Entrepreneur Minds Speak

We are excited to share our conversation with Mike Simon, COO of Surfsnax. Mike shares his journey from struggling to get people to even try his unique salmon snacks, to being picked up by Costco, Wegmans, Giant, Big Y, and other large retailers. After a lackluster CPG product launch with packaging that didn’t wow the audience, he approached Crème de Mint for a rebrand. The new branding drew people in at trade shows and gained traction with retailers. Tune in to hear Mike’s story and his advice for fellow CPG entrepreneurs, including when to pivot, considering different revenue streams for your business, and how to build brand recognition through geographical representation. and building your brand in a way that stays true to your values and personality. Learn more about these unique, savory snack sticks at Surfnsax.com Thinking about a rebrand for your CPG product? We’re here to help! https://cremedemint.com/contact/

Today’s guest is Kevin Gawronski, founder of Gawronski Media, here to share some refreshingly honest ad spend advice for CPG startups. Despite what you may have heard, there is no magic trick for instant success, and huge ad spend doesn’t necessarily equate to huge sales. Instead of empty promises, Kevin shares realistic expections, best practices, and data-driven methods for getting your brand noticed on Instacart and other retail apps, as well as paid social and Google. If you’re looking for an honest Paid Media Partner, check out what Gawronski Media has to offer. https://gawronskimedia.com/ On the creative side, Crème de Mint is here to help you develop visually striking ads.

We’re excited to welcome back Jeffrey Martin, a beauty product manufacturing expert, to hear about new consumer expectations, legislation, and tariffs affecting beauty brands. With invaluable insights for beauty entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing consumer and manufacturing landscape, this episode is not to be missed. Jeffrey explains what to look for in a manufacturer, including testing their knowledge of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, formulation and testing capabilities, and using the “goldilocks method” to find the right fit. He also describes changes in consumer behavior that beauty brands need to be aware of. Jeffrey is the Director of Marketing at Federal Package, a manufacturer of skincare products based in Chanhassen, MN. Learn more at FederalPackage.com or reach out to Jeffrey through Linkedin / jeffreymartinmpls Resources mentioned in this episode: IBA U.S. Legislative and Regulatory Policy Map https://independentbeauty.org/iba-us-... Safer States (a national alliance of environmental health organizations) https://www.saferstates.org/ FREEBIE ALERT! Grab Crème de Mint's free Manufacturing Guide. https://omniform1.com/forms/v1/landin... Ready to build your brand? Crème de Mint is here to help. Schedule your free consultation! https://cremedemint.com/contact/

Do you need guidance on choosing the right packaging for your product—and making sure it actually works? This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Jessie Schwartz, CEO and founder of Strategic Packaging Partners, for a deep dive into the often-overlooked world of product packaging engineering. Jessie brings years of expertise to the table, sharing how to select the best packaging solutions, streamline operations, and build strong, reliable relationships with contractors and suppliers. If you’re looking to avoid costly missteps and refine your packaging strategy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Looking for expert PR tips? Today's guest is Annette Malkin, CEO and founder of Culturewise Collective, a PR agency that helps small-to-mid-size brands build awareness, amplification, and credibility through strategic and authentic messaging. Annette has worked with brands like Tequila Don Julio, Zacapa Rum, Altoids, TAZO Tea and Maxwell House. In this episode, you'll hear expert advice on amplifying your brand message through social media and traditional media outlets, as well as ways entrepreneurs can present themselves as a subject matter experts to build credibility.

What if single-use packaging could just “disappear”? Drain-safe, dissolvable packaging is a new approach to sustainability. Today’s guest is Alex Abbott from SmartSolve, a producer of environmentally-safe papers & adhesives that dissolve in water and leave behind no residue. Alex answers our questions about dissappearing packaging and discusses emerging technologies, including SmartSolve’s new dissolvable packaging material that keeps food fresh, launching early 2025. Learn more at http://www.smartsolve.com Do you need help designing sustainable packaging for your brand? We can help. Schedule a call with Creme de Mint. https://cremedemint.com/contact/

In today's episode, Saloni Doshi helps us see beyond the hype to understand what sustainable packaging really means. Saloni is the CEO and self-proclaimed "Chief Sustainability Geek" of EcoEnclose, a packaging manufacturer that offers guidance to brands wanting to become more sustainable without breaking the bank. Saloni describes how EcoEnclose collaborates with producers of innovative packaging materials made from regenerative sources like seaweed and discusses new environmental regulations that will impact how brands label their products. Check out the podcast below!

Is your cosmetics brand FDA MoCRA compliant? In this episode, we speak with Marcha Chaudry, an expert in cosmetic regulations and founder of The Equity Wellness Collaborative (EWC). Marcha explains how cosmetics companies, from startups to established brands, can become compliant with the FDA's enforcement of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA). We also discuss the lack of representation within the beauty industry and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs from under-represented communities. Want to learn more about how Marcha can help your brand become complaint or get funding through grants? Learn more at https://equitywellness.org/about/ or reach out to Marcha at [email protected]

Join us for a fun twist where Lauren interviews co-host Natalie Saporova, founder of the web design agency Cloud Create. Natalie describes her process for working with new clients and shares best website practices for new product businesses. Other topics up for discussion include SEO, mapping the customer journey, and addressing how customer expectations for websites have evolved over time. If you’d like to work with Natalie and Lauren on your next website project, contact us at https://cremedemint.com/contact/

How do you create a fragrance or a scent for your product? Get the inside scoop from product development expert Emilie Mascarell, who has helped everyone from startups to established brands like L'Oreal and Estee Lauder develop signature fragrances. In today's episode, Emilie walks us through the steps of product development and custom fragrance formulation. She touches on how she sees AI being incorporated into the process in the future and shares best advice for CPG startups. Want to work with Emilie? You can find her at https://www.emilieconsulting.com/

Today's guest is Carrie Sporer, co-founder of haircare brand Swair. With enthusiasm and humor, Carrie shares the lessons she learned while conquering product launch hurdles. As she says, putting out fires is part of being an entrepreneur. Carrie also talks about how traditional PR can help build consumer trust for new brands, and shares her experience of participating in Target's Accelerator Program. You can find Swair's products at https://www.swairhair.com/

When Lori Kranczer couldn't find non-irritating products for her children with skin sensitivities and sensory concerns, she created Raising Junior with a mission of formulating clean products and partnering with nonprofits to support children with special needs. Hear Lori's story and her advice for entrepreneurs just starting out. Raising Junior's first product is a 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash with a clean formulation, available at or on Amazon.

Today's guest is Amy Marks-McGee, founder of Trendincite, a fragrance and flavor marketing company based in New York. Trendincite offers market research, trend reporting, and sensory excursions to stimulate creativity and inspire new product ideas. Amy gives us a behind-the-scenes peek into how the fragrances and flavors we experience daily in consumer packaged goods are chosen and developed, and shares the top fragrance and flavor trends of 2024.

Today's guest is Rich Small, the Executive Vice President at Hunter, an award-winning marketing and PR firm based in New York. Rich offers expert advice for emerging beauty brands, including taking creative risks to break through the noise, and how to stay current with trends. Get tips on how to reach out to influencers and build long-term relationships with them, as well as ways to pique the interest of editors who can write about your product.

The demands of running a business combined with the pressure to always be "productive" can lead to severe burnout that damages our health and wellbeing. Lauren and Natalie have experienced this first hand and share their top tips for how to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur.

In today's mini episode, Lauren and Natalie discuss how adding thoughtful touches to the customer journey and offering great customer service and can propel your brand above the competition and inspire brand loyalty.

Discover how to source quality ingredients for your supplement line with today's guest, Rob Shaw. Rob has worked in the supplement industry since 1996 and started his import/export distribution company, Blue Star Corp, in 2019. Learn what to look for in an ingredient's Certificate of Analysis and what to ask manufacturers before you agree to work with them. Learn more about Blue Star Corp at https://www.bluestar.global/Need branding and label design for your supplement line? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Hey beauty entrepreneurs! Get the inside scoop on consumer-driven skincare trends from industry expert Jeffrey Martin. Make sure your products are aligned with emerging trends and hear Jeffrey's advice for scaling your business to get into larger retailers like Sephora or Ulta. Jeffrey is the Director of Marketing at Federal Package, a manufacturer of skincare products based in Chanhassen, MN. Learn more at FederalPackage.comNeed branding and packaging design for your beauty line? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Let's take a deep dive into nutraceutical and supplement manufacturing with industry expert Lucas Schmidt! In today's episode, Lucas shares his passion for the science behind new product development, as well as advice for entrepreneurs just starting out in the supplement industry. Learn more at nutracapUSA.com or reach out to Lucas at [email protected] branding and label design for your supplement line? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Today’s guest, Brent Baubach, shares tried-and-true techniques for building a successful Shopify store. Learn how to reach 6+ figures per month with your Shopify store by increasing your Average Order Value, reorder rate, and more. Brent is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of online marketing experience who has generated OVER $150 million online. He is the Co-Founder and CMO of PURE Private Label, a supplement manufacturing company.

Creating a custom gummy line? On today's episode, we discuss how to start your own gummy line with Iraiz Gomez, the CEO and Co-founder of Vitawest Nutraceuticals. Get sweet insights from a gummy expert to get inspired and avoid common pitfalls.Need branding and label design for your gummy line? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Curious how to work with influencers to launch your food, beauty or supplement product? Get expert advice marketing your product from the co-founders of UMAI Marketing! On today's episode, Alison Smith and Karin Samelson share their thoughts on paid ads, influencers, organic social, and email marketing. Learn how much to budget for marketing in your first year and the number one question to ask yourself before you start.Need branding and packaging design for your new product line? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Most businesses start with WHAT—the products or services they offer. Or they focus on HOW—the way they operate that sets them apart from their competition. But the most successful brands start with WHY. WHY is more compelling—it taps into interest and passion. It speaks to a purpose, cause or belief. It’s the very reason your business exists. Lauren and Natalie ask some questions to help you tap into your why.

Are you thinking about crafting your own alcohol or private label beverage? In today's episode, Victor Olshansky from Ziami Distillery shares his in-depth knowledge of the alcohol industry and the steps you'll need to take to get your brand off the ground. How will you appeal to your target audience? How will your packaging inspire curiosity that gets people to pick up your product? Crème de Mint is here to help you develop your brand. Schedule your free consultation! https://hello.dubsado.com/public/appo... You can find Ziami online: https://www.ziamidistillery.com/Need branding and label design for your new line? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Hey alcohol entrepreneurs - you won't want to miss today's episode! Our guests from ZÍAMI Distillery share their knowledge about crafting alcohol and specialty beverages. Discover the steps you'll need to take to get your new product to market. How will you appeal to your target audience? How will your packaging inspire curiosity that gets people to pick up your product? Crème de Mint is here to help you develop your brand. Schedule your free consultation at www.cremedemint.comYou can find ZÍAMI online: https://www.ziamidistillery.com/

Starting your own alcohol brand? In this episode, we ask alcohol beverage attorney Ryan Malkin for advice on licenses, distribution contracts, marketing, and label requirements to help you start off on the right foot and avoid legal troubles down the road.Don't miss any of the helpful topics and guest speakers we have coming up. Hit the Subscribe button!You can find Ryan Malkin online: https://www.malkinlawfirm.com/ [email protected] MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:TTB Permits https://www.ttbonline.gov/permitsonline/Distilled Spirits Council https://www.distilledspirits.org/American Craft Spirits Association https://americancraftspirits.org/American Distilling Institute https://distilling.com/Need help with your label design? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Dreaming about creating a dietary supplement from scratch, but not sure where to start? Our guest today is Chad Brey, a chemist who has formulated hundreds of dietary supplements. He discusses the 3-phase process of developing and manufacturing unique supplement formulas and shares valuable guidance for entrepreneurs looking to create a vitamin or supplement from scratch. You can find Chad Brey online: https://thevitaminchemist.org/

Are you struggling to understand regulatory for your herbs and supplements?? Look no further! This week, our guest is Dr. Zoë Gardner, a self-proclaimed herb nerd with over 20 years of experience working with medicinal plants. She earned a Ph.D. in plant science from the University of Massachusetts and co-leads the Emblossom Herbal Conference. Zoë shares her knowledge about product claims and caution statements, as well as what goes in to substantiation files that may be required by major retailers like Whole Foods.You can find Dr. Zoë Gardner online: www.herbnerdresearch.com www.emblossom.co/ RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Pubmed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ The American Botanical Council https://www.herbalgram.org/ Health Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html European Medicines Agency https://www.ema.europa.eu/en The Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd edition https://www.ahpa.org/store_category.asp?id=11 FDA’s Food Labeling Guide https://www.fda.gov/media/81606/download FDA’s Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/dietary-supplement-labeling-guide FDA’s Cosmetics Labeling Guide https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling-regulations/cosmetics-labeling-guideNeed help with your label design? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Do you have an amazing beauty product idea but you're not sure how to make it a reality? In this week's episode, our guest Christine Klahn answers questions about the product formulation process. Christine is the CEO of ChemE Queen Bee—a distinguished San Diego formulation and small batch manufacturing company.Need help with your beauty product design? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Lauren and Natalie discuss how to niche down in your business, helping you save money by marketing only to your target audience. Have your sales slowed down? Maybe it's time to evolve your brand to meet the changing needs of your niche.

Unlock the art of confident communication in any situation! When conflicts arise it can be tough to stand up to someone, gather information and respond clearly. This episode of Entrepreneur Minds Speak features Laura Lorber, an experienced family and civil mediator, as she shares invaluable techniques to master tough business conversations.

This episode of Entrepreneur Minds Speak features Christine Klahn, CEO of ChemE Queen Bee—a distinguished San Diego formulation and small batch manufacturing company. In this engaging session, Christine shares her insights on the process of research, development, formulation, and creating prototypes for custom beauty products. Christine is passionate about sharing her knowledge to help start-ups and small businesses thrive in the marketplace.

The pet products industry is recession proof and booming! But it's also a crowded market. Lauren and Natalie share their top pet product branding tips to help you stand out and build customer loyalty.Need help with your branding and packaging design? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Do you want your product to sell like hotcakes? WOW packaging is key. Lauren and Natalie discuss the importance of packaging and how the unboxing experience impacts people's feelings about your brand. They also dive into design trends like Minimalism vs Maximalism and the one thing that all good designs must have.Need help with your packaging design? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Lauren and Natalie talk about the 5 most important questions that will help you define your brand. Don't forget to grab your Brand Essence Freebie below!Need help with your branding? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Shopify vs. Wordpress for product businesses - which is better? Lauren and Natalie discuss learning curves, SEO, payment gateways, and other factors to consider when choosing a platform for your e-commerce store.Need help with your branding and packaging design? Reach out to Lauren at www.cremedemint.com

Many entrepreneurs experience self-doubt in business, even if they have the skills they need to succeed. Lauren and Natalie talk about how common imposter syndrome is and cover some techniques for pushing through self-doubt.

Are your thoughts and beliefs about making money – your money mindset – hurting your business? Lauren and Natalie discuss their own struggles and share tips for improving your money mindset.

How much cash do you need to start a business? Lauren and Natalie discuss all of the factors to consider when budgeting for your first year in business. Funding Freebie in bio!

Ready to use AI for blog posts and design for your business? We dive into the topic of the best AI writing tools comparing Jasper to Chatgpt. Then we jump into AI art generation where we show the differences between Midjourney, Dall-E and Dream.Watch this episode on Crème de Mint’s YouTube. Link in bio.

Lauren Casgren-Tindall and Natalie Saporova discuss how to overcome decision fatigue related to running your own business.Read more about this topic on Crème de Mint’s blog or watch this episode on our YouTube. Link in bio.