Summary
In this episode of the Free Spirits podcast, Lars Miller and David Gonzalez interview Kim Gamez, founder and CEO of Soberish, a marketplace for non-alcoholic and hemp-derived beverages. Kim shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days in the restaurant industry to her current venture, highlighting the importance of community engagement and organic growth. She discusses the challenges and successes of curating products for her marketplace, balancing non-alcoholic and psychoactive options, and the development of her own product lines. The conversation emphasizes the need for discreet products that cater to a non-cannabis user demographic, showcasing the evolving landscape of beverage consumption. In this conversation, Kim Gamez discusses the evolving cannabis market, particularly focusing on the needs of customers who seek relaxation without intoxication. She highlights the importance of simplifying marketing messages to avoid overwhelming potential consumers. The discussion also delves into the growing sober curious movement, emphasizing a shift towards healthier lifestyle choices among younger generations. Kim shares her journey of building the Soberish brand without outside investment, her approach to team dynamics, and her ambitious goals for the future, all while maintaining a focus on positively impacting customers' lives.
Takeaways
Kim's entrepreneurial journey began in the restaurant industry.
Soberish was inspired by the sober curious movement and personal experiences.
Organic growth and community engagement have been key to Soberish's success.
The marketplace model allows for a diverse range of products.
Customer feedback is crucial in product development and curation.
Soberish aims to provide discreet options for non-cannabis users.
Social media has played a significant role in brand visibility.
The importance of creating a seamless experience for brand partners.
Kim's background in tech and marketing has influenced her approach.
The response to Soberish products has been overwhelmingly positive. Less is more in marketing, especially in cannabis.
Customers want to know how a product will make them feel.
The sober curious movement reflects a desire for healthier choices.
Pricing is crucial for attracting new customers to cannabis products.
Building a brand without outside investment can be empowering.
Team dynamics are essential for a successful business.
Celebrating both wins and losses fosters a positive culture.
Impacting customers' lives positively is a key goal.
Simplicity in messaging can enhance customer understanding.
The future of the cannabis market is evolving and full of potential.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Soberish and Kim's Journey
03:12 The Birth of Soberish: A Personal Story
06:00 The Power of Organic Growth and Community Engagement
09:07 Curating Products for Soberish Marketplace
12:00 Balancing Non-Alcoholic and Psychoactive Products
15:03 Developing Soberish Product Lines
18:07 Customer Response and Market Positioning
23:01 Understanding Customer Needs in the Cannabis Market
27:32 The Rise of the Sober Curious Movement
31:47 Building a Brand Without Outside Investment
35:59 Team Dynamics and Company Culture
39:01 Vision and Legacy for Soberish
Keywords
Soberish, non-alcoholic beverages, hemp-derived drinks, entrepreneurship, Kim Gamez, organic growth, marketplace model, product development, community engagement, cannabis beverages, cannabis, sober curious, marketing, customer experience, brand building, alcohol alternatives, wellness, entrepreneurship, consumer trends, product development
