Listen and learn from Joanna Jensen, the founder of Child's Farm!

This multi-award-winning natural skincare brand was founded (like 99% of businesses born to female founders) from Joanna's own need for something that didn't exist in the category at the time: a bath time solution for her child with medically diagnosed eczema.

Created in 2010, Childs Farm was the number-one brand in the category by 2019 (ahead of Johnson's Baby, Baby Dove, and Aveeno).

Joanna scaled the business to £20 million and decided the time was right to source additional funding for growth, but instead sold to PZ Cussons, which owns brands Imperial Leather, St Tropez and Carex.

She describes herself as a driven workaholic, but she is also a brilliant mentor and advocate of female founders and female-founded businesses. She is also an investor in some of the businesses we've had on the show, including Freya Bone Broth and Hunter and Gather (look for their episodes on the show page of your favourite podcast player)

During their chat, Joanna gives us many of what Fiona calls "those £500k ‘aha’ moments", including advice on margins, cash flow, when to hire and at what level, what to look for in your team, and more.

Fiona’s challenge - how do we all get to the point where we're clear that the solution we're offering doesn't exist out there? Then, we can enter any negotiation, whether with a buyer or an investor, and we feel just as confident as Joanna does.

By the way, if you're listening to this on Spotify, you'll find a place where it says ASK A QUESTION! You can now ask Fiona a question, and she will be able to answer you. So, if you have any questions about this episode or anything you thought helpful, please let Fiona know!

Useful links:

Childs Farm website

Childs Farm Instagram

Childs Farm Facebook

EIS Association

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme

Stop It by comedian Bob Newhart

If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, don't forget to click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review!

You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth. Plus, your small gesture will be truly appreciated.

Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!

Follow us across our socials: Brand Growth Heroes on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Sign up for the latest news and information on the Brand Growth Heroes Accelerator Programme here.

Thanks to my Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

$500M: OLIPOP explodes the USA Soda Market

Join us for Fiona Fitz’s recent conversation with OLIPOP Co-Founder & President David Lester, recorded live at the Bread and Jam Festival.

OLIPOP Co-Founders David Lester and Ben Goodwin landed on the foundational recipe for “a new kind of soda”, redefining how consumers perceived the category. OLIPOP has successfully persuaded consumers to swap out sugary, familiar favourites for healthier alternatives.

In colourful cans with vintage logos and fantastic flavours, OLIPOP aims to smash its target of $500 million in sales in 2024.

Listen to this episode and find out how they've done it.

David reveals:

The eight-year journey behind OLIPOP's rapid growth, explaining that despite its apparent surge since the 2018 launch, the company actually underwent a crucial four-year trial process beforehand.

The importance of balancing taste with health benefits and the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with being a founder.

We all expected this interview to be about how he and Ben grew the business. In fact, David offers candid insights on ego, vulnerability, and the true meaning of success.

If you are still alive then you are succeeding.

Useful links:

https://drinkolipop.com/

Bread and Jam Festival

If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, don't forget to click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review!

You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth. Plus, your small gesture will be truly appreciated.

Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!

Follow us across our socials: Brand Growth Heroes on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Sign up for the latest news and information on the Brand Growth Heroes Accelerator Programme here.

Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and our social media manager/podcast producer, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

Sauce Shop Secrets Unveiled: Pam & James Digva on everything from building their own factory to getting a national listing in Tesco

If you’re ever wondering what it takes to own and run your own manufacturing facility, then this episode is for you.

Brand Growth Heroes host Fiona Fitz has been tasting packaged food and beverage products as part of her job for over 25 years. When she first tasted Sauce Shop's lime and aioli sauce at the Alantra Fast 50 dinner, she knew she had to find out how it tasted so good.

So, in this latest episode, Fiona chats with Sauce Shop's founders, Pam and James Digva, who explain exactly how they make products that taste just like they weren’t made in a factory at ALL.

They have well over 20 years of food manufacturing experience, and there are just so many nuggets in this interview that we can't wait to share with you.

We talk about building your own manufacturing facility while still staying true to the craft, as well as the importance of a dedicated team you can rely on, especially in high growth and challenging times.

During the chat, Pam and James reveal their latest listing in one of the UK's largest retailers. Stay tuned until the end, as this source (sauce!!) of growth will really inspire you.

Useful links:

Sauce Shop® | UK Made Hot Sauce, BBQ Sauce & Ketchup | 35+ varieties

(27) James Digva | LinkedIn

(27) Pam Digva | LinkedIn

Sauce Shop | Facebook

Sauce Shop (@sauce_shop) • Instagram photos and videos

(31)Sauce Shop (@sauceshop) | TikTok

If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, don't forget to click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review!

You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth. Plus, your small gesture will be truly appreciated.

Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!

Follow us across our socials: Brand Growth Heroes on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Sign up for the latest news and information on the Brand Growth Heroes Accelerator Programme here.

Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and our social media manager, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.