In this episode of Starting Small, we’re joined by JW Wiseman, founder of Curious Elixirs, a booze-free craft cocktail company that’s changing the way people think about non-alcoholic drinks. JW started Curious Elixirs in 2015 while running a marketing agency, driven by a personal desire for complex cocktails without the hangover. He talks about how his fascination with cocktails and his experience in hospitality led him to create a line of drinks infused with adaptogens and designed to provide the same bold, adventurous flavors as traditional cocktails. From bootstrapping the brand to achieving over $47 million in revenue, JW shares the journey of building a product in the growing sober-curious market and the challenges of growing without outside investors.

Make sure to check out Curious Elixirs: https://curiouselixirs.com

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In this episode of Starting Small, we’re joined by Charlie Weisman, founder of Staff, a brand that's redefining the most overlooked items in our homes. Staff started with a plunger—yes, a plunger—designed to be bold, colorful, and functional, a far cry from the bland utility items most of us keep hidden away. Charlie takes us back to the initial spark of inspiration during the pandemic, when he looked at his bathroom plunger and thought, "Why can’t everyday essentials be fun and playful?" Charlie shares his process of bringing this vision to life, from early sketches and prototypes to finding the right manufacturers. He walks through the challenges of launching a product in a highly competitive market with no VC backing, using organic press and social buzz to build momentum.

Make sure to check out Staff: https://meetyourstaff.co

Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX

Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity

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Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, Galastellar. Looking to elevate your space with lighting that makes a statement? GalaStellar offers a curated collection of luxury indoor lighting—from elegant chandeliers to sleek pendant lamps and modern wall fixtures. Their designs are perfect for transforming your home or venue into something extraordinary. I've personally used their pendant bar light as a statement piece and have been impressed with their quality and service. If you're in the market for lighting that blends style with sophistication, check out GalaStellar.com.

In this episode of Starting Small, we chat with Lulu Ge, founder of Elix, a wellness brand that’s changing how women approach health. Lulu’s journey starts in China, moves through a tough transition to California, and ends up with her launching a company focused on personalized herbal care. After years of dealing with stress, hormonal issues, and a traditional corporate grind, Lulu turned to Chinese medicine to heal herself—and from that, Elix was born. She shares how she built the brand from the ground up, sourcing organic herbs, conducting clinical studies, and navigating the chaos of launching in 2020. This is more than just about products; it’s about offering a new way to take care of your body by balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Lulu talks about the highs and lows of building a business, why holistic healing needs more attention, and how she’s on a mission to change the way we look at women’s health.

Make sure to check out Elix: https://elixhealing.com

Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX

Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity

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Thank you to this episode’s mid-break sponsor, Billy Print. I’ve been using their custom canopy tents, table covers, and feather flags for our events, and they’ve truly made a huge difference. If you're planning an event or need any branded materials—whether it’s a tent setup, table display, or eye-catching signage—Billy Print is my go-to. Their quality is excellent, turnaround time is fast, and they make sure every detail is spot on. For anything you need printed to help your brand stand out at your next event, definitely check them out at BillyPrint.com.