DTC POD: How The Best Brands Are Built

#306 - Rosa Li, Wildwonder - Bootstrapping A Multi-Million $ Beverage

Episode Summary

Rosa Li is the founder and CEO of Wildwonder - a brand that's reimagining the functional soda space with its sparkling drinks infused with Asian heritage-inspired, gut-healthy ingredients. In this episode, Rosa shares about Wildwonder's savvy omnichannel approach, the strategic importance of picking high-impact distribution channels, and how they've managed to stand out in a crowded market through a perfect blend of educating consumers and delivering innovative flavors.

Episode Notes

Rosa Li is the founder and CEO of Wildwonder - a brand that's reimagining the functional soda space with its sparkling drinks infused with heritage-inspired, gut-healthy ingredients.

In this episode, Rosa shares about Wildwonder's savvy omnichannel approach, the strategic importance of picking high-impact distribution channels, and how they've managed to stand out in a crowded market through a perfect blend of educating consumers and delivering innovative flavors. 

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On this episode of DTC pod we cover:
1. Introduction to Rosa Li and Wildwonder
2. Building A Unique Brand Identity
3. Impact of Shark Tank Appearance
4. Early Challenges and Growth Strategies
5. Marketing and Distribution Focus
6. Product Development and Positioning
7. Educational Marketing and Consumer Engagement
8. Social Media and Online Presence

Timestamps
00:00 Started with teas, evolved to create convenience.
07:14 Product's accessibility increased by using cans.
10:28 Persistence secured co-packer for beverage production.
12:05 Sold door to door during quarantine, survived.
15:29 Omnichannel approach targeting customers in San Francisco.
20:07 Approachable, whimsical, consistent brand with uplifting packaging.
22:46 Shark Tank increased brand awareness and sales.
28:08 Excited about unique beverage approach and distribution.
31:23 Interest in brand growth and future opportunities.
34:48 Discussing product positioning and education in marketing.
36:59 Hard to educate market when starting from zero.

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.
 

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• #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

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Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:
DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internet
Olivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplement
Castmagic - AI Workspace for Content

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Rosa Li - Founder and CEO at Wildwonder
Blaine Bolus - Co-Founder of Castmagic