On this episode of DTC pod, Meghan joins Blaine & Ramon to discuss her move from the finance world to becoming one of the world's best operators and brand builders in the direct-to-consumer space. With her background in investing and a passion for consumer products, Megan noticed a gap in the market for innovative slip-on footwear and saw an opportunity to create something new.We cover:1. Gap in Slide Sandal Market2. Background in Finance and Investing3. Key Insights as An Operator4. Unique Angel Investor and Evergreen Fund5. True Botanicals Experience and Success6. Building Direct-to-Consumer First7. Utilizing Influencer Relationships for GrowthEpisode Timestamps:04:01 Meghan Higney's transition from finance to brand building.06:46 Discussing angel investor's support and focus on longevity.09:25 True Botanicals' success and marketing strategy evolution.15:01 Meghan's transition from finance to footwear passion.20:24 Key to success: growth, creativity, people operations.23:33 Comparing beauty and food industries' supply chain challenges.29:04 Journey to build best performance sandals.37:26 Discussing footwear production in Porto, Portugal.42:48 Reflecting on financial investments and business growth.48:17 Aiming for sustainable profitability and strategic growth.51:59 Anticipating brand's growth and requesting social media info.Episode brought to you by Trend & Finaloop.Join 15k founders and marketers & get our pod highlights delivered directly to your inbox with the DTC Pod Newsletter!Shownotes powered by Castmagic 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 TikTok Meghan Higney - Founder of MessageRamon Berrios - CEO of Trend.ioBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of Seated