In this episode, Leo Gestetner speaks with Laurel Mintz, founder of Elevate My Brand and Fabric VC, about her journey from corporate law to entrepreneurship and venture capital. Laurel shares how taking over her father’s struggling business sparked her passion for building and investing in brands, her approach to health and wellness as a non-negotiable for balance, and the life lessons she’s learned from embracing challenges, pivoting in business, and creating meaningful connections.

Highlights:

Laurel’s Background: Transitioning from corporate law to entrepreneurship, Laurel Mintz found her passion after stepping in as interim CEO of her father’s struggling business at just 26, igniting her entrepreneurial spirit.

Elevate My Brand’s Journey: Founding a digital and experiential marketing agency, Laurel has spent 16 years helping businesses—from startups to global brands like Geico and Zendesk—achieve marketing success with a focus on authenticity and creativity.

Empowering Founders with Fabric VC: Laurel’s venture fund supports diverse-led businesses, combining financial investment with sweat equity to drive growth and success for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Health and Wellness: For Laurel, fitness is a non-negotiable. From intense Pilates and hot spin to boxing and hiking, her high-intensity routine helps her stay grounded and focused as a business leader.

Family and Connections: Laurel defines family broadly, encompassing her supportive husband, aging parents, close-knit friends, and beloved “fur babies,” creating a vibrant personal and professional support system.

Lessons in Resilience: From navigating challenges during the pandemic to embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, Laurel shares her candid perspective on building a fulfilling life and career.

Future Aspirations: With plans to build a home in Todos Santos, Laurel continues to explore new opportunities while fostering meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impact on the business world.

Resources

• Website: https://www.elevatemybrand.com
• Instagram: @elevatemybrandla & @laurelmintz
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevatemybrandla/