What if the real barrier to your success isn’t risk but uncertainty? Dr. Matt Rutherford, John de Pope Chair in Entrepreneurship at Oklahoma State University, joins host Andrea Marquez to redefine risk for founders and show you how to make every risk you take more manageable. You’ll get to hear the six types of entrepreneurial risk, learn why distinguishing risk from uncertainty is crucial, and discover how pinpointing the risks you face can actually tilt the odds in your favor. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple framework to spot, measure, and hedge risk so that your next big leap feels less like a gamble and more like a calculated step forward.
Got a bold leap of your own? Share it with us in an Apple Podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email us at thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com – you might hear it in a future episode.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
(01:29) Ever felt entrepreneurship wasn’t for you? Andrea and Matt share how family and early doubts made them think twice about starting a business – for now.
(06:18) What’s the real difference between risk and uncertainty? Learn why risk can be quantified and how that clarity fuels confident decisions.
(08:53) Which six risks should every founder know? Discover which risks apply to your business and how to spot them before they blindside you.
(12:16) How do you turn uncertainty into risk by diversifying? Practical tips on expanding products, channels, or personal investments.
(15:26) How can small tests tilt the odds? Discover the low-cost experiments that validate ideas without blowing your budget.
(16:30) How do you embrace the upside of risk? Discover why focusing on opportunity instead of fear can turn setbacks into springboards for growth.
(20:03) Can you start a business even if you’re risk-adverse? Matt shares how teaming up with his wife turned caution into confidence and helped them start a small business together.
(22:46) How do you overcome the fear of risk and just start? Matt lays out three ways you can take a calculated leap forward: suck out every risk, enlist trusted voices, and run small experiments.
What happens when your viral moment finally comes — and you’re not ready for it?
Aliett Buttleman, co-founder of Fazit, only had 300 TikTok followers when she said her goal was to get Taylor Swift to wear her product. And she made it happen. But that moment wasn’t luck. It was the result of two scrappy founders, a small but strategically allocated budget, and years of rejection, pivots, and TikTok experiments. Host Andrea Marquez unpacks the strategy behind how Aliett made a viral celebrity moment happen and why she keeps leaning into discomfort to keep growing. You’ll learn how to build buzz without a big budget, why your wildest ideas might be your best ones and how to stay ready so that when your big moment comes, you’re not just hoping it works. You’re ready to make it count.
Got a bold leap of your own? Share it with us in an Apple Podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email us at thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com – you might hear it in a future episode.
In this episode you’ll hear:
(02:07) Ever felt lost in your career or like you don’t quite fit into a single box? Here’s why Aliett started her own company.
(04:50) Why start a business when you’ve seen how hard it is? Aliett’s early consulting work almost convinced her not to become a founder – here’s what changed her mind.
(07:25) How do you kickstart sales with a small budget and no team? The scrappy TikTok strategy Aliett used to grow an audience and why 30 million views didn’t lead to a single sale.
(09:11) What keeps you going when investors say no again and again? Aliett opens up about the emotional toll of 150 VC rejections and why she kept going.
(12:20) Curious how to raise money for your startup when VCs say no? Hear how Aliett and her co-founder Nina pushed through rejection, won a competition, and raised their first $200,000.
(15:50) What do you do when retailers and investors aren’t interested even when you’ve gone viral? For Aliett and Nina, it meant pivoting and moving on to the next product.
(19:01) Is it crazy to imagine Taylor Swift wearing your product one day? That’s exactly what happened to Aliett. And here’s how that surreal moment unfolded and how Aliett capitalized on it.
(25:17) How do you get Taylor Swift to wear your product? It’s not luck and Aliett reveals the behind-the-scenes scramble and marketing strategy that turned a viral moment into a lasting brand.
(29:45) What does it take to succeed without a Plan B? Aliett reflects on discomfort, delusion, and why chasing safety never built anything bold.
What were you doing when you were 12? Blake Shook, the founder of Desert Creek Honey, was wrangling swarms of bees and selling honey – all before middle school let out. What began as a childhood hobby sparked a decades-long entrepreneurial journey that led to the creation of a multi-million honey empire with over 120 employees. But before reaching that level of success, Blake lost his entire bee population – just as he was deciding whether to go to college – and had to choose whether to walk away or take the biggest risk of his life. Host Andrea Marquez explores how Blake scaled a business built around something delicate and unpredictable and what it takes to keep moving forward when your livelihood depends on something you can’t fully control. If you’ve ever wondered whether you really need a degree to build something big or how to bounce back when everything you’ve built disappears overnight, this is the story for you.
Got a bold leap of your own? Share it with us in an Apple Podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email us at thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com – you might hear it in a future episode.
In this episode you’ll hear:
(01:04) What is it like to peer into a beehive for the first time? Blake describes the moment he lifted the lid and discovered a hidden world of 80,000 bees working in perfect harmony.
(6:54) When do you know a hobby can turn into a business? Blake shares the “aha” moment when he got his very first honey order.
(10:36) What if your business disappeared overnight? In beekeeping, that can mean the death of all your bees. Blake talks about the hardest lesson he ever had to learn.
(14:42) When everything seems to be going wrong, do you give up or go all in? Blake explains the choice he made.
(16:14) How do you rebuild after losing everything? Blake turned failure into fuel by learning from seasoned beekeepers—and earned his comeback one hive at a time.
(18:02) Looking for some advice on managing risk? Here’s why diversification is important.
(19:21) What happens when you're suddenly forced to scale up? For Blake, a reality TV show became an unexpected opportunity that ultimately led to six separate businesses.
(23:07) Is passion enough to sustain an entrepreneur? Hear why Blake believes his real job is to work himself out of a job.
What if your business took off before you were ready? No team. No investors. Just a homemade product and a sudden wave of demand. That’s exactly what happened to Adria Marshall, founder of Ecoslay. When her flaxseed hair gel went viral overnight, she had to decide: shut it down or take the risk and build something bigger. Host Andrea Marquez unpacks how Adria scaled her side hustle into a purpose-driven brand, why staying small was her boldest move, and how she learned to embrace risk despite being a planner obsessed Virgo. Adria’s journey will show you how to build something real with what you already have. No MBA, no perfect plan – just purpose, persistence, and a few exploding jars along the way. If you’re waiting for the “perfect” moment to start, this is your sign: the mess is the journey.
Got a bold leap of your own? Share it with us in an Apple Podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email us at thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com – you might hear it in a future episode.
In this episode you’ll hear:
(01:47) Can solving your own problem turn into a business? Hear how Adria’s hair journey – and an obsession with DIY – sparked the beginnings of Ecoslay.
(05:00) Do you have to know what you’re doing before you start? Adria talks about launching her first product with no experience and no formal plan.
(06:53) What do you do when an expert says your idea won’t work? Adria hires a chemist who said her formula was impossible – so she proved him wrong.
(08:13) What would you do if your side hustle goes viral overnight? The moment a YouTuber changed everything for Ecoslay and how Adria juggled the chaos with a full-time job.
(14:40) What if your product starts exploding in the mail? The hard (and messy) lessons Adria learned and how she bounced back from her mistakes.
(16:38) How do you keep going when everything feels like too much? Adria shares how she grounds herself in difficult moments – and why making risky, values-driven decisions (like ditching plastic packaging) became her boldest moves.
(22:27) Still waiting for the “perfect” moment to start? Why Adria now sees risk as a teacher – and how she learned to bet on herself before she felt ready.
When Partake Foods founder Denise Woodard’s daughter had a life-threatening allergic reaction, everything changed. That moment inspired Denise to launch an allergy-friendly snack company that’s now worth millions and serves thousands of families across the U.S. But starting a food business from scratch with no baking experience and no outside funding meant taking one bold risk after another. Host Andrea Marquez talks with Denise about her transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur, how she kept going after getting 86 investor no’s (at least) until she landed a yes from Jay-Z’s VC firm, and how to validate a product before it exists. If you've ever been afraid of hearing “no,” Denise’s story will change how you think about risk, resilience, and the power of starting small.
Got a bold leap of your own? Share it with us as an Apple Podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email us at thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com – you might hear it in a future episode.
In this episode you’ll hear:
(00:00) Ever felt like you needed a “perfect” plan before starting? Hear how Denise launched Partake Foods with no product, no baking skills – just a very personal “why.”
(04:55) What if a stranger at the zoo told you to start a business? Denise shares the serendipitous moment that gave her the push she needed.
(09:20) Struggling to get others to believe in your idea? Learn how Denise turned a cold shoulder from a manufacturer into a yes.
(11:21) Feel like you have to do it all yourself? Denise opens up about making costly mistakes, asking for help, and finding the right people to bring her vision to life.
(16:27) Thinking about quitting your job to go all in? Denise shares the very unglamorous reality of her first day as a full-time founder.
(21:17) Tired of rejection? Hear how Denise pushed through 86 investor no’s and how one yes from Jay-Z’s VC firm changed everything.
(25:28) Afraid to take risks? Denise’s advice for fellow risk-averse founders will make you rethink what it really means to start small.
What do you do when your glasses don’t fit well – and the eyewear industry doesn’t see the problem? For best friends Tracy Green and Nancey Harris, co-founders of Vontélle Eyewear, the answer was bold: start their own company. In the season six premiere of This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez kicks off her personal mission to become more of a risk-taker so she could eventually start her own business by learning from two women who embraced the curveballs that life threw at them and came out stronger. If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t take the leap, Tracy and Nancey’s story might just be the push you need.
Got a bold leap of your own? Share it with us as an Apple Podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email us at thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com – you might hear it in a future episode.
In this episode you’ll hear:
(00:33) How listeners like you are stepping outside their comfort zones – plus, Andrea shares why she’s finally facing her fear of risk.
(03:35) How losing a favorite pair of glasses sparked an impromptu trip to Paris and a new business idea – and why noticing everyday problems is your first step to innovation.
(10:51) Ever wonder how to know when it’s time to go all in? Tracy and Nancey were juggling full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and a pandemic – until they realized they couldn’t wait for the “perfect” time to start.
(14:17) When everything goes wrong, do you pause or push through? From a health scare to a fire, these founders share how staying focused on their mission helped them overcome obstacles and keep building.
(17:58) The small wins, like a single email from a customer, can keep you going when self-doubt creeps in. Hear what kept Tracy and Nancey going, even when things got rough.
(20:17) How Tracy and Nancey pivoted from direct-to-consumer to wholesale and got creative about growing their business.
(22:55) Get advice on how to decide when to leap, when to pause, and how to bounce back from failure without losing momentum.
What if your customers could become your best marketers?
In this minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez dives into the power of user-generated content (UGC) and why UGC is a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. You’ll learn how UGC builds trust, loyalty, and engagement with your audience, discover simple ways to encourage your customers to create content, and get actionable tips to use UGC effectively.
Whether you’re a brand that's just getting started or an established business looking to grow, this minisode will give you tools you can tap into when it comes to the content your customers are already creating.
So, how will you start leveraging UGC? Share your ideas or results with us in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email us at Thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.
Sources:
If you want to know more about influencer marketing and Brittany Hennessy's story, listen to: How Influencer marketing Can Help You Grow Your Business - This is Small Business
If you want to know more about marketing and Liz Downing's story, listen to: How to Build Your Marketing Strategy - This is Small Business
Consumer Behavior Stats 2021: The Post-Pandemic Shift in Online Shopping Habit - Nosto
UGC Content 101: A Comprehensive Introduction - American Marketing Association
Consumer Confessions: How does UGC Impact and Influence the Shopping Experience? - TurnTo Networks
Why User-Generated Content Is Winning - Forbes
Your pitch is more than just words – it’s your first impression, your story, and your chance to stand out. But how do you pack all that into just 60 seconds or less?
In this minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez walks you through how to craft an elevator pitch that grabs attention, tells a compelling story, and leaves people wanting more. Whether you’re pitching to a potential customer, investor, or partner, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to make every second count.
You’ll also get inspired by real-life examples of past guests who’ve crafted pitches that opened doors for their businesses – like Felicia Jackson, founder of CPR Wrap, who turned a personal crisis into a life-saving product, Matthew Tesvich, founder of Skunk Skin, who solved a smelly problem with humor and creativity, and more! These stories will bring the steps to life and show you exactly how to apply those lessons to your own pitch.
So, what’s your pitch? Share it (or just one line) with us in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email us at Thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.
Sources:
If you want to know more about CPR Wrap, listen to Felicia’s story here: Every Entrepreneur's Dream: ‘Your Product Is a Life Saver!’ - TISB: Behind The Buy
If you want to know more about Skunk Skin, listen to Matthew’s story here: Knock Their Socks Off: A Fresh Solution to a Stinky Problem - TISB: Behind The Buy
If you want to know more about Shezza Socks, listen to Tiffany’s story here: From Blisters to Breakthrough: Behind Shezza Socks' Viral Success - TISB: Behind The Buy
If you want to know more about Agua Bonita, listen to Kayla’s story here: A Taste of Tradition: Infusing Heritage in Every Sip - TISB: Behind The Buy
11 actually great elevator pitch examples and how to make yours - Zapier
People don’t just buy products – they buy stories. So how do you tell yours in a way that sticks, connects, and builds loyalty?
In this minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez explains how you can write a brand story that does more than just sell – it builds a loyal customer base. You’ll learn how to craft your story, why embracing your struggles can make your brand more relatable and inspiring, and how to weave your customers into your story so they see themselves in your mission.
Plus, you’ll hear real-life examples from past guests like Conchita Pleasant, the founder and CEO of Nefertiti's Secrets and Ray Phillips, the CEO of Soap Sox, who turned personal challenges into powerful brand stories that inspire and connect.
By the end of this minisode, you’ll have tools to craft a story that doesn’t just explain what you do – it’ll show why it matters.
So, what’s your story? Share it with us (or even just a piece of it) in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email us at Thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.
Sources:
If you want to know more about Nefertiti's Secrets, listen to Conchita’s story here: How Looking Back Can Lead to Forward-Thinking Business Ideas - This is Small Business
If you want to know more about Soap Sox, listen to Ray’s story here: From Concept to Reality: Building and Validating Your Business Idea - This is Small Business
How to Tell a Compelling Brand Story [Guide + Examples] - Hubspot
People Buy Feelings, Not Things - Tony Robbins
Start with Why - Simon Sinek
Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. It’s the voice that whispers, ‘Just one more tweak,’ while your competitors are already out there, learning and growing. In this minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez dives into why waiting for perfection can sabotage your success – and what you can do to break free and start making progress.
Hear from past guests like Mayra Luz Colón, founder of Healthy Rican, who built a thriving business by learning from her mistakes, Val Fishbane, co-founder of Spread the Love Foods, who refined her product through real customer feedback, and Trinity Mouzon Wofford, the founder and CEO of Golde, who shares how to know when your product is ready to launch. Learn why launching, even when it’s not perfect, can build momentum, kill fear, and give you the data you need to grow.
Whether you’re stuck tweaking a product, redesigning your website, or hesitating to hit “send” on that email, this episode will give you the tools to stop perfecting and start making meaningful progress.
So, what’s one thing you’ve been overthinking? And what’s one small step you’re taking to move forward? Share it with us in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email us at Thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.
Sources:
If you want to know more about Spread the Love Foods, listen to Val’s story here: Growth Secrets for Food Entrepreneurs: Expanding from Farmer's Markets to E-Commerce - This is Small Business
If you want to know more about Healthy Rican, listen to Mayra’s story here: How Culture Can Lead to Unique Business Opportunities - This is Small Business
If you want to know more about Golde, listen to Trinity’s story here: How to Know When You’re Ready to Launch Your Product - This is Small Business
Fear Of Failure: The Silent Saboteur Of Entrepreneurial Dreams - Forbes
3 Ways Perfectionism Kills Your Business (and How To Overcome It) - Entrepreneur
Discover how your deeper purpose can be a practical tool for long-term planning and overcoming challenges. In the first minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez dives into the #1 thing every business needs to work on to be able to thrive: your why.
Get inspired from past guests like Sean Brownlee of Ravenox, who built his business to create jobs, and Teri Johnson of Harlem Candle Company, whose passion for Harlem’s history shaped her unique brand.
Whether your ‘why’ is rooted in personal passion, solving a problem, chasing financial freedom, or making an impact, this episode will help you define (or refine) your purpose and keep it at the heart of your business.
So, what’s your why? Share it with us in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email it to us at Thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.
Sources:
What ‘Finding Your Why’ Really Means - Forbes
If you want to know more about Harlem Candle Company, listen to Teri's story here: BONUS: The Benefits of Integrating Culture into Your Products - This is Small Business
If you want to know more about Ravenox, listen to Sean's story here: Benefits of Acquiring a Manager - This is Small Business
What’s the boldest risk you’ve ever taken? For entrepreneurs, risk is the heart of the journey. In our newest season of This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez takes you behind the scenes with founders who’ve turned "maybe one day" into "let’s do this!"
Join Andrea as she digs into the stories of fearless entrepreneurs who’ve made life-changing decisions and bet everything on their dreams. From nail-biting moments of uncertainty to those breakthrough successes, Andrea’s on a mission to uncover what drives people to take risks.
Packed with stories of grit, helpful advice, and a touch of chaos, this podcast will have you asking: What bold move will I take next?
So, whether you’re dreaming of your first big leap or already living on the edge, This is Small Business is here to inspire you to take that next risk and see where it takes you.
And no matter where you fall on the risk spectrum, we want to hear from you! Share your own stories of risk and growth as an Apple podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email them to us at Thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com – maybe you'll get to hear it in an upcoming episode.
Before this new season of risk kicks off, we’ll be dropping small business bytes on This is Small Business – bite-sized episodes packed with quick tips and actionable insights that could help you level up your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your next big step, these shorter episodes are your go-to source for small business inspiration.
In the season finale of This is Small Business: Behind the Buy, we follow Derek Tillotson, founder of Haven Tents, and his journey from world traveler to entrepreneur. His game-changing hammock blends the comfort of a bed with the freedom of camping. What started as a family adventure evolved into a crowdfunding success! You can watch Haven Tent's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Find Their Haven in the Woods.
Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.
In this episode you’ll discover:
(2:03) Derek shares how a family adventure sparked the idea for Haven Tents, starting with a simple desire to improve outdoor sleeping.
(7:15) How a Facebook video seeking a travel nanny unexpectedly went viral, giving Derek his first taste of public attention and setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.
(12:45) We learn about the challenges he faced while developing the hammock prototype, including design failures and early setbacks that tested his resolve.
(18:30) How Derek successfully crowdfunded his product, turning early skepticism into financial backing that made production possible.
(22:10) Tensions rise as Derek pitches his hammock on Buy It Now, with a humorous mishap when one of the judges accidentally falls.
Meet Kerry Cooke and her daughter Kat, the founders of Spleash—a multi-functional dog leash holder that hydrates, cools, and cleans your pet on the go. Kerry and Kat share the emotional journey behind their product, born from a need to care for their own dogs during tough times. They reveal the challenges they faced, from sketching the first design to overcoming manufacturing hurdles, and how they finally made it onto the Buy It Now show. You can watch Spleash's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: Jamie Gets Buff.
Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.
In this episode you’ll discover:
(0:00) Kerry and Kat were motivated by a genuine need to care for their dogs and give back to the pet community. Their product isn't just practical—it reflects their mission to make a difference.
(6:07) Kerry and Kat faced multiple setbacks during the creation of Spleash, including leaks in the first batch and the complexities of manufacturing. Their perseverance and willingness to go back to the drawing board were key to overcoming these challenges.
(11:56) The mother-daughter duo rehearsed their pitch relentlessly, practicing in everyday moments until they had it down perfectly. This preparation paid off when they stepped in front of the live audience.
(15:49) The judges' feedback, including Tony Hawk’s comments and Jamie Siminoff’s praise for the design, highlighted how important it is to listen to constructive criticism and make necessary adjustments.
(19:59) Kerry and Kat’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: don’t let fear of failure hold you back. They emphasize the importance of pushing forward with belief in your idea, no matter how difficult the road may be.
Tiffany Gil, the CEO and inventor behind Shezza Socks, creates foam-padded socks designed to prevent blisters. Tiffany's journey to entrepreneurship started as a high schooler struggling with painful blisters from new shoes. After years of refining her idea and overcoming challenges—like securing funding by winning a cross-country lawnmower race—Tiffany's product went viral on TikTok. This led Tiffany to pitch her brand on the Buy It Now show, where she impressed a panel of judges, including Jamie Siminoff (founder of Ring) and celebrity entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow. You can watch Shezza Socks' episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Get Grilled.
Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.
In this episode you’ll discover:
(0:07) How Tiffany solved a personal problem. Tiffany created Shezza Socks after struggling with painful blisters from new shoes, turning a personal issue into a business idea.
(5:55) Tiffany funded her business by winning a lawnmower race and entering pitch competitions, showing the value of persistence and resourcefulness.
(7:59) How Tiffany leveraged social media to gain entrepreneurial recognition. A viral TikTok video helped Shezza Socks gain traction, demonstrating the power of social media for marketing.
(14:10) The importance of valuing and embracing feedback. Tiffany received valuable feedback on her brand name from industry leaders, showing the importance of being open to criticism and adapting.
Meet Khadijah Robinson, the founder and CEO of Aqua Waterproof Headwear, a line of waterproof turbans and head wraps. Khadijah's journey began with a personal challenge: trying to protect her hair extensions while snorkelling on vacation. Frustrated by the lack of suitable products, she created her own solution—waterproof headwear that is both stylish and functional!
Khadijah faced numerous setbacks, from struggling to find the right fabric to losing money when her first manufacturer went bankrupt. Her determination paid off when she found a supportive seamstress and, eventually, a new manufacturer. Eventually, Khadijah's product gained traction and, against the odds, she auditioned for the Buy It Now show on Prime Video earning her a spot on the Buy It Now Amazon store, along with a $20,000 cash prize. You can watch Aqua Waterproof Headwear's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Get Confused - And They Like It.
Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.
In this episode you’ll learn:
(03:14) Khadijah's idea for waterproof turbans and headwraps came from a frustrating personal experience while on vacation. She needed a way to keep her hair dry while snorkelling but struggled with the limitations of regular hats and shower caps.
(04:19) Khadijah faced significant challenges in bringing her product to life, from struggling to find waterproof fabric to working through multiple prototypes. It took years of effort before she had a working design.
(04:49) A chance encounter with a past acquaintance, Lele, a seamstress who had designed Khadijah’s prom dress, turned out to be pivotal. Lele helped Khadijah with fabric sourcing, prototypes, and navigating her first manufacturer meetings.
(07:18) Even though Khadijah was confident in the demand for her product, she still conducted extensive market research by surveying friends and visiting hair stores to confirm the need for waterproof headwear.
(07:46) Khadijah describes the overwhelming sense of gratitude when she made her product live and started receiving orders. It reaffirmed that her hard work was paying off, even though the process had been stressful and uncertain.
(08:17) After her original manufacturer went bankrupt, Khadijah didn’t give up on her business. Instead, she used the setback as fuel to push harder and ultimately find a new, better manufacturer.
(11:25) For the "Buy It Now" show, Khadijah practiced tirelessly to perfect her pitch. She used flashcards, rehearsed in front of a camera, and worked on her delivery to ensure she’d make a strong impression on the judges.
(19:40) Winning the $20,000 prize not only boosted Khadijah’s confidence but also helped her expand her product line, restock inventory, and invest in broader marketing efforts, including reaching more diverse audiences.
Jaime Salcedo, the founder of Painless Picasso, a numbing cream designed to alleviate pain during tattooing, piercing, waxing, and laser treatments shares his entrepreneurial story. From his beginnings as a tattoo artist to creating a product that challenges the norm in the beauty industry, Jaime shares the highs and lows of building a business from the ground up. Despite freezing up during his pitch on Buy It Now and facing tough questions from the judges, Jaime's authenticity and passion for helping people shone through, earning him a spot on Amazon's Buy It Now store and a $20,000 cash prize. You can watch Painless Picasso's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Meet Dua Leafa.
Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.
In this episode you’ll learn:
(03:43) Jaime shares how, as a tattoo artist with no chemistry background, dove into the world of numbing creams and sought advice to create a safer alternative.
(04:52) Jaime's first step in turning his idea into a business was calling the FDA to learn about the regulations surrounding numbing creams, demonstrating the value of asking questions when starting something new.
(05:16) Jaime reflects on his experience with joining the bio-tech community, such as Techstars, a venture accelerator that taught him business fundamentals and helped him connect with key resources like chemists.
(06:27) Jaime talks about overcoming imposter syndrome by focusing on his strengths as a problem solver and team builder, rather than worrying about what he didn’t know.
(11:13) Despite freezing during his pitch, Jaime’s deep understanding of his product allowed him to answer audience questions with ease, reinforcing the importance of knowing your business.
(11:41) Jaime discusses how carefully choosing a price point ($19.99) helped his product stand out and led to a favorable response from the audience during his pitch.
(18:26) Jamie Siminoff advises that focusing on one core product—rather than trying to do everything—helps businesses gain traction before expanding into additional markets.
Meet Debra Mastic, the founder of Fluff Trough, a pet feeder designed to enhance mealtime comfort for our furry friends. Debra shares her heartfelt journey, inspired by her beloved pug, Porkchop, who struggled during mealtime. From the challenges of launching a business to overcoming personal obstacles, including a cancer diagnosis, Debra’s story is one of resilience and innovation. Discover how she transformed her passion for pets into a thriving product that’s making a difference for animals everywhere. You can watch Fluff Trough's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Legacy of Porkchop.
Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.
In this episode you’ll discover:
(00:05) Debra emphasizes that how pets are fed is as crucial as what they are fed, advocating for more comfortable feeding solutions.
(03:01) Debra’s journey began with her pug, Porkchop, whose eating difficulties motivated her to find a better solution for pet feeding.
(04:02) After realizing existing products didn’t work for Porkchop, Debra used a 3D printer to create prototypes, demonstrating the iterative process of innovation.
(04:48) Debra made a significant financial decision by investing her savings into Fluff Trough instead of purchasing a home, showing her commitment to her vision.
(06:27) Debra encountered difficulties finding quality manufacturers and managing supply chains, highlighting common hurdles for small businesses.
(08:01) Debra’s battle with cancer and the loss of Porkchop added emotional depth to her entrepreneurial journey, showing the personal stakes behind her work.
(09:28) Despite challenges, Fluff Trough gained international recognition, winning awards and receiving positive customer feedback, underscoring the product’s impact.
(19:43) Debra shares her belief that businesses should start to solve problems authentically, emphasizing the importance of resilience and learning from failures.
Meet Anissa Pfeifer, the CEO and inventor of the Whiskee Straw, a unique straw with a whisk at the bottom designed to mix drinks like smoothies and coffee. Anissa shares the emotional journey behind creating her product, from the early struggles of running a small boutique to the breakthrough moment when she invented the Whiskee Straw. With her business on the brink of failure, Anissa finds new hope after being invited to pitch her product on the Buy It Now show. After overcoming nerves and delivering an outstanding pitch, Anissa took home a $20,000 prize, which she plans to use to grow her business. Listen to the highlights and challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of perseverance, and the importance of believing in your product and story! You can watch Whiskee Straw's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: A Shocking Game of Golf.
Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.
In this episode you’ll discover:
(00:00) Anissa shares the overwhelming feeling of pride and accomplishment when she uses a product she created, even on the hardest days. This insight emphasizes the emotional toll and reward that comes with building a business from scratch.
(04:19) Anissa almost gave up on her entrepreneurial dream after her boutique failed, but she found renewed hope when a new idea emerged. This highlights the need for perseverance, especially when faced with setbacks.
(04:33) The idea for the Whiskee Straw came from Anissa’s frustration with her smoothie separating while driving to a store. Recognizing real-life problems is often the catalyst for innovation.
(05:55) After her husband helped create the first prototype, Anissa realized that having a prototype was just the first step. Convincing customers to buy it was the real challenge, reflecting how launching a product involves more than just creation—it requires customer buy-in.
(06:44) Anissa's business gained traction after a few viral reels. This underscores the importance of social media in expanding reach, especially for small businesses with limited marketing budgets.
(08:04) After seeing initial success, Anissa faced a slowdown in sales, which led her to question her business’s viability. This demonstrates how entrepreneurial journeys often involve peaks and valleys, and how critical it is to stay focused during tough times.
(08:46) Anissa received an unexpected email about the Buy It Now show, which she initially thought was spam. This highlights how unforeseen opportunities can sometimes lead to breakthrough moments for small businesses.
(09:28) Anissa’s emotional breakdown before the show demonstrates how vulnerability can sometimes serve as a motivator. She found strength in her vulnerability and used it as a catalyst to keep going, showing how authenticity can inspire resilience.
(12:53) Anissa overcame her nervousness and delivered an engaging pitch, earning 46 green lights from the audience. This proves the importance of being prepared and confident in your pitch—especially when the stakes are high.
Meet Chris Osse, the founder of Armbie, a unique dual-arm support sling designed for comfort during long flights. Chris shares his journey from engineer to entrepreneur, revealing the challenges and triumphs he faced while bringing his innovative product to market. Join us as we explore the passion behind Armbie, the lessons learned along the way, and the pivotal moment that led Chris to pitch his product on the Prime Video show, "Buy It Now.”
In this episode, you’ll discover:
(03:10) Chris discusses his day job as an engineer and how it has shaped his problem-solving mindset.
(03:35) A long flight next to large passengers sparks Chris's idea for Armbie.
(04:09) Chris reflects on how discomfort led to his engineering brain devising a solution.
(04:15) Using a scarf, Chris creates the initial version of Armbie, emphasizing simplicity and portability.
(04:46) The lengthy process of perfecting the prototype involved hours of experimenting with fabrics and sizes.
(06:05) Life challenges, including a separation, test Chris's resolve but do not extinguish his passion for Armbie.
(07:27) During COVID, Chris realizes he has the time and resources to finally pursue his business idea.
(09:16) After applying to various entrepreneurial shows, Chris receives encouragement and interest in Armbie.
(10:17) The importance of practice and finding the right balance in his pitch becomes clear to Chris.
(12:10) Chris’s pitch garners 46 green lights from the audience, showing significant interest despite initial skepticism about the product's appearance.
(15:14) Positive feedback from judges, despite concerns over price, highlights the innovation of Chris's product.
(16:40) Chris celebrates winning a $20,000 cash prize, marking a significant milestone after years of hard work.
(17:30) Following his success on the show, Chris receives news that two of his patents are approved, adding to his momentum.
(18:58) Chris shares his belief that grit and perseverance are key to success in entrepreneurship.
