Why Playing Small Doesn’t Serve You: Jess Berger on Betting Big in the Pet Industry with Bundle & Joy

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In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Jess Berger, founder of Bundle and Joy, a pet care brand focused on clean ingredients and wellness for pets. Jess shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced in launching her brand during the pandemic, and the importance of community engagement and retail partnerships. She discusses her unique approach to building the brand before the product, her experiences at trade shows, and her recent success in securing funding as a Latina founder. The conversation highlights the significance of following one's passion and the impact of building a brand that resonates with consumers.

Takeaways

• Jess's journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to create a brand that brings joy to pets.
• The importance of financial stability before making the leap into entrepreneurship.
• Building a brand identity before launching products can create a strong market presence.
• Trade shows can be an effective way to connect with retailers and consumers.
• Jess's experience at the Costco road show demonstrated the importance of direct customer interaction.
• Funding challenges are common for female founders, but networking and mentorship can provide support.
• Jess emphasizes the need to stay true to one's vision while adapting to market demands.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship
10:31 Building Bundle and Joy: The Brand's Foundation
18:32 Product Development: From Concept to Retail
23:22 Success at Expo West: Securing Retail Partnerships
24:57 Launching into Retail: The Journey Begins
27:37 Navigating Distributor Relationships
29:24 Early Feedback and Marketing Strategies
30:44 Expanding Retail Presence through Trade Shows
32:03 Balancing Manufacturing and Growth
33:50 The Costco Road Show Experience
36:25 Entering Walmart: A New Chapter
37:57 Product Assortment and SKU Management
41:12 Raising Capital: A Latina's Journey
45:42 Future Vision and Brand Growth

Bundle & Joy Instagam: https://www.instagram.com/bundlexjoy/?hl=en

Bundle & Joy Website: https://bundlexjoy.com/

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