Lauren Fennema, Founder of Confidants
Lauren Fennema used to have a pretty cush job working at Huckberry, a discovery-first online retailer for guys. She got to work with hundreds of emerging brands, telling their story and getting their products into the hands of new fans.
She always loved her job, then had this moment when she realized, "wait, how rad would this be if it existed for women, too?" That voice grew stronger until she left after nearly 5 years to go build Confidants, a discovery-first online retailer and digital magazine for women.
LWL had the immense pleasure (over a glass of sauvignon blanc) to sit down with Lauren and grill her on the first 12 - 18 months of launching her business. Pop those ear buds in and take a listen and hear what her experience was like, how she leaned on her community for favors and what was her high moment (as well as her “Oh. My. God. moment”. A few other tips and tricks from Lauren below as well!
Listen on YouTube
Listen to Podcast
ALSO, LWL Community, go check out Confidants and because Lauren thinks you are pretty special, she is giving the LWL community 15% off their first order. Go get some Mohinders.
What was the best piece of advice you received or read when you decided to launch or grow your business?
"Quit hiding your magic, the world is ready for you." - Danielle Doby
Favorite business podcast (either specific episode or series)
Favorite business resources or articles?
Resources: 2PM (favorite industry newsletter, hands down), Cooley Go helped a ton in the beginning, Glossy, BoF, Common Thread!!
Books: A few of our faves we talk about on Confidants
Favorite business tools?
Canva, Later, Loom - (in beta, SO RAD), Klaviyo, Trello, Google Analytics, Instagram, Postscript, and Affilo (just trying out, seems awesome)
Are there any other favorite women led businesses LWL should know about?
So. Many. 80% of the brands on Confidants, like Mollusk, Niu Beauty, Alder NYC, Maude, Kinfield, Nomadix, Wyld, Zoe Miller jewelry, Julia Szendrei, Salt Gypsy, Lavender Apparel, Rec Room.
Plus financial thought leaders like Loom, Ellevest, The Shed
Top 3 Asks of the LWL Community to help you out?
Check it out! We love when women go to Confidants, learn about new brands they love and get inspired
Intro’s to investors interested in women owned companies in the retail/discovery/social space. I am looking to raise a seed round so we can really grow this and become the Goop for the 99%. Love to meet other women investors, so please reach out if you can help me navigate this process!
Check it out other rad entrepreneurs we cover and if you have create amazing stuff, we would love to know about it!