Hey! It’s Doone, your hype girl in business. With a week of summer and winter solstice behind us, this one goes out with a warm embrace to ✨take a pause✨. Fun fact: the word solstice means “the sun stands still” because that’s what actually seems to happen from our perspective here on earth. So what better time to take a moment, hold a deep breath, and appreciate everything you’ve already achieved this year before rushing into the next thing?

Now whenever you’re ready, let’s get into it 👇

Selling 600,000 units in 12 months with this one key strategy 🥇

Today, I wanted to share a little gem of wisdom that has made a world of difference in my entrepreneurial journey. It’s something I ask my guests in every single episode, and even though it’s probably already come up in the conversation they always answer full of enthusiasm and with a sparkle in their eyes. Any guesses which question I’m getting at? It’s the first of our 6-quick-question series: “What’s your why?”

It’s so simple you would almost be forgiven for forgetting it every once in a while. Almost, but not quite: because this truly is the basis for everything.

Sandy reminded me of exactly that in this episode when she broke down the concept that people don’t just buy what you do, they buy why you do it. People buy your why.

Here’s Sandy’s blueprint for how to make your why make business sense:

• In the dreaming phase: determine your why and know what your purpose is going to be for the brand through building brand pillars (these pillars have nothing to do with the end product but are about why you are joining us rather than another brand)

• In the building phase: consistently communicate the dreaming phase; it’s one thing knowing something yourself, it’s another when it clearly comes across (pumping socials with the why’s and the purpose of the brand so you attract those who naturally align with your brand)

• In the day-to-day: Sandy still runs the nat’v basics IG intimately; she gets to know you and you get to know the real essence of the brand

Remember: your why doesn't have to be grandiose. It can be as simple as brightening someone's day, making them feel confident, or offering a sustainable solution.

Knowing your why is like having a compass that guides you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. It's your personal north star, reminding you of the bigger picture and the impact you want to make. Whether it's creating innovative products, empowering others, or making a difference in your industry, your why is what will keep you motivated when challenges arise.

Listen to Sandy on the podcast → 

Who run the world? 👯

I came across a brilliant article in TechCrunch last week highlighting the opportunity of investing in female founders and “unlocking the trillion-dollar female economy”. Yes, you read that right, with a T. It made me feel pretty great about the future of being a woman so I wanted to share it with you.

What it comes down to is that investing in both women-led companies and commercial areas where women’s needs have yet to be met has the potential to unlock trillions of dollars, and this is something you def want to be a part of.

→ If you want to learn more about Angel Investing but don’t know where to start, pop your name here and we’ll be in touch

• Alba secures $2M in pre-seed to support children’s gut health

• BetterBrand’s valuation reaches a record $170M+

• Inc.’s 2023 “Most Dynamic Women Entrepreneurs”

• Pleasant State acquired $1M+ through crowdfunding!! (I invested)

• The pledge aiming to shift $14 Billion to black founders

• Fearless Fund Invests in LS Cream at Valuation of $10 Million

• Black Seed raises £5M inaugural fund to invest in Black founders

• Dame x Hatch motherhood collab is a dream

• Amy Wu joins Menlo as partner focused on consumer startups

• TikTok is getting real savvy in the U.K.

🤩 Call out: Be part of our new series on the podcast

I’m starting a new Ask Me Anything segment on the show where I invite you to really ask me ✨anything✨ by dropping a voice note into our DMs.⁠ Biz life, love life, funding, mental health, PR, relationships, social media?! ⁠I'm all ears, ready to offer my insights and advice, or simply have a good laugh 💕

Just click the button below, click through to our DMs, and spill the beans:

This week's lineup...

This week's recommendations...

San Fran 🌇

• #HalfTheStory, on a mission to empower the next generation's relationship with tech, is hiring an Education Partnerships Coordinator to join their team and their mission. Something for you? 

NYC 🗽 

• Wanna be the IRL Andy Sachs? Condé Nast just dropped a job listing to be Anna Wintour's newest Assistant. View the listing here.

• Ceremonia, the LatinX haircare brand founded by Babba, is hiring a Retail Sales Associate in the big apple. More info here.

Victoria, AUS 🌴

• The creator of the OG coffee scrub, Frank Body, is hiring a Product Development Coordinator to cover Mat Leave. More here.

Idaho ⛰️

• Saalt, creating sustainable period products, is on the hunt for a Social Media Content Producer to join the team full-time. Apply here.

That’s all for today folks! Don’t forget to slide into our DMs with a voice note to feature in our upcoming AMA episode ✨