Closing the door on my startup opened the door to more opportunities than I could have imagined. I’m proud to be an Unfounder, helping startups grow from day one. I’ve been both founder and Unfounder and now I want to share the stories no one hears; applauding the day one drivers behind brands.
You don’t have to start the brand to be the reason it made it. Forget founder fairy tales. We’re here for the Unfounders. Real talk from the people who took the leap (and what they ’d tell you before you do).
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Closing the door on my startup opened the door to more opportunities than I could have imagined. I’m proud to be an Unfounder, helping startups grow from day one. I’ve been both founder and Unfounder and now I want to share the stories no one hears; applauding the day one drivers behind brands.
You don’t have to start the brand to be the reason it made it. Forget founder fairy tales. We’re here for the Unfounders. Real talk from the people who took the leap (and what they ’d tell you before you do).
#59 - Ellie-Mae Healey - Marna Iced Tea [Head of Brand] - Ex Perfect Ted
The Unfounders
37 minutes
1 month ago
#59 - Ellie-Mae Healey - Marna Iced Tea [Head of Brand] - Ex Perfect Ted
In this episode, Ellie-Mae Healy, Head of Growth at Marna Iced Tea, shares her journey from sports to the startup world, discussing the unique approach Marna takes in brewing iced tea with real loose leaf tea.
She highlights the challenges and successes of the brand, the importance of utilising AI for operational efficiency in such a small team.
It was also great to hear about her time at Perfect Ted and what she learnt along the way.
I loved this chat, and the tea is delicious - this is a brand to watch for sure!
As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor Mission Kitchen!
If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.
Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor Against Ordinary - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.
They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the Brand Scorecard a go today!
Check out the ever growing Unfounders Song Selection playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.
Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website here.
Intro by Free Flowin' from Uppbeat
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:29 Ellie May's Role at Marna Iced Tea
01:49 The Unique Selling Proposition of Marna Iced Tea
03:46 The Founding Story of Marna
04:55 Ellie's Journey into the Iced Tea World
06:23 The Lean Team Structure at Marna
08:16 Utilising AI in Operations and Sales
09:59 A Day in the Life of Head of Growth
11:42 Ellie's Career Path and Transition to Manna
15:03 Lessons Learned from Perfect Ted
18:32 Big Wins and Experiences at Marna
18:51 Navigating Commercial Strategies in Retail
20:32 Expanding Retail Presence and Key Partnerships
22:53 Challenges in the Iced Tea Market
27:45 Learning from Tough Days in a Startup
30:43 Transferable Skills from Hospitality to Sales
33:28 Advice for Entering the Startup World
35:10 Embracing the Messiness of Startup Life
The Unfounders
Closing the door on my startup opened the door to more opportunities than I could have imagined. I’m proud to be an Unfounder, helping startups grow from day one. I’ve been both founder and Unfounder and now I want to share the stories no one hears; applauding the day one drivers behind brands.
You don’t have to start the brand to be the reason it made it. Forget founder fairy tales. We’re here for the Unfounders. Real talk from the people who took the leap (and what they ’d tell you before you do).
