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Building a Cult Following in the Beauty Space Thanks to TikTok and Zero Outside Investments, with Sarah Potempa, Founder of The Beachwaver Co.
“I really wanted to give people a story and a journey they could understand, and simplify hair care, because throughout my career I’ve found it can be confusing for a lot of people,” shares Sarah Potempa, founder and CEO of The Beachwaver Co. Sarah joins Lindsay Pinchuk this week to share her path from celebrity hairstylist—working with clients like Rachel Zoe—to creating the Beachwaver, a rotating curling iron designed to make hairstyling at home easier. One turning point came at QVC, where, with just a prototype in hand, she pitched her product and secured a major order that propelled her brand forward.
Sarah opens up about the valuable lessons she’s learned on flexibility, authenticity, and building a strong community—particularly during the pandemic when she pivoted to direct-to-consumer sales and used TikTok to connect with her audience. How do you scale a business to meet growing demand while keeping that personal touch? Sarah tackled this by focusing on customer relationships and maintaining top-notch quality in her products. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, creativity, and staying true to your vision as an entrepreneur.
Quotes
- “I really wanted to give people a story and a journey that they could understand and simplify hair care, because what I’ve found throughout my career is that it can be a little confusing to a lot of people.” (23:48 | Sarah Potempa)
- “I would do the website live and the TikTok live at the same time until I realized these are different audiences, and they need different experiences.” (34:05 | Sarah Potempa)
- “You also have to educate yourself and learn… It took me a really, really long time to get to where we are on TikTok because I wanted to be perfect, and I wanted to feel like we were this big, huge brand when we weren’t… I just learned that, ‘You know what, I have to deal with it.’ I have to learn every element of this business. I have to know who’s replying and how to the customers.” (47:26 | Sarah Potempa)
- “While you’re live streaming, show the real you. And that’s okay because that’s something I struggled with. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and show that.” (53:59 | Sarah Potempa)
- “Enjoy the moment and appreciate the struggles, the hard times.” (56:19 | Sarah Potempa)
Connect with Sarah Potempa:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahpotempa/
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebeachwaver
Register for Marketing Made Simple for Small Business: https://www.lindsaypinchuk.com/mmsfall2024
Subscribe to the Dear FoundHer... newsletter: https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/foundherfridays
Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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270. Building Your Personal Brand Isn't a Trend, It's Imperative for Your Business, with Lindsay Pinchuk, Host of Dear FoundHer...
22:24||Season 3, Ep. 270"Personal Branding" seems to be the marketing buzzword going into 2025---but our host, Lindsay Pinchuk, she's been building her own personal brand alongside each of her businesses for the last decade and a half. In this episode, Lindsay discusses the significance of personal branding for entrepreneurs, emphasizing that it is not just a trend but a foundational aspect of business growth. She shares her journey of building her personal brand alongside her business, Bump Club and Beyond, and the lessons learned from that experience. Lindsay highlights the importance of authenticity, community, and intentionality in personal branding, providing actionable steps for listeners to develop their own personal brands.We're giving YOU the best gift for YOUR business this holiday season! Sign up for EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS an get exclusive freebies and discounts on our most downloaded digital resources sent straight to your inbox for the next eight nights. Sign up here. Here are some past episodes of Dear FoundHer... that talk about the importance of telling your story: Ep. 216 How to Share Your Story, The Foundation of Your Content StrategyEp. 226 Foundational Basics for Marketing Your Small BusinessEp. 219 Create 30 Pieces of Content in Just Two HoursUse the code DECEMBER for access to the lowest price on Founding Memberships to the Dear FoundHer... Forum: https://www.dearfoundher.com/dear-foundher-forumMake sure you connect with Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk and Dear FoundHer... on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dearfoundher269. The Power of a Rebrand for Your Business, with Dr. Zahava Berkowicz, Founder of IMMA Acupuncture and Wellness
48:36||Season 3, Ep. 269Building a business from survival mode to success takes bold decisions, resilience, and a deep alignment with your purpose—just ask Dr. Zahava Berkowicz, the founder of IMMA Acupuncture and Wellness. From her early days of renting a single treatment room to leading a thriving acupuncture clinic, Zahava’s journey is a testament to trusting your gut and knowing when to evolve. What does it take to rebrand a small business in a way that feels true to you? Zahava shares the turning point that led her to shift from Chicago Family Acupuncture to IMMA Acupuncture and Wellness, a name that reflects her focus on nurturing women’s health and the care she provides to every patient. Along the way, she opens up about the personal experiences that shaped her path—overcoming trauma, rebuilding her identity, and finding healing through acupuncture. If you’ve ever questioned whether your business truly aligns with your values, Zahava’s story offers a relatable perspective on growth, change, and the courage to let go of “playing it safe.” How do you take the leap? How do you make sure your business feels like ‘yours’? Tune in for insights on building a practice that serves others while staying grounded in what matters most. Quotes“In my heart of hearts, I knew I would not be satisfied under the name ‘Chicago Family Acupuncture.’ The more I practiced—gaining both clinical and business experience—I started to realize we’re not for everyone, you know? This is not the practice for everybody, and that’s okay. It was almost like I had to prove to myself a certain level of success to allow myself to feel the confidence that I’m enough, and this is enough. I wanted to rebrand to something that felt limitless to me.” (29:58 | Dr. Zahava Berkowicz)“I think, as a business owner, you know when things don’t feel right. But it’s often very inconvenient to admit that to yourself because it’s going to take time or money. Even now, I’m doing certain things in our business to clean things up and fix broken systems, and it’s painful. But at the same time, when you know in your heart and in your gut that these are the right decisions to make, you do it anyway—even though it’s challenging—because the outcome is always going to be amazing.” (41:06 | Dr. Zahava Berkowicz)“Just keep going, because you’re not going to see the fruit of your labor… You have no idea what’s going to come from it, but you have to just keep doing it.” (46:02 | Dr. Zahava Berkowicz)“Live as if you’re on your deathbed every day. If I was on my deathbed and I didn’t give this business my 110%, I’d be so disappointed.” (46:29 | Dr. Zahava Berkowicz)Connect with Dr. Zahava Berkowicz:https://www.instagram.com/imma.wellness/Dear FoundHer Forum: https://www.dearfoundher.com/dear-foundher-forum Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchukPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm268. Setting the Stage for 2025 Success, with Lindsay Pinchuk, Host of Dear FoundHer...
24:18||Season 3, Ep. 268In this episode, Lindsay Pinchuk discusses the importance of preparing for the end of the year and setting goals for 2025 as a small business owner. She emphasizes the need for self-care, auditing business performance, and engaging with the community. The conversation also highlights actionable steps for entrepreneurs to take as they wrap up 2024 and look ahead to the new year.You can grab Lindsay's year-end checklist here to get started in the right direction. Use the code DECEMBER for access to the lowest price on Founding Memberships to the Dear FoundHer... Forum: https://www.dearfoundher.com/dear-foundher-forumMake sure you connect with Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk and Dear FoundHer... on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dearfoundherTakeawaysIt's crucial to take care of yourself as a business owner.Make a checklist to manage year-end tasks effectively.Auditing your performance helps set the path for the new year.Customer feedback is essential for business growth.Finalizing financials is important as tax season approaches.Reflect on your branding consistency for the upcoming year.Show gratitude to your customers to strengthen relationships.Cleaning your digital slate can save money and improve efficiency.Setting clear goals for 2025 is a responsible business practice.Investing in your skills and expertise is vital for growth.267. Helping Women to Get the Perimenopause and Menopause Care They Deserve, with Joanna Strober, Founder of Midi Health
34:59||Season 3, Ep. 267“I want to build a company that is trustworthy, and that’s what I mostly spend my time thinking about—how to build something that is trustworthy, that provides really high-quality care that is a bit differentiated from everyone else,” shares Joanna Strober, the founder and CEO of Midi Health, a virtual healthcare platform revolutionizing care for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, she opens up about her personal journey through these life stages and the gaps in healthcare that inspired her to create a solution. Why are menopause and perimenopause still surrounded by silence despite impacting half the population? Joanna shares how Midi Health is changing this narrative by providing expert care that is accessible, insurance-covered, and tailored to women’s needs. From her innovative start hosting grassroots “menopause tupperware parties” to now serving thousands of patients nationwide, Joanna’s approach focuses on trust, education, and shared decision-making.If you’ve ever felt dismissed or misunderstood by the healthcare system, this episode offers both hope and actionable insights. How can virtual healthcare reshape the way women experience these significant transitions? Joanna’s vision is a reminder that better care for women in menopause and perimenopause is not only possible—it’s already underway!Quotes“I want to build a company that is trustworthy, and that’s what I mostly spend my time thinking about—how to build something that is trustworthy, that provides really high-quality care that is a bit differentiated from everyone else.” (27:36 | Joanna Strober)“My job at Midi is not to be a gatekeeper... I want you to understand your options and I want you to choose what you feel most good about.” (27:59 | Joanna Strober)“When you get tired, rest, don’t quit.” (30:48 | Joanna Strober)Connect with Joanna Strober:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midihealth/Dear FoundHer... Forum: https://www.dearfoundher.com/dear-foundher-forumDon't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchukPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm266. Your Community is Everything: Practical Tips to Grow and Strengthen Yours
22:58||Season 3, Ep. 266In this episode, Host, Lindsay Pinchuk discusses the importance of building a supportive community for female entrepreneurs, particularly those over 40. She shares her personal journey of networking and the challenges she faced in the early stages of her business. Lindsay emphasizes the value of collaboration, mentorship, and leveraging life experiences to strengthen professional networks. She provides actionable strategies for overcoming networking challenges and creating safe spaces for women to connect and support each other. The episode concludes with actionable tips that you can implement right now to enhance your networking efforts and build meaningful relationships.The doors to the Dear FoundHer... Forum are OPEN! The Dear FoundHer… Forum is exclusively for female entrepreneurs over forty who are building, growing, or scaling their businesses. There’s no gatekeeping here—just actionable support, real conversations, and access to insights that truly matter.Use the code FOUNDHER for 40% off our Founding Member rate. Join us inside for just $1 per day. (PLUS, before the end of the year you'll get a whole host of bonuses!). CLICK HERE: https://www.dearfoundher.com/dear-foundher-forumDon't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk and Dear FoundHer... on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/dearfoundher265. From Bootstrapped to $20MM in Revenue in Less than Three Years, with Alex Schinasi, Founder of Hulken
41:02||Season 3, Ep. 265“Everyone has a use case for Hulken, and I think that’s what makes it so relatable. The product basically markets itself,” says Alex Schinasi, the co-founder and president of Hulken, as she shares how her simple yet functional rolling tote became a viral sensation. Joining Lindsay Pinchuk in this episode, Alex reflects on her start as an entrepreneur in Israel, where she first learned the importance of responding to customer needs. From launching a side project during the pandemic to growing Hulken into a profitable business, Alex’s journey challenges many common assumptions about what it takes to start a successful company. Is a large team really necessary? Or can resourcefulness and focus on a single standout product bring growth? Alex’s story inspires entrepreneurs to start small, keep things straightforward, and rethink the need for external funding. Her approach is refreshingly practical, proving that anyone can build something meaningful with determination, adaptability, and a willingness to listen to the market.Quotes“Everyone has a use case for Hulken, and I think that’s what makes it so relatable… the product basically markets itself.” (14:22 | Alex Schinasi)“You don’t need the big fancy teams. You don’t need the six-figure hires. You can hire freelance people for projects. And I say this all the time: figure out what you don’t want to do and what you can’t do, and find someone who can do it for you, and you will be paying them less than it would cost you to ‘pay yourself.’ That’s how you grow a big business. That’s how you bootstrap a business… Hulken, it’s only now, and we’re almost at 20 million in revenue, that we’re investing in our website. Not a dime was invested in that website until literally right now.” (18:18 | Lindsay Pinchuk & Alex Schinasi)“It’s funny, there’s that misconception that you need capital to start a company, but it’s actually never been easier to start a company with nothing... You observed your customers and you made the pivot. In all of these situations, which is so important, you can just get started. The tools are there.” (20:27 | Alex Schinasi & Lindsay Pinchuk)“You somehow find the strength, right? I think that happens a lot as a founder—that things just seem impossible, and you just find it in you somehow and get through it.” (36:11 | Alex Schinasi)“If you overthink, you’re never going to start. Nothing’s ever going to be perfect, and you just have to be okay with that idea.” (38:35 | Alex Schinasi)Connect with Alex Schinasi: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alexschinasiGet on Lindsay's LIST here: https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/foundherforumThere are still a few tickets left for Dear FoundHer... on Tour with Sunny and Jenn on December 2 in Wilmette, IL: https://dearfoundher.ticketspice.com/dear-foundheron-tour-presents-sunny-jennDon't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchukPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm264. Bigger Is Not Always Better, Taking the Proper Steps to Build a Successful Brand with Lauren Dudley Stephens and Kaki Dudley McGrath, Co-founders of Dudley Stephens
46:10||Season 3, Ep. 264“Always come back to your North Star. Stay true to your mission, and when you find yourself veering off the path, remind yourself of who you are, what you do, why you do it, and how, and circle back to that original mission of your brand. It is always there to guide you.” This is one of Lindsay Pinchuk’s top takeaways in this episode, pointing out the need for alignment and focus in building a brand that lasts.Lindsay is joined by Lauren Dudley Stephens and Katherine “Kaki” Dudley McGrath, the sister duo behind the direct-to-consumer brand Dudley Stephens. What’s the secret to their success? A mix of family values, sustainable practices, and an unwavering commitment to staying true to their mission—even as their business grows! They share how starting small, fostering genuine connections with their community, and building a grassroots approach to marketing allowed them to expand thoughtfully while staying grounded.Tune in to hear how Dudley Stephens became a brand that’s as beloved for its values as it is for its products, and why sometimes, smaller really is better.Quotes“Marketing is everything, and you need to have a good core product. But how you get your story out there is just as important.” (10:53 | Lauren Dudley Stephens)“If it goes against our North Star, we say no. It kind of goes back to being true to ourselves and staying small and manageable as well. We want to be able to stay the course, and that North Star helps us do that.” (33:14 | Katherine “Kaki” Dudley McGrath)“Bigger is not better, and the grass is not always greener... you have to appreciate what you’ve built, grow steadily, be profitable, and have a nice family business.” (34:31 | Lauren Dudley Stephens)“Learn from the people who know it better than you… It’s a roller coaster and there are going to be downs, but take those—the negatives—and turn them into positives.” (39:55 | Katherine “Kaki” Dudley McGrath)Connect with Lauren Dudley Stephens and Kaki Dudley McGrath:https://www.instagram.com/laurendudleystephens/dudleystephens.comGet on Lindsay's LIST here: https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/foundherforumThere are still a few tickets left for Dear FoundHer... on Tour with Sunny and Jenn on December 2 in Wilmette, IL: https://dearfoundher.ticketspice.com/dear-foundheron-tour-presents-sunny-jennDon't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchukPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm263. Building a Brand, and Transforming a Category, By Listening to Your Customer with Jessica Rolph, Co-Founder of Lovevery
42:39||Season 3, Ep. 263“Parents want the best for their children—of course, they do. That was the big ‘aha’ moment for us, where we realized we were onto something. They want to connect, they want slower time with their children, and they want the right tools to make it happen,” shares Jessica Rolph, the co-founder and CEO of Lovevery. In this episode, Jessica joins Lindsay Pinchuk to talk about how deeply listening to parents has shaped Lovevery’s approach, from building a direct-to-consumer brand to launching thoughtful, stage-based products like their Play Gym and a new skill-based reading program. What does it take to build a brand that truly serves its customers? For Jessica, it’s all about understanding what parents need at every step of their child’s development.Jessica also opens up about Lovevery’s strategic partnership with Target and how they’ve managed to balance retail presence with their D2C model. How can brands grow while staying connected to their core mission? This episode shows the importance of staying close to your customers while navigating both the online and retail landscapes. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in building a brand that resonates deeply with their consumers.Quotes“Parents want the best for their children—of course, they do. That was the big ‘aha’ moment and unlock for us, where we realized we were really onto something. They want to connect, they want slower time with their children, and they want the right tools to make it happen.” (20:06 | Jessica Rolph)“If there’s one thing I want anyone listening to know about Lovevery, it’s that this is a very human brand, and we really care.” (21:58 | Jessica Rolph)“One of the things we think about is: is there something we can offer that’s truly of service and differentiated? Is there something that no one else is doing that is needed? Those are two really important questions. Is it needed, and is it important? And if nobody else is doing it and we feel we can step in and help, we want to do that.” (28:38 | Jessica Rolph)“If you make something great, you can count on word of mouth, but you can’t count on word of mouth to take you all the way there.” (31:59 | Jessica Rolph)“We are direct-to-consumer because we want to have a direct relationship with parents. So, when somebody buys our product from Amazon, it’s fine...but at our core, we want to be in conversation with families. We want to have that direct relationship, and we want to be there as your child grows.” (32:50 | Jessica Rolph)Connect with Jessica Rolph:http://www.instagram.com/JessicaRolphhttp://www.instagram.com/loveveryGet on Lindsay's LIST here: https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/foundherforumGet tickets for Dear FoundHer... on Tour with Sunny + Jenn:https://dearfoundher.ticketspice.com/dear-foundheron-tour-presents-sunny-jennDon't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchukPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm262. Building a Luxury, Nationwide Meal Delivery Service with Julie Nguyen, Co-Founder and CEO of Methodology
48:14||Season 3, Ep. 262“I believe that the way we eat is one of the things that affects our overall health and quality of life more than anything else,” shares Julie Nguyen, the co-founder and CEO of Methodology, a luxury meal delivery service that’s all about clean eating and sustainability. Julie shares how her own struggles with health led her to realize the power of food as medicine, sparking the idea for Methodology—a business that blends wellness with convenience.What makes Methodology stand out in the crowded meal prep world? It’s the Michelin-Star quality meals that are designed to be both nutritious and genuinely enjoyable. Julie talks about how they’ve nailed this balance, from the top-tier ingredients they use to the beautifully designed, reusable packaging that reflects their commitment to sustainability. But how do you grow a business like this without sacrificing what matters most? Julie credits mentorship and community support as the key to scaling her business while staying true to her values. Her story is a reminder that when you build something with passion and purpose, you can create not just a successful business, but one that makes a real difference in people’s lives.Quotes“We still rely primarily on social media and influencers to grow and the reason why it really works for us is because our product truly is differentiated. There are hundreds of meal prep services in America, but they are all playing in that $15 price range. And we are $10 to $15 more expensive than that. The reason why only we are doing it and the others aren’t is because if you are going to charge that price, you need to deliver that level of value, which is very hard to do.” (16:44 | Julie Nguyen)“I named the business ‘Methodology’ because I believe that the way we eat is one of the things that affects our overall health and quality of life more than anything else.” (19:49 | Julie Nguyen)“Give yourself way more time than you think you’ll need to achieve your goals. When we don’t give ourselves enough time, we approach our problems with a desperation that leads to making decisions that deliver short-term results rather than long-term results.” (42:32 | Julie Nguyen)“We know how to do every job at our business extremely well. We are so in the weeds, like anyone who directly reports to us, I could take over their job and do it at least as well as they could.” (43:35 | Julie Nguyen) Connect with Julie Nguyen:http://www.instagram.com/joolieshmooliehttps://www.gomethodology.com/Waitlist for Dear FoundHer... Community: https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/foundherfridaysGet tickets for Dear FoundHer... on Tour with Sunny + Jenn:https://dearfoundher.ticketspice.com/dear-foundheron-tour-presents-sunny-jennDon't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchukPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm