TRENCHES with Milan Terez

How do you go from supply chain roles at Apple, Microsoft, and Peloton — to launching a shelf-stable organic meal brand for kids in just 60 days? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Roopa Annadatha, founder of Nomie, to break down exactly how she did it. From freeze-drying technology and R&D pilot testing to retail pricing strategy, certified organic certification, and trade show execution — this is the behind-the-scenes CPG playbook most founders never get access to. If you're building a consumer product brand, thinking about food entrepreneurship, or trying to get a physical product to market fast, this episode is for you.Episode TopicsProduct development and formulation processSupply chain and manufacturing challenges in CPGBranding and marketing strategies for launchLessons learned from early R&D and pilot testingGo-to-market planning and channel strategyChapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage01:15 Roopa's Journey: From Corporate to Solopreneur02:29 Working at Apple, Microsoft, Peloton04:21 The Birth of Nomie: A Solution for Busy Parents07:30 How to Use the Freeze-Drying Process10:01 How To Start the Research & Development Process13:04 Go-to-Market Strategy: Navigating Launch Challenges17:11 Retail Strategy and Pricing Strategies for a CPG Brand21:02 The Importance of Weight in Product Design23:33 Shelf Stability vs. Freezing: A Strategic Choice27:41 How to Be A Certified Organic CPG Brand30:39 Lessons Learned About CPG From a CPG Founder32:43 Innovative Packaging: Design and Functionality37:36 Flavor Development: Balancing Taste and Nutrition40:59 Community Engagement: How to Validate Your Product Ideas With Real Consumers43:06 Maximizing Opportunities at Trade Shows44:36 How to Build a Vendor Booth46:34 Finding Press Opportunities as a Pre-launch Founder49:54 60 Days to Launch Strategy51:48 The Myth of Balance: A Mom's Perspective53:12 Emma Grede and 3 Hour Mom57:33 Building Generational Wealth and Community59:03 Becoming a Female Angel Investor01:01:00 Finding Your Unique Path as a Founder01:03:14 See You Next EpisodeResourcesStartup CPG Community - https://startupcpg.comShelfmade Community - https://shelfmade.comWinter Fancy Food Show - https://www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events/winter-fancy-food/Connect With Us:Our Guest - Roopa AnnadathaGuest Brand - NomieInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/getnomie/Nomie Official Website - https://www.getnomie.com/Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcastCPG, product development, shelf-stable, organic, startup, entrepreneurship, supply chain, branding, go-to-market, founder journey

In this episode of TRENCHES Rapid Fire question, Roopa Annadatha, founder and CEO of Nomie, shares her journey as a mom and entrepreneur, discussing decision-making, mental health, and her vision for supporting women and moms through her innovative food brand.Key TakeawaysLiving without balance is normal for moms and entrepreneursChoosing the right co-packer is crucial for product qualityGuilt is a part of motherhood and entrepreneurshipEFT tapping is Roopa’s daily ritual for groundingSupporting women in health is a core passionChapters00:00 Getting to Know the Founder of Nomie - Roopa Annadatha02:04 Finding a Co-Manufacturer02:33 Emotional Challenges of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship03:05 How to Hire the RIGHT Team03:41 Managing Stress as a Mom & Entrepreneur04:14 UPDATE by Kim Kardashian04:55 Unlearning Work Beliefs: Quality Over Quantity06:11 Daily Rituals: The Power of EFT Tapping07:03 Future Ventures: Supporting Women's Health08:35 See You Next WeekResourcesKey Ketones Energy Drink - https://keyketones.com/Connect With Us:Our Guest - Roopa AnnadathaGuest Brand - NomieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getnomie/Nomie Official Website: https://www.getnomie.com/Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcastentrepreneurship, women in business, motherhood, decision-making, mental health, food industry, Nomie, startup journey, recipes for toddlers

What does it take to leave a stable finance career and build a fragrance brand from scratch without outside funding? In this episode of TRENCHES Rapid Fire, host Milan Terez sits down with Grace Howland, founder of Evoquer Fragrances, an experience-based fragrance brand redefining what scent can mean. Grace opens up about the real challenges of launching a consumer product brand, how she makes hard decisions in product formulation, and the daily routines keeping her grounded as a self-funded founder.Key TakeawaysJourney from finance to entrepreneurshipChallenges of launching a new brandDecision-making in product formulationWork schedule and productivity hacksSelf-funding and financial independenceChapters00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES Rapid Fire00:39 Rapid Fire Questions with Grace Howland01:04 Watch Love Story of HBO Max01:32 New Noah Kahan Album & Project Hail Mary Book02:16 An Eat, Pray, Love Moment02:26 How to Make Hard Decisions02:55 Building Without a Trust Fund03:33 How to Make Mistakes04:27 Emotional Support Airpod Max04:51 How to Build Your Own Hours as a Founder06:14 Daily Non-negotiable06:43 From Tech Founder to Fragrance08:27 See You Next EpisodeConnect With Us:Our Guest - Grace HowlandTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gracehowland_Guest Brand - EvoquerTikTok -  https://www.tiktok.com/@shopevoquerInstagram - hhttps://www.instagram.com/shopevoquer/Evoquer Official Website - https://shopevoquer.com/Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok -⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcastEntrepreneurship, Fragrance, Startup, Self-funded, Business decisions, Work-life balance, Innovation, Brand building, Rapid Fire, Grace Howland

What does it actually take to leave a career in private equity, build a fragrance brand from scratch, and pitch venture capital in 2026, all while bootstrapping and staying scrappy? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Grace Howland, founder of Evoquer, an experience-based fragrance brand built around scent memory and life's most memorable moments. Grace breaks down the full founder journey: 300 product development trials, guerrilla marketing at Coachella, pop-up strategy, bootstrapping vs. funding tradeoffs, and what she'd tell every first-time founder about building a consumer brand from the ground up.Episode TakeawaysTransition from finance to entrepreneurshipCreating a scent memory brandProduct development process with 300 trialsBootstrapping and fundraising strategiesMarketing at Coachella and pop-upsChapters00:00 How to Build a Fragrance Brand01:32 How to Scale a Fragrance Brand02:08 The Journey to Evoquer03:25 Lessons from Private Equity: How to Prepare Your Brand Finance Department07:44 The Birth of Evoquer: How to Create a Business Concept and Find Inspiration12:49 Brand Differentiation: Evoking Memories through Scent19:07 Advice for Starting a Fragrance Brand21:36 How to Raise Venture Capital in 2026 and 202724:47 What Are the Pros and Cons of Taking Venture Capital27:54 Bootstrapping vs. Funding: Strategies for Founders31:13 Navigating Unemployment and Scrappiness36:32 How to Create a Fragrance40:36 How to Get Your Brand To Coachella45:38 How to Make a Custom Fragrance for Events47:18 How to Plan a Pop Up Event48:11 How to Build in Public Consistently51:57 Successful Launch Strategies52:47 Business Tech Stack Recommendations55:29 When to Start Email Marketing56:17 Become a Female Venture Capitalist57:24 What is Your Superpower?58:51 When to Take a Break While Building a Business01:00:37 Finding Your Ambition01:01:48 The Journey Beyond the Trenches01:05:18 See You Next EpisodeConnect With Us:Our Guest - Grace HowlandTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gracehowland_Guest Brand - EvoquerTikTok -  https://www.tiktok.com/@shopevoquerInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/shopevoquer/Evoquer Official Website - https://shopevoquer.com/Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcastEntrepreneurship, Fragrance, Product Development, Fundraising, Brand Building, Experience Marketing, TikTok, Coachella 2026, Female Founders

In this episode of TRENCHES Rapid Fire, Gina Moore, founder of Pantry Gems, shares her journey from idea to product, discusses her favorite shows and podcasts, and offers insights into her decision-making process and daily routines. Discover her creative inspirations, challenges, and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.Key TakeawaysGina Moore's entrepreneurial journeyInnovations in the food industry with Pantry GemsBalancing creativity and business challengesFaking it till you make itWork-life balance in entrepreneurshipChapters00:00 Introduction to Pantry Gems and Gina's Journey00:46 Rapid Fire: Personal Insights and Preferences01:24 TV Shows to Watch in April 202601:59 Popular Music of 202602:30 Podcast Recommendations for 202602:51 Hiring a Food Scientist03:18 How to Build Confidence03:44 Emotion Support Pets05:05 How to Create Your Dream Job05:51 Minimal Skincare Routines06:39 The Potato Question07:52 Starting a Fashion Brand09:39 See You in Next EpisodeConnect With Us:Our Guest - Gina MoreInstagram - / @gina.moore86Guest Brand - Pantry GemsTikTok -  /pantrygemsInstagram @pantrygemsPantry Gems - ⁠https://pantrygems.coOur Host - Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠ ⁠⁠ / @milanterez  ⁠    ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠  ⁠TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ / @trenchesthepodcast  ⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod... ⁠⁠Entrepreneurship, Food Industry, Startup, Pantry Gems, Tomato Paste, Creativity, Work-Life Balance, Podcast Recommendations

This week Gina Moore, founder of Pantry Gems, shares her entrepreneurial journey from side hustles to launching an innovative tomato paste product. Discover her creative paths, challenges in product development, and tips for bootstrapping in the CPG spaceKey TakeawaysEntrepreneurial journey of Gina MooreChallenges in product development and packagingBootstrapping strategies for food startupsStart with small steps and validate your idea early.Leverage your environment and personal experiences for product ideas.Build relationships with industry experts and co-packers early.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pantry Gems and Gina's Journey01:55 Navigating Product Development for CPG Brands03:04 Gina's Background and Early Career07:04 How to Manifest Your Dream Business10:48 How to Find My Million Dollar Idea12:09 How to Find The Right Side Hustle15:13 How to Fund Your Business Idea18:32 Bootstrapping and Funding Strategies20:00 The Birth of Pantry Gems22:49 How to Start Product Development At Home25:35 How to Find Your Brand Designer (Thank you Fishwife)28:18 How to Find A Co-Packer31:17 Building the Brand and Community Engagement32:11 The LaunchLab CPG Accelerator34:49 Navigating Challenges and Momentum36:26 How to Attend Expo West and How to Go For Free40:52 The Meaning Behind Pantry Gems45:58 How to Find A Product Moat47:52 How to Create Single Serve Packaging49:32 Lessons Learned in the CPG Space50:56 Current Status and Future Prospects56:04 How to Build in Public01:00:16 How to Stay Sane While Building a Company01:02:13 Milestones and Business Journals01:02:54 The Future of the Brand: Selling vs. Family Business01:04:10 Taking Action at Any Stage Of Life01:05:33 Incremental Steps to Success01:06:04 How to Support Gina and Pantry Gems01:06:53 See You in the Next EpisodeResourcesScale Food Labs - https://scalefoodlabs.com/Danielle from It's All Happening Co. - https://www.instagram.com/itsallhappeningco/Expo West - https://www.expowest.com/Fishwife (brand inspiration) - https://fishwifefish.com/Startup CPG Group - https://www.startupcpg.com/Connect With Us:Our Guest - Gina MoreInstagram - /gina.moore86Guest Brand - Pantry GemsTikTok -  /pantrygemsInstagram @pantrygemsPantry Gems - ⁠https://pantrygems.coOur Host - Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠ ⁠⁠ / @milanterez  ⁠    ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez⁠  ⁠TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ / @trenchesthepodcast  ⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod... ⁠⁠entrepreneurship, CPG, food innovation, bootstrapping, product development, startup tips, Pantry Gems, tomato paste, food industry, founder journey

In this Digging Deeper episode of the TRENCHES podcast, Kameron Monet, Founder of Social Docket shares insights on balancing success, making tough decisions, and building a career in the creator economy. She discusses her journey as a lawyer, content creator, and tech founder, offering practical advice for entrepreneurs and creators.Episode Highlights:Balancing legal career and content creationBuilding and scaling Social DocketWork smarter, not harder: strategic successOvercoming challenges in entrepreneurshipThe importance of daily routines and self-careConnect With UsOur Guest: Kameron MonetTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/kameronmonet ⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kameronmonet/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kameronmonetHer Company: Social DocketWebsite - ⁠https://socialdocketdialogue.com⁠ or ⁠https://www.socialdocket.ai/⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/socialdocket/⁠Host: Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠Show: TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast ⁠⁠

In this episode of TRENCHES we sat down with Kameron Monet the founder of Social Docket to hear all about her journey from lawyer to creator to now tech founder. Her business, Social Docket is revolutionizing the legal infrastructure for creators and the creator economy. She discusses her entrepreneurial mindset, the importance of industry education, and her vision for the future of the creator economy.Key Topics:Kameron Monet's journey from lawyer to creator and tech founderThe development and features of Social Docket platformThe role of AI and vibe coding in building social docketChallenges and lessons in founding a tech startup as a non-technical founderThe future of the creator economy and industry maturationChapters:00:00 Introduction to Cameron Monet and Social Docket01:45 Finding Rhythm in Startup Life02:30 Understanding Social Docket's Functionality04:53 Legal Tech and Creator Advocacy06:15 Cameron's Journey: From Creator to Lawyer09:27 Building Social Docket: The MVP Journey11:57 Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics15:29 Evolving Roles as a Solo Founder17:43 Vibe Coding and Learning to Code19:49 Building a Vertical AI Tool21:58 Training Custom AI Models26:15 Key Terms for AI Founders29:15 Misconceptions as a Female Founder31:42 The Future of the Creator Economy38:20 Fundraising as an Underrepresented Founder42:27 Navigating the Fundraising Game44:11 Maintaining Motivation and Grit48:11 Building a Legacy Beyond Business52:34 Life Lessons and Inspirational Takeaways55:36 See You in The Next EpisodeConnect With Us:Our GuestKameron Monet TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kameronmonetYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kameronmonetGuest BrandSocial Docket - https://socialdocketdialogue.com or https://www.socialdocket.ai/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/socialdocket/Our HostHost: Milan TerezInstagram:   / milanterez      ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez  ⁠TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepod...  ⁠⁠

In this Digging Deeper episode of the TRENCHES podcast, Diana Nino, CEO of Salsi, shares her journey of pivoting her brand from tequila to agave spirit, balancing a full-time job with entrepreneurship, and navigating the challenges of building a beverage brand inspired by Miami's vibrant culture.Episode Highlights:Pivot decisions should be guided by consumer insights and market research.Balancing a full-time job while building a startup requires strategic time management.Consumer education is crucial when rebranding or changing product positioning.Consistent social media presence helps build brand awareness and community.Embrace feedback and be adaptable to pivot or refine your product.Connect With UsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/sipsalsi ⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipsalsi/Salsi Official Website - https://salsi.comHost: Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast ⁠⁠

Join Milan Terez on this week's episode of TRENCHES with guest Diana Nino, CEO of Salsi, a Miami-born agave seltzer brand. Discover her journey from marketing in tech to launching a disruptive beverage, navigating regulations, and building a community-focused brand that celebrates Miami's vibrant culture.Episode TakeawaysDiana Nino's career transition from tech marketing to beverage entrepreneurshipThe role of accelerator programs in launching SalsiMarket gap in low-alcohol, functional beverages inspired by Miami cultureRegulatory challenges in alcohol and beverage industryCommunity building and local engagement through SalsiChapters00:00 Introduction to Salsi and Diana Nino01:25 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Alcohol Industry02:54 Diana's Marketing Background and Its Impact on Salsie04:47 Balancing Fast-Paced Work Environments with Entrepreneurship06:48 Working with a Spouse: The Dynamics of Co-Founding09:59 The Spark for Salsie: Personal Reflections and Market Gaps13:37 Finding the Right Support: Accelerator Programs15:39 What is an Accelerator Program?20:38 Identifying Market Gaps in the Alcohol Space25:16 Navigating the Supply Chain in Beverage Production26:53 Behind the Scenes of Product Development28:23 Navigating Regulatory Challenges30:00 Understanding Alcohol Regulations33:21 The Art of Packaging and Design36:21 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs39:15 The Importance of Community and Kindness41:23 Building Community Events45:40 How To Overcome Social Anxiety48:54 Future Aspirations and Partnerships50:30 Envisioning the Future of Salsi53:41 Innovative Beverage Trends and Collaborations53:53 The Power of Putting Yourself Out There54:51 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions55:58 Thank You for WatchingEpisode ResourcesLaunch Lab Accelerator - https://www.itsallhappeningagency.co/launch-labDanielle Calabrese (Launch Lab Founder) PopSips (Prebiotic Spiked Sodas) - https://popsips.com/Connect With UsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/sipsalsi ⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipsalsi/Salsi Official Website - https://salsi.comHost: Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez ⁠TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast ⁠⁠Salsi, Miami, agave seltzer, startup, entrepreneurship, community building, beverage innovation, regulatory challenges, women founders, marketing in tech

In this episode of TRENCHES, Milan shares personal insights on overcoming procrastination, building consistency, and taking actionable steps to pursue curiosity and growth. Learn practical strategies to audit your interests, enable curiosity, and share your journey effectively.Learn How To:1. Audit your recent interests can reveal your natural curiosities.2. Enable curiosity involves taking small, manageable steps.3. Share your goals publicly creates accountability and support.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection on Starting the Podcast01:27 Challenges of Building a Routine and Consistency03:08 The Reality of Podcast Industry Dropout Rates05:01 Deciding to Be Part of the 1% Who Persist05:30 Auditing Your Curiosity and Interests07:07 Taking Small Steps to Enable Curiosity08:44 Learning About Your Interests and Asking Questions09:29 Implementing Curiosity into Daily Life10:05 The Power of Telling Someone About Your Goals11:51 Using Social Media for Accountability12:50 Summary of Actionable Steps to Determine Your Next StepConnect With Me🪏TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠   / trenchesthepodcast  Patreon: https://patreon.com/trenchesthepodcas...🪏Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠   / milanterez  TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠   / milanterez  podcasting, curiosity, consistency, personal growth, content creation, accountability, next steps, podcast tips

In this week's episode of TRENCHES, we sit down with Kat Sheppard, a 2x founder who has dedicated her twenties to building innovative brands in the fashion space. In the midst of operating her first venture, she began to uncover the building blocks of what would become her second venture, Tote. Kat shares her journey from launching a personal shopping app to making the strategic decision to pivot her entire business into the B2B fashion tech space. She also discusses building in public, the importance of community, how to find your co-founder, and her predictions for the future of fashion tech and AI. For any fashion it girls (& boys) — this episode is for you. Episode Topics✨Pivoting from consumer app to B2B fashion techBuilding AI tools for fashion brandsThe importance of community and building in publicFinding and working with a co-founderFuture trends in fashion technology and AIChapters00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES00:39 Meet Kat Sheppard, Co-Founder of TOTE02:01 What Is Tote?02:34 When Is It Time To Pivot?03:04 Tote Goes Tech08:10 Co-Founder Meet Cute13:14 How To Meet THE ONE16:34 Rolling In The Deep (pt 2)19:48 How To Spot A New Market Gap?23:34 The Future of Fashion Tech29:06 Community Is Commerce34:14 Her Contrarian Take38:08 Say Thank You KatConnect With Us🪏Kat Sheppard⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@katsheppard1🪏ToteWebsite:⁠⁠ https://www.toteapp.ioTikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@toteapp🪏TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  ⁠  TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@trenchesthepo...🪏Milan TerezInstagram:   / milanterez  TikTok: ⁠⁠  / milanterez  fashion tech, AI, startup, building in public, co-founder, personalization, e-commerce, fashion industry, entrepreneurship, innovation

In this Digging Deeper episode of the TRENCHES podcast, host I get to know Lauren Olds, the founder of Leeva, a college-enriched herbal tea blend. We discuss Lauren's decision-making process, and the importance of self-care and emotional support. Lauren shares her daily rituals, non-negotiables, and future aspirations, including her dream of running a wine cafe. The conversation highlights the realities of entrepreneurship, the need for intentionality, and the significance of maintaining personal connections.Rapid Fire Takeaways+ Lauren Olds is the founder of Leva, an herbal tea brand.+ The importance of intentionality in decision-making.+ Marketing strategies often come from spontaneous ideas.+ Self-care practices are crucial for maintaining mental health.+ Hustle culture can lead to burnout if not managed properly.+ Daily rituals help maintain balance in life and work.+ Listening to advice is important, but not all opinions are valuable.+ Mistakes in business can be costly but are part of the learning process.+ Connecting with loved ones daily is a non-negotiable+ Future aspirations include exploring new business concepts and a dream of owning a wine cafe.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES00:44 The Journey of Entrepreneurship00:44 Rapid Fire Insights00:58 Heated Rivalry on Repeat01:43 It's Giving Pop Culture Podcasts02:31 Decisions on Easy Street03:23 Marketing That Sticks (like spaghetti) 04:03 Slow Down & Save Your $$$ 04:50 Pilates Princess & King Scott05:47 Grace & Grit06:52 Listen Always07:58 BREAKING NEWS09:57 Lauren's Little Wine Cafe11:16 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts11:59 See ya Next EpisodeConnect With Us+ Lauren OldsInstagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lauren_olds/⁠TikTok: ⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@lauren_olds⁠+ LEEVAFor 15% Off Website: ⁠https://drinkleeva.com⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drinkleeva/⁠+ TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  ⁠ TikTok: ⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  ⁠ + Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠  / milanterez  ⁠ TikTok: ⁠  / milanterez  

In this episode of TRENCHES, host Milan sits across from Lauren Olds, the founder of Leeva, a collagen-based herbal tea blend. They discuss Lauren's journey as a female entrepreneur, the challenges of balancing multiple roles, and the importance of community support. Lauren shares insights into the formulation process of Leeva, the branding strategies that set it apart in the wellness market, and her future aspirations for the brand. The conversation emphasizes the significance of intuition, self-awareness, and the journey of building a meaningful product.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leeva and Its Founder00:42 Introduction to Leeva and Its Founder04:15 The Concept and Formulation of Leeva07:35 The Origin Story of Leva10:58 Navigating Corporate Life and Entrepreneurship12:19 The Importance of Listening To Your Intuition16:05 How To Embrace Your Path As A Woman19:15 Facing Doubts and Building Resilience23:47 Consumer Testing and Product Development24:49 The Sweetness Dilemma: Honey vs. Monk Fruit27:32 Crafting the Perfect Flavor: Ginger and Lemon32:06 The Journey to Market: Timeline and Challenges34:38 Finding the Right Formulator: A Critical Step40:52 Naming and Branding: The Heart of Leeva47:03 Packaging Decisions: Creating an Experience50:24 The Launch Countdown: Balancing Chaos and Strategy53:49 Just Start: Embracing the Journey of Entrepreneurship58:52 Harnessing Intuition as a Founder01:01:25 Goals Beyond the Trenches01:04:02 Exciting Developments for Leeva01:06:35 Time For The Applause01:08:12 See Ya Next EpisodeConnect With UsLauren OldsInstagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lauren_olds/⁠TikTok: ⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@lauren_olds⁠LEEVAFor 15% Off Website: ⁠https://drinkleeva.com⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drinkleeva/⁠TRENCHES the podcastInstagram: ⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  TikTok: ⁠  / trenchesthepodcast  ⁠ Milan TerezInstagram: ⁠  / milanterez  ⁠ TikTok: ⁠  / milanterez  Leeva, herbal tea, female founder, wellness brand, entrepreneurship, product launch, balancing roles, community support, branding, marketing

TRENCHES is the part no one wants to posts about.Hosted by Milan Terez, TRENCHES takes you inside the messy middle , where dig deep into the seasons of uncertainty, reinvention, risk, and resilience that shape real companies long before they “make it.” These are unfiltered conversations with founders who are building, breaking, pivoting, and figuring it out in real time.We talk experiments that failed. Defining decisions that changed everything. Disasters that forced reinvention. Breakthroughs that came after doubt.If you’re building something — a company, a brand, a new version of yourself — this show is your reminder that you’re not behind. You’re in it.Welcome to the middle.Welcome to TRENCHES.

In this engaging episode of Trenches the Podcast, host Milan sits down with Bo Brainerd, the founder and CEO of Ophelia, a platform that transforms online dating into real-world experiences. Bo discusses her innovative approach to dating technology, emphasizing emotional intelligence and design. The conversation flows into Bo's personal insights, including her favorite shows, music, and the challenges of leadership. The rapid-fire segment reveals her daily rituals and aspirations, showcasing her vibrant personality and commitment to redefining human connections.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES00:52 Heated Rivalry01:32 Harry Styles01:59 The Assumptions03:09 Legal Blues03:22 Me & My Airpods03:59 Unlearning & Sticking to Your Guns05:36 RX Bar Please Sponsor Bo07:12 Politics, Actors & Entertainment08:28 Remember to Like, Comment & SubscribeConnect With Us----Bo BrainerdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobrainerd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobrainerd/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobrainerd OpheliaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ophelia.api/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@opheliahqTRENCHES the podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trenchesthepodcast Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milanterez

In this episode of Trenches the Podcast, Milan sits down with Bo Brainerd, founder and CEO of Ophelia, a company focused on transforming online dating into real-world connections. Bo discusses the challenges of modern dating, the importance of emotional intelligence in tech, and her journey as a young female founder navigating the tech landscape. The conversation delves into the loneliness epidemic, the impact of college experiences on dating perspectives, and the future of human connection. Bo shares insights on building a tech company, the significance of mentorship, and the unique challenges faced by female founders in the industry.Takeaways:+ Ophelia aims to facilitate real-world connections from online dating.+ The transition from a dating app to an infrastructure layer was driven by market needs.+ Emotional intelligence is crucial in redefining tech culture.+ College experiences shape perspectives on dating and relationships.+ Conviction to change the dating landscape often stems from personal experiences.+ The loneliness epidemic affects both genders and needs addressing.+ Age differences can create friction in understanding dating tech.+ The future of dating should focus on in-person connections.+ Building a tech company requires resilience and adaptability.+ Female founders face unique challenges in the tech industry.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES00:39 Introduction to Ophelia and Its Mission01:44 The Role of Technology in Human Connection05:20 Transitioning from Dating App to API Layer08:13 User Experience and Real-World Connections10:41 The Impact of College & COVID Changing Human Connection13:15 Conviction to Change the Dating Landscape15:50 Addressing Loneliness and Insecurities in Dating18:33 How All Generations Are Seeking Love, Dating and Connection20:28 The Importance of In-Person Connections24:15 Navigating the Tech Landscape as a Young Founder28:40 The Startup Journey: Challenges and Realities31:15 Building a Team: The Importance of Mentorship and Interns35:52 Navigating the Tech Landscape as a Female Founder38:45 The Future of Dating: Technology and Human Connection41:59 Everyone Wants A Village44:48 Love Actually Does Win47:51 Fundraising Isn't Always Fun51:28 Beyond the Trenches: Vision for the Future55:11 The Importance of Integrity57:48 Thank You For Tuning In58:21 Connect With Us & OpheliaConnect With Us----Bo BrainerdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobrainerd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobrainerd/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobrainerd OpheliaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ophelia.api/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@opheliahqTRENCHES the podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trenchesthepodcast Milan TerezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milanterez