Sarah Kauss’ Post

This week I'd love to introduce you to Adam Barker founder of BOLT Skin + Shave -- who I met through How I Built This with Guy Raz. His passion for his company is absolutely contagious and I'm so impressed with the brand he's developed. Adam has a personal story that's compelling and I love the fact that he's solving a personal problem that impacts other people. His question about whether to grow slow or go all in was something I hear often. My point of view? You don't want growth at all costs. Think big, but also think about profitability. Yes, the CPA in me will never die -- but I've also seen this approach work! Want to know more about the "power advantage" of shaving your legs as a bicyclist? Want to try the Bolt razor because you're tired of the one you currently use? Reach out to Adam or go directly to his site to get started. While you're at it, check out the video -- "For Men Who Shave Their Legs." You won't be disappointed! https://www.boltshave.com/

I recently met the founder of Simply Gum, Caron P., who felt that gum shouldn't be made of a synthetic plastic base and took it upon herself to create her own. Over the last 10 years, this inspiring female AANHPI entrepreneur has expanded from Simply Gum to Mints, Gummies and Chocolate. She is building a brand that is living its name -- simple, natural ingredients with packaging and storytelling to match. As mentioned during this week's Office Hours on brand building, we had the chance to talk about brand building, product extension strategies and more. I've had the pleasure of trying Simply products (thanks, Caron) and I'm sold! Simply delivers quality snacks that are delicious and satisfying. I encourage you to connect with Caron, explore Simply's range of products and consider what you can learn from the brand she is building.  

Join in as we discuss the topic of brand building. I'll be sharing stories about my own experience building the S'well brand and offering tips on what small and large companies can do to make sure they're tapping this powerful tool for growth.

Following up on my last Office Hours with more on Ada & Edith — a womenswear brand you need to know! Founded by Ukonwa Kuzi-Orizu Ojo, a fashion designer and former global CMO with absolute vision, this company is a celebration of minimalism, inclusion and her dear mother. I met Ukonwa through the Henry Crown Fellowship at The Aspen Institute, and she is incredible. These designs mix comfort and style to better meet the diverse needs of working women — and I am a total fan. Check out Ada & Edith. Connect with Ukonwa. And definitely let me know what you think! ⤵

Colin Watts I enjoyed spending time with you and the Thorne team in South Carolina this week. I am a proud Board member, super-user of Thorne’s science-based, personalized health, wellness and anti-aging products, and champion of your amazing team.

Join us this week during Office Hours as we tackle the topic of creative financing. I'll be sharing lessons learned, resources available and questions to ask when considering different funding options.

In my most recent Office Hours, I mentioned Jones. Co-founders Caroline Vasquez Huber and Hilary Dubin are building a brilliant brand in a surprising -- yet important -- category: nicotine replacement therapy. They're tapping personal experience, engaging medical experts and redefining what it means to be a quitter. Jonesing for some impactful entrepreneurial inspo? I highly recommend you check out what these founders are doing!

I had the opportunity to talk about bootstrapping a retail business with Sapna Shah at Retail X Series and Amanda Herson from one of my favorite, seed-stage VC funds Founder Collective. Make sure to listen until the end to gather all of our tips when thinking about taking on funding.

Join me for Office Hours this week as I tackle questions on hiring and how to build the best team for your business. I'll be pulling from trends I'm seeing and my own lessons learned while growing S'well. Have other questions for me? Comment below to get the conversation started.