Biscuiteers founder Harriet Hastings joins Connie Nam for a fascinating insight on how to leverage the power of PR. 

In this episode, Harriet explains how her iced biscuits company is really a design business, why PR is the most cost-effective strategy to tell your brand story and she offers her top tips if you’re thinking of crowdfunding. 

Plus, she shares a critical mistake she made about funding which is key for any early-stage founder to hear, so you don’t do it too.  

Follow @biscuiteersltd

To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

This episode is sponsored by Payhawk.

Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off.

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Astrid & Miyu founder, Connie Nam kicks off the new season with a special Q&A answering your question on how to build a successful consumer brand.

Listen to find out how to find manufacturers, where to find effective market data and how to create highly anticipated cult products – like A&M’s own Advent Calendar.

Plus, Connie shares her thoughts on the pros and cons of selling direct to consumers vs retailers, what’s more important: product or brand and what are the 3 elements of creating a cult brand.

To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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Co-founder of Little Moons, Vivien Wong, joins Connie Nam to discuss the journey of transforming a small family bakery into a viral sensation. 

Vivienne explains the catalyst that led her to leave the corporate world to start a mochi ice cream business, the initial scepticism they faced due and the overwhelming demand that followed their TikTok fame during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Plus, Vivienne shares how they navigated going viral with no product in the country, the impact of growing the workforce 5 times over within a year and the surprising challenges of scaling rapidly.

Follow @littlemoonsmochi

To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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In the second edition of the Start-Up Clinic, Connie Nam invites two new early-stage founders so they can get advice on the pressing issues of their business. 

Founder of body-skin care brand, Sarah Sklaventis is first with her questions about how to find new customers when the cost of acquisition is so high. Connie offers advice on building awareness and why TikTok is integral to new businesses. 

Next, Sooji Im is the founder of a tea brand that offers naturally sourced tea from small farms in Korea. She’s wondering if her brand story is too personal, and how to reach a larger audience while still staying true to herself. 

If you’re a business founder and want to appear on the next start up clinic, DM us at @unboxed_founderconfidential

Follow Sarah’s business @messiahandeve and follow Sooji’s business @be_oom_ and @cha_oom_

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Varley co-founder Lara Mead joins Connie Nam to share tips on how to execute your vision to harbour success. 

Laura explains how she slowly developed strategy after the start-up days, the biggest difference between US and European customers and why she doesn’t like to make decisions based off data. 

Plus, she shares why raising investment is like dating (and why it’s awful!) and offers advice on enjoying the early founder journey.

Follow @meadlara and @varley

To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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In the first edition of our Start-Up Clinic, Connie Nam has invited two early-stage founders to the podcast to get advice and ask their burning questions. 

First up, Lili Sinclair-Williams, creator of a wellbeing stationary brand wants to know about cash flow. Connie answers her questions about when to find investment, what to spend it on and whether or not it’s the right time.

Next, Cuca, founder of a hair accessories brand, has a burning question about personal brand. Connie offers her advice on whether or not the founder must get in front of the camera and how to balance life when things start scaling. 

If you’re a business founder and want to appear on the next start up clinic, DM us at @unboxed_founderconfidential

Follow Lili’s business @lswmindcards and Cuca’s business @hellocarlottalondon

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Heather Elkington is a leadership and management expert and joins Connie Nam to share her invaluable expertise. 

Heather explains how in her mid-twenties, she helped grow and sell a business for millions of pounds, the most common mistakes first-time managers make and why you should aim to grow your business slowly. 

Plus, she shares her number one piece of advice for start-up founders, her top tips for motivating your time and how to hire the right people.

Follow Heather @leadershipheather, @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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Connie Nam is once again joined by her CMO and first hire, Sarah Hrywnak to discuss the next step in her founding story – the scale up period. 

Connie and Sarah discuss the difference between a start up and a scale up, learning how to hire the right people and the 2 incremental things you need to do as a manager. 

Plus, Connie explains the strength culture she introduced to Astrid & Miyu, Sarah reveals a moment where she wishes she’d trusted her instincts and they explain who you need to hire and when. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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Founder and CEO of Never Fully Dressed, Lucy Aylen joins Connie Nam to unbox her founding story this week. 

Lucy describes the intricacies of building a fashion brand before social media in the markets of London, why she was resistant to being the face of the brand and the struggles of being a boss.

Plus, she explains why physical stores are a great marketing piece, breaking into the US and why you shouldn’t put pressure on the end goal.

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @neverfullydressed and @lucyaylen7

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Richard Harpin sold his business, Home Serve, for 4 billion pounds. Yet he believes if he’d just done 8 things differently he could have grown better and quicker. 

In this episode, he joins Connie Nam to share his 8 secrets he wishes he knew before building his business. 

He explains how to lock down your dream mentor, how to accept losing control when you’re hiring your replacement and why you should be copying other businesses to benefit yours. 

Follow @richard_harpin and @unboxed_founderconfidential

You can find the 8 Serects here, and check out businessleader.co.uk

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You may recognise Frankie Gaff from her time on Made in Chelsea, but since leaving she’s built a huge following online. But how did she break free from reality TV to be known as her authentic self?

In this episode, Frankie shares with Connie Nam the strategic decisions she made to distance herself from the Made in Chelsea persona, what content works best when collaborating with brands, and how Astrid & Miyu decide which influencers to work with. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and @frankiegaff

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Before Vanita Parti, no one in London threaded their eyebrows. After she founded Blink Brow Bar, it became a staple in thousands of women’s routines. 

Vanita joins Connie Nam to share how she went from one cramped chair in a department store to 15 stores internationally, how she built a client base before social media and why micro-influencers are crucial for their brand. 

Plus, she explains how she funded the business herself, why overspending was her biggest mistake and how she views her competition. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @blinkbrowbar and @vanitablink

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For our final Best Of episode, we’re looking back on the conversations between Astrid & Miyu founder and CEO Connie Nam and her first hire turned CMO Sarah Hrywnak to learn the key lessons from the start up and scale up periods. 

To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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Investor Daina Spedding is passionate about putting more money behind female-led businesses and in this conversation, she explains how she’s trying to close the gap. 

Daina shares with Connie Nam the shockingly low percentage of funding that goes to female founders, what being on a board is actually like and how you should approach valuation and your company. 

The pair also discuss the new rules surrounding Angel Investing which has a huge impact on female investors, the effect this might have and how investors can impact your brand.  

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and connect with Daina.

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Co-founder and Creative Director of Desmond & Dempsey, Molly Goddard, joins Connie Nam on this week's episode. 

Molly reveals how she dropped out of university twice, the challenges of growing a business and a family, and how she navigated the complexity of the fashion industry with no experience. 

Plus, she explains why she’s always loved customer service and how she’s redefining the art of slowing down.

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @desmondanddempsey and @mollygoddardjeffery

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Co-founder of amie wine and marketing guru Abbie Roden Sandbach joins Connie Nam to share how far perseverance can take you.

Abbie explains how she made her own opportunities in social media, why networking was the key to her success and why she doesn’t care about university when it comes to hiring. 

Plus, she shares small steps to elevate your brand, how she manages running multiple brands and how she avoids her phone during her morning routine.

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @drinkamie and @abbieroden

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Founder and CEO of Nails.INC, Thea Green, joins Connie Nam to reveal how she transformed the culture of nail treatments in the UK over 20 years ago. 

Thea explains what nail salons were like in the late 90s, how she pitched to investors and why she thought about quitting by the hour.

Plus, she shares how collaborations with Percy Pig came to be, how she overcame her ‘mum guilt’ and why it’s easy to overlook your wins. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @nailsinc and @theanailsinc

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In a special episode of Unboxed, host Connie Nam is interviewed by her producer Charlie about how she took Astrid & Miyu from idea to cult brand.

Connie explains how she spotted the gap in the market, if she ever considered a co-foudner and how she found her initial audience.

Plus, she offers insightful advice for entrepreneurs: what the difference between an Angel and VC investor is, what questions to expect in pitch meetings and how to figure out your exit plan. 

Got questions for Connie? Ask them here to be featured in our next AMA!

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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Lorna Luxe is one of Astrid & Miyu’s OG influencers and now she has 1.4 million followers and is the founder of her own brand LA SPACE.

Connie Nam sits down with Lorna to discuss the steady yet meteoric growth she saw in the early days of influencing, how she wasn’t always the relatable creator she is today and her previous experience with a fast fashion edit that sold out in a day. 

Plus, Lorna explains why she built LA Space’s brand before developing a single product, the stats she looks for when working with influencers and tips to elevate your work wardrobe. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @lornaluxe and @l_a_space

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Jo Tutchener Sharp shares how a traumatic event led to founding Scamp & Dude and the poignant mission that she is still working towards today. 

Jo joins Connie Nam to discuss the near-death experience that led to her business, her advice for PR if you have zero budget and how the surprising transition from kidswear to womenswear occurred. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @scampanddude and @scampanddudejo

This episode is sponsored by Payhawk.

Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off.

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In a special episode of Unboxed, Connie Nam is joined by Astrid & Miyu’s Chief Marketing Officer and her first-ever hire, Sarah Hrywnak, to reveal what the early days of the business were like. 

Sarah shares the tumultuous times of interning in London, Connie shares the reasons she hired Sarah and they reminisce about working in Connie’s flat. 

Sarah and Connie also discuss the challenges of being the first employee, they offer advice if you’re keen to join a start up and how to get your first hire right. 

Plus, there’s an exclusive AMA with Connie (33:00), where she answers your questions about how she juggles motherhood and entrepreneurship, how to find investment and what she wishes she’d known when starting Astrid & Miyu. 

Got questions for Connie? Ask them here to be featured in our next AMA!

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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Aimee Connolly, the founder and CEO of makeup brand Sculpted by Aimee, joins Connie Nam to share how she went from MUA to building a beauty empire.

Aimee explains how she built a simple beauty brand during the heavy IG makeup era, how she manages the influencing side of her role and how she juggles it all. 

Plus, Aimee describes the brand’s connections to South Korea, tips on how to find your perfect manufacturer and opening her first store out of Ireland. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @sculptedbyaimee and 

aimeeconnolly_com

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What is an investor is really like? Connie Nam sits down with Matt Truman, founder of True Global, to find out if Dragon’s Den is more than a reality show. 

Matt breaks down common industry jargon, reveals the key market opportunities for the next 20 years and the important traits a successful founder needs to have. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and follow Matt on Linkedin.

This episode is sponsored by Payhawk.

Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off.

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This week, we’re revisiting 3 founders who go the extra mile and offer their advice on how you can do the same.

Founder of sleepwear brand Desmond & Dempsey, Molly Goddard reveals how far she went in the early days to acquire and maintain her customers, Natasha Thomas of Lockdown Liqour offers her advice on how to find the right investor and Never Fully Dressed’s Lucy Ayelin shares the the pros and cons of being the face of your brand. 

To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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Travel writer and content creator Gina Jackson joins Connie Nam to share her expertise on influencing.

As someone who has worked with influencers for huge fashion brands and is an influencer herself, Gina offers valuable insights whether you’re an aspiring influencer or you’re ready to use creators to promote your business. 

Gina explains how influencing has changed over the years, why she made the bold decision to leave a secure full time job and gives a cutting example of how NOT to approach an influencer as a brand. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and @ginagoesto

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Motivational speaker, author and founder of F*ck Being Humble, Stefanie Sword-Williams sits down with Connie Nam to explain why she turned her back on modesty. 

Stefanie explains how she spotted her gap in the market, where the FBH slogan came from and how she couldn’t have timed going freelance worse when she quit her job in March 2020. 

If you hate networking like Connie, Stefanie also offers some great advice, plus how to prep for a networking event and why her biggest mistake became her biggest benefit. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and @fbeinghumble

This episode is sponsored by Payhawk.

Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off.

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Founder and CEO of fashion brand Saint and Sofia, Dessi Bell, joins Connie Nam for this week’s episode. 

Dessi reflects on how her experience moving to the UK from Bulgaria as a teenager has informed her role as a business owner, why she prefers to give her team full freedom rather than micromanage and practical advice for working with your romantic partner. 

Plus, she offers advice on how to crack the US market and teases the future of Saint and Sofia as they look to open their first ever physical store. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and @saintandsofia

This episode is sponsored by Payhawk.

Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off.

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From out of Natasha Thoma’s kitchen, Lockdown Liquor was born as a fun pandemic activity to share with friends; now their chic and stylish premium blended cocktails are in stores, bars and restaurants. 

In this conversation with Connie Nam, Natasha explains how she was able to found her first business at 24, what it was like entering an industry she had no experience in and her advice for securing investment. 

Plus, Natasha discusses how they’re giving back in tribute to their lockdown origin, how they’ve adapted from a consumer brand to selling into hospitality and how she finds working with her co-founder, who happens to be her husband. 

Follow @unboxed_founderconfidential and @lockdownliquorco

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Angel Investor Gary Clarke joins Connie Nam for a behind the scenes look of early stage investing, and what an investor can offer you and your business.

Gary shares how failure has been pivotal for his success, what he looks for in potential founders for investment and the biggest mistakes he sees people make while trying to grow a business. 

Connie also shares her experience with investors, Gary explains the difference between public and private investing and how you can secure money for your business. 

Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential and find Gary on Linkedin.

This episode is sponsored by Harbottle & Lewis and BAO.

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Joanna Jensen created sensitive skin products for her own daughter, but through founding Childs Farm it went on to change children’s lives around the world who were suffering from Eczema. 

Joanna joins Connie to discuss the shameless ways she sought customer feedback, how her stubbornness helped her succeed and the grief she felt after selling the business. 

As an investor herself, she also shares what she looks for when looking at potential investments, how she assesses a founder’s character and the importance of finding your gap in the market. 

Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential, @childsfarm and @joannajensenofficial

This episode is sponsored by Harbottle & Lewis and BAO.

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Founder of modern eyewear company Cubitts, Tom Broughton, joins Connie Nam to share his mission to change the stigma on wearing glasses.

Tom shares how his disappointment in the high street glasses option when he was a teenager sparked his entrepreneurial vision, the turning point after only selling one frame a day for the first 6 months, and getting ghosted by investors. 

Plus, Tom and Connie discuss the difficulty of hiring the right person, how they separate being a founder and a CEO and how it feels when they see people wearing their products in the wild.

Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential and @cubitts

This episode is sponsored by Payhawk. Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off.

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Katie Lopes, founder of Stripe & Stare, shares how she overcame £1.5 million debt, a relationship breakdown, and her low self-confidence, to create the knicker brand that everyone is talking about.

Katie tells Connie Nam the devastating circumstances that pushed her to build a future for her children, how she learnt to trust her instincts, and the frustrating assumptions placed on female founders.

Plus, they discuss the surprising impact of the #MeToo movement on underwear sales, how Stripe & Stare are showing their genuine pledge to sustainability and what exiting their businesses might look like for Katie and Connie.

Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential and stripeandstare

This episode is sponsored by Payhawk.

Schedule a demo using the link above and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off.

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Founder of cult coffee brand Grind, David Abrahamovitch, joins Connie Nam on this episode of Unboxed. 

After David’s first appearance on the podcast in 2020, where Grind was just focussing on its high street presence, it has now evolved into a multimillion-pound multichannel venture.

David reveals the story behind acquiring Bottleshot Coffee, why it’s hard for him to sometimes provide leadership, and the joy of being able to do the things your biggest competitors can’t. 

Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential and @davidabrahamovitch and @grind.

This episode is sponsored by Payhawk. Schedule a demo using the link in the podcast description and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off.

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Nicola Elliott, the Founder of NEOM Organics joins Connie In this episode of Unboxed.

After spending seven years working 60-hour weeks as a journalist, Nicola wanted to create a brand to address rising stress levels, lack of sleep, energy and low mood. 

NEOM Organics quickly became one of the first and fastest growing wellbeing brands in the UK, which specialises in 100% natural fragrances to boost your wellbeing.

Nicola talks about the wellness movement, starting again and introducing NEOM to American audiences and the importance of testing your brand's story. 

Follow us @unboxed_founderconfidential and Nicola @nicolaelliottneom and @neomorganics.

This episode is sponsored by Payhawk. Schedule a demo using the link in the podcast description and be sure to tell them you came from Astrid & Miyu podcast to receive 20% off.

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On UNBOXED, we champion female founders so we’re replaying 3 incredible female leaders offering critical advice for early-stage entrepreneurs.

NEOM’s Nicola Elliott shares how she knew it was the right time to quit her day job, F*ck Being Humble founder Stef gives her ultimate guide to networking and leadership expert Heather Elkington offers insights for first-time managers on how to hire (and fire) effectively. 

To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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This week, we’re revisiting 3 inspiring beauty founders who offer advice for the next generation of beauty entrepreneurs and beyond.

In this episode, Vanita Parti of Blink Brow Bar shares how she shamelessly poached clients, Thea Green of Nails.INC reveals what the most underrated skill a founder can have and Sculpted by Aimee’s founder, Aimee Connolly, reveals how teaching make up gave her the courage to start her own brand. 

To keep up with the podcast, follow @unboxed_founderconfidential, @connienam and @astridandmiyu

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This week on After Hours we’ll be talking to the lovely Angel Arutura ~ anti-racism & environmental activist ~ about her experience of growing up in Northern Ireland, making her voice heard on social media and her fight against fast fashion!

Want to hear more? Subscribe and stay tuned for new episodes of the Astrid & Miyu podcast every week! 

Follow Angel: @angelarutura

Follow Bella: @bodaciouslybella_

Thank you so much for tuning into Season 3, head to our Instagram @astridandmiyu to stay updated with new episodes!💫

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Connie chats with Ade, Founder and CEO of Nubian Skin from starting off a similar career path in investment banking, moving to Paris to pursue her lifelong dream and finally having that lightbulb moment to start Nubian Skin. Listen to hear everything from, funny hustle stories, parenthood, the changing market landscape post Covid, styling Beyonce to receiving her MBE in 2017 for services to fashion.

Thank you so much for tuning into the episode of #TheBrandLab, subscribe and stay tuned for new episodes of the Astrid & Miyu podcast every week! Want to hear more? Follow @itsadehassan @nubianskin and head over to our Instagram @astridandmiyu to stay updated with new episode launches💫

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Want to hear more? Subscribe and stay tuned for new episodes of the Astrid & Miyu podcast every week! 

Follow Kasia: @kasiachin

Follow Bella: @bodaciouslybella_

Thank you so much for tuning into Season 3, head to our Instagram @astridandmiyu to stay updated with new episodes!💫

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