopreneur02:29 Working at Apple, Microsoft, Peloton04:21 The Birth of Nomie: A Solution for Busy Parents07:30 How to Use the Freeze-Drying Process10:01 How To Start the Research & Development Process13:04 Go-to-Market Strategy: Navigating Launch Challenges17:11 Retail Strategy and Pricing Strategies for a CPG Brand21:02 The Importance of Weight in Product Design23:33 Shelf Stability vs. Freezing: A Strategic Choice27:41 How to Be A Certified Organic CPG Brand30:39 Lessons Learned About CPG From a CPG Founder32:43 Innovative Packaging: Design and Functionality37:36 Flavor Development: Balancing Taste and Nutrition40:59 Community Engagement: How to Validate Your Product Ideas With Real Consumers43:06 Maximizing Opportunities at Trade Shows44:36 How to Build a Vendor Booth46:34 Finding Press Opportunities as a Pre-launch Founder49:54 60 Days to Launch Strategy51:48 The Myth of Balance: A Mom's Perspective53:12 Emma Grede and 3 Hour Mom57:33 Building Generational Wealth and Community59:03 Becoming a Female Angel Investor01:01:00 Finding Your Unique Path as a Founder01:03:14 See You Next Episode ResourcesStartup CPG Community - https://startupcpg.com Shelfmade Community - https://shelfmade.com Winter Fancy Food Show - https://www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events/winter-fancy-food/ Connect With Us:Our Guest - Roopa Annadatha Guest Brand - NomieInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/getnomie/ Nomie Official Website - https://www.getnomie.com/ Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast CPG, product development, shelf-stable, organic, startup, entrepreneurship, supply chain, branding, go-to-market, founder journey
In this episode of TRENCHES Rapid Fire question, Roopa Annadatha, founder and CEO of Nomie, shares her journey as a mom and entrepreneur, discussing decision-making, mental health, and her vision for supporting women and moms through her innovative food brand. Key Takeaways Living without balance is normal for moms and entrepreneursChoosing the right co-packer is crucial for product qualityGuilt is a part of motherhood and entrepreneurshipEFT tapping is Roopa’s daily ritual for groundingSupporting women in health is a core passion Chapters 00:00 Getting to Know the Founder of Nomie - Roopa Annadatha02:04 Finding a Co-Manufacturer02:33 Emotional Challenges of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship03:05 How to Hire the RIGHT Team03:41 Managing Stress as a Mom & Entrepreneur04:14 UPDATE by Kim Kardashian04:55 Unlearning Work Beliefs: Quality Over Quantity06:11 Daily Rituals: The Power of EFT Tapping07:03 Future Ventures: Supporting Women's Health08:35 See You Next Week ResourcesKey Ketones Energy Drink - https://keyketones.com/ Connect With Us:Our Guest - Roopa Annadatha Guest Brand - NomieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getnomie/ Nomie Official Website: https://www.getnomie.com/ Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast entrepreneurship, women in business, motherhood, decision-making, mental health, food industry, Nomie, startup journey, recipes for toddlers
What does it take to leave a stable finance career and build a fragrance brand from scratch without outside funding? In this episode of TRENCHES Rapid Fire, host Milan Terez sits down with Grace Howland, founder of Evoquer Fragrances, an experience-based fragrance brand redefining what scent can mean. Grace opens up about the real challenges of launching a consumer product brand, how she makes hard decisions in product formulation, and the daily routines keeping her grounded as a self-funded founder. Key TakeawaysJourney from finance to entrepreneurshipChallenges of launching a new brandDecision-making in product formulationWork schedule and productivity hacksSelf-funding and financial independence Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES Rapid Fire00:39 Rapid Fire Questions with Grace Howland01:04 Watch Love Story of HBO Max01:32 New Noah Kahan Album & Project Hail Mary Book02:16 An Eat, Pray, Love Moment02:26 How to Make Hard Decisions02:55 Building Without a Trust Fund03:33 How to Make Mistakes04:27 Emotional Support Airpod Max04:51 How to Build Your Own Hours as a Founder06:14 Daily Non-negotiable06:43 From Tech Founder to Fragrance08:27 See You Next Episode Connect With Us:Our Guest - Grace HowlandTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gracehowland_ Guest Brand - EvoquerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shopevoquer Instagram - hhttps://www.instagram.com/shopevoquer/ Evoquer Official Website - https://shopevoquer.com/ Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast Entrepreneurship, Fragrance, Startup, Self-funded, Business decisions, Work-life balance, Innovation, Brand building, Rapid Fire, Grace Howland
What does it actually take to leave a career in private equity, build a fragrance brand from scratch, and pitch venture capital in 2026, all while bootstrapping and staying scrappy? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Grace Howland, founder of Evoquer, an experience-based fragrance brand built around scent memory and life's most memorable moments. Grace breaks down the full founder journey: 300 product development trials, guerrilla marketing at Coachella, pop-up strategy, bootstrapping vs. funding tradeoffs, and what she'd tell every first-time founder about building a consumer brand from the ground up. Episode TakeawaysTransition from finance to entrepreneurshipCreating a scent memory brandProduct development process with 300 trialsBootstrapping and fundraising strategiesMarketing at Coachella and pop-ups Chapters 00:00 How to Build a Fragrance Brand01:32 How to Scale a Fragrance Brand02:08 The Journey to Evoquer03:25 Lessons from Private Equity: How to Prepare Your Brand Finance Department07:44 The Birth of Evoquer: How to Create a Business Concept and Find Inspiration12:49 Brand Differentiation: Evoking Memories through Scent19:07 Advice for Starting a Fragrance Brand21:36 How to Raise Venture Capital in 2026 and 202724:47 What Are the Pros and Cons of Taking Venture Capital27:54 Bootstrapping vs. Funding: Strategies for Founders31:13 Navigating Unemployment and Scrappiness36:32 How to Create a Fragrance40:36 How to Get Your Brand To Coachella45:38 How to Make a Custom Fragrance for Events47:18 How to Plan a Pop Up Event48:11 How to Build in Public Consistently51:57 Successful Launch Strategies52:47 Business Tech Stack Recommendations55:29 When to Start Email Marketing56:17 Become a Female Venture Capitalist57:24 What is Your Superpower?58:51 When to Take a Break While Building a Business01:00:37 Finding Your Ambition01:01:48 The Journey Beyond the Trenches01:05:18 See You Next Episode Connect With Us:Our Guest - Grace HowlandTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gracehowland_ Guest Brand - EvoquerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shopevoquer Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shopevoquer/ Evoquer Official Website - https://shopevoquer.com/ Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast Entrepreneurship, Fragrance, Product Development, Fundraising, Brand Building, Experience Marketing, TikTok, Coachella 2026, Female Founders
In this episode of TRENCHES Rapid Fire, Gina Moore, founder of Pantry Gems, shares her journey from idea to product, discusses her favorite shows and podcasts, and offers insights into her decision-making process and daily routines. Discover her creative inspirations, challenges, and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways Gina Moore's entrepreneurial journey Innovations in the food industry with Pantry Gems Balancing creativity and business challenges Faking it till you make it Work-life balance in entrepreneurship Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pantry Gems and Gina's Journey 00:46 Rapid Fire: Personal Insights and Preferences 01:24 TV Shows to Watch in April 2026 01:59 Popular Music of 2026 02:30 Podcast Recommendations for 2026 02:51 Hiring a Food Scientist 03:18 How to Build Confidence 03:44 Emotion Support Pets 05:05 How to Create Your Dream Job 05:51 Minimal Skincare Routines 06:39 The Potato Question 07:52 Starting a Fashion Brand 09:39 See You in Next Episode Connect With Us: Our Guest - Gina More Instagram - / @gina.moore86 Guest Brand - Pantry Gems TikTok - /pantrygems Instagram @pantrygems Pantry Gems - https://pantrygems.co Our Host - Milan Terez Instagram: / @milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES the podcast Instagram: / @trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod... Entrepreneurship, Food Industry, Startup, Pantry Gems, Tomato Paste, Creativity, Work-Life Balance, Podcast Recommendations
This week Gina Moore, founder of Pantry Gems, shares her entrepreneurial journey from side hustles to launching an innovative tomato paste product. Discover her creative paths, challenges in product development, and tips for bootstrapping in the CPG space Key Takeaways Entrepreneurial journey of Gina Moore Challenges in product development and packaging Bootstrapping strategies for food startups Start with small steps and validate your idea early. Leverage your environment and personal experiences for product ideas. Build relationships with industry experts and co-packers early. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pantry Gems and Gina's Journey 01:55 Navigating Product Development for CPG Brands 03:04 Gina's Background and Early Career 07:04 How to Manifest Your Dream Business 10:48 How to Find My Million Dollar Idea 12:09 How to Find The Right Side Hustle 15:13 How to Fund Your Business Idea 18:32 Bootstrapping and Funding Strategies 20:00 The Birth of Pantry Gems 22:49 How to Start Product Development At Home 25:35 How to Find Your Brand Designer (Thank you Fishwife) 28:18 How to Find A Co-Packer 31:17 Building the Brand and Community Engagement 32:11 The LaunchLab CPG Accelerator 34:49 Navigating Challenges and Momentum 36:26 How to Attend Expo West and How to Go For Free 40:52 The Meaning Behind Pantry Gems 45:58 How to Find A Product Moat 47:52 How to Create Single Serve Packaging 49:32 Lessons Learned in the CPG Space 50:56 Current Status and Future Prospects 56:04 How to Build in Public 01:00:16 How to Stay Sane While Building a Company 01:02:13 Milestones and Business Journals 01:02:54 The Future of the Brand: Selling vs. Family Business 01:04:10 Taking Action at Any Stage Of Life 01:05:33 Incremental Steps to Success 01:06:04 How to Support Gina and Pantry Gems 01:06:53 See You in the Next Episode Resources Scale Food Labs - https://scalefoodlabs.com/ Danielle from It's All Happening Co. - https://www.instagram.com/itsallhappeningco/ Expo West - https://www.expowest.com/ Fishwife (brand inspiration) - https://fishwifefish.com/ Startup CPG Group - https://www.startupcpg.com/ Connect With Us: Our Guest - Gina More Instagram - /gina.moore86 Guest Brand - Pantry Gems TikTok - /pantrygems Instagram @pantrygems Pantry Gems - https://pantrygems.co Our Host - Milan Terez Instagram: / @milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES the podcast Instagram: / @trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod... entrepreneurship, CPG, food innovation, bootstrapping, product development, startup tips, Pantry Gems, tomato paste, food industry, founder journey
In this Digging Deeper episode of the TRENCHES podcast, Kameron Monet, Founder of Social Docket shares insights on balancing success, making tough decisions, and building a career in the creator economy. She discusses her journey as a lawyer, content creator, and tech founder, offering practical advice for entrepreneurs and creators. Episode Highlights: Balancing legal career and content creation Building and scaling Social Docket Work smarter, not harder: strategic success Overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship The importance of daily routines and self-care Connect With Us Our Guest: Kameron Monet TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/kameronmonet Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kameronmonet/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kameronmonet Her Company: Social Docket Website - https://socialdocketdialogue.com or https://www.socialdocket.ai/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/socialdocket/ Host: Milan Terez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez Show: TRENCHES the podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast
In this episode of TRENCHES we sat down with Kameron Monet the founder of Social Docket to hear all about her journey from lawyer to creator to now tech founder. Her business, Social Docket is revolutionizing the legal infrastructure for creators and the creator economy. She discusses her entrepreneurial mindset, the importance of industry education, and her vision for the future of the creator economy. Key Topics: Kameron Monet's journey from lawyer to creator and tech founder The development and features of Social Docket platform The role of AI and vibe coding in building social docket Challenges and lessons in founding a tech startup as a non-technical founder The future of the creator economy and industry maturation Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Cameron Monet and Social Docket 01:45 Finding Rhythm in Startup Life 02:30 Understanding Social Docket's Functionality 04:53 Legal Tech and Creator Advocacy 06:15 Cameron's Journey: From Creator to Lawyer 09:27 Building Social Docket: The MVP Journey 11:57 Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics 15:29 Evolving Roles as a Solo Founder 17:43 Vibe Coding and Learning to Code 19:49 Building a Vertical AI Tool 21:58 Training Custom AI Models 26:15 Key Terms for AI Founders 29:15 Misconceptions as a Female Founder 31:42 The Future of the Creator Economy 38:20 Fundraising as an Underrepresented Founder 42:27 Navigating the Fundraising Game 44:11 Maintaining Motivation and Grit 48:11 Building a Legacy Beyond Business 52:34 Life Lessons and Inspirational Takeaways 55:36 See You in The Next Episode Connect With Us: Our Guest Kameron Monet TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kameronmonet YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kameronmonet Guest Brand Social Docket - https://socialdocketdialogue.com or https://www.socialdocket.ai/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/socialdocket/ Our Host Host: Milan Terez Instagram: / milanterez TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES the podcast Instagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod...
In this Digging Deeper episode of the TRENCHES podcast, Diana Nino, CEO of Salsi, shares her journey of pivoting her brand from tequila to agave spirit, balancing a full-time job with entrepreneurship, and navigating the challenges of building a beverage brand inspired by Miami's vibrant culture.Episode Highlights:Pivot decisions should be guided by consumer insights and market research.Balancing a full-time job while building a startup requires strategic time management.Consumer education is crucial when rebranding or changing product positioning.Consistent social media presence helps build brand awareness and community.Embrace feedback and be adaptable to pivot or refine your product.Connect With UsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/sipsalsi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipsalsi/Salsi Official Website - https://salsi.comHost: Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast
Join Milan Terez on this week's episode of TRENCHES with guest Diana Nino, CEO of Salsi, a Miami-born agave seltzer brand. Discover her journey from marketing in tech to launching a disruptive beverage, navigating regulations, and building a community-focused brand that celebrates Miami's vibrant culture.Episode TakeawaysDiana Nino's career transition from tech marketing to beverage entrepreneurshipThe role of accelerator programs in launching SalsiMarket gap in low-alcohol, functional beverages inspired by Miami cultureRegulatory challenges in alcohol and beverage industryCommunity building and local engagement through SalsiChapters00:00 Introduction to Salsi and Diana Nino01:25 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Alcohol Industry02:54 Diana's Marketing Background and Its Impact on Salsie04:47 Balancing Fast-Paced Work Environments with Entrepreneurship06:48 Working with a Spouse: The Dynamics of Co-Founding09:59 The Spark for Salsie: Personal Reflections and Market Gaps13:37 Finding the Right Support: Accelerator Programs15:39 What is an Accelerator Program?20:38 Identifying Market Gaps in the Alcohol Space25:16 Navigating the Supply Chain in Beverage Production26:53 Behind the Scenes of Product Development28:23 Navigating Regulatory Challenges30:00 Understanding Alcohol Regulations33:21 The Art of Packaging and Design36:21 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs39:15 The Importance of Community and Kindness41:23 Building Community Events45:40 How To Overcome Social Anxiety48:54 Future Aspirations and Partnerships50:30 Envisioning the Future of Salsi53:41 Innovative Beverage Trends and Collaborations53:53 The Power of Putting Yourself Out There54:51 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions55:58 Thank You for WatchingEpisode ResourcesLaunch Lab Accelerator - https://www.itsallhappeningagency.co/launch-labDanielle Calabrese (Launch Lab Founder) PopSips (Prebiotic Spiked Sodas) - https://popsips.com/Connect With UsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/sipsalsi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipsalsi/Salsi Official Website - https://salsi.comHost: Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast Salsi, Miami, agave seltzer, startup, entrepreneurship, community building, beverage innovation, regulatory challenges, women founders, marketing in tech
In this episode of TRENCHES, Milan shares personal insights on overcoming procrastination, building consistency, and taking actionable steps to pursue curiosity and growth. Learn practical strategies to audit your interests, enable curiosity, and share your journey effectively.Learn How To:1. Audit your recent interests can reveal your natural curiosities.2. Enable curiosity involves taking small, manageable steps.3. Share your goals publicly creates accountability and support.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection on Starting the Podcast 01:27 Challenges of Building a Routine and Consistency 03:08 The Reality of Podcast Industry Dropout Rates 05:01 Deciding to Be Part of the 1% Who Persist 05:30 Auditing Your Curiosity and Interests 07:07 Taking Small Steps to Enable Curiosity 08:44 Learning About Your Interests and Asking Questions 09:29 Implementing Curiosity into Daily Life 10:05 The Power of Telling Someone About Your Goals11:51 Using Social Media for Accountability12:50 Summary of Actionable Steps to Determine Your Next StepConnect With MeTRENCHES the podcastInstagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: / trenchesthepodcast Patreon: https://patreon.com/trenchesthepodcas... Milan TerezInstagram: / milanterez TikTok: / milanterez podcasting, curiosity, consistency, personal growth, content creation, accountability, next steps, podcast tips
In this week's episode of TRENCHES, we sit down with Kat Sheppard, a 2x founder who has dedicated her twenties to building innovative brands in the fashion space. In the midst of operating her first venture, she began to uncover the building blocks of what would become her second venture, Tote. Kat shares her journey from launching a personal shopping app to making the strategic decision to pivot her entire business into the B2B fashion tech space. She also discusses building in public, the importance of community, how to find your co-founder, and her predictions for the future of fashion tech and AI. For any fashion it girls (& boys) — this episode is for you. Episode Topics✨ Pivoting from consumer app to B2B fashion tech Building AI tools for fashion brands The importance of community and building in public Finding and working with a co-founder Future trends in fashion technology and AI Chapters 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES 00:39 Meet Kat Sheppard, Co-Founder of TOTE 02:01 What Is Tote? 02:34 When Is It Time To Pivot? 03:04 Tote Goes Tech 08:10 Co-Founder Meet Cute 13:14 How To Meet THE ONE 16:34 Rolling In The Deep (pt 2) 19:48 How To Spot A New Market Gap? 23:34 The Future of Fashion Tech 29:06 Community Is Commerce 34:14 Her Contrarian Take 38:08 Say Thank You Kat Connect With Us Kat Sheppard TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katsheppard1 ToteWebsite: https://www.toteapp.ioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toteapp TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: / trenchesthepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trenchesthepo... Milan TerezInstagram: / milanterez TikTok: / milanterez fashion tech, AI, startup, building in public, co-founder, personalization, e-commerce, fashion industry, entrepreneurship, innovation
