Jenn Harper is a beacon of innovation in beauty and philanthropy. She’s not just a name in the beauty industry; she's a revolution. An award-winning social entrepreneur and international speaker, Jenn is the trailblazing founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics—a brand that has gracefully painted the ideals of sustainability and inclusion onto a global canvas.

From its inception in 2015, Jenn has nurtured Cheekbone Beauty into a B. Corp Certified force, now gracing the shelves of Sephora Canada and 550 JCPenney locations across the USA.

Jenn's journey with Cheekbone began as a digitally native, direct-to-consumer brand that took pride in its commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting Indigenous communities. Her formidable leadership made sure Cheekbone stood out not only for its stunning products but also for its ethical backbone—it became a symphony of transparency, philanthropy, and support for women and youth.

To date, over $250,000 have been donated to philanthropic causes, testament to Cheekbone's core values. Cheekbone's prestige has been hard-earned.

In 2019, Jenn Harper made a confident appearance on Canada's Dragon's Den, the nation's equivalency of Shark Tank. While she turned down offers, her unwavering resolution steered Cheekbone towards exponential growth.

Regularly sought after for her insights, Jenn weaves her narrative as both a woman and a representative of North America's Indigenous peoples, substantiating the importance of these values in today's business ecosystem.

In 2022, she was listed among the 100 Women of Influence by Entrepreneur Magazine—a list graced by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. And importantly, in 2023, Jenn was conferred an Honorary Doctorate degree from the Goodman School of Business at Brock University. This honorary degree recognized her unwavering dedication to community betterment and adamant endeavors in championing sustainability.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:40] Intro
• [01:26] Shaping a business inspired by social impact
• [02:51] Navigating ecommerce highs of 2015 and 2016
• [03:55] Imperfect launches of chasing perfection
• [05:04] Balancing ideals with realistic beginnings
• [06:40] Validating ideas before building products
• [07:19] Growing customer loyalty with transparency
• [09:15] Shifting focus from story to product performance
• [10:08] Building customer trust through action
• [11:11] Connecting with communities for brand growth
• [13:07] Understanding customers for tailored messaging
• [15:35] Episode Sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems
• [18:47] Using media opportunities to boost Ecommerce
• [20:45] Focusing on local markets before expanding
• [21:56] Inspiration from great company success stories
• [22:47] Rewarding customers during the holiday season
• [24:04] Preparing for successful product launches ahead
• [25:10] Crafting authentic and digestible brand narratives
• [26:04] Creating exclusive bundles from customer insights
• [27:40] Connecting customers to ethical beauty choices

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Indigenous owned cosmetics brand cheekbonebeauty.com/
• Follow Jennifer Harper linkedin.com/in/jenn-harper-0b200a23/
• Book a demo today at intelligems.io/
• Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Scott Ohsman has been working with brands for over 29 years in retail, online and has launched over 200 brands on Amazon.

Owning his own sales and marketing agency in the Pacific NW, is now VP of Digital Commerce for Quickfire LLC.

Scott has been a featured speaker at national trade shows and has developed distribution strategies for many top brands.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:41] Intro
• [01:42] Managing new and old podcast equipment
• [02:34] Building an Amazon career from the ground up
• [03:51] Navigating retail shifts over 18 years
• [04:48] Managing business through Amazon’s complexities
• [05:49] Supporting small brands in a tough market
• [08:24] Recognizing signs to branch into Amazon
• [09:17] Pushing organic content to stay competitive
• [10:45] Debunking the myth of overnight success
• [11:47] Evaluating margins before jumping on Amazon
• [14:11] Navigating Amazon’s tough commodity landscape
• [15:11] Focusing on hero items for better visibility
• [16:37] Spending wisely to boost product discoverability
• [17:46] Avoiding common pitfalls on Amazon listings
• [19:04] Safeguarding against Amazon's listing restrictions
• [19:53] Mastering conversion rates and traffic insights
• [20:54] Understanding the impact of UPC errors on listings
• [22:47] Preventing issues with initial product setup
• [23:16] Exploring services at Quickfire
• [24:23] Hiring smart for different business models

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Digital commerce agency built brand first quickfirenow.com/
• A show that covers brands, retail, e-commerce, digital advertising, Amazon, and more podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/always-off-brand/id1560745895
• Follow Scott Ohsman linkedin.com/in/scott-ohsman-861196a6/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Amanda is the Co-Founder and President of Dormify, the first to market retailer in the specialty dorm category. She founded Dormify as a college student after facing the challenges of trying to shop for her own college dorm room decor prior to her freshman year.

She and her mom, Karen, who’s also the co-founder, worked together to create what is now the largest retailer of college dorm and apartment essentials, with nearly 900 college and university partners across the country and a thriving community of 1,500+ student ambassadors.

Over the last ten years, Amanda has scaled Dormify with strategic funding rounds to grow her company and team of now 40 employees. Amanda continues to serve as the company's President and visionary leader driving product development, retail expansion, and brand/creative.

Amanda was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2018 and has been featured on GMA, The New York Times, and many others. She is a member of YPO and lives with her husband in NYC.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:44] Intro
• [01:45] Discovering an unmet demand in a niche sector
• [02:41] Tackling the lack of one-stop dorm room essentials
• [03:11] A business from personal college move-in struggles
• [04:41] Organic blog growth for early product validation
• [07:15] Using creative posters to test early Ecomm ideas
• [08:07] From idea to business incorporation in two years
• [08:45] Turning blog readers into active brand advocates
• [09:33] Personalized engagements with customers directly
• [10:45] Learning from customers to improve product
• [11:48] Episode sponsor: StoreTester
• [13:04] Episode sponsor: Intelligems
• [15:00] Evolving from home shows to pop-up shops
• [16:41] The challenge of aging customer demographics
• [17:42] Forming early relationships for customer acquisition
• [18:39] Creating original content for lasting inspiration
• [19:38] Evolving strategies to connect with Gen Z shoppers
• [20:42] Managing high SKU counts with drop-ship solutions
• [21:35] Staying ahead by continuously innovating designs
• [22:07] Establishing criteria for product success evaluation
• [23:08] Topnotch consumer experience with one-stop shopping
• [24:09] Leaning into imperfection for creative freedom
• [26:03] Dormify for all your styling needs

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• A one-stop shop of bedding decorative accessories, wall decor, storage, and more dormify.com/
• Follow Amanda Zuckerman linkedin.com/in/amandapaigezuckerman/
• Book a demo today at intelligems.io/
• Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Amelia Trumble is the CEO and one of the three Founders of Retold Recycling. Amelia is an Australian native who moved to New York 15 years ago to work as an ecommerce professional.

While at Estee Lauder running ecommerce for MAC Cosmetics, she met her 2 Retold co-founders, Alan Yeoh and Noelle Sadler. Together the 3 ideated on starting a business that would do good things for the world and get them out of the corporate grind - after an “a-ha moment” decluttering her closets, the idea for Retold was born.

A convenient and mail-based textile recycling service that diverts unwanted items away from landfills and recycles them sustainably! In addition to being the CEO of Retold, Amelia also consults on the side for businesses seeking ecommerce strategy - predominantly in the beauty, fashion and obviously, sustainability space.

Amelia now resides in LA with her 5 year old daughter, Alta!

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:45] Intro
• [02:04] Working your way up to Ecomm roles
• [04:05] Building a business from a personal need
• [04:56] Vetting a business idea through extensive research
• [06:34] Adapting processes to align with sustainable vision
• [07:28] Finding the right partners through persistence
• [09:34] Adapting returns labels for sustainable shipping
• [11:11] Ensuring cost-effective, trackable returns process
• [12:22] Integrating subscriptions with rewards and emails
• [13:07] Episode sponsors
• [16:21] Testing go-to-market strategies for audience growth
• [16:59] Exploring new traffic strategies beyond meta ads
• [18:01] From DTC to retail with strong customer support
• [18:43] Expanding into eco groceries and boutique retailers
• [19:44] Expanding retail vision after Shark Tank success
• [21:24] The real Shark Tank experience
• [22:15] Showcasing sustainability in holiday gift guides
• [23:04] Leveraging key eco moments for business growth
• [24:17] Creating toolkits for successful partner outreach
• [25:00] The real value of customer connection in Ecomm
• [25:50] Creating solutions from customer-driven insights
• [26:44] Enhancing user experience with new site updates
• [27:24] Declutter effortlessly and sustainably

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Clothing recycling service to keep your clothes out of landfill retoldrecycling.com/
• Follow Amelie Trumble linkedin.com/in/ameliatrumble/
• Book a demo today at intelligems.io/
• Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Matthew Holman is a leading expert in the ecommerce subscription industry, with extensive experience in optimizing customer experience, retention strategies, and data-driven decision-making.

He specializes in fractional subscription leadership, where he helps brands understand the complexities of subscriptions so that they can scale.

Matthew currently lives in Utah, where he enjoys time with family, running, movies, and the vibrant ecommerce community.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:41] Intro
• [01:44] Career shift: from shipping rates to subscriptions
• [02:51] Discovering passion thru solving client challenges
• [03:16] Supporting merchants with subscription products
• [03:57] Adoption & retention with app-based insights
• [04:53] Improving retention beyond subscription app offers
• [06:04] Collecting insights to improve subscription success
• [08:19] Creating quizzes to uncover customer needs
• [10:00] Storytelling in data capture for discounts
• [11:04] Impactful subscriptions with tailored messaging
• [12:22] Exploring innovative membership models for brands
• [13:56] Communication touchpoints to boost engagement
• [15:01] Redefining value in subscription offerings
• [16:53] Maximizing margins with product combos
• [18:36] Developing products for loyal subscribers
• [19:34] Analyzing consumer behavior around discounting
• [21:39] Understanding customer types for better retention
• [23:59] Leveraging customer feedback to reduce churn
• [24:56] Evaluating long-term value in subscription testing
• [25:54] Connecting feedback to design changes for growth
• [27:20] Creating impactful welcome series for retention
• [28:25] Enhancing order notifications for personal touch
• [29:26] Optimize your subscription program with The Subscription Doc

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• A weekly dose to help you scale subscriptions thesubscriptiondoc.com/
• Follow Matthew Holman linkedin.com/in/holman-matthew/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

With over 10 years of experience in consumer marketing and digital transformation, Kelly Deen is passionate about creating and executing data-driven strategies that drive growth, loyalty, and innovation for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and entertainment brands.

As the Chief Commercial Officer/CMO at kencko, Kelly leads a world-class marketing team that is transforming the way people consume fruits and vegetables through smart, convenient, and sustainable products.

Since joining kencko in 2022, Kelly has been instrumental in expanding the company's presence into 16+ global markets, launching its first brand campaign, building a loyal and engaged customer base, and developing strategic partnerships with retailers and wholesalers.

Kelly has also leveraged my professional certifications in artificial intelligence (AI) and search engine optimization (SEO) to optimize our digital experience, marketing tech stack, and member experience team.

Kelly is motivated by kencko's mission to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and proud to be part of a company that is making a positive impact on people's health and the environment.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:44] Intro
• [02:14] Simplifying fruits and veggie smoothies
• [03:48] A mission to promote plant-based nutrition
• [05:05] kencko: making fruits and veggies accessible
• [07:29] Blending health solutions with the rise of D2C
• [08:29] Stepping in during D2C challenges and growth
• [09:23] The risks of meta dependency for growth
• [10:50] Cost-effective channels beyond meta for scaling
• [11:51] Overcoming today’s meta-driven growth challenges
• [12:57] Episode sponsors
• [16:10] Balancing creativity & performance in paid marketing
• [17:59] Embracing patience in the growth process
• [18:29] Driving business strategy in a growth phase
• [20:31] Seizing opportunities & meaningful connections
• [21:31] Embracing risks & landing major retail partnerships
• [23:18] Asking the right questions for strategic partnerships
• [24:17] Building relationships to navigate retail challenges
• [25:08] Offering value-added services to engage customers
• [26:34] Launching a brand campaign to boost awareness
• [27:24] Trusting your gut & embracing fearless decisions
• [29:01] Accessible healthy living with kencko products

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Fruits & veggies drinks and snacks https://www.kencko.com/
• Follow Kelly Deen https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellydeen/
• Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/
• Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple PodcastsChase Clymer with Kelly Deen. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

As the CEO of Eric Javits, Dario Markovic has successfully generated over $50 million in revenue over the past four years, exclusively through eCommerce.

A visionary entrepreneur, Dario Markovic is also the founder of multiple companies, including a SaaS platform designed to help businesses grow organically.

Dario Markovic's innovative leadership and strategic foresight have consistently driven growth and success across diverse ventures.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:45] Intro
• [01:38] From retail to online survival during COVID
• [04:26] PR success into a business-saving opportunity
• [05:45] Implementing rapid ad strategies for fast wins
• [07:03] Slow, steady transitions to re-build online presence
• [08:17] Boosting sales by moving from Magento to Shopify
• [09:38] Testing digital ad strategies during the pandemic
• [10:54] Maximizing minimal ad budgets for major results
• [12:53] Episode sponsors
• [16:06] Doubling down on PR and affiliate marketing
• [18:16] Navigating challenges of rapid growth and scaling
• [20:31] Managing cash flow impacts during scaling
• [23:44] Considering logistics strategies for global reach
• [26:20] Navigating challenges of scaling advertising efforts
• [27:10] Starting anywhere to build your expertise
• [29:14] Explore luxury hats at Eric Javits

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Women’s designer hats, bags, and shoes ericjavits.com/
• Follow Dario Markovic linkedin.com/in/dario-markovic-2a326aa9/
• Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/
• Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Alexa Tietjen is the Content Director at Shoptalk, where she helps shape the annual Spring and Fall agendas and recruit speakers for both shows.

Prior to Shoptalk, she was a beauty editor at WWD, the fashion and beauty industry trade publication known as “the fashion bible.”

She wrote about beauty’s business boom and the rise of the creator economy. She has appeared on Good Morning America for her work.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:47] Intro
• [01:54] Curating industry insights as a Content Director
• [02:49] Using past editorial expertise for content curation
• [03:59] Shoptalk: a community of retailers and innovators
• [04:51] Networking and learning at Shoptalk events
• [05:22] Creating a fall touchpoint for retail innovation
• [06:44] Exploring supply chain & in-store experience
• [07:25] Bringing women leaders to the forefront
• [08:24] Meeting industry peers for powerful networking
• [10:05] Handling massive networking opportunities
• [10:41] Diving into AI and retail media at Shoptalk Fall
• [12:24] Unified retail insights from top industry leaders
• [13:09] Practical tips to prepare for Shoptalk Fall
• [14:29] Welcoming all stages of retail to Shoptalk
• [15:36] Go to Shoptalk Fall’s website for more event info

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Organizers of the retail’s industry’s very best events fall.shoptalk.com/
• Follow Alexa Tietjen linkedin.com/in/alexatietjen/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!