In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Valerie Emanuel, co-founder of Rif Care, a sustainable feminine care brand. Valerie shares her journey from modeling to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and triumphs of launching a product-based business in the wellness space. The conversation covers the importance of community, feedback, and iteration in product development, as well as the complexities of navigating retail and building a brand that resonates with consumers. Valerie emphasizes the significance of face-to-face connections and the impact of media on brand visibility, while also providing valuable insights for aspiring founders looking to secure retail deals.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rif Care and Valerie's Journey
02:56 Valerie's Early Career and Transition to Entrepreneurship
05:47 The Birth of Rif Care and Overcoming Challenges
08:41 Manufacturing and Product Development Insights
11:42 Feedback and Iteration on Products
14:41 Retail Launch and Customer Engagement
17:38 Navigating Retail Challenges and Slotting Fees
20:21 The Importance of Face-to-Face Connections
23:29 Future Plans and Expansion for Rif Care
26:26 The Impact of Media and Community Engagement
29:25 Final Thoughts and Retail Readiness Tips
Link to Rif Care:
Rif Care Website: https://rifcare.com/
Rif Care Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rifcare/?hl=en
Rif Care Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rifcare?lang=en
Find retailers on Rif Care Website.
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