<aside> 👇

The Ugly Talk: The Growth Blueprint @ Shopify NY panel focused on the challenges and strategies behind scaling a brand. Panelists shared insights on:

• pivotal moments in their growth, emphasizing the impact of retail partnerships, organic content, and word-of-mouth marketing
• the evolving role of paid media
• the power of community-driven initiatives like brand ambassador programs
• the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing market

Key takeaways included leveraging AI for efficiency, experimenting with experiential retail, and staying resilient through business challenges.

</aside>

Event Hosts

PHOTOS

📸 Additional photos can be found HERE.

Anson Wu, Grey Journal / Ugly Talk

The Panelists

Sahand Dilmaghani, Terra Kaffe

Lauren Melzer, Bubble Skincare

Olivia Landau, The Clear Cut

Brandon Blum, New Edition / For Others

Attendees Outside

Attendees During Panel

Attendees Networking_1

Attendees Networking_2

FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Growth Requires Adaptability & Resilience – Every founder faced near-failures and pivots, from funding challenges to market shifts. Success came from staying in the fight, adapting strategies, and leveraging new opportunities.
2. Retail Partnerships Can Be a Game-Changer – Landing major retail deals, like Bubble Skincare’s expansion into Target, helped brands scale by increasing visibility and accessibility. Retail validation can drive significant business growth.
3. Community & Word-of-Mouth Drive Sustainable Growth – Brands like Bubble Skincare and The Clear Cut relied on ambassador programs, UGC, and organic referrals to build trust and awareness, reducing dependency on paid ads.
4. Diversifying Marketing Strategies is Crucial – Paid media still plays a role, but brands emphasized organic content, PR, experiential marketing, and partnerships to create a well-rounded approach to customer acquisition.
5. Experiential & In-Person Retail Strengthen Customer Connection – High-consideration purchases, like Terra Kaffe’s espresso machines, benefit from in-person demos and retail experiences, which help customers build confidence in the product.

SEE YOU AROUND?

New Edition | Creating Content That Converts & Connects

Learn how you can partner with New Edition to create content that will help you convert and connect.

New Edition Newsletter

Subscribe to our email list and get notified when we announce future events

THANK YOU PARTNERS!