Name Bubbles

Lindsay Tjepkema is the CEO &amp; Co-Founder of Casted, the only amplified marketing platform, and is where we host our very own podcast! Lindsay has an extensive background in marketing, is passionate about women in leadership and workplace culture, is a podcast host and speaker, and is a mother of 3 boys. Lindsay started her company just before the pandemic hit; what a time 😅. Today, she takes us through her journey as a marketing leader turned CEO and Co-Founder of a company. She shares how she put her vision into play and where she hopes to take Casted in the future. Listen now! Takeaways:00:03&nbsp;-&nbsp;02:07 Introduction to episode and Lindsay02:32&nbsp;-&nbsp;03:39 Set out to be the change you want to see04:04&nbsp;-&nbsp;06:37 The process of putting a vision to play07:01&nbsp;-&nbsp;09:00 The good, the bad, the ugly - Having a demanding work and personal life09:39&nbsp;-&nbsp;11:56 Venture Capitalist Funding - How it happens and what the process is like14:40&nbsp;-&nbsp;16:08 A day in the life of Lindsay Tjepkema18:27&nbsp;-&nbsp;20:36 Casting a Vision - An evolution of Casted23:26&nbsp;-&nbsp;25:07 The biggest win at Casted27:15&nbsp;-&nbsp;28:42 Final Thoughts

In the years before starting Casted, our CEO, Lindsay Tjepkema, was a marketing leader for a global martech SaaS enterprise. Like many of our customers here at Casted, she led all of the brand’s content marketing efforts. Her mission was to help grow the business by aligning the brand around a common message, to humanize it with a unified voice, and to highlight perspectives of customers, partners, industry experts, and internal thought leaders. What started with interviews of those subject matter experts turned into a powerful global content strategy. 

The only thing missing was a voice - literally. The brand needed a voice. And the voices of all those internal and external experts needed to come through louder and clearer. So, Lindsay and her team launched a brand podcast. Instead of trying to capture the perspectives of those experts in writing, she interviewed them and let their actual voices speak for themselves.

These conversations produced rich and valuable content: original ideas, executive insights, and customer stories. The podcast and accompanying video series were a great success. But even with this new approach, she quickly experienced two problems:

Podcast metrics were the worst. The podcast was incredibly successful in terms of anecdotal feedback and vanity metrics (ahem, downloads), but that wasn’t enough to prove the value of the podcast to Lindsay’s CEO. Lindsay needed visibility on how the podcast impacted pipeline, and ultimately revenue. However, because podcast metrics were pretty horrible and clearly not made for marketers, the information Lindsay (and other marketers) needed simply wasn't available. 
Podcasting-related software was also the worst. Although the podcast was thriving and Lindsay's team was using it to create rich, engaging content, the work was very manual and inefficient. Podcast tools consisted of one-off tools and point solutions and were not designed to support the way marketing teams collaborate, to work with the tools they already use, to support the way they need to deliver assets to other teams, or to prove any return on investment.   
So in April 2019, Lindsay left her role as a marketing leader and Casted was born. Today, Casted gives marketers a true return on those podcast conversations with broader access to the content, many ways to wring-out and amplify that content across other channel, and attribution that reveals the impact that content makes on the brand and the business.

Lindsay Tjepkema

CEO & Co-Founder

Lindsay started her company just before the pandemic hit; what a time 😅. Today, she takes us through her journey as a marketing leader turned CEO and Co-Founder of a company. She shares how she put her vision into play and where she hopes to take Casted in the future. Listen now!


Lindsay Tjepkema - Casted

Lindsay Tjepkema is the CEO &amp; Co-Founder of Casted, the only amplified marketing platform, and is where we host our very own podcast! Lindsay has an extensive background in marketing, is passionate about women in leadership and workplace culture, is a podcast host and speaker, and is a mother of 3 boys. Lindsay started her company just before the pandemic hit; what a time 😅. Today, she takes us through her journey as a marketing leader turned CEO and Co-Founder of a company. She shares how she put her vision into play and where she hopes to take Casted in the future. Listen now!

From the Basement Up

Meet the groundbreakers and community makers, with Michelle Brandriss, founder of Name Bubbles. This podcast is for those thinking about starting a business, branching out on their own, or creating something for their community. Hear from people who tackled their biggest fears and got their grit on. Learn how they are redefining success and creating inspiration for others to do the same.

From The Basement Up

Meggan Wood is the CEO &amp; Founder of Lily Jade, a leather diaper bag and handbag company. Inspired by wanting style and efficiency, Meggan started her company in 2013, and it has grown into the successful company it is today. In this episode, Meggan joins Michelle to discuss everything Lily Jade. This discussion includes Meggans's background in communications and broadcast journalism, how that translates to her role now, and the evolution of Lily Jade and "keeping the niche." All that and more on this episode of From the Basement Up.

Meggan Wood is the co-founder, designer, and branding maestro behind the leather diaper bag and handbag brand, Lily Jade. It all started when she was a new mom and diaper bag options weren’t available for the woman who valued quality as well as organization. As a solution, Meggan carried her leather tote filled with a ziploc bag “organizational” system. Her friends thought it was hilarious but her husband, Landon, knew she was on to something. Encouraging her vision, Landon asked her to design the diaper bag of her dreams. Taking a leap of faith, she quickly went from happy homeschool mom to successful business owner in one year! 

After launching Lily Jade from their home in San Antonio, Texas in 2013, Meggan knew it had to be about more than just bags. She knew she wanted to create a community to bless others. With that aim in mind, Lily Jade values hosting giveaways, championing adoptive families, inviting women into friendship through Nourishment & Encouragement Groups and helping out mommas with unexpected pregnancies by partnering with Embrace Grace.

Meggan Wood

CEO & Founder of Lily Jade

Meggan Wood is the CEO & Founder of Lily Jade, a leather diaper bag and handbag company. Inspired by wanting style and efficiency, Meggan started her company in 2013, and it has grown into the successful company it is today.
In this episode, Meggan joins Michelle to discuss everything Lily Jade. This discussion includes Meggans's background in communications and broadcast journalism, how that translates to her role now, and the evolution of Lily Jade and "keeping the niche." 
All that and more on this episode of From the Basement Up.


Meggan Wood - Lily Jade

Lily Jade and Name Bubbles

In this episode, Meggan joins Michelle to discuss everything Lily Jade. This discussion includes Meggans's background in communications and broadcast journalism, how that translates to her role now, and the evolution of Lily Jade and "keeping the niche." 


Founder &amp; CEO of The Baby Cot Shop, Toks Aruoture, talks with host Michelle Brandriss about what it's like to be an entrepreneur and nursery interior designer. Toks shares how she went from the pharmaceutical industry to interior design while being the mother of four children. During the conversation the two discuss traveling to help people all over the world to design their dream nursery's, and how that process has shifted with the prevalence of remote meeting apps like Zoom and WhatsApp that allow Toks to meet people anywhere they're at. Toks also talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, and how she realized she should follow a passion for interior design. All that and more on this episode of From the Basement Up.

Toks is a British-Nigerian businesswoman and the founder of The Baby Cot Shop, a luxury baby furniture brand based in London. She hosts the acclaimed podcast, Living Inside Out, which focuses on entrepreneurship, faith and mindset. A sought after speaker best known for her authentic storytelling style, she helps women unwrap their gifts so they can play bigger.

Toks Aruoture

Founder & CEO, The Baby Cot Shop

Founder & CEO of The Baby Cot Shop, Toks Aruoture, talks with host Michelle Brandriss about what it's like to be an entrepreneur and nursery interior designer. Toks shares how she went from the pharmaceutical industry to interior design while being the mother of four children. During the conversation the two discuss traveling to help people all over the world to design their dream nursery's, and how that process has shifted with the prevalence of remote meeting apps like Zoom and WhatsApp that allow Toks to meet people anywhere they're at. Toks also talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, and how she realized she should follow a passion for interior design.


Toks Aruoture - The Baby Cot Shop

Founder & CEO of The Baby Cot Shop, Toks Aruoture, talks with host Michelle Brandriss about what it's like to be an entrepreneur and nursery interior designer. Toks shares how she went from the pharmaceutical industry to interior design while being the mother of four children. During the conversation the two discuss traveling to help people all over the world to design their dream nursery's, and how that process has shifted with the prevalence of remote meeting apps like Zoom and WhatsApp that allow Toks to meet people anywhere they're at. Toks also talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, and how she realized she should follow a passion for interior design. All that and more on this episode of From the Basement Up.


Julie Clark is the author of multiple New York Times bestselling novels, “The Ones We Choose” and “The Last Flight”. As a mother, teacher, and author, she has some life experience. In this episode, Michelle invites in author, Julie Clark. We hear how tenacity, grit, commitment, and ability to bounce back stronger than you were before are all necessary components of being a successful author.Visit her website at <a href="https://julieclarkauthor.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://julieclarkauthor.com/</a>

Julie Clark is the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Flight. It has earned starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal, and the New York Times has called it “thoroughly absorbing”. It’s been named an Indie Next Pick, a Library Reads Pick, and a Best Book of 2020 by Amazon Editors and Apple Books. Her debut, The Ones We Choose, was published in 2018 and has been optioned for television by Lionsgate. She lives in Los Angeles with her two sons and a golden doodle with poor impulse control.

Julie Clark

Author

Author of "The Lies I Tell", Julie Clark shares her entrepreneurial story of early mornings, hard work, and dedication. Julie manages to juggle a lot while maintaining her dreams of pursuing writing, and she makes it look easy. Join us for this episode.


Julie Clark - Author of "The Lies I Tell"

The Lies I Tell

"Julie Clark is the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Flight. It has earned starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal, and the New York Times has called it “thoroughly absorbing”. It’s been named an Indie Next Pick, a Library Reads Pick, and a Best Book of 2020 by Amazon Editors and Apple Books. Her debut, The Ones We Choose, was published in 2018 and has been optioned for television by Lionsgate. She lives in Los Angeles with her two sons and a golden doodle with poor impulse control."


Today on From the Basement Up, Michelle Brandriss is joined by Jen Shultz, a mentor and teacher, who is encouraging people to “Find Their Why” and step into an entrepreneur life and redefine the typical 9 to 5 workday. Jen will explain some key ingredients of starting out on your own and what it takes to find success. She is here to share how she helps others find their professional purpose and we are excited to welcome a dedicated businesswoman, educator, and coach onto the show…

Jen is a highly intuitive educator and coach as well as an international speaker on a mission to empower as many women as she can to stop feeling stuck in the 9-5 grind and strongly step into purposeful, successful, and sustainable self-employed work!

Jen Shultz

Founder & CEO  of The Non-Nine-to-Five

This week, Michelle is interviewing someone who you wouldn't think to ask to speak at your corporate event... because she's encouraging your employees to get out on their own! She has an energy that is motivating, inspiring, and authentic; all of the components necessary from a coach who encourages you to follow that little voice in your head that's telling you your passion is what you're meant to be pursuing. If you've gotten too used to ignoring that little voice, you can just listen to Jen instead! Join us today for an episode of From the Basement Up.


Jen Shultz - The Non Nine to Five

The Non-Nine-to-Five

"In 2010 Jen Shultz, Founder of The Non-Nine-to-FiveTM found herself battling anxiety and depression. During this dark time, she received an intuitive persistent message urging her to create a business and generate an income on her own terms. That year, Jen went against all "safe norms", followed the call, and quit her full-time teaching job to become self-employed. 

For over 8 years Jen has been educating, training, and coaching conscientious high-level women who have a deep knowing they are not meant for the 9-5. She leads the women she works with into successful and sustainable self-employment so they can tap into their unique skills and strengths, make a difference in the lives of others, generate on an income on their own terms, and never go back to a 9-5 job." 


In 2020 Melinda, a mother of three, received a box of masks that her father had developed with scientists during the 2003 SARs virus epidemic. She quickly noticed the positive reaction not only from her kids in their ability to continue to laugh, talk and play; but other parents and families as well who were taking an interest. Requests began to pour in. Hear how Melinda turned a neighborhood group chat into her successful business on today's episode.

The CEO and Founder of Happy Masks, Melinda Hwang. Happy Masks was launched in the early days of the pandemic, Melinda created an essential product that was born out of love and back by 20 years of science. Melinda, a mother of three children, received a box of masks that her father had developed with scientists during the 2003 SARs virus epidemic. She quickly noticed that these masks easily allowed her kids to laugh and talk. This was something that other parents noticed as well, and requests began pouring in. Stay tuned to hear Melinda’s story of how Happy Masks came to be.  

Melinda Hwang

CEO & Founder of Happy Masks

Today's episode highlights Happy Masks Founder, Melinda Hwang. Melinda created an essential product that was born out of love and backed by 20 years of science. Melinda, a mother of three, received a box of masks that her father had developed with scientists during the 2003 SARs virus epidemic. She quickly noticed the positive reaction not only from her kids in their ability to continue to laugh, talk and play; but other parents and families as well taking an interest. Requests began to pour in. Hear how Melinda turned a neighborhood groupchat into her successful business... 


Melinda Hwang - Happy Masks

Happy Masks

We created Happy Masks because we wanted to offer this superior protection to all families. Whether you’re sending your child to school during a pandemic, keeping society running by working on the front lines, or even trying to stay safe from the environmental impacts of wildfire smoke, pollution, and allergens, our mission is to be the mask you trust to protect you through all the seasons of life. Stay safe and be well, Melinda Hwang Happy Masks Founder


Closing this season with gratitude, appreciation, and excitement for what is to come. Thank you to all of our guests who started out with us on Season One of From the Basement Up!

Join us for a 20th recap episode of all of our interviews! 

Closing this season with gratitude, appreciation, and excitement for what is to come! Thank you to all of our guests who started out with us on Season One of From the Basement Up.


From the Basement Up - Season One Recap

Season One Recap: From the Basement Up

Michelle Brandriss is the CEO & Founder of NameBubbles.com, Sticker & Co., and Labels to Last. Now as the host of From the Basement Up, Michelle will be back after camp and back-to-school season in the Fall with Season 2!


Recent Episodes

SEASON 2

Meggan Wood - Lily Jade

Toks Aruoture - The Baby Cot Shop

Julie Clark - Author of "The Lies I Tell"

Jen Shultz - The Non Nine to Five

Melinda Hwang - Happy Masks

SEASON 1

From the Basement Up - Season One Recap

About The Show

From The Basement Up

Michelle Brandriss

Founder of Name Bubbles

Emily Flanagan

Producer