Owning a small business takes courage, resilience, and a little help from our friends! Business Class: Build It Braver is a podcast from American Express where small business owners can learn from the real-world experiences of seasoned entrepreneurs turned mentors.
Listeners will follow host and entrepreneur Vivian Kaye through conversations with some of Canada’s brightest entrepreneurial minds as they provide fresh perspectives to small business owners to help them on their business journeys. People like Joe Mimran, founder of Joe Fresh and Club Monaco, and Wes Hall, Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den.
Each episode explores a different business challenge, and demonstrates the commitment, connection, and hope that springs up when small business owners have meaningful discussions with experienced entrepreneurs who really care. As small business owners, the stakes couldn’t be higher, which is why you really need the backing of trusted experts. The mentors on this show offer just that: real-time learning in a super-charged package. #AmexBuildItBraver
About American Express Business Class
American Express Business Class is an educational resource for today’s business leaders. It provides modern business education through compelling stories, timely tips, and inspiring insights from business experts, industry leaders, and savvy entrepreneurs.
About Vivian Kaye
Vivian was born in Tema, Ghana, and immigrated to Toronto, Canada as a toddler. After dropping out of college and battling depression in her early adulthood, she worked a series of jobs as a French bilingual for several startups in fintech, Medtech, and at the home office of a multinational franchise company. She took these entrepreneurial lessons and started a 6-figure wedding decor company.
While running that business, her 2nd business, KinkyCurlyYaki was born. Tired of not being able to find high-quality hair extensions that matched her afro hair texture, and realizing she wasn’t alone, the company took off. In the first year (2012) it hit 6-figures. Then in 2016, it hit 7-figures, as it remains today, which has allowed her to run the business while single-handedly raising her son, sharing her story internationally, and helping others reach their goals.
Owning a small business takes courage, resilience, and a little help from our friends! Business Class: Build It Braver is a podcast from American Express where small business owners can learn from the real-world experiences of seasoned entrepreneurs turned mentors.
Listeners will follow host and entrepreneur Vivian Kaye through conversations with some of Canada’s brightest entrepreneurial minds as they provide fresh perspectives to small business owners to help them on their business journeys. People like Joe Mimran, founder of Joe Fresh and Club Monaco, and Wes Hall, Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den.
Each episode explores a different business challenge, and demonstrates the commitment, connection, and hope that springs up when small business owners have meaningful discussions with experienced entrepreneurs who really care. As small business owners, the stakes couldn’t be higher, which is why you really need the backing of trusted experts. The mentors on this show offer just that: real-time learning in a super-charged package. #AmexBuildItBraver
About American Express Business Class
American Express Business Class is an educational resource for today’s business leaders. It provides modern business education through compelling stories, timely tips, and inspiring insights from business experts, industry leaders, and savvy entrepreneurs.
About Vivian Kaye
Vivian was born in Tema, Ghana, and immigrated to Toronto, Canada as a toddler. After dropping out of college and battling depression in her early adulthood, she worked a series of jobs as a French bilingual for several startups in fintech, Medtech, and at the home office of a multinational franchise company. She took these entrepreneurial lessons and started a 6-figure wedding decor company.
While running that business, her 2nd business, KinkyCurlyYaki was born. Tired of not being able to find high-quality hair extensions that matched her afro hair texture, and realizing she wasn’t alone, the company took off. In the first year (2012) it hit 6-figures. Then in 2016, it hit 7-figures, as it remains today, which has allowed her to run the business while single-handedly raising her son, sharing her story internationally, and helping others reach their goals.
On this episode of Business Class: Build It Braver, we discuss managing your business while experiencing supply chain challenges. Featuring Mandy Rennehan, Blue-Collar CEO™ & founder of Freshco.ca (not the grocery store!!) in conversation with Krys Lunardo, the co-founder and CEO of Sistine, an eco-conscious skincare brand.
To learn more from this episode, visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Business Class: Build It Braver, we discuss how to set your business apart and find your niche in a competitive market, something both of our guests are quite familiar with. Featuring Taylor Frankel, co-founder of makeup and skincare brand Nudestix, and Xenia Chen, founder of Threads, a modern direct-to-consumer hosiery and tights brand.
To learn more from this episode, visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Business Class: Build It Braver, we discuss how to build a marketplace through the Network Effect. Featuring entrepreneur and founder of Wattpad, Allen Lau, in conversation with Daniel Warner, the co-founder and CEO of health tech startup KixCare.
To learn more from this episode, visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Business Class: Build It Braver, we discuss the best strategy for effectively scaling and staffing your business for growth with Mallorie Brodie, Co-founder and CEO of the workforce intelligence software Bridgit and Sean Brown, Creative Director of namesake homeware line Curves by Sean Brown.
To learn more from this episode, visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Business Class: Build It Braver, we discuss the benefits and challenges of being the face of your own business with Karin Bohn, Founder and Creative Director at design studio House of Bohn, and Sylvia Wong, the creative brain behind Via Calligraphy.
To learn more from this episode, visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Business Class: Build It Braver, we chat all things digital with Sinead Bovell, founder of WAYE Talks, as she connects with Jebril Jalloh, founder of Toronto streetwear brand Get Fresh Company, on how he can thrive and truly connect with customers in an online world.
To learn more from this episode, visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
On this episode of Business Class: Build It Braver, Tareq Hadhad, Founder of Peace by Chocolate, chats with Sadaf Rahimi, Owner of Charcuterie Vancouver, about how to make the most of your unique brand story.
To learn more from this episode visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business Class: Build It Braver, Paul Roman, General Manager & Vice President, Global Commercial Services, Amex Canada, chats with Tracy Johnson of Bitter Sisters Brewery in Calgary about how she can better manage cash flow for her growing business.
To learn more from this episode visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Business Class: Build It Braver, Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada, an organization dedicated to connecting Canadian entrepreneurs with the tools for growth, will chat with Lola Adeyemi, founder of It’s Souper, about how to access capital for her business.
To learn more from this episode visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Business Class: Build it Braver, Jenny Bird, Founder of JENNY BIRD, chats with Lorel Grad of YVR Poshmama, about dreaming big and how she can better prioritize to achieve her business goals and take her online business to the next level.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Business Class: Build it Braver, Wes Hall, founder and CEO of Kingsdale Advisors and newest Dragon on Dragon’s Den, chats with Jordan Subban, founder of Ujimaa, a marketplace for exclusively BIPOC and women-owned businesses, about how he can maximize potential as a BIPOC business owner.
To learn more from this episode visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Business Class: Build it Braver, Joe Mimran, Founder of Joe Fresh and Club Monaco and former Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, chats with Catherine Addai, CEO, designer, and lead stylist of Toronto based clothing label, Kaela Kay, about scaling up business production, when and how to take your business to the next level of growth and more!
To learn more from this episode visit us at Business Class.
Views expressed in this podcast belong to the business owners and do not necessarily reflect those of American Express.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Owning a small business takes courage, resilience, unwavering optimism, and of course, a strong support system. Having someone to turn to for guidance throughout the entrepreneurial journey is invaluable. This is “Business Class: Build It Braver,” a podcast offering real-world advice for small business owners, powered by American Express. The small business world is full of personal stories, innovation, and fearless determination.
On “Build It Braver,” listeners will follow host and entrepreneur Vivian Kaye through conversations with some of Canada’s brightest entrepreneurial minds about the challenges of small business ownership, from managing cash flow and hiring remote teams, to accessing funding and crafting a brand narrative. Beyond business development, Vivian and her guests also talk late nights and coffee-fueled mornings, and how hard it is to get a sitter.
Each episode delves into a different business challenge, pairing a small business owner with a mentor and expert in their field who can guide them on their journey. People like Wes Hall, Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, and Tareq Hadhad, founder of Peace by Chocolate. These impressive mentors come from all across Canada and provide our small business owners with invaluable, thoughtful advice to help guide them on their unique business journey.
Think of this podcast as real-time learning with compelling storytelling in one super-charged package. As small business owners, the stakes couldn’t be higher, which is why you need the backing of trusted partners. And we’re here to support and guide you on your way to success. #AMEXBuildItBraver.
About American Express Business Class
American Express Business Class is an educational resource for today’s business leaders. It provides modern business education through compelling stories, timely tips and inspiring insights from business experts, industry leaders, and savvy entrepreneurs.
About Vivian Kaye
Vivian was born in Tema, Ghana, and immigrated to Toronto, Canada as a toddler. After dropping out of college and battling depression in her early adulthood, she worked a series of jobs as a French bilingual for several startups in fintech, Medtech, and at the home office of a multinational franchise company. She took these entrepreneurial lessons and started a 6-figure wedding decor company.
While running that business, her 2nd business, KinkyCurlyYaki was born. Tired of not being able to find high-quality hair extensions that matched her afro hair texture, and realizing she wasn’t alone, the company took off. In the first year (2012) it hit 6-figures. Then in 2016, it hit 7-figures, as it remains today, which has allowed her to run the business while single-handedly raising her son, sharing her story internationally, and helping others reach their goals.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.