WOW Brand Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Robin, the founder of Boy Isaw NYC, to talk about how he built one of New York City’s most loved Filipino street food pop-ups.From working in the restaurant industry to quitting his manager job during the pandemic, Robin shares how Boy Isaw grew through word of mouth, community support and authentic Filipino barbecue culture. We talk about Filipino street food, pop-up events, family, entrepreneurship, food struggles during winter seasons and his dream of owning a food truck one day..If you love Filipino food, business stories and community-driven entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown

In this episode we sit down with Kevin Talbot founder of Talbot Media.This isn’t a straight success story.Kevin shares how he got laid off multiple times early in his career… and how those moments forced him to bet on himself.From shooting music videos with friends in the Bronx to building a full digital marketing agency, Kevin breaks down the real journey behind entrepreneurship.We talk about:Getting fired and using it as fuelWhy most creatives stay underpaidHow storytelling actually makes you moneyBuilding a business through networking (not luck)Working a 9–5 while building your dreamWhen to stop doing everything yourselfWhy your pricing mindset is keeping you smallKevin also shares how he turned small opportunities into long-term success — and why consistency beats talent every time.This episode is for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone tired of playing it safe.🎬 Your story isn’t a weakness it’s your biggest asset.📍 Midtown Manhattan, NYC - WOW Brand Studio

In this episode we sit down with Jeff founder of Lucky 13 in Brooklyn to talk about building one of New York City’s most iconic bars from absolutely nothing.This episode is NOT just about nightlife.It’s about risk, perseverance, burnout, growth, community, addiction, reinvention, and learning how to build a life you actually enjoy living.Jeff opens up about:• Moving from Massachusetts to New York City• Working construction before entering nightlife• Building Lucky 13 with maxed out credit cards• The struggles of entrepreneurship and burnout• Addiction, unhealthy habits, and personal growth• Why success doesn’t always mean happiness• Expanding the Lucky 13 brand to Florida• Creating a space where everyone feels accepted• The mental pressure behind owning a business• Why perseverance matters more than motivation• Learning balance as an entrepreneur• Building a community instead of just a businessHe also shares how Lucky 13 became more than just a bar becoming a safe space, creative hub, and second home for people from all walks of life.This conversation goes way deeper than business.🎬 Build something real. Build something people remember.📍 WOW Brand Podcast - Midtown

In this episode we sit down with George founder of Siembra Connect who shares how he built a creator community during the pandemic after watching people in the social media industry lose their jobs overnight.This episode is NOT about chasing followers or going viral.It’s about sustainability, community, mental health, business structure, and building opportunities that actually last.George opens up about:• Building a creator platform during the pandemic• Why most creators fail financially• The importance of business education for creators• How creators can find real brand deals• Why networking events DON’T work for most people• The hidden truth behind social media success• Why creators need boundaries and mental health support• The problem with gatekeeping opportunities• How AI should be used by creators• Pricing yourself properly as a business owner• The power of community and collaboration• Why consistency and relationships matter more than cloutHe also shares stories from working with major brands like Toyota, building Latino creator movements, organizing conferences, and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in media and tech.This conversation is bigger than content creation.It’s about building something meaningful that lasts.🎬 Don’t just chase attention. Build real value.📍 Midtown Manhattan, NYC - WOW Brand Studio

In this episode we sit down with Hamid founder of Cafe Vendôme who shares his journey from Morocco to France to the United States… and how he went from aerospace engineering and working with Airbus to building one of Atlanta’s most loved café brands.This episode is NOT about overnight success.It’s about sacrifice, risk, discipline, health, community, and the reality of entrepreneurship.Hamid opens up about:• Leaving corporate engineering behind• Putting his entire 401K into his café dream• Why most entrepreneurs underestimate hiring problems• The immigrant mindset and survival mentality• Building authentic community through business• Why health matters more than money• The truth about employees, leadership, and modern work culture• Why consistency beats motivation• How social media changed younger generations• The importance of emotional intelligence in business• Why he believes entrepreneurs must be a little “crazy”He also explains how Cafe Vendôme grew into multiple locations without chasing expansion — with developers actually approaching HIM because of the brand reputation.This conversation goes way deeper than business.It’s really about life philosophy.🎬 Build for people first. Money comes later.📍 Sunmi x WOW Brand Atlanta studio - King and Queen Towers📅 New Episodes Everyday at 10AM EST

In this episode, we sit down with Jayshil founder of Brix & Stones Pizzeria to talk about how he went from a gas station background to building one of Atlanta’s growing late-night pizza spots.This isn’t just a pizza story.It’s about taking a risk, building with family, learning business from scratch, and figuring things out under pressure.Jayshil shares:Why he left the gas station businessBuilding a pizza shop from zero experienceTraveling to New York for pizza researchWhy they stopped selling 99-cent slicesThe truth about Uber Eats & DoorDash feesGrowing Instagram from 3K to 18K+ followersRunning operations himselfExpanding to multiple locationsUsing influencer marketing to grow locallyWhy quality matters more than cheap pricesThe reality of restaurant ownershipHe also talks about building the business with his wife, parents, and family — and why treating employees the right way matters if you want to scale.This episode is for entrepreneurs, restaurant owners, creators, and anyone trying to build something real from the ground up.🍕 Real business.🔥 Real struggles.📈 Real growth.Website - brixandstonespizzeria.comInstagram - @brixandstonespizzeria📍 Sunmi x WOW Brand Atlanta studio - King and Queen Towers

In this episode, we sit down with Brian, founder of Bigger Creative. A Brooklyn-based branding and design studio focused on sustainable design and real business impact.With over 20 years of experience working with major platforms like New York Fashion Week, SXSW, and CES, Brian shares what most business owners get wrong about branding—and how to actually stand out.We talk about:Why your brand is NOT about youThe importance of understanding your audience firstThe difference between design vs real brandingSustainable design and business strategyAI vs human creativity in today’s worldWhy cheap design costs more in the long runBuilding a business from scratch vs working with established brandsIf you’re building a brand or business, this episode will change how you think about it.📍 Brooklyn, NYC – Bigger Creative

In this episode, we sit down with Tamoya, founder of Le Aura Luxury Studio and Le Aura Body Treats a NYC based brand blending self-care, wellness, and immersive experiences.What started as a personal mission to help her daughter’s eczema turned into a full business, from handmade skincare products to sold-out self-care workshops and curated events.Tamoya shares the real journey behind building her brand:Turning a personal problem into a businessGrowing from word-of-mouth to viral eventsPricing mistakes and learning your worthHiring, payroll, and managing financesThe importance of community in businessWhy trends and reinvention are everything todayBuilding experiences that people actually rememberThis is more than business it’s about purpose, creativity, and building something people feel.📍 Brooklyn, NYC – Le Aura Luxury Studio

In this episode, we sit down with Dave, a business performance coach with over 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses without sacrificing their lives.Dave shares his journey from sports broadcasting and real estate into coaching thousands of business owners across the United States. We talk about business growth, hiring mistakes, burnout, scaling to seven figures, finding fulfillment and why many entrepreneurs stay stuck even after seeing success.This conversation is packed with practical advice for small business owners, creators and anyone trying to grow a business while creating a better life.📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Edwards. A former White House aide, military veteran, entrepreneur, filmmaker, actor, and restaurant owner with one of the most unbelievable life stories you’ll ever hear.Born in a two room sharecropper shack with no electricity or running water, Sam shares how a series of serendipitous moments led him from a small town in Georgia to working alongside President Jimmy Carter at the White House.We dive into his military experiences, near death moments in Afghanistan, working with astronaut and Senator John Glenn, life in Los Angeles as a struggling artist, documentary filmmaking, entrepreneurship, and the mindset that helped him survive and adapt through every chapter of life.This episode is packed with insane stories, life lessons, humor, and raw perspective from someone who has truly lived an extraordinary life.Guest: Sam Edwards of Sam’s Burger DeliInstagram: @samsburgerdeli📍 Sunmi x WOW Brand Atlanta studio - King and Queen Towers

In this episode, we sit down with Ronell, founder of Cash Class Academy, to talk about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and why kids should learn about money early.From working a 9–5 as an electrician to building a movement that teaches children about assets, credit, budgeting, and investing, Ronell shares how he turned passion into purpose. We also dive into his book, Cash Class A to Z, his educational app, how he balances family and business, and the real reason why schools don’t teach financial literacy.This conversation is packed with gems for parents, entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone trying to build a better financial future.📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown

In this episode we sit down with Donna, mindset and accountability coach, creative, and author. Who helps high performing women break free from procrastination and finally achieve their goals.Donna shares how her own journey through a mini stroke, major health challenges, and years of feeling stuck led her to discover the power of the subconscious mind.What looks like “laziness” is often something deeper.Inside this conversation, we talk about:Why you keep repeating the same goals every yearHow subconscious beliefs control 75% of your daily actionsThe truth about procrastination (it’s not what you think)Why accountability creates real changeTurning pain, depression, and setbacks into purposeBuilding discipline through systems, not motivationWhy goals without deadlines stay dreamsDonna also shares how she built her coaching system, launched her academy, and expanded into creative work from acting to photography by doing the inner work first.This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or tired of starting over.🎯 If you’ve been saying “this year will be different”… this is the conversation you need.📍 New York

In this episode we sit down with Lisa founder of El Figure Films, who shares her journey from working over 25 years in healthcare to building her own film production company.This isn’t a “quit your job and go all in” story.It’s about building something real… while still working your 9-5.Lisa opens up about:Why she didn’t quit her job right awayTaking 4+ years to transition into her dreamLearning film production from scratch during the pandemicFailing publicly and building confidence anywayThe importance of mentors and guidanceWhy marketing yourself feels uncomfortable (but necessary)Creating content even when it doesn’t performShe also shares how she produced her own films, built a creative team, and even took her work to an international film festival in Spain.This episode is for anyone who feels stuck between stability and passion and thinks it’s “too late” to start.🎬 You don’t need to jump… you can build your way there.📍 New York / New Jersey - L'Tigre Films

In this episode we sit down with Mel, founder of Curated by Mel and co-owner of The Bookstore Bar in Patchogue.With over 20 years in hospitality, Mel shares how she went from working as a server to building multiple businesses in events, restaurants, and consulting all without loans or outside investors.We dive into:Starting in hospitality and working your way upThe truth about partnerships in businessWhy people skills are the ultimate advantageHow to price your products correctlyThe reality of running restaurants and eventsBuilding a business without investorsUsing free resources and city programs to growThis episode is about execution, resilience, and turning everyday skills into real opportunities.📍 The Bookstore - 20 E Main St, Patchogue, NY 11772

In this episode owe sit down with Clifford, founder of Dare to Change. A consulting firm and movement empowering Asian communities through advocacy, funding, and real impact.From navigating identity as a Chinese-Filipino immigrant to working in government and launching a purpose driven business, Cliff shares how he turned intention into action.We dive into:Walking away from traditional expectationsBuilding a business with purpose, not just profitStarting with no money, no backingSecuring over $2M+ for communitiesWhy intention matters more than ideasEthical business and relationship-first growthBuilding a Gen Z led teamCreating impact globally, not just locallyThis episode is about identity, leadership, and building something bigger than yourself.📍 New York / Global - Dare To Change

In this episode, we sit down with Tanya, a young entrepreneur running a boutique souvenir store in Midtown Manhattan alongside her mom.From feeling stuck after college to stepping into the world of business, Tanya shares the real journey behind retail the emotions, the challenges, and the lessons that come with building something from the ground up.We talk about:Starting a business at a young ageWorking with family and building trustThe reality of retail and dealing with tourists dailyInventory mistakes that cost moneySlow seasons and financial pressureEmotional resilience as a business ownerWhy feeling “stuck” can be the start of something biggerThis is a real conversation about growth, risk, and figuring things out as you go.📍 Featuring: The Souvenir Stop (Manhattan, NY)

In this episode, we sit down with Rezan, a restaurant owner in New York, to talk about the real journey of building a business from the ground up.From starting as an immigrant with a vision to now operating multiple restaurant locations, Rezan shares the truth that most people don’t talk about the stress, the sacrifices, the hidden costs, and the lessons that only come from experience.We dive into:The reality of owning a restaurant after COVIDWhy time is the most expensive investment in businessThe importance of choosing the right partnersHidden fees and systems that quietly eat your profitsThe pressure of payroll, operations, and managing peopleWhy most entrepreneurs fail and how to keep goingThis is not a highlight reel. This is the real side of entrepreneurship.If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or thinking about starting something this conversation will give you perspective you won’t find anywhere else.📍 Featuring: Holy Pita (Brooklyn, NY)