Building Baby Products That Parents Actually Need with Vonu Founder Brittany Harvey Private
What if you could turn your biggest parenting frustration into a six-figure business in just 90 days—using nothing more than a turkey carving knife and memory foam?From 2am desperation to 90-day product launch—parenting pain points have a way of turning into breakthrough businesses. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Brittany Harvey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-harvey/), co-founder of Vonu (https://vonubaby.com), about transforming a sleepless night into the Burplee Lounger, a patented memory foam solution that's helping thousands of parents tackle gas, reflux, and tummy time challenges. Learn how Brittany went from carving memory foam with a turkey knife to scaling a thriving baby product business while navigating the realities of patents, 3PLs, and building a brand that solves real problems. Whether you're a sleep-deprived parent or an aspiring product developer, this conversation delivers honest insights about manufacturing hurdles, supplier relationships, and the power of solving problems you actually experience.
Tune in to learn:
(00:00) The Burplee Origin Story: From 2am Crisis to Viral Success
(17:26) Expanding the Product Line: Stack Pack Innovation
(25:25) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement
(26:58) Mom vs Dad Co-Founder Perspectives
(37:46) Manufacturing and Alibaba.com Sourcing Strategy
(47:36) 3PL Challenges and Family Fulfillment
(51:52) Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Filtering Noise and Staying Focused
(55:20) Where to Find Vonu
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
Scale Your Business Using These (Free) Audience Research Strategies (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scale-your-business-using-free-audience-research-strategies)
Crowdfunding Unpacked: Kickstarter’s Blueprint for Small Business Success (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/crowdfunding-unpacked-kickstarters-blueprint-for-small-business-success )
Staying Profitable Amid Tariff Changes: Steven Selikoff on Navigating the End of De Minimis (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/staying-profitable-amid-tariff-changes-steven-selikoff-on-navigating-the-end-of-de-minimis)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
Chapters
(00:00:00) - B2B Breakthrough: The Stack Pack(00:00:36) - How To Manage Having a Business and a Baby(00:01:27) - The Burpli: A Baby Lounger(00:04:33) - How To Start a Parenting Business on TikTok(00:07:55) - Beyond the Gas Job: Gas Relief for Baby(00:09:19) - Have You Changed The Berkeley Burpli?(00:10:43) - The 40-degree Burp cloth(00:17:03) - The Stack Pack Baby Diaper Bag(00:20:56) - Bottle Pack: Meta Ad(00:23:02) - Ideas Are Welcome at Tech Companies(00:25:19) - AI Sourcing: The Business Sourcing Engine(00:26:13) - How to Stay Connected With Moms Postpartum(00:33:33) - Are Dad's Involved in Parenting?(00:36:46) - Dads in the Manufacturing Process(00:37:27) - How To Find a Custom Fabric Maker(00:41:25) - How To Build a Bundles With Alibaba(00:43:25) - What is a valuable accessory to go with your burp?(00:47:23) - How 3PLs Have Affected Our Business(00:51:37) - What Do You Wish You Knew Before Starting Your Business?(00:55:11) - Where to Find Brittany VanUaby(00:55:51) - B2B Breakthrough: Accelerating Business Growth
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Limitless Looks, Less Waste: Holly Garrard on Building a Purpose-Driven Fashion Brand
Why do most sustainable fashion brands stick to "boring and beige," and how is one founder proving colorful conscious fashion can thrive?Breaking the beige barrier in sustainable fashion takes more than good intentions—it requires bold vision, strategic sourcing, and a willingness to challenge industry stereotypes. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Holly Garrard (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fundae-founder-holly-garrard/), founder and chief visionary officer of Fundae (https://www.fundae.com), the eco-chic footwear brand redefining what sustainable style looks like. With a patent-pending modular shoe system that transforms one pair into limitless looks, Holly shares how she left her corporate media career at ESPN to prove that fashion can be colorful, conscious, and commercially viable. Learn how she navigated product development challenges, built supplier relationships through strategic sourcing, and created a brand rooted in purpose-driven pillars that guide every business decision.
Tune in to learn:
(00:00) From ESPN to Eco-Chic: Holly's Journey to Fundae
(10:23) Patent-Pending Innovation: Creating the Modular Shoe System
(13:47) Sourcing Sustainable Materials Through Alibaba.com
(26:18) Mission-Driven Business: The Four Pillars of Fundae
(34:15) Solopreneur Realities: Navigating the Gig Economy
(37:28) From D2C to Wholesale: The Future of Fundae
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
The Marmals Method: How to Sell Toys, Test Ideas & Thrive on the Convention Circuit(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/the-marmals-method-how-to-sell-toys-test-ideas-thrive-on-the-convention-circuit)
Scale Your Business Using These (Free) Audience Research Strategies (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scale-your-business-using-free-audience-research-strategies)
Crowdfunding Unpacked: Kickstarter’s Blueprint for Small Business Success (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/crowdfunding-unpacked-kickstarters-blueprint-for-small-business-success )
Chapters
(00:00:00) - B2B Breakthrough Podcast(00:01:00) - Celebrity Interview(00:01:52) - The New York Fashion Week: Funday(00:06:56) - What Makes Fund So Fun?(00:10:15) - The Fun Day Shoe(00:17:18) - The story of food made from waste(00:19:12) - What's the Vetting Process for Your Leathers?(00:21:56) - Starting a business in your 30s(00:23:28) - How High Heels Are Made: The Italian Boot(00:25:45) - The Secret to Crafting a Design(00:27:00) - AI Sourcing: The Ultimate Search Engine(00:27:56) - The Purpose Behind Fund(00:31:32) - Flip Flops Charity Giving Day(00:34:01) - The Real Story of Covid Shoes(00:39:39) - Fool My Shoes: What's Next for the Company(00:42:50) - B2B Breakthrough: Alibaba.com
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Startup to Pitch Champion: How Reekon Tools has Grown Sustainably
Building a profitable hardware brand without venture capital requires strategic thinking, authentic relationships, and unwavering focus on cash flow management. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Christian Reed (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianrreed/), founder of Reekon Tools (https://support.reekon.tools/hc/en-us), fresh off his big win at Co Create Pitch. Christian shares how he scaled from a $1.2 million Kickstarter campaign to a sustainable 15-person operation, all while maintaining profitability and developing innovative digital measuring tools that are revolutionizing construction and home improvement. Learn how strategic supplier relationships, disciplined growth, and community-driven product development through Kickstarter have enabled Reekon Tools to thrive without traditional VC funding.
Tune in to learn:
(00:00) From Side Project to $1.2M Kickstarter Success
(07:34) Kickstarter's Hidden Power: Building a Community of Champions
(13:03) Strategic Team Expansion and Scaling with Intention
(16:23) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement
(19:43) Factory Relationships and Manufacturing Infrastructure
(29:33) Cash Flow Over Revenue: The Most Critical Metric
(35:05) Pitching Advice: Lead With Passion
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
How to Nail Your Next Pitch: Insights from Power to Pitch's Kat Weaver (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-to-nail-your-next-pitch-insights-from-power-toecj)
The Marmals Method: How to Sell Toys, Test Ideas & Thrive on the Convention Circuit(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/the-marmals-method-how-to-sell-toys-test-ideas-thrive-on-the-convention-circuit)
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or-be-disrupted-future-proofing-your-supply-chain)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder...
Chapters
(00:00:00) - India's Vision for Innovation(00:00:24) - B2B Breakthrough: Christian Reed's(00:01:17) - Rebuilding With a Digital Tape Measure(00:04:37) - Startup: Fully Self-Sustained(00:07:09) - Have You Learned From Your Kickstarter Success?(00:09:29) - Return to Kickstarter: The Community's Input(00:12:56) - Kickstarter's Team Has Expanded(00:14:16) - Have You Had Any Challenges As You've Expanded?(00:16:27) - Sourcing with Axio AI(00:17:32) - Microsoft's Return on Reconed Cash(00:19:46) - Do you have, you know, consistent relationships with suppliers?(00:21:40) - Have Independent Consultants Had an Impact on the Infrastructure?(00:22:54) - The Right Partner for Your Product(00:29:36) - Cash Flow Lessons for Businesses(00:31:32) - Where Are You Selling Your Products?(00:32:30) - Reasons to Scan Your Worksites(00:34:47) - Pushing the Pitch(00:36:49) - Where Can People Find Christian Jones?(00:37:19) - B2B Breakthrough: Accelerating Business Growth
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How Vuliwear Redefines Sunglasses with Style and Impact
How did macro photography of insect eyes inspire a bold eyewear brand that's redefining fashion and eye health?Building a fashion-forward eyewear brand that prioritizes both style and eye health requires authentic design, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to quality. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Dionne Ellison (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionne-ellison-5721261/), founder and creative force behind Vuliwear (https://vuliwear.com/), about her journey from discovering macro photography of insect eyes to creating bold, UV 400 protective sunglasses that make a statement. Learn how she navigated supply chain disruptions, built her brand while maintaining a day job, and why she believes in "out-differenting" rather than outdoing the competition.
Tune in to learn:
(00:00) Finding Your Lane and the Insect Eye Inspiration
(04:53) Lens-First Philosophy: UV 400 vs Polarized Education
(10:39) Breakthrough Moments and Customer Collaboration Strategy
(17:11) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement
(18:30) Out-Differenting the Competition and Strategic Partnerships
(25:46) Scaling with Family and Future Expansion Plans
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or-be-disrupted-future-proofing-your-supply-chain)
How to Nail Your Next Pitch: Insights from Power to Pitch's Kat Weaver (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-to-nail-your-next-pitch-insights-from-power-toecj)
The Marmals Method: How to Sell Toys, Test Ideas & Thrive on the Convention Circuit(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/the-marmals-method-how-to-sell-toys-test-ideas-thrive-on-the-convention-circuit)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group;...
Chapters
(00:00:00) - B2B Breakthrough Podcast(00:00:56) - VouliWear(00:03:08) - Wool Wear Designer on Juggling Her Day Job(00:04:33) - The New Look: Polarized Sunglasses(00:08:13) - The New Look: Eye Health(00:10:26) - Oyster Lens Covers(00:12:41) - Beyond Woolly Wear: Collaborations With Artists(00:15:44) - Have Entrepreneurs Had to Change Their Lens Manufacturer?(00:17:13) - How to Source Like a Pro with Axio(00:18:07) - Separate Eyewear: How to Differentiate(00:21:52) - The Right Partner for Your Business(00:23:52) - Vooly Sunglasses: The Story Behind The Names(00:25:36) - George Clooney Expands Into Lifestyle Products(00:28:37) - VoliWear's Unisex Fashion(00:31:23) - Bobbi Woolly Wear(00:33:29) - Where Have You Got All of Your Inspiration?(00:35:14) - Sierra Leone on Lessons Learned From Starting a Business(00:36:57) - B2B Breakthrough: Accelerating Business Growth
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Staying Profitable Amid Tariff Changes: Steven Selikoff on Navigating the End of De Minimis
Why are smart entrepreneurs celebrating the end of de minimis while their competitors panic about margin compression?The suspension of the de minimis rule has left many e-commerce sellers scrambling to understand new costs and compliance requirements. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Steven Selikoff (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenselikoff/), founder of Product One (https://product.one/) and author of The Complete Book of Product Design, Development, Manufacturing, and Sales, about navigating the new tariff landscape with a profit-first mindset. Steven breaks down the myths surrounding de minimis changes, reveals how tariffs and duties can actually be tax-deductible, and shares his proven strategies for achieving 9-10x multipliers even in challenging trade conditions. Learn why building a "purple cow" product is your best defense against margin compression and how smart entrepreneurs can turn trade disruption into competitive advantage.
Tune in to learn:
(00:00) The Reality of De Minimis Rule Changes and Business Impact
(08:10) The Biggest Myth: Tariffs and Duties Are Tax Deductible
(13:26) Product One's Focus on Profitable Product Development
(18:05) Alibaba CoCreate Event Advertisement
(18:42) The Purple Cow Strategy: Differentiation for Better Margins
(25:04) Audience Research and the Porsche SUV Success Story
(29:53) Ten Strategies to Combat Tariff Impact
(34:19) 30-Day Action Plan for Tariff Preparation
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
How Mid-Day Squares Disrupted Snacking Through Storytelling (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/not-final-audio-how-mid-day-squares-disrupted-snacking-through-storytelling)
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or-be-disrupted-future-proofing-your-supply-chain)
Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey(https://b2b-...
Chapters
(00:00:00) - How to Make a Business Profitable(00:00:19) - B2B Breakthrough: Tariffs & Trade(00:01:52) - What is De minimis and Is It Affecting E-Commerce(00:04:09) - What does the shift to D2C for e-commerce sellers(00:06:01) - What should e-sellers Know About the Compliance Requirement on(00:07:48) - Importing DDP(00:13:33) - What Product One Does for Small Business Owners(00:17:59) - Where AI Sourcing Engines Take You(00:18:53) - Sourcing at a Better Margin(00:25:31) - How to Find Your Purple Cow(00:29:18) - What mistakes are sellers making that can help them combat these?(00:30:28) - How to Manage Your Tariffs(00:34:45) - Tariffs: What Businesses Need to Do Now(00:37:15) - B2B Breakthrough: Accelerating Business Growth
Every two weeks, the B2B Breakthrough Podcast brings you the knowledge, insights and strategies that you need to continue to grow your business. By learning from industry experts, successful e-commerce business owners, and the team at Alibaba.com, you’ll be well on your way to your next big business breakthrough.
If you’re facing challenges on your path to success as a small business owner, we’re here to give you the tools you need to break through and reach the next level.
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