Foundr Magazine Podcast | Learn From Successful Founders & Proven Entrepreneurs, The Ultimate Startup Podcast For Business

In this episode, Fameez Haroon, co-founder of OTAA, shares how he and his brother bootstrapped a fashion accessories brand from a Melbourne bedroom to $40M+ in sales—without outside funding. He shares: • How they built OTAA from $2,000 and zero fashion experience • The customer pain point that sparked the brand idea • Their scrappy PR hustle that led to a $4K launch and 400K+ customers • Why investing in branded content (even when everyone said not to) paid off • How they scaled their Facebook Ads to 6-figures/month profitably • The mental game of entrepreneurship—and learning to tolerate pain If you’re struggling with traction, brand-building, or growing on a limited budget—this episode is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and long-term thinking. Foundr Community Offers Want 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? ⁠Click here⁠ → Already selling and want to scale? ⁠Click here⁠ Want all-access to step-by-step training from 7

In this episode, Kristina Karlsson, founder of Kikki.K and Dream Life, opens up about building a $100M global brand, losing it all, and why she's starting again—this time, on her own terms. She shares: • The wild journey of scaling Kikki.K to 120 stores in 6 countries • How losing her business twice reshaped her view of failure and resilience • Why journaling became her most powerful tool for balance and clarity • The hard lessons from choosing the wrong investors and CEOs • How she’s building Dream Life with more freedom, purpose, and creativity If you’ve ever had to start over—or fear what would happen if you did—this episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to create again. Foundr Community Offers Want 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? ⁠Click here⁠ → Already selling and want to scale? ⁠Click here⁠ Want all-access to step-by-step training from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders? Start your Foundr+ $1 trial today → ⁠Click

In this episode, Dany Garcia - founder, producer, chairwoman, and the powerhouse behind brands like ZOA Energy, Teremana Tequila, GSTQ, Seven Bucks Productions, and the XFL—shares how she built a billion-dollar business empire from scratch. She shares: • How she went from finance to managing Dwayne Johnson and producing blockbuster films • Why she “fires herself” from roles to grow her companies faster • The mindset needed to lead high-performance brands across fashion, sports, and film • How she built GSTQ from a teenage idea into a mindset-driven fashion label • The origin story behind buying and reinventing the XFL• Why obsession and ROI go hand-in-hand when creating legacy brands If you’re an entrepreneur thinking bigger, craving full creative control, or balancing multiple business ventures—Dany’s insights will shift your perspective entirely. Foundr Community Offers Want 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? ⁠Click here⁠ →

In this episode, Jordan Menard breaks down what it really takes to scale Facebook ads in 2025. He shares why creative is now the targeting, why brands need to focus more on offers than tactics, and how to fix your conversion economics to unlock serious scale. Jordan also walks through his exact ad creative process—including scripting, ad types, and how to test offers to find your hero. If you're spending money on ads and not getting results, this episode will change the way you approach performance marketing forever. Listen to Nathan and Jordan discuss: - How Jordan built a $300M+ track record in Facebook ads without a website or outbound marketing - Why scaling doesn’t start in Ads Manager—it starts with better inputs: offer, creative, numbers - The four leverage points that unlock profitable scale: product, audience, margins, and operations - How to use AI to generate ad angles and customer pain points - The two creative briefs Jordan uses for every ad: scripted for actors, unscripted for influencers And m

What You’ll Learn in This Episode In this episode, Nick Mowbray, co-founder of ZURU, shares how a backyard hot air balloon project turned into a global toy and consumer goods empire with over $3 billion in projected revenue. He shares: • Why he and his brother lived off cents for 7 years in China to make ZURU work • The brutal lessons learned from getting sued as young entrepreneurs • How their first viral product generated $100M+ in revenue • The “2% better every week” mindset that helped them outpace Hasbro & Mattel • Why they never raised VC money—and still scaled to billions This is a raw, relentless look at what it actually takes to go from zero to global dominance—without outside funding. If you want to scale fast, build lean, and think bigger, you’ll want to listen to this one. Foundr Community Offers Want 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? ⁠Click here⁠ → Already selling and want to scale? ⁠Click here⁠ Want all-access t

What You’ll Learn in This Episode In this episode, Jake Kassan, co-founder of MVMT Watches, reveals the emotional rollercoaster of building and selling a business for $100M—and what came after. He shares: • How he scaled Movement from a $5,000 credit card to a $100M exit • The loneliness and identity crisis he faced after selling • Why chasing money alone didn’t fulfill him • The creative spark that led him to YouTube • His advice for founders struggling with burnout or searching for meaning If you’re a founder chasing big goals, feeling stuck, or wondering what comes next—this episode is packed with raw, honest insights that rarely get shared. Foundr Community Offers Want 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? Click here → Already selling and want to scale? Click here Want all-access to step-by-step training from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders? Start your Foundr+ $1 trial today → Click here Omnisend | Get 50% off your first 3 months

In this episode, Tori Gill shares how she transitioned from being a barber to launching a six-figure sunscreen brand in just three months. She dives into how she identified a gap in the market, built a brand that resonated with parents, and leveraged Instagram and organic marketing to drive rapid sales. Tori also reveals how she balanced starting the business while still working her day job and the lessons she’s learned about manufacturing, branding, and scaling a product-based business. Listen to Nathan and Dan discuss: - How Tori built a waitlist and used urgency to generate first-day sales - The viral Instagram moment that helped Sun & Daughter take off - The challenge of getting TGA approval for sunscreen and how she navigated regulations - The role of upsells and complementary products like hats and brushes in boosting revenue - The future of Sun & Daughter and plans for expansion beyond sunscreen And much more early stage business advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access

In this episode, Jess Hatzis shares the journey of how she and her co-founders built Frank Body into a $100M skincare brand with just $10,000. Jess dives deep into the power of brand voice, why traditional beauty marketing was broken, and how Frank Body pioneered influencer-driven marketing before it became mainstream. She also reveals how the brand navigated copycats, expanded into retail, and evolved beyond its Instagram-famous coffee scrub. Entrepreneurs will gain insights into creating a standout brand, scaling without losing authenticity, and adapting to market shifts over time. Listen to Nathan and Jessica discuss: - How Frank Body’s first Instagram marketing campaign changed the beauty industry - The power of crafting a unique brand voice and treating brands like people - Why Frank Body stopped sending free products to influencers and pivoted to a structured ambassador program - The strategy behind shifting from an "Instagram brand" to a serious player in the skincare market - The challenges of g

In this episode, Dan Martell shares his journey from troubled youth to building and exiting multiple SaaS businesses. Dan reveals the strategies behind his Buy Back Your Time framework, showing entrepreneurs how to scale efficiently without burning out. He also discusses his early business failures, the lessons he learned from selling companies, and why understanding leverage is the key to sustainable success. This conversation is packed with insights on hiring, leadership, and building a high-growth SaaS company while maintaining balance. Listen to Nathan and Dan discuss: - Dan’s journey from rock bottom to building successful SaaS businesses - The Buy Back Your Time framework and how to scale without burnout - The 1-3-1 method for decision-making and empowering teams - The four types of leverage every entrepreneur needs to scale - Bootstrapping vs. raising capital: when and why to take funding - How SaaS founders can optimize pricing, retention, and customer success - And much more business advice… C

In this episode, Matthew Orlic shares how he built Qure Skincare into a $50M+ brand in just three years. After losing $5M when Dick Smith collapsed overnight, Matthew had to reinvent himself, shifting from wholesale to digital marketing and mastering a multichannel e-commerce approach. He dives into how he applied four key leverage points—product, audience, margin, and operating costs—to scale sustainably without relying on Meta ads. This conversation is filled with invaluable insights for entrepreneurs on mindset, resilience, and building a profitable brand in today’s competitive market. Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X

In this episode, Rachael Wilde, founder of TBH Skincare, shares how she went from a marketing career in the medical devices industry to creating a leading skincare brand. She talks about discovering patented acne-fighting technology, securing licensing rights, and launching TBH Skincare with her mother as a co-founder. Rachael dives deep into how she leveraged influencer marketing, TikTok virality, and retail partnerships with Priceline to scale the business. Entrepreneurs will learn about bootstrapping, brand storytelling, and the power of community in building a product-based business. Listen to Nathan and Rachael discuss: - Rachael’s transition from corporate marketing to co-founding a skincare company - How she secured the licensing rights to a groundbreaking acne technology - The viral TikTok moment that turned TBH Skincare profitable overnight - Her approach to handling funding, from friends and family investments to equity crowdfunding - The process of merging TBH Skincare into York Street Brands

In this episode, Nick Sharma, founder of Sharma Brands, shares his incredible journey from managing celebrity social media accounts as a teenager to becoming one of the most sought-after names in direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing. Nick dives into the strategies that helped him scale brands like Hint Water and Feastables, including the importance of building trust, leveraging content for conversions, and mastering customer retention. Entrepreneurs will gain actionable insights into creating standout DTC brands, understanding the power of creative content, and executing innovative marketing campaigns. Listen to Nathan and Nick discuss: - How Nick turned his passion for social media into a thriving career in DTC marketing - Scaling Hint Water’s online presence from 80 to 5,000 new customers a day - The secrets behind Feastables’ record-breaking launch on Shopify - Practical tips for building trust and creating organic content that drives sales - Nick’s “Grandma Test” and “Drunk Funnel Test” for ensuring seaml

In this episode, Iris Smit, founder of The Quick Flick, shares her inspiring journey of creating a multi-million dollar beauty empire from her dorm room. Iris opens up about her struggles with self-doubt, turning down a Shark Tank deal, and hitting rock bottom before rebuilding her business from the ground up. Learn how Iris leveraged influencer marketing, radical transparency, and community engagement to grow her brand organically. This episode is packed with actionable insights on resilience, innovation, and building a standout brand in a competitive market.. Listen to Nathan and Iris discuss: - How Iris bootstrapped The Quick Flick with $10,000 - Leveraging influencer marketing to create viral moments - Turning down a Shark Tank deal and navigating the aftermath - The role of authenticity and storytelling in brand building - Scaling a beauty brand while maintaining a lean team - Expanding into new product categories and markets - And much more business advice… Click here to start your business for

✅ Want all-access to step-by-step training from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders? Start your Foundr+ $1 trial today → http://www.foundr.com/startdollartrial ✅ Prefer 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-start-application → Already selling and want to scale? https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-growth-application What You’ll Learn in This Episode In this episode, Aimee Smale, founder of Odd Muse, shares how she went from designing £10 logos to building a £24M self-funded fashion brand. She reveals: ✅ How she launched Odd Muse with just £12,000 and no investors ✅ The pre-order strategy she used to scale profitably ✅ How she handled copycats like PrettyLittleThing ✅ The power of organic influencer marketing ✅ Her approach to community-driven brand building If you’re an entrepreneur looking to build a high-growth eCommerce brand, this interview is packed with insights on organic marketing, brand positioning, and s

In this episode, Mike Smith, founder of Zero Co, shares how a backpacking trip around the world turned into a mission to solve the plastic waste crisis. Mike walks us through the early days of bootstrapping the business with his last $100K, moving back in with his parents, and how he raised over $750K through Australia's most successful Kickstarter campaign. He dives deep into the challenges of supply chain innovation, the power of radical transparency, and the tough decision to completely overhaul Zero Co’s business model after discovering flaws in its sustainability approach. Entrepreneurs will learn firsthand how to balance purpose with profitability, navigate manufacturing setbacks, and use community-driven marketing to build a loyal customer base. Listen to Nathan and Mike discuss: - The journey from an 18-month backpacking trip to launching Zero Co - Bootstrapping with $100K and leveraging crowdfunding to raise $750K - The importance of radical transparency in customer communication - Scaling a pr

In this episode, Cassey Ho, founder of POPFLEX and Blogilates, shares her journey from rock bottom to building two eight-figure brands. Discover how Cassey combined her passion for fitness and design to create unique products that solve real problems. She opens up about overcoming toxic environments, handling copycats, and the challenges of scaling while maintaining authenticity. Listen to how Taylor Swift’s unexpected endorsement of her signature skort skyrocketed demand and why community trust remains her greatest asset. Entrepreneurs will gain actionable insights on building brands, creating viral content, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Listen to Nathan and Cassey discuss: - How Cassey started Blogilates with a single YouTube video in 2009 and turned it into a fitness empire - The pivotal moment when Taylor Swift wore a POPFLEX skort, leading to 20,000 preorders - Cassey’s transparency about reaching rock bottom and how her husband’s encouragement led to a business turnaround -

In this episode, Caleb Marshall, founder of Tropeaka, opens up about his journey from battling chronic fatigue to building a global health brand. After discovering the life-changing benefits of quality nutrition, Caleb and his co-founder launched Tropeaka to make healthy living accessible and appealing. Caleb shares his insights on scaling a brand with no initial marketing budget, leveraging influencer marketing, and competing in a saturated wellness market. Listen to Nathan & Caleb discuss: - Caleb’s personal health journey and how it inspired Tropeaka - Leveraging influencer marketing in the early days to grow on a budget - Insights into product development and creating high-quality superfoods - Lessons in competing in a saturated health market with a unique brand identity - Strategies for customer retention and building a loyal community And much more entrepreneurial advice... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from

In 2014, Erin Deering gifted Triangl swimwear to relatively unknown legacy celebrities Hailey Bieber (Baldwin) and Bella Hadid. Their friend, Kendall Jenner, loved the products and reached out to Erin directly to get Triangl samples. Then Jenner posted on Instagram and tagged Triangl–that’s when everything went mad. But the success of Triangl didn’t come from just celebrity endorsements. It came from developing a product that looked and felt like nothing else before. In 2018, Erin exited the business, but that’s when she stepped back and learned more about who she is as an entrepreneur and person outside of the multi-million dollar brand she built. Listen to Nathan and Erin discuss: How Triangl started on a second date at the beach When their manufacturer stole their idea Why businesses undervalue word of mouth Their “one bikini sale a day” mindset Connecting with Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and the Kardashians Dealing with copycats and competitors How they stayed lean amongst extreme growth Her ment

We're diving back into another episode from the Foundr Archives to revisit my interview with Mitch Harper, founder of BigCommerce - as well as a long-time mentor and coach of mine who has been driving force behind Foundr’s success.  In this episode, Mitch Harper takes us behind the scenes of his incredible entrepreneurial journey. From building software at the age of 12 to co-founding one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms, Mitch shares the strategies and lessons that helped him scale BigCommerce from a bootstrapped startup to a billion-dollar company. He discusses the importance of mitigating risk in business, why he avoided venture capital for as long as possible, and how he cultivated a leadership style that allowed his team to thrive. Listeners will learn actionable insights into scaling a SaaS business, mastering e-commerce, and building a strong company culture. In this interview you will learn: - The journey of bootstrapping BigCommerce and raising $250 million - The importance of mitigating

Kendra Scott started her self-titled billion-dollar jewelry business out of failure. Her first business failed after 5 years, and she started selling handmade jewelry door-to-door as a side hustle. Now, Kendra Scott Jewelry is a billion-dollar business with 100 retail locations across the US. But success didn't come quickly. Through personal struggles, recessions, and rejections, Scott built a fashion business driven by an unforgettable customer experience. Listen to Nathan and Kendra discuss: - What she learned from her failed business - Fundraising and dealing with rejection - The best piece of business advice she still follows - Shifting her business model from wholesale to retail - The nightclub atmosphere of Kendra Scott stores - How philanthropy creates customer loyalty - How to weather the storm as a founder - Her new entrepreneurial memoir Born to Shine And much more founder advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven