Loose Threads — Consumer, retail, fashion and commerce

On the 55th episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the rapidly changing consumer economy, I talk with Karen Young, the founder of Oui Shave, a direct to consumer shaving brand for women. Karen started the company after she grew tired of using products built for men, and she worked to engineer a shaving experience for women from the ground up. Importantly, this started with the product and Karen worked to bring the best possible razor to market. — Show Notes — Oui Shave http://ouishave.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 54th episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the rapidly changing consumer economy, I talk with Eliza Brooke, a senior writer at Racked, a publication that covers shopping from all different angles. Racked takes a consumer perspective to covering the industry, rather than solely focusing on the business side, which makes its lens unique. We had a great talk about Eliza’s career, her favorite and most interesting stories, and where the industry is headed as complexity lingers from every angle. I really enjoyed talking Eliza about the culture side of the industry. Most interviews on here tend to be about the business side, but it’s important not to lose site of the cultural side as well, since they are directly linked. — Show Notes — Eliza Brooke https://www.racked.com/authors/eliza-brooke Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores rapidly changing consumer economy. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 53rd episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the rapidly changing consumer economy, I talk with Alejandro Chahin, the founder of Mott and Bow, a direct to consumer denim brand injecting some much-needed value into the denim market. Alejandro started the company after realizing the opportunity to undercut traditional wholesale brands on price while delivering better quality. We had a good talk about the brand’s founding, its product strategy, and how it built affinity online. I enjoyed talking with Alejandro about the ups and downs of building a brand when the barrier to entry is low but the barriers to success are high. But once profitability is in sight, expanding and evolving only gets easier. — Show Notes — Mott and Bow https://www.mottandbow.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 52nd episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the rapidly changing consumer economy, I talk with Jeff Hansen, a co-founder of Peter Manning, a menswear brand for not so tall guys. Jeff joined Peter, the company’s eponymous designer, to help realize the large and much needed opportunity to build a brand specifically for guys that are a bit on the shorter side. We had a great talk about how the brand started, the opportunities and challenges of scaling it, and how retail is an increasingly important part of its business. I really enjoyed speaking with Jeff about yet another market that many have ignored, even as the need is real and the potential lifetime value is massive. These markets are an ongoing focus for us and something we will continue to focus on. Opportunity is everywhere. — Show Notes — Peter Manning http://petermanning.com Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 51st episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the rapidly changing consumer economy, I talk with Charlie Ambler, the founder of Strike Gently Co, a company that started off making pins and patches and expanding into a growing assortment of soft and hard goods. Charlie was the first guest when I started the podcast almost two years ago, and as part of the 50th episode celebration, I wanted to check back in on how his company has evolved and how he’s approaching growth with all of the success he has had so far. I really enjoyed catching up with Charlie and talking about how there are different ways to grow and expand in an economy that is built on always outdoing oneself. — Show Notes — Strike Gently Co http://www.strikegently.co/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the rapidly changing consumer economy. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

For the 50th episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the rapidly changing consumer economy, I talk with Charlie Giannetti, who I ran a menswear line with for two years, which led to the creation of Loose Threads, the podcast and now the entire ecosystem we’re building. Charlie and I talked about our brand’s beginnings, all of the lessons we learned, how the original incarnation of Loose Threads started, and what he’s working now as our paths have diverged a bit but remain intertwined. It was great rehashing the last few years of our respective journeys with Charlie. Running Gioventu was the hardest thing I had done, until Loose Threads assumed that position, but both have also been the most rewarding. Thanks to everyone for listening to the Podcast for the last 50 episodes, and here’s to another 50. — Show Notes — Giannetti Factory https://www.giannettifactory.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 49th episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the new consumer economy, I talk with Jodie Fox, a co-founder of Shoes of Prey, a company that allows women to custom design their own shoes and get them delivered in two weeks. Jodie founded the company after coming across a custom shoe maker on a trip abroad. She quickly realized that other people were looking for the same flexibility and no one had been able to figure out how to customize shoes at scale—until now. I really enjoyed talking with Jodie about all of the challenges and opportunities of building a customized supply chain in a world where people don’t always know what they want. — Show Notes — Shoes of Prey http://shoesofprey.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 48th episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce, I talk with Jonathan Shokrian, the founder of MeUndies, one of the early direct to consumer subscription brands that is injecting some fun into a traditionally boring category of products. Jonathan founded the brand after a subpar shopping experience, and realized that he needed to reimagine everything from the how the products were made to how they were delivered, in order to build a modern brand. I really enjoyed talking with Jonathan about the brand’s journey and how the landscape has changed since its founding. It also nice to talk to companies that don’t take their work too seriously and aren’t afraid to have fun designing products. — Show Notes — MeUndies http://MeUndies.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 47th episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce, I talk with Vanessa Stofenmacher, the founder of Vrai & Oro, a direct to consumer jewelry company pioneering the use of sustainably grown diamonds. Vanessa started the company after seeking out more affordable and transparent fine jewelry. This quest took her on a unexpected journey, leading to a serious partnership with company at the forefront of sustainable diamonds, and now a booming online brand with a growing offline footprint. I really enjoyed talking with Vanessa about her journey building her company, and how strategic partners can sometimes take a product to a whole new level. — Show Notes — Vrai and Oro https://vraiandoro.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 46th episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce, I talk with Ariel Kaye, the founder of Parachute home, a direct to consumer brand bringing a new lifestyle to the home. Ariel founded the brand after realizing that no brand owned bedding products, in addition to the home more broadly. We had a great talk about the brand’s founding story, its early growth trajectory and where it’s headed as it expands offline and into new products. I really enjoyed talking with Ariel about Parachute’s founding and the trials and tribulations of being the sole founder, yet at the same time seeing what she has been able to accomplish. — Show Notes — Parachute Home https://www.parachutehome.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 45th episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce, I talk with David Barton, the founder of David Kind, an eyewear brand focused on high quality specs at an honest price. David founded the brand after seeing a hole in the market for high end but still affordable direct to consumer eyewear. David Kind prides itself on its online and offline experience and its high quality products. We had a great talk about David’s career in eyewear, the brand’s founding and how it's tackling fit and style issues as an online-only brand. — Show Notes — David Kind http://davidkind.com Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 44th episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the rapidly changing consumer economy, I talk with Dan Widmaier, a co-founder of Bolt Threads, a biotech company engineering spider silk and a range of other fully sustainable materials from the ground up. I’ve gotten to know Dan over the past few months and Bolt is one of the most fascinating company I have ever interacted with. The size of the vision is massive, the technology is as cutting edge as it gets, and the potential impact is hard to quantify. It was awesome talking with Dan and seeing Bolt’s facilities out in San Francisco. Full sustainability comes from the root materials and the circular nature of what Bolt is building will have existential implications for the future of apparel. There’s a still a lot of work to be done but Bolt Threads is one to watch. — Show Notes — Bolt Threads http://boltthreads.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the rapidly changing consumer economy. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 43rd episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the new consumer economy, I talk with Max Levchin, a co-founder of Affirm, a company redefining consumer lending, bringing much-needed transparency to a space that is usually riddled with predatory lenders. Affirm focuses on point of sale lending, an option available to shoppers who want to finance a big purchase such as a table or a bike. The company makes it simple and easy to take out a specific loan for these purchases and pay it back over time. I really enjoyed talking with Max about his journey from PayPal to Affirm, and how building consumer-first experiences is producing promising results in industries that are used to the total opposite. — Show Notes — Affirm http://affirm.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 42nd episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the rapidly changing consumer economy, I talk with Kyle Hency, a co-founder of Chubbies, a brand that started bringing back the short short that’s now trying to own the weekend. Kyle started the brand with three friends from Stanford, after admiring the short shorts their dads were wearing in the 80s. The brand has come a long way from the early days selling the shorts in person, one at a time. Today, it has a thriving newsletter and an ever expanding product assortment built for guys enjoying their time on the planet. I really enjoyed talking with Kyle about the brand’s evolution and how it uses all of its media efforts to keep shopper’s attention for what was traditionally a seasonal business. — Show Notes — Chubbies http://chubbies.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

On the 41st episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce, I talk with Andres Modak, a co-founder of Snowe, a company reinventing home essentials at a more affordable price point. Andreas and his co-founder and wife Rachel started the company after realizing the fragmentation and expense of setting up a home from scratch. There was little brand recognition, tons of discoverability problems, and it was easy to break the bank. Snowe brings a lot more simplicity to the process, allowing shoppers to buy products in bundles that give them exactly what they need with one click. You can even buy a single bundle for your entire home. I really enjoyed talking with Andres about how brands like Snowe are taking the sleepiness of the home and injecting some life and ease of use into it. Decision paralysis is a real thing and easier ways to get going are always appreciated. Snowe has a showroom in New York that is definitely worth checking out if you get a chance. — Show Notes — Snowe http://snowehome.com/ Edited by George Drake Jr. — About Loose Threads — http://LooseThreads.com Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter: http://twitter.com/loosethreadscom The Loose Threads Podcast explores the new consumer economy. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.