Episode brought to you by Trend & Finaloop.On this episode of DTC POD, Celia Lewis and Stephanie Kimmel discuss how they identified a market gap in the cannabis industry and built a brand around their innovative product that preserves and locks cannabis in a home decor piece. They reveal how they launched their product with a grassroots approach due to limited funds for marketing and discuss their successful product launch strategy. They touch on the challenges they faced due to federal regulations around cannabis and how they continue to adapt and grow.3:00 - Stephanie and Celia Background7:45 - The story behind Tulip's founding12:50 - Branding and identity for Tulip16:30 - Launch strategy and early traction23:15 - Unique color strategy for Tulip28:45 - Fulfillment and inventory management32:30 - Adapting to sudden increase in demand37:40 - Partnership with manufacturer43:00 - Navigating federal regulations around cannabis48:20 - Social media strategy for TikTok and Instagram54:00 - Two-way dialog with customers59:30 - Upcoming content series from TulipHere's some questions we answer on the show1. How did the founders of Tulip identify a market gap in the cannabis industry, and what inspired them to create a product that preserves cannabis and also doubles as home decor?2. What was the process behind developing the Tulip product, and what were some of the challenges faced along the way?3. How did the founders build the Tulip brand around the authentic nature of how they got started with the product for personal use?4. What were some of the early traction and product-market fit indicators that helped drive growth for Tulip in its early days?5. What was the launch strategy for Tulip, and how did the company leverage personal networks to drive initial sales?6. How has the company adapted to sudden increases in demand, such as those caused by viral social media videos?7. How does Tulip approach manufacturing and production, and what role do personal relationships play in these processes?8. What challenges has Tulip faced with marketing and social media due to federal regulations around cannabis, and how has the company adapted its content strategy?9. What are the content pillars and upcoming content series for Tulip, and how does the company value customer feedback and participation?10. How does Tulip's mission involve social change and awareness around the injustices that still exist today, and how does the company seek to destigmatize cannabis use?Shownotes powered by CastmagicEpisode brought to you by Finaloop, the real-time accounting service trusted by hundreds of DTC Brands. Try Finaloop free - no credit card required. Visit finaloop.com/dtcpod and get 14 days free and a 2-month P&L within 24 hours. Past guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter hereFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokCelia Lewis - Cofounder of TulipStephanie Kimmel - Cofounder of TulipRamon Berrios - CEO of Trend.ioBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of Seated