This week, I sat down with Olivia Laskowski, This week, I sat down with Olivia Laskowski, aka Liv—Brand and Partnerships Manager at Cometeer and certified coffee nerd—to talk about what it actually means to build a brand with substance (and caffeine). We got into the frozen coffee magic that makes Cometeer different, why brand teams should be in the room way earlier, and how a kiosk in the Mall at Short Hills turned into their best acquisition channel. Spoiler: mall culture is back. Liv shares her take on content that doesn’t feel like homework, CX as a brand-building machine (shoutout Sean), and how to educate customers without giving a full-on TED Talk. Oh, and if your brand book still lives in a Dropbox folder labeled “v2_final_FINAL”? Yeah…we’re talking to you. Whether you’re building a brand, running CX, or just need a coffee that slaps—this one’s full of gems. Listen now for insights on content, customer experience, and how to make your brand actually feel something. FREE COFFEE FOR ATF LISTENERS https://cometeer.com/zCovzi 📲 Follow Instagram: @olivialaskowski LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/olivialaskowski/ 📲 Follow Instagram: @cometeer Website: cometeer.com 👋 Enjoying Above the Fold Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon Twitter: x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: instagram.com/jess.cervellon…

This week, I sat down with Kate Reeder, COO and Head of Brand at United Sodas, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that stands out in a crowded market. Spoiler: it’s more than just cool packaging. We get into the magic of minimalism, why startups make you wear every hat possible (yes, even HR), and how United Sodas accidentally became the perfect gift. Kate shares her story - going from brand marketing to running an entire business, the unexpected challenges of shipping carbonated drinks (logistics is no joke), and why great branding is all about making people feel something. If you're building a brand, running a startup, or just wondering why your favorite soda looks so good on your fridge shelf, this episode is packed with insights you can actually use. Listen now for tips on brand strategy, customer experience, and why sometimes, less really is more. 📲 Follow Instagram: @kreeder628 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kate-reeder-419b6640/ 📲 Follow Instagram: @unitedsodas Website: unitedsodas.com 👋 Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon Twitter: x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: instagram.com/jess.cervellon…

✨ In this episode of Above the Fold, I sit down with Jessica Rose Garcia—aka J-Rose—Head of CX at OneSkin, to talk about what really makes customers stick around. Spoiler: It’s not just fast email responses. We dive deep into: 💡 How J-Rose went from working at Gold’s Gym to leading CX at some of the biggest brands in DTC 📈 Why most brands completely fumble retention—and what they should be doing instead 🛍️ The difference between CX in e-commerce vs. other industries 🔬 The science behind OneSkin and why J-Rose is obsessed with it 💬 How CX teams can actually make an impact instead of just putting out fires all-day 😂 Some wild CX stories that you don’t want to miss 👉 Hit play for insights on customer experience, retention, and how to build a brand people actually love. And one last thing… this episode marks ONE YEAR of Above The Fold Podcast! I love and appreciate you all that tune in every week. 📲 Follow J-Rose: Instagram: @heartstarkid LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-rose-garcia-95a38289 📲 Follow OneSkin: Instagram: @oneskin.co Website: linkedin.com/company/oneskin ✨ Want More Like This? Subscribe for more founder stories, marketing insights, and behind-the-scenes action in the world of CPG, brand strategy, and customer experience! About Sunday Postcards Enjoying the show? Keep the insights flowing by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies to help you unlock brand success. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community. 👋 Connect with Jess: • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon • Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon • Instagram: instagram.com/jess.cervellon 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on brand-building, customer experience, and business growth!…

This week, we sat down with Ali Rose VanOverbeke to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that people actually care about—beyond just running ads and chasing conversions. We get into creative direction, brand loyalty, and why e-commerce is starting to feel like one big copy-paste formula. Ali’s seen it all—from designing for billion-dollar brands to launching her own sustainable eyewear company to leading growth at Kadeya, a company redefining beverage retail. She shares the hard lessons from running a mission-driven business, why good branding goes beyond aesthetics, and how data and personalization are shaping the next era of CX. Plus, we dive into hot takes on Alex Cooper’s Unwell, Alex Earle’s rumored alcohol brand, and why creator-led businesses aren’t always what they seem. If you’re building a brand, scaling a business, or just tired of every e-commerce brand looking the same, this episode is packed with insight you can actually use. Listen now for real talk on brand strategy, CX, and why creative storytelling still matters. 📲 Follow Ali: Instagram: @alirosevan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-rose-vanoverbeke/ 📲 Follow Kadeya: Instagram: @kadeya.club Website: www.kadeya.com 👋 Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon Twitter: x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: instagram.com/jess.cervellon…

This week, I sat down with Caela Castillo, Director of CX at Jaxxon, to talk about what it really takes to build a CX team that customers actually want to engage with. We’re chatting all things hiring for personality over process, using AI without making your brand sound like a robot, and why CX should always have a seat at the strategy table. Caela breaks down the strategy behind Jaxxon’s CX experience that goes way beyond answering tickets—and why most brands are still getting it wrong. Plus, we swap some truly unhinged CX horror stories (because we’ve all had those customers), and learn about the key metrics that Jaxxon tracks to keep leadership invested in CX. If you’re building a brand, leading a CX team, or just tired of seeing customer experience treated like an afterthought, this episode is packed with insights you can actually use. Listen now for real talk on CX, retention, and why great customer experience is what keeps brands from flopping. --------------------------- 📲 Follow Caela: Instagram: @caela_castillo LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/caela-castillo-29a73770/ 📲 Follow Jaxxon: Instagram: @jaxxon Website: www.jaxxon.com --------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/…

This week, I brought the CX girl gang out of the group chat and into the podcast for a conversation about careers, leadership, and the reality of running CX teams. Ashley Harris (CXM @ Caraway), Cati Brunell-Brutman (CXM @ Glossier), Molly Meetz (Director of CX @ Corso), Leanna Nazzizi (Senior Director of CX at Victoria Beckham Beauty), Nancy Gurd (Director of CX at Caraway), and Lauren Schorr (Director of CX at Nestig) joined me to talk about how none of us actually planned to end up in CX, the skills we picked up from past careers (theater kids and forensics majors, we see you), and why CX is more than just answering tickets. We also got into some hot takes—like why the customer isn’t always right and why companies need to stop underfunding CX. If you’re a CX leader, building a team, or just trying to make customer experience better where you work, this episode is for you. Listen now for real talk on: The unconventional career paths that led us to CX Why CX deserves a seat at the table (and a real budget) How to build a CX team that doesn’t burn out The power of community in making CX leadership more sustainable 📲Connect with the Girls on LinkedIn: Ashley Harris (Caraway): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymacy/ Cati Brunell-Brutman (Glossier): https://www.linkedin.com/in/cati-brunell-brutman-5355b04a/ Molly Meetz (Corso): https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-meetz/ Leanna Nazzizi (Victoria Beckham Beauty): https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-nazzisi/ Nancy Gurd (Caraway): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-gurd-17b67a209/ Lauren Schorr (Nestig): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-schorr-69b0101aa/ Special offer: ❤️‍🔥Use "ABOVETHEFOLDPOD" for 20% off between 1st-31st of March at Caraway ❤️‍🔥 Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/…

This week on Above the Fold , I sat down with Kieran Mathew, GM and partner at Equip Foods, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts. We get into his journey from running a marketing agency at 19 years old to scaling a multi-million dollar eCommerce business. Kieran breaks down why transparency, trust, and real customer relationships have been the backbone of Equip’s growth, and how the brand has quietly dominated the beef protein space by focusing on quality over hype. We also get into: 🔥 The power of word-of-mouth marketing (and why “mom-fluencers” are game-changers) 🔥 Why Equip is staying lean, profitable, and intentional instead of chasing trends 🔥 How listening to customers led to first-to-market innovations like colostrum gummies 🔥 That time Gwyneth Paltrow casually gave Equip a shoutout on The Skinny Confidential If you’re scaling a brand, thinking about DTC growth, or just want to hear how Equip is rewriting the rules in supplements, this one’s packed with insights you can actually use. Follow Kieran: Instagram: @kieranmathew_ X: @kieranmathew LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kieranmathew/ Follow Equip Foods: Equip Foods: @equipfoods Website: www.equipfoods.com -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JessCervellon…

This week on Above the Fold, we’ve got a BONUS EPISODE coming in hot! Once a month, I go on LinkedIn for AfterHours LIVE—a no-BS breakdown of the biggest DTC moves, plus the kind of raw, unfiltered brand marketing advice you won’t get anywhere else. And this time, the convo was too good not to share. I sat down with the legends behind MixMix—Allison Disney, Katelin Randall, and Matt Sabo—to talk about how they’re shaking up the cannabis industry with customizable, discreet, and low-dose THC crystals. We get into the real challenges of building a CPG brand in a highly regulated space, how to market when you can’t just run ads, why nostalgia works in branding, and how MixMix is making THC consumption more approachable than ever. If you’re a brand builder, marketer, or just curious about where the THC industry is headed, this one’s for you. Listen now for insights on branding, marketing, and the low-dose movement shaping the future of cannabis! --------------------------- 📲Follow the Team: Allison Disney: linkedin.com/in/allisondisney Katelin Randall: linkedin.com/in/katelin-randall-b0351373/ Matt Sabo: linkedin.com/in/matthewsabo/ 🔗 Follow MixMix: Instagram: @getmixmix Website: www.getmixmix.com 🎙️Follow Open Late Collective to catch the next AfterHours LIVE show!: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-late-collective/ -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon • Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon • Instagram: instagram.com/jess.cervellon…

What happens when you walk away from Harvard Med School, dive into Michelin-star restaurants, and set out to change the wine industry? You get Nomadica —a wine brand that’s rewriting the rules and making fine wine fun, accessible, and cool again. In this inspiring episode, Kristin Olszewski, the founder of Nomadica , shares her incredible journey from dropping out of med school to becoming a wine mogul. Kristin saw the issues with the wine industry—too pretentious, too complicated, and definitely not in touch with younger consumers. So she created something that turned the entire industry on its head. With Nomadica, she’s making high-quality wine accessible to everyone, with fun packaging, playlists, and tasting notes that actually make sense. But before we dive into Kristin’s story, we want to take a moment to address something important. After filming, Kristin’s home was affected by the LA wildfires. While she’s safe, many in the community have lost everything. Kristin’s request? If you can, support Nomadica and donate to help those in need. Every bit makes a difference. If you’d like to make a donation and learn more, click here for vetted fundraising campaigns, and here for more information on the fires. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Kristin turned her vision into a thriving wine brand and why Nomadica is set to revolutionize the industry! --------------------------- Follow Kristin: 📸 Instagram: @kristin___o Try Nomadica: 📸 Instagram: @nomadica 🌐 Website: www.explorenomadica.com --------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/…

This week, I sat down with my brothers from another mother to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts , beyond social media hype. We cover entrepreneurship, content marketing, Latino representation in business, and why customer experience is more than just good service . Plus, Josh shares how he’s handled doubt along the way ( was it the content or just the abs? ) and how a barbershop connection led him to co-host La Platica, one of the fastest-growing Latino podcasts, while Mark breaks down what makes real CX work. If you’re building a brand, leading a team, or just trying to figure out your next big move, this episode is packed with insight you can actually use. Listen now for tips on content, CX, and why great branding is more than just looking good on a shelf! --------------------------- Follow Josh: Instagram: @thejoshleyva Follow Mark: Instagram: @themarkgalvez Find Taste Salud: Instagram: @tastesalud 🌐 Website: www.tastesalud.com Listen to La Platica: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/la-platica/id1491416976 -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/…

What happens when you mix a YouTube star, startup chaos, and a coffee bean-shaped soap? You get this week’s episode of Above the Fold! Jess Cervellon sits down with Kenzie McAndrew, the powerhouse marketer behind Akira Coffee and Top of the Mornin' . Kenzie shares how her love for branding—and a college hustle redesigning logos—sparked a career that’s equal parts creativity and chaos. From making reed diffusers on an assembly line during COVID to turning Jacksepticeye’s coffee brand into a caffeine-fueled sensation, Kenzie proves that no task is too small when you’re growing a business. We talk about balancing creator-led brands with traditional marketing, navigating customer feedback (spoiler: people love a coffee soap), and designing campaigns that are as fun as they are functional. Kenzie also dishes on bundling, bold packaging, and why her favorite emails aren’t flashy—they’re real and raw. This episode is a blend of marketing genius, startup wisdom, and caffeine-fueled stories you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re building a brand or just love good coffee, grab a cup and tune in. ☕ 🎧 Listen now for laughs, insights, and all the secrets behind making absurdly good coffee. Follow Kenzie: 📸 Instagram: @kenziemcandrew 🌐 Website: www.topofthemornincoffee.com -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/…

What happens when two best friends, a shot of tequila, and stale ginger ale collide? You get Chaser, the ultimate party companion. In this laugh-out-loud episode, Jess Carroll and Jess Moran, the dynamic duo behind Chaser , share how a college friendship and one too many gross shots led to their game-changing beverage brand. From 8 a.m. “shots for science” in a lab to designing a mascot named Buddy (who’s basically the Tony the Tiger of partying), this episode is a deep dive into turning a hilarious idea into a full-blown business. We talk about entrepreneurial chaos, building a brand with 90s nostalgia, and how to craft a product that’s both fun and functional. The Jessicas also dish on bootstrapping their way through the beverage industry, making pop-ups cool again, and why Buddy might just show up at your next pregame. This episode is a mix of founder wisdom, hilarious hot takes (goodbye, Four Loko nightmares), and proof that sometimes the best ideas start with bad tequila and stale limes. Tune in for laughs, insights, and the inside scoop on making your next shot taste way better. 🎧 Grab a Chaser and listen now for tips on branding, building, and not throwing up blue liquid. Follow Jess & Jess: 📸 Instagram: @gotchaser 🌐 Website: www.gotchaser.com -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://x.com/jesscervellon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/…

What happens when a juicer meets a French press and says, “Hold my pulp?” You get JUV, the brainchild of Jai Patel, who’s here to spill the juice (literally and metaphorically) on how he turned a personal juicing nightmare into a game-changing product. In this chaotic and juice-soaked episode, we channel our inner QVC hosts with a live JUV press demo—yes, things got messy. Jai talks about ditching clunky juicers, winning over influencers, and building a brand that’s as fresh as the ginger in your juice. We go deep into community vibes, scrappy growth hacks, and the fears of scaling without losing your soul (or your pulp). This episode is part entrepreneurial wisdom, part juice ASMR, and 100% proof that turning a problem into a product can be a wild (and delicious) ride. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and the secret to a killer carrot-orange-ginger juice! 🎧 Tune in for tips on branding, scaling, and staying true to your vision. Follow Jai and JUV: 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @getjuv 🌐 Website: https://getjuv.com/ 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more founder stories and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of CPG, brand strategy, marketing and customer experience. -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/justjessssss Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/…

This week, we’re diving into the world of Can-Tini, the beautifully branded, ready-to-drink espresso martini, with its founder, Henry Rathjen. 🍸✨ Henry shares the inspiring founder story of Can-Tini, how it all started with a holiday bar conversation, and the journey of creating a standout product in Austin’s competitive beverage scene. From branding strategies and overcoming manufacturing challenges to building a community organically without paid ads, this conversation is packed with entrepreneurial insights. We also discuss the “Espresso Martini Effect,” how Can-Tini is becoming a lifestyle brand, and why Austin’s community is perfect for launching this innovative product. Plus, Henry teases exciting updates, including a new and improved version of Can-Tini launching soon. 🚀 🌟 Topics Covered: • Can-Tini’s founder story & branding journey • Challenges of entering the alcohol industry • The role of customer feedback in product development • Organic marketing, influencer gifting, and building a community • How Can-Tini is redefining the espresso martini experience Follow Henry and Can-Tini: 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @DrinkCantini 🌐 Website: https://www.can-tini.com/ 📍 Discover where to find Cantini near you and request it at your local store! 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more founder stories and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of CPG, brand strategy, marketing and customer experience. -------------------------- Enjoying Above the Fold? Keep the insights coming by subscribing to my newsletter, Sunday Postcards. Each week, I share tips, stories, and strategies that help you unlock the secrets to brand success. Written from my experience in the marketing world, it’s your go-to source for staying ahead of the curve. Subscribe at www.sundaypostcards.co and join the community! --------------------------- Connect with Jess on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/justjessssss Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.cervellon/…

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Ben Segal, a CX innovator who’s worked across startups, big brands, and everything in between. From his early days in hospitality to leading CX at powerhouse brands like Freshly and Thesis, Ben has redefined what it means to create unforgettable customer experiences. We dive into: • Ben’s journey from working at the Bronx Zoo to building CX teams that scale. • The difference between customer service and customer experience —and why it matters. • Why CX is a long game, not a quick fix, and how brands can win with the right strategies. • Lessons Ben learned while scaling teams at startups and how speed and creativity play a role. • The future of CX: what today’s brands need to prioritize to stay ahead. Ben’s passion for putting people first shines through, and his insights will leave you rethinking how to approach CX in your own business. Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading a team at an established brand, this episode is packed with actionable advice, big laughs, and real talk. Connect with Ben Segal • Connect with Ben Segal on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwsegal777/ Let’s Connect: • Follow us on instagram: @abovethefoldpodcast • Check out my newsletter for more CX and marketing insights: www.sundaypostcards.co • Have a question or topic you want me to cover? Send an email to podcast@jesscervellon.com…