Listen "15,000 Flip-Flops and a Dream: Lila Stewart on Bootstrapping Hari Mari To Big Retail"
Episode Synopsis
Bora talks to Lila Stewart, co-founder of Hari Mari, as she takes us through the incredible journey of building a successful flip-flop and footwear brand from the ground up. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and brand builders looking to make their mark in the competitive retail landscape.
What You'll Learn:
• The Founding Story: Discover how a trip to Indonesia and a gap in the flip-flop market led to the creation of Hari Mari.
• Innovation in Design: Learn about Hari Mari's patented memory foam toe post and how it revolutionized flip-flop comfort.
• Startup Challenges: Hear about the hurdles faced in the early days, including production issues and the realities of launching a new product.
• Sales Strategies: Gain insights into Hari Mari's approach to wholesale, retail, and e-commerce sales, and how they balanced these channels.
• Marketing on a Budget: Understand how Lila took on PR responsibilities and the importance of face-to-face meetings with media outlets.
• Scaling the Business: Learn about Hari Mari's growth strategies, including expanding product lines and entering major retail chains.
• Current Focus: Get an insider's look at Hari Mari's current priorities, including merchandising strategies and brand awareness campaigns.
• Influencer Marketing: Discover Hari Mari's approach to working with influencers and what they look for in potential partnerships.
• Building Company Culture: Understand the importance of creating a strong company culture as the brand grows.
• Overcoming Obstacles: Learn about the challenges of finding talent in a non-traditional startup location and how Hari Mari tackles them.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply curious about the inner workings of a successful brand, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone looking to make waves in the business world. Tune in to hear how Lila Stewart and Hari Mari are "flipping the script" on traditional retail success!
What You'll Learn:
• The Founding Story: Discover how a trip to Indonesia and a gap in the flip-flop market led to the creation of Hari Mari.
• Innovation in Design: Learn about Hari Mari's patented memory foam toe post and how it revolutionized flip-flop comfort.
• Startup Challenges: Hear about the hurdles faced in the early days, including production issues and the realities of launching a new product.
• Sales Strategies: Gain insights into Hari Mari's approach to wholesale, retail, and e-commerce sales, and how they balanced these channels.
• Marketing on a Budget: Understand how Lila took on PR responsibilities and the importance of face-to-face meetings with media outlets.
• Scaling the Business: Learn about Hari Mari's growth strategies, including expanding product lines and entering major retail chains.
• Current Focus: Get an insider's look at Hari Mari's current priorities, including merchandising strategies and brand awareness campaigns.
• Influencer Marketing: Discover Hari Mari's approach to working with influencers and what they look for in potential partnerships.
• Building Company Culture: Understand the importance of creating a strong company culture as the brand grows.
• Overcoming Obstacles: Learn about the challenges of finding talent in a non-traditional startup location and how Hari Mari tackles them.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply curious about the inner workings of a successful brand, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone looking to make waves in the business world. Tune in to hear how Lila Stewart and Hari Mari are "flipping the script" on traditional retail success!
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