Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sam interviews Ashley Skippers, the founder and CEO of GovERP, a platform aimed at modernising government operations in South Africa. Ashley shares his journey from a technical background in banking to founding GovERP, driven by frustrations with existing government processes. He discusses the challenges of building a business in the public sector, the importance of subject matter expertise, and the integration of AI into their solutions. Ashley emphasizes the significance of hiring the right people and balancing technical and business roles as a founder.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to GovERP and Ashley Skippers
(01:17) Ashley’s Journey into Government Tech
(03:52) The Spark Behind GovERP
(06:14) Building GovERP: Early Days and Challenges
(08:36) First Customers and Transition to Business Owner
(10:30) Taking the Leap: Resigning from Full time employment
(12:51) Overcoming Initial Challenges
(14:08) Unique Challenges in Public Sector ERP
(16:58) Success Stories from GovERP
(18:55) The Importance of Subject Matter Expertise
(20:35) Team Dynamics and Hiring Practices
(22:23) Balancing Technical and Business Roles
(24:21) Sales and Marketing Lessons Learned
(26:52) Barriers to Scaling ERP in Government
(29:03) Integrating AI into GovERP
(33:16) Building Local AI Solutions
(34:12) Leadership and Vision for GovERP
(37:49) Finding the Right Business Partner
(41:23) Lessons in Leadership
(43:30) Advice for Aspiring Founders
Check them out: https://goverp.co.za
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Malcolm Gray, co-founder of Libryo, joins Born to Build to unpack the real story behind raising capital and growing a mission-driven startup. He shares what it took to win over investors, the emotional highs and lows of the journey, and the leadership principles that guided Libryo from idea to acquisition. A must-listen for founders navigating growth, grit and purpose.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Libryo's Journey
(01:19) The Birth of Libryo and Early Conversations
(02:17) Funding and Capital Raising Strategies
(06:23) Transitioning from Corporate to Startup
(09:17) Investing in Libryo: A Personal Journey
(12:19) Early Funding Rounds and Challenges
(16:42) Pitching and Securing Initial Investments
(20:19) Navigating the Seed Camp Experience
(25:23) The Impact of the £950,000 Seed Round
(27:45) Friends and Family Investments
(30:57) The £1.45 Million Seed Extension Round
(34:29) The Bridge Round and Its Importance
(37:58) Understanding Convertible Notes
(41:13) The Emotional Journey of Exiting Libryo
(46:57) Final Reflections on Capital Raising
Check out: libryo.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
The big reveal! In this episode I reveal what it is that is under construction...
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sam chats with Garth Watson, co-founder of Libryo, about the company's culture, foundational principles, and the journey of building a successful remote-first business. They discuss the importance of intentional culture, the role of fun, the concept of 'margin calls', and the significance of hiring the right people. Garth shares insights on how God and community play a role in Libryo's culture, as well as the importance of regular team interactions through stand-ups and events like Big Week.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Libryo and Its Founders
(02:18) The Importance of Culture in Libryo
(05:50) Foundational Principles and Their Development
(09:13) Principle: Have Fun, Make Money, Do Something Good
(13:27) Principle: Margin Call and Life Balance
(21:14) Principle: They Must Be a Dude
(25:54) Principle: Household vs. Family Culture
(28:48) The Concept of a Household in Business
(34:27) The Role of God in Company Culture
(44:50) Building Connections: Weekly Stand-Ups and Big Week
(53:14) Surprising Principles: The Impact of Faith on Business
Check out: libryo.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sam reflects on the metaphor of building a cathedral to illustrate the importance of long-term vision in business and community development. He emphasizes the need for businesses, particularly in Africa, to create jobs and uplift communities, while also sharing his personal conviction to build ventures that align with his faith. The discussion highlights the transformative power of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in fostering economic growth and social change.
Link to the article mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-childrens-children-samuel-cloete-mxodf
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
From start-up highs to near collapse and back again.
Peter Flynn, co-founder of Libryo, joins Sam to share the unfiltered story of building a company through vision, chaos, and courage. .. from its humble beginnings to a global acquisition. Real lessons in leadership, resilience, and what it means to keep building, no matter what.
This is part 1 of 3 where we look at the Libryo story from different angles.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Libryo and Its Founders
(02:36) The Journey from Environmental Law to Libryo
(06:32) The Role of Malcolm Gray in Libryo's Founding
(11:10) Building the Librio Platform: From Idea to Execution
(17:38) Cultural Foundations and Principles of Libryo
(21:19) The Challenges of Leadership and Trust
(27:51) Navigating the COVID Crisis and Its Impact
(37:21) Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned
(39:47) The Acquisition by ERM and Its Implications
Check out ERM Libryo: https://libryo.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Welcome to the first episode of "Under Construction".
Here I talk about the start of my entrepreneurial journey... how I'm documenting everything through this vlog. I reflect on my past jobs, what pushed me to start my own thing, and why I believe small and medium-sized businesses are so key to tackling unemployment in Africa. I try to keep everything as raw and unedited as possible because I want it to be transparent and real... a way to hold myself accountable while figuring out what it actually takes to build a business.
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
He's helping Africa move from consuming tech to creating it.
In this conversation, Dr. Kamao Gachigi shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of industrialization for economic development in Africa. He discusses the founding of Gearbox, a makerspace and hardware accelerator in Kenya, and its mission to empower innovators and entrepreneurs. Dr. Gachigi explains the pivot to a for-profit model in partnership with Europlacer, focusing on high-mix, low-volume electronic manufacturing. He also emphasizes the significance of partnerships, values, and the future of manufacturing in Africa, while identifying opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Kamao Gachigi and Gearbox
(01:02) The Journey to Industrialization in Africa
(07:10) Challenges in Everyday Kenyan Life and the Birth of Gearbox
(15:40) Early Days of Gearbox and Types of Innovations
(24:15) Pivoting to a For-Profit Model with Europlacer
(26:31) The Journey of Manufacturing Circuits
(31:11) Partnerships and Collaborations in Manufacturing
(34:26) Metrics and Customer Relationships
(41:07) The Future of Manufacturing in Africa
(42:30) Opportunities for African Entrepreneurs
(46:09) Shifting Perspectives on Entrepreneurship
(47:35) Admiring African Founders and Their Impact
Check them out here: https://www.gearbox-europlacer.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sam and Brandon Bayman discuss the inception and growth of The Barn, a values-led grocer and eatery in George, South Africa. Brandon shares insights into the challenges of starting a food retail business, the importance of customer experience, and the strategies for sourcing local products. He emphasises the significance of cash flow management, building a positive company culture, and the lessons learned as a founder. The discussion also touches on future growth opportunities and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to The Barn and Its Mission
(01:36) The Journey Begins: Opening The Barn
(06:54) Creating a Unique Customer Experience
(11:03) Managing Cash Flow in the Early Stages
(13:02) A Day in the Life of a Founder
(16:10) Building a Positive Company Culture
(17:06) Sourcing Quality Products
(20:25) Lessons Learned as a Founder
(22:57) Future Growth Opportunities
(25:01) Advice for Aspiring Values-Led Entrepreneurs
(26:26) Investments That Pay Off
(28:14) The Cost of Waste in Food Retail
(30:10) Proud Products and Community Impact
(31:40) Courage in Food Retail
(32:59) Closing Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions
Check out the Barn here: https://localbarn.co.za
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sam and Sandras Phiri discuss the transformative approach of Pranary, an AI-focused business school that emphasises practical education over traditional academic methods. Sandras shares his personal journey from computer science to entrepreneurship, highlighting the gaps in conventional business education and the importance of real-world application. They explore the philosophy behind Pranary, the significance of customer feedback, and the role of AI in modern business practices. Sundras also outlines the milestones achieved by Prannery, the AI Business Mastery program, and the future of entrepreneurship in Africa, emphasizing the continent's potential to lead in AI solutions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Pranary and Its Mission
02:53 The Gap in Traditional Business Education
05:57 Entrepreneurship: Nature vs. Nurture
09:15 Pranary's Practical Approach to Learning
12:09 Bridging Global Trends with Local Execution
14:36 Milestones and Growth of Prannery
17:35 AI Business Mastery Program Overview
23:46 Harnessing AI for Everyday Operations
25:54 Practical Deliverables in AI Education
28:16 Elevating Credibility with Pitch Decks
32:10 Mindset Shifts in Entrepreneurship
35:20 First Steps for Seasoned Entrepreneurs in AI
40:33 Lessons from the Entrepreneurial Journey
41:55 The Future of Pranary and Business Education
43:47 Bold Predictions for Africa's Business Landscape
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this episode of Born to Build, Sam sits down with Harry Welby-Cooke, the powerhouse behind ActionCOACH South Africa, to reveal why business coaching is the secret weapon of thriving entrepreneurs.
From his leap out of corporate banking to building Africa's most impactful coaching network, Harry shares hard-hitting truths, success stories and practical tips to help founders scale faster, work smarter and reclaim their lives.
🔥 If you’ve ever wondered "Do I need a coach?" - this episode might be your answer.
Chapters:
(00:00) From Corporate Refugee to Business Coach
(03:38) Understanding the Value of Business Coaching
(06:21) Investment vs. Cost: The Coaching Mindset
(09:11) Measurable Improvements in Business
(12:18) Real-Life Success Stories
(16:22) Choosing the Right Coaching Program
(18:31) Breaking Free from Overwhelm
(20:24) The Role of a Coach
(22:26) Identifying Blind Spots
(25:12) The Bottleneck: The Business Owner
(26:31) Self-Assessments and Their Impact
(29:05) Building Sustainable Systems
(32:44) Restoring Control and Wellbeing
(35:47) Next Steps for Founders
(38:27) Advice for New Entrepreneurs
(40:34) Rapid Fire Questions
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sasha Knott, Global CEO of Job Crystal and Crystal AI, shares her entrepreneurial journey from waitress to tech leader, discussing the challenges and triumphs of building a recruitment platform that integrates AI with human empathy. She emphasises the importance of finding the right team, navigating funding, and balancing technology with the human touch in recruitment. Sasha also reflects on leadership lessons learned over her 25 years in the industry and offers insights into the future of recruitment and common hiring mistakes.
Chapters:
(00:00) The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
(03:29) Transforming Recruitment with AI
(06:38) Challenges in Building Job Crystal
(09:30) Funding Strategies for Startups
(12:19) Navigating VC Funding
(15:09) Building AI in Recruitment
(18:16) Balancing Tech and Human Elements
(21:12) Leadership Lessons in Scaling Businesses
(24:16) Balancing Team Dynamics and Cash Flow
(25:58) The Importance of Mentorship in Business
(28:06) Decision-Making in Uncertain Times
(30:34) Leadership Qualities in a Fast-Paced Environment
(34:37) The Future of Recruitment: AI and Automation
(37:50) Common Pitfalls in Recruitment Practices
(41:20) Personal Insights and Reflections on Leadership
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this episode of Born to Build, Sam speaks with Lisa Aspeling, a serial entrepreneur and marketing strategist, about the importance of storytelling in branding, the process of crafting a clear brand story, and the significance of building trust with customers. Lisa shares her insights on creating engaging content that resonates with audiences, the innovative journey of launching the Flower Cafe during the pandemic, and the essential elements of building a content strategy for SMEs. They also discuss common pitfalls in branding, the future impact of AI on human connection, and the value of community through initiatives like Founders Cafe.
Chapters:
(00:00) The Power of Storytelling in Business
(06:12) Crafting a Clear Brand Story
(12:44) Building Trust and Brand Strength
(18:33) Creating Scroll-Stopping Content
(26:38) Performance Techniques in Marketing
(28:21) Authenticity in Branding
(31:27) Innovative Solutions During Crisis
(36:00) Building a Content Strategy
(38:24) Common Pitfalls for SMEs
(41:20) The Future of AI and Human Connection
(46:22) Creating Community Through Founders Cafe
(52:05) Rapid Fire Insights
About the podcast:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this episode of Born to Build, Sam speaks with Fabio Rappenecker, co-founder and CEO of TenX Nutrition, a social enterprise in Kenya that is transforming the traditional street snack, Mandazi, into a nutritious food option to combat malnutrition. Fabio shares his journey from Germany to Kenya, the challenges of bootstrapping a startup, and the importance of understanding local culture and consumer needs. The conversation delves into the innovative approach of fortifying Mandazi with essential nutrients, the strategies for distribution, and the metrics for measuring impact. Fabio emphasizes the significance of nutrition security and the potential for future product expansion, all while providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to TenX nutrition and its mission
(01:08) Fabio's journey to Kenya and passion for nutrition
(03:10) Transforming mandazi: a traditional snack into a nutritional powerhouse
(06:48) Nutritional balance and market viability of Mandazi Power
(10:02) Understanding nutrition security vs. food security
(11:46) Distribution strategies: roadside shops and consumer engagement
(14:42) Initial market entry and growth strategies
(18:47) Team dynamics and cultural integration in Kenya
(22:26) Bootstrapping challenges and scaling confidence
(24:20) Expansion plans and operational logistics
(26:33) Measuring impact: success metrics for TenX nutrition
(28:44) Future aspirations: expanding product lines
(31:07) Advice for entrepreneurs: embrace action and learning
(32:35) Rapid fire questions and closing thoughts
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
What does it take to turn a passion for design and craftsmanship into a thriving business? In this episode of Born to Build, we sit down with Wayne Ballard, founder of Coastal Kitchens in Cape Town. Wayne shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a bespoke kitchen and furniture business that is trusted and admired. We dig into the early struggles, the big wins, the importance of craft, and the lessons that keep him pushing forward. If you are an entrepreneur or dream of starting something of your own, Wayne's story will inspire you to keep building.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction and Wayne's backstory
(00:40) Starting Coastal Kitchens and early vision
(06:41) Business challenges and defining moments
(12:20) How the design process works
(16:08) What makes a bespoke kitchen special
(23:38) Memorable client projects
(31:43) Lessons in leadership and resilience
(32:00) Future vision for Coastal Kitchens
(34:15) What keeps Wayne motivated
(36:20) Rapid fire questions
https://coastal-kitchens.co.za
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
What does it take to leave a career in public health and build one of Africa's fastest-growing online schools? In this episode of Born to Build, Lauren Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Koa Academy, shares the bold vision, creative grit, and practical steps behind reimagining modern education. From early funding wins to smashing myths about online learning, Lauren takes us inside the journey of scaling Koa to 700 students while keeping the learner experience at the heart of every decision. Whether you are building a school, a startup, or your next big idea, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger and build smarter.
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome and guest introduction
(00:55) From public health to starting an online school
(06:50) Founding Koa and the meaning behind the name
(08:27) Reimagining modern education
(14:09) A day in the life of a Koa student
(18:35) Busting myths about online schooling
(23:07) Scaling to 700 students sustainably
(36:01) Securing venture capital funding
(37:34) Winning the 2023 MEST Africa challenge
(39:41) Overcoming the biggest challenges
(41:41) What's next for Koa
(44:10) Advice for entrepreneurs
(46:20) Rapid fire questions
Find them online: https://www.koaacademy.com/
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Sauna's are becoming a thing on Cape Town's shores. In this episode of Born to Build, we meet Jari Salminen, a Finnish-Canadian carpenter with sauna in his soul, who's heating up Cape Town's coast one wood-fired session at a time. Discover how Jari brought the deep-rooted Nordic sauna experience to South Africa's beaches, overcame unexpected business challenges, and built a brand that's as calming as it is bold. This is a story of culture, craft, and carving out a niche, literally.
Chapters
(00:00) Welcome and introduction
(00:45) Growing up with sawdust and sauna
(04:45) A family legacy sparks a fresh idea
(10:09) Designing and building the mobile sauna
(14:20) Bringing Finnish sauna culture to South Africa
(17:39) Choosing beach locations and weekly rhythm
(20:48) The wellness benefits of heat and cold
(26:09) Cold plunges and personal extremes
(28:08) Overcoming business challenges
(32:39) Busting sauna myths and best customer moments
(36:31) Vision for the future and expansion
(37:35) Where to find and follow ShuShu
(38:22) Rapid fire questions
Check them out here:
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
What starts as a sock obsession becomes a bold creative business. In this episode of Born to Build, Sam chats with Chelsey Wilson-Roos, founder of Feat., a Cape Town based brand known for its playful, design-led products inspired by South Africa's wild beauty. Chelsey shares the highs and hurdles of building Feat. into a joyful, local-first brand that stands out. Expect honest stories, thoughtful design, and practical lessons for anyone building something distinctive from the ground up.
Chapters
(00:00) Welcome and intro
(00:37) How a sock habit sparked a brand
(02:05) Choosing socks as a creative medium
(05:34) Why "dreamers and intrepid explorers"
(07:51) Playfulness, wonder and creative process
(10:15) Designing and producing locally
(12:40) Benefits and challenges of local manufacturing
(16:27) Managing inventory and rising costs
(20:02) Building relationships with stockists
(22:57) Becoming a husband-and-wife team
(26:45) Sharing roles in business and design
(29:27) Product design in line with your vision
(32:00) Customer stories that keep her going
(33:13) Products that spark conversation
(34:15) What it means to wear or gift Feat.
(38:10) Toughest decisions in scaling up
(37:25) What she'd do differently
(39:44) What’s next for Feat.
(41:49) Rapid fire questions
Check them out here: http://featsockco.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.