Stay ConnectedWelcome to The Mentor Files. Join host Monica Royer, Founder and CEO of Monica + Andy as she chats with leaders across the fields of entrepreneurship, parenthood, health, lifestyle, and more. This season, we’re digging deeper than ever before to learn the story behind their stories.
Think of this show as one part audible MBA, one part certification to be the confident CEO of your own life. Here we go!
Listen in to learn what inspired Holly to start Supergoop, why she focused on a slow scaling of her brand, and what she considers when she takes in capital.
"I think the decision making becomes easier when you're always focused on your mission and why you exist as a brand." - Holly Thaggard.
Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/58
Listen in to learn what inspired Rachelle to start both of her two successful companies, and how she has found inspiration in her life's challenges.
"There was no grand plan, I just kept doing what felt right." - Rachelle Hruska.
Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/57
Listen in to learn what sparked Erik to start Chess.com, how he has maintained such constant growth, and why he loves having a fully remote team.
"After school, I said I would spend one year [with Chess.com] at most and then I'm going to go take those job offers from the big tech companies. But that just never happened, it just kept growing and growing." - Erik Allebest.
Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/56
Listen in to learn how Brett went from PR of Gucci to becoming a mom and starting Edie Parker, and what lessons she has learned over the last seven years.
"When you work for yourself, there's never a Sunday. There's never a day where I'm not thinking about the business. It's a totally different animal." - Brett Heyman.
Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/55
Listen in to learn more about Minibar's path to launch, how they pitched and raised funds for their idea, and the major hurdles that came up along the way.
"Off-premise alcohol sales is 100 billion dollars [per year] in the US. It's a massive industry that just hadn't been brought online, unlike every other industry." - Lindsey Andrews.
Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/54
On today's episode, Shan-Lyn goes through how she started Zola, from the inspiration behind the idea to the implementation and fundraising for the business.
"Now we're really focused not just continually improving and innovating in wedding registries, but also in how we can serve couples throughout their entire wedding planning journey." - Shan-Lyn Ma.
Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/53
Listen in to learn how Micky is guiding Bonobos into a new age of digital brands, and how she maintains a strong culture in all their retail environments.
"The journey began from that very first interaction and interview [with Andy], and I moved my family from the other side of the country to come work for Andy and the opportunity to build this brand." - Micky Onvural.
Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/52
Listen in to learn how Mariah joined the team at Eloquii, what it was like joining an established company in the role of CEO, and her advice for all CEO's.
"I just thought, 'Wow, I've been in fashion my whole career, and how on Earth have we not been talking about this customer?'." - Mariah Chase.
Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/51
Listen in as Leah talks about her career moving from entrepreneur to becoming a general partner in venture capital, and her advice for young companies.
"TaskRabbit was able to help shape the future of work at a time when people really needed it." - Leah Busque.
Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/50
While we are on our winter break, enjoy this rerun of one of our favorite episodes!
In 2015, Jen Rubio was traveling back from a trip to Switzerland when her luggage broke in the middle of a crowded airport, sending her clothes and belongings everywhere. As she looked for a replacement she couldn't find the kind of iconic, high-quality, affordable luggage she was looking for.
Jen called up her friend Steph Korey - the two met in 2011 at Warby Parker back when they had only twenty employees - and they got to work. Just a few years later, they launched their direct-to-consumer luggage company, Away, in 2015. It boasts high end features such as two built-in USB ports and a durable, sleek design but is a fraction of the price of competing luggage.
The Away team now has more than 100 employees and tens of millions in revenue. They have expanded their product line, which now offers the bag in six sizes and eight colors and have partnered with people like Gray Malin and Karlie Kloss. In their conversation, Jen and Monica talk about how Away launched without a product, the way they handle collaborations, and why the retail and digital arms of the business aren't so different after all.
“More than anything we believe in making travel more seamless and more enjoyable.” – Jen Rubio.
Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.MonicaandAndy.blog/28
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