
Self-Made: 6 Quick Questions with Wild Things World Founder Piera Gelardi (Part 2)
December 10, 2024
Key Takeaways
- Courageously creative endeavors, like the “29 Rooms” launch, can inspire more creativity in others and become defining successes, even when initially perceived as risky.
- Valuing one’s time and energy, especially for creative work that comes naturally, is crucial for business success and avoiding financial loss.
- Seeking signs and trusting intuition, even in the form of a message in a bottle, can provide powerful validation and guidance when making significant business decisions.
Segments
Business Resources and Winning the Day (00:02:15)
- Key Takeaway: Integrating movement, self-compassion practices, and play into daily routines is essential for maintaining well-being and aligning with one’s business.
- Summary: The discussion covers go-to business resources, specifically the ‘Reset with Liz Tran’ podcast, and strategies for ‘winning the day’ through rituals like running, dancing, self-compassion journaling, and making time for play, especially with family.
Money Mistakes and Undervaluing Time (00:06:05)
- Key Takeaway: Consistently undervaluing one’s time and energy, particularly for creative work, is a common and costly business mistake, often stemming from excitement or the ease with which the work comes.
- Summary: The guest identifies undervaluing her time and energy as her worst money mistake, explaining how it manifests through unrealistic time assessments, excitement overriding value, and a tendency to undervalue naturally gifted skills, citing her early work at Refinery as an example.
A Wild Sign for Wild Things World (00:08:57)
- Key Takeaway: Unforeseen and serendipitous events, like finding a message in a bottle, can serve as powerful signs to validate and propel business ventures forward.
- Summary: The guest recounts a wild story about seeking a sign to start ‘Wild Things World,’ culminating in finding a message in a bottle from a child who loved creativity and play, which solidified her decision and continues to serve as a reminder of her purpose.
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Prompts Used
Prompt 1: Context Setup
You are an expert data extractor tasked with analyzing a podcast transcript.
I will provide you with part 1 of 1 from a podcast transcript.
I will then ask you to extract different types of information from this content in subsequent messages. Please confirm you have received and understood the transcript content.
Transcript section:
[00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:00.960] Welcome back.
[00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:04.000] Here are the six quick questions.
[00:00:12.560 --> 00:00:15.520] So question number one is, what's your why?
[00:00:15.520 --> 00:00:19.920] Why do you wake up every single day and focus on Wild Things World?
[00:00:20.240 --> 00:00:24.400] I love to see people come alive through creativity and play.
[00:00:24.720 --> 00:00:25.520] Love it.
[00:00:25.520 --> 00:00:26.400] Love it.
[00:00:26.400 --> 00:00:32.720] Question number two is, throughout your career, what's been your most favorite marketing moment?
[00:00:32.720 --> 00:00:34.880] Oh, throughout my whole career?
[00:00:35.200 --> 00:00:36.880] It can be, it can be anything.
[00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:39.520] It can be recent, old, whatever you like.
[00:00:39.520 --> 00:00:40.160] Okay.
[00:00:40.160 --> 00:00:48.000] Well, definitely my most favorite marketing moment ever was when we launched 29 rooms for the first time.
[00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:53.680] It was such a gamble and it was something we had never done before.
[00:00:53.680 --> 00:00:57.040] And I, you know, was so passionate about it.
[00:00:57.040 --> 00:00:58.960] The team was so passionate about it.
[00:00:58.960 --> 00:01:02.800] But, you know, there was still a lot of question of like, is this going to work?
[00:01:02.800 --> 00:01:04.080] Are people going to show up?
[00:01:04.080 --> 00:01:11.440] And it ended up being one of the things that we were most known for, you know, at Refinery was doing it.
[00:01:11.440 --> 00:01:21.600] And it was also one of these things where I saw how when you are courageously creative, that creates more courageous creativity in the world.
[00:01:21.600 --> 00:01:29.280] Like everyone that came through, the way that they lit up, the way that their creativity like came alive in the space was so magical.
[00:01:29.280 --> 00:01:38.560] And it was like, you know, wouldn't have happened without that huge risk, you know, taking that huge leap of faith.
[00:01:38.560 --> 00:01:45.040] So that was definitely just the most like magical marketing moment of my career.
[00:01:45.040 --> 00:01:46.800] Wow, that's so cool.
[00:01:46.800 --> 00:01:47.520] So cool.
[00:01:47.520 --> 00:01:52.160] And it's so cool that you get to be like the, you know, the visionary of that.
[00:01:52.160 --> 00:01:54.960] And you're able to be like, yeah, we like, we created that.
[00:01:54.960 --> 00:01:57.920] We got to do that and impact so many people.
[00:01:57.920 --> 00:01:59.120] Powerful.
[00:01:59.440 --> 00:02:00.000] Really powerful.
[00:02:00.200 --> 00:02:09.880] Yeah, it was amazing to like lead the team through that and help, you know, I mean, it was such a group effort of coming up with the idea and bringing it to life.
[00:02:10.440 --> 00:02:12.120] And it was, yeah, it was amazing.
[00:02:12.120 --> 00:02:14.040] It was so special.
[00:02:14.360 --> 00:02:14.840] Cool.
[00:02:15.240 --> 00:02:16.280] The best.
[00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:20.760] Question number three is: What's your go-to business resource?
[00:02:20.760 --> 00:02:28.280] Like, what are the books you're reading or the podcasts that you're listening to or the newsletters that you subscribe to that help you in business?
[00:02:28.600 --> 00:02:36.600] My favorite business podcast and just general podcast is Reset with Liz Tran.
[00:02:36.600 --> 00:02:43.160] She's an incredible executive coach and entrepreneur herself and author.
[00:02:43.160 --> 00:02:52.040] And I love her podcast because it really blends like spiritual wisdom with business and just and life.
[00:02:52.360 --> 00:02:55.640] And so it's one that I just go back to all the time.
[00:02:55.640 --> 00:03:02.920] I re-listen to some of my favorite episodes and it's just like a definitely like a touchstone for so many things that I do.
[00:03:02.920 --> 00:03:03.640] I love that.
[00:03:03.640 --> 00:03:07.560] I'm going to link it in the show notes for anyone who wants to check that out.
[00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:10.920] Question number four is how do you win the day?
[00:03:10.920 --> 00:03:19.240] What are your AM or PM rituals and habits that keep you feeling happy, successful and motivated?
[00:03:19.560 --> 00:03:39.720] I don't do, I'm not perfectly consistent with any of them, but the things that definitely help me to win the day are movement, especially running and dancing, just are both so good for my mental health, spiritual health, you know, joy, all of it.
[00:03:39.720 --> 00:04:07.680] So, getting, yeah, either running or running or dancing, my self-compassion practice of writing myself a note in the morning, just taking two minutes to check in with myself and notice where I'm at and have compassion for myself really helps to center me and to just ground me in like where I'm at in a given day.
[00:04:07.680 --> 00:04:15.360] I think it's impossible for us to imagine that we're going to be like perfectly consistent day in and day in, day out.
[00:04:15.360 --> 00:04:28.080] We're ever-changing beings, like, you know, I mean, hormones are changing, our, you know, surroundings are changing, the weather's changing, you know, it's all, it's all in flux.
[00:04:28.080 --> 00:04:48.000] So, I find that having a practice of self-compassion and checking in with myself just helps me to be grounded and be realistic with what I, where I'm at each day and what I can, what I can give and what I, what's like aligned to even focus on given where I'm at.
[00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:56.560] And then definitely like play, making space for play and creativity, which often, you know, which often is something that I do at the end of the day with my daughter.
[00:04:56.560 --> 00:05:08.480] I usually like when I transition out of work and into mom mode, it's usually through like drawing with my daughter or, you know, having a dance party or playing music, you know, making up a song together.
[00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:17.680] But definitely getting play into the day is, especially because I'm doing a business that is all centered on play and creativity.
[00:05:17.680 --> 00:05:26.320] It's absolutely like a necessity for me to feel aligned and feel connected to the work that I'm doing.
[00:05:26.320 --> 00:05:27.360] Absolutely.
[00:05:27.360 --> 00:05:36.200] I was watching your video with your daughter, Viva, where she's giving you the makeover and having creative expression.
[00:05:36.520 --> 00:05:40.360] And I was like, that is so damn cute and so fun.
[00:05:40.360 --> 00:05:41.560] It looks so fun.
[00:05:41.880 --> 00:05:42.920] Yeah, it's so fun.
[00:05:42.920 --> 00:05:43.560] I mean.
[00:05:43.880 --> 00:05:48.280] Yeah, it's fun to give her, like, yeah, just let her have creative control.
[00:05:48.280 --> 00:05:49.800] Sometimes I let her dress me.
[00:05:49.800 --> 00:05:52.440] You know, she likes to like pick out my outfits.
[00:05:52.440 --> 00:06:02.760] I don't always let her do my makeup for like a regular day because it's very, very expressive, but it is fun to, it's just fun to like collaborate with her on things.
[00:06:03.480 --> 00:06:04.040] Love it.
[00:06:04.040 --> 00:06:05.480] So special.
[00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:12.280] Question number five is, what's been your worst money mistake in business and how much did it cost you?
[00:06:12.280 --> 00:06:13.560] It's a good question.
[00:06:13.560 --> 00:06:23.960] I have to, I think my just general money mistake that I constantly make and like unfortunately still continue to make is undervaluing my time and energy.
[00:06:23.960 --> 00:06:26.600] And that happens for a whole host of reasons.
[00:06:26.600 --> 00:06:36.040] Like often, often I'm unrealistic about how much time and energy something's going to take and I don't value it appropriately.
[00:06:36.040 --> 00:06:44.760] Sometimes I'm just really excited for an opportunity and I don't value it because I'm just fixated on like how excited I am.
[00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:59.720] So that's been like a, it's something I'm still working on is just making sure that I take the time to properly consider like how much something is going to take and how much that, you know, that is worth.
[00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:05.320] I think also as a creative person, like often, actually, I guess this is true of like all gifts.
[00:07:05.320 --> 00:07:14.920] Like, I think we often undervalue the things that come more naturally to us because we, you know, because they don't feel hard.
[00:07:16.320 --> 00:07:28.560] And so I, you know, that's just something I've been guilty of like over and over again is just like not valuing the things that are exciting to me or that come naturally to me.
[00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:30.240] And so it's something that I'm working on.
[00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:33.760] And I'm sure it's cost me a million dollars.
[00:07:33.760 --> 00:07:35.440] I'm just going to throw that number out there.
[00:07:35.440 --> 00:07:38.560] I mean, I think it's cost me a lot of money.
[00:07:38.560 --> 00:07:44.320] You know, even actually when I was first started working on refinery, I was just girlfriend.
[00:07:44.320 --> 00:07:52.400] I was like, I started with my partner, Philip, and I was just like consulting for free because I thought it was interesting and exciting.
[00:07:52.400 --> 00:08:07.920] And it was actually like, you know, my other co-founder said, like, you know, you need to, you need to, you know, make this, make this official and make this, you know, and get paid for this.
[00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:15.760] And so, yeah, this is like something I've been guilty of for so many years is just like not properly valuing my time.
[00:08:15.760 --> 00:08:16.560] Wow.
[00:08:16.560 --> 00:08:17.840] Yeah, that's crazy.
[00:08:17.840 --> 00:08:29.920] And I also feel like as women, we tend to do that more, like give time and kind of go with the flow instead of being like, hang on a second, I'm adding like real value here.
[00:08:29.920 --> 00:08:34.240] I'm actually part of building the vision of this business and its brand.
[00:08:34.240 --> 00:08:39.280] Like, of course, you should be remunerated and part of that for sure.
[00:08:39.280 --> 00:08:41.040] I'm totally guilty of that.
[00:08:41.040 --> 00:08:41.920] Absolutely.
[00:08:41.920 --> 00:08:42.320] Yeah.
[00:08:42.960 --> 00:08:44.240] That's a big one.
[00:08:44.560 --> 00:08:45.200] Big one.
[00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:46.960] It's a really big one.
[00:08:46.960 --> 00:08:48.400] Question number six.
[00:08:48.400 --> 00:08:49.520] Last question.
[00:08:49.520 --> 00:08:57.200] What is just a crazy story, good or bad, that you can share from building your businesses?
[00:08:57.520 --> 00:09:11.080] Okay, well, this is just a wild story generally, but I was debating whether I should start Wild Things World last summer.
[00:09:11.080 --> 00:09:32.520] I was, you know, I felt very passionate about it as we talked about in this podcast, but I was just, you know, questioning whether there was a business, you know, whether there was a business there, you know, whether it might be wiser to, you know, pursue other opportunities that were more like immediately and clearly lucrative.
[00:09:32.520 --> 00:09:39.240] Anyway, so I was debating, I was just like feeling kind of stuck about whether I should pursue it or not.
[00:09:39.560 --> 00:09:47.560] And I was talking to my friend Sophia and she suggested that I ask the universe for a sign.
[00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:59.960] So I, it was the summer and I was in Germany visiting my in-laws and I decided to ask the universe for a sign and go for a walk and see if I got a sign.
[00:10:00.280 --> 00:10:19.400] And so I went for a walk along the Rhine River in Cologne and I passed like a carnival and I thought like, oh, maybe this, maybe this is a sign to start my play business, but it didn't feel, it wasn't like, I didn't feel like electricity.
[00:10:19.400 --> 00:10:24.920] So then I like kept walking, then I passed like one of those like these like amazing German playgrounds.
[00:10:24.920 --> 00:10:27.080] And I was like, is that my sign?
[00:10:27.080 --> 00:10:29.880] Like I was like, but they're all, there's playgrounds all over the place.
[00:10:29.880 --> 00:10:31.800] Like that's, this is, this isn't it.
[00:10:31.800 --> 00:10:33.040] And I kept walking.
[00:10:33.040 --> 00:10:36.360] And then it was a gloomy day, and like the sun started to come out.
[00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:39.480] So I walked down to the water of the Rhine River.
[00:10:39.480 --> 00:10:43.440] And as I got to the edge of the river, I heard this clinking sound.
[00:10:43.440 --> 00:10:50.960] And I looked down, and I shit you not, there was a message in a bottle at my feet.
[00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:57.600] And I picked it up and I was like, if this is not a sign, I do not know what is.
[00:10:57.920 --> 00:11:09.840] And I opened the letter, and it was a message from a seven-year-old boy named Emiliano about how much he loves playing and creativity and drawing.
[00:11:09.840 --> 00:11:11.920] And what?
[00:11:12.560 --> 00:11:13.360] Yes.
[00:11:13.680 --> 00:11:15.920] That is crazy.
[00:11:16.560 --> 00:11:17.200] Yeah.
[00:11:17.520 --> 00:11:20.640] So, and then I got in touch with him and his family.
[00:11:20.640 --> 00:11:37.600] And actually, the project, the like decision, like basically, they created this whole like world of activities during the pandemic to bring more joy, creativity, and connection into their lives, which is like, I'm crying.
[00:11:37.600 --> 00:11:39.760] Those are like my three words.
[00:11:39.760 --> 00:11:45.840] And they, this was the message in a bottle project was one of them.
[00:11:45.840 --> 00:11:50.560] And they're like the most amazing, like, beautiful, loving, creative family.
[00:11:50.560 --> 00:11:52.800] And I've been pen pals with them since then.
[00:11:52.800 --> 00:12:04.160] And like, basically, whenever I feel like I don't know what I'm doing, why, like, I must be out of my mind to like be in this like startup world again.
[00:12:04.160 --> 00:12:06.800] I have the bottle like right here.
[00:12:06.800 --> 00:12:09.120] And I was going to ask if you still had it.
[00:12:09.280 --> 00:12:09.840] Yeah.
[00:12:09.840 --> 00:12:10.800] No, I have it.
[00:12:10.800 --> 00:12:11.200] Yeah.
[00:12:11.200 --> 00:12:12.960] I have it like right on my desk.
[00:12:12.960 --> 00:12:23.440] And yeah, when I feel doubt, I just remember, I just remind myself of this unbelievable sign that I got, and this seven-year-old that lives in all of us.
[00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:26.000] And I'm like, okay, I keep going.
[00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:27.360] Got to keep going.
[00:12:27.680 --> 00:12:28.480] Wow.
[00:12:28.800 --> 00:12:33.800] That is like, I mean, that's the clearest sign we've ever heard of.
[00:12:34.760 --> 00:12:35.480] I know.
[00:12:29.680 --> 00:12:36.760] It was unreal.
[00:12:36.920 --> 00:12:39.240] I mean, a message in a bottle.
[00:12:39.560 --> 00:12:41.960] I was like, you have to be kidding me.
[00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:46.120] Literally, I'm like over here just still processing that.
[00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:47.720] That's wild.
[00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:49.000] It's actually wild.
[00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:50.040] That's so cool.
[00:12:50.040 --> 00:12:52.280] It's so cool that you're still in touch with them.
[00:12:52.280 --> 00:12:54.600] I love it on so many levels.
[00:12:54.600 --> 00:12:55.240] Yeah.
[00:12:55.240 --> 00:12:57.560] It was, yeah, it's so wild.
[00:12:57.560 --> 00:12:59.560] Did you frame the letter?
[00:12:59.560 --> 00:13:02.760] I have to be honest.
[00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:06.920] My daughter was playing with the letter and I can't find the letter.
[00:13:06.920 --> 00:13:09.160] I only have the bottle now.
[00:13:10.600 --> 00:13:15.720] I have a picture of the letter, but I don't, I like don't know where it is.
[00:13:16.200 --> 00:13:19.800] I reckon that letter is going to resurface when you need it.
[00:13:20.440 --> 00:13:21.080] Yeah.
[00:13:21.400 --> 00:13:26.840] I mean, the bottle itself is like kind of enough of a reminder.
[00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:30.680] And like, of course, the vessel.
[00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:31.560] Yeah.
[00:13:31.560 --> 00:13:33.720] Just such a wild thing.
[00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:34.520] Yeah, it was magic.
[00:13:35.880 --> 00:13:38.920] Piera, this has been so much fun.
[00:13:38.920 --> 00:13:41.480] Thank you so much for that journey.
[00:13:41.480 --> 00:13:45.240] I'm so excited for 2023, end of 2023.
[00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:47.480] I'm going to be there front and center.
[00:13:47.480 --> 00:13:49.400] And I'm confused.
[00:13:50.280 --> 00:13:52.280] I will see you on the dance floor.
[00:13:52.600 --> 00:13:53.400] Thank you.
[00:13:53.800 --> 00:13:55.480] You're an amazing hype woman.
[00:13:55.480 --> 00:13:56.760] Thank you so much.
[00:13:56.760 --> 00:13:57.960] Thank you so much.
[00:13:57.960 --> 00:14:08.200] Thank you so much for having me on this epic podcast and for signing up in advance for 2023.
[00:14:08.200 --> 00:14:09.960] First ticket sold right here.
[00:14:09.960 --> 00:14:11.880] First ticket sold.
[00:14:12.040 --> 00:14:16.560] I'll make you, I'll frame it and put it as a pin for you.
[00:14:16.560 --> 00:14:18.240] The first ticket.
[00:14:18.560 --> 00:14:20.080] Thank you.
[00:14:23.920 --> 00:14:26.000] Hey, it's June here.
[00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:30.800] Thanks for listening to this amazing episode of the Female Startup Club podcast.
[00:14:30.800 --> 00:14:40.160] If you're a fan of the show and want even more of the good stuff, I'd recommend checking out femalestartupclub.com where you can subscribe to our free newsletter.
[00:14:40.160 --> 00:14:48.400] We send it out weekly covering female founder business news, insights and learnings in D2C, and interesting business resources.
[00:14:48.400 --> 00:14:59.200] And if you're a founder building an e-commerce brand, you can join our private network of entrepreneurs called Hype Club at femalestartupclub.com forward slash hypeclub.
[00:14:59.200 --> 00:15:10.880] We have guests from the show joining us for intimate ask-me-anythings, expert workshops, and a group of totally amazing, like-minded women building the future of D2C brands.
[00:15:10.880 --> 00:15:17.040] As always, please do subscribe, rate, and review the show and post your favorite episodes to Instagram stories.
[00:15:17.040 --> 00:15:20.240] I am beyond grateful when you do that.
Prompt 2: Key Takeaways
Now please extract the key takeaways from the transcript content I provided.
Extract the most important key takeaways from this part of the conversation. Use a single sentence statement (the key takeaway) rather than milquetoast descriptions like "the hosts discuss...".
Limit the key takeaways to a maximum of 3. The key takeaways should be insightful and knowledge-additive.
IMPORTANT: Return ONLY valid JSON, no explanations or markdown. Ensure:
- All strings are properly quoted and escaped
- No trailing commas
- All braces and brackets are balanced
Format: {"key_takeaways": ["takeaway 1", "takeaway 2"]}
Prompt 3: Segments
Now identify 2-4 distinct topical segments from this part of the conversation.
For each segment, identify:
- Descriptive title (3-6 words)
- START timestamp when this topic begins (HH:MM:SS format)
- Double check that the timestamp is accurate - a timestamp will NEVER be greater than the total length of the audio
- Most important Key takeaway from that segment. Key takeaway must be specific and knowledge-additive.
- Brief summary of the discussion
IMPORTANT: The timestamp should mark when the topic/segment STARTS, not a range. Look for topic transitions and conversation shifts.
Return ONLY valid JSON. Ensure all strings are properly quoted, no trailing commas:
{
"segments": [
{
"segment_title": "Topic Discussion",
"timestamp": "01:15:30",
"key_takeaway": "main point from this segment",
"segment_summary": "brief description of what was discussed"
}
]
}
Timestamp format: HH:MM:SS (e.g., 00:05:30, 01:22:45) marking the START of each segment.
Prompt 4: Media Mentions
Now scan the transcript content I provided for ACTUAL mentions of specific media titles:
Find explicit mentions of:
- Books (with specific titles)
- Movies (with specific titles)
- TV Shows (with specific titles)
- Music/Songs (with specific titles)
DO NOT include:
- Websites, URLs, or web services
- Other podcasts or podcast names
IMPORTANT:
- Only include items explicitly mentioned by name. Do not invent titles.
- Valid categories are: "Book", "Movie", "TV Show", "Music"
- Include the exact phrase where each item was mentioned
- Find the nearest proximate timestamp where it appears in the conversation
- THE TIMESTAMP OF THE MEDIA MENTION IS IMPORTANT - DO NOT INVENT TIMESTAMPS AND DO NOT MISATTRIBUTE TIMESTAMPS
- Double check that the timestamp is accurate - a timestamp will NEVER be greater than the total length of the audio
- Timestamps are given as ranges, e.g. 01:13:42.520 --> 01:13:46.720. Use the EARLIER of the 2 timestamps in the range.
Return ONLY valid JSON. Ensure all strings are properly quoted and escaped, no trailing commas:
{
"media_mentions": [
{
"title": "Exact Title as Mentioned",
"category": "Book",
"author_artist": "N/A",
"context": "Brief context of why it was mentioned",
"context_phrase": "The exact sentence or phrase where it was mentioned",
"timestamp": "estimated time like 01:15:30"
}
]
}
If no media is mentioned, return: {"media_mentions": []}
Full Transcript
[00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:00.960] Welcome back.
[00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:04.000] Here are the six quick questions.
[00:00:12.560 --> 00:00:15.520] So question number one is, what's your why?
[00:00:15.520 --> 00:00:19.920] Why do you wake up every single day and focus on Wild Things World?
[00:00:20.240 --> 00:00:24.400] I love to see people come alive through creativity and play.
[00:00:24.720 --> 00:00:25.520] Love it.
[00:00:25.520 --> 00:00:26.400] Love it.
[00:00:26.400 --> 00:00:32.720] Question number two is, throughout your career, what's been your most favorite marketing moment?
[00:00:32.720 --> 00:00:34.880] Oh, throughout my whole career?
[00:00:35.200 --> 00:00:36.880] It can be, it can be anything.
[00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:39.520] It can be recent, old, whatever you like.
[00:00:39.520 --> 00:00:40.160] Okay.
[00:00:40.160 --> 00:00:48.000] Well, definitely my most favorite marketing moment ever was when we launched 29 rooms for the first time.
[00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:53.680] It was such a gamble and it was something we had never done before.
[00:00:53.680 --> 00:00:57.040] And I, you know, was so passionate about it.
[00:00:57.040 --> 00:00:58.960] The team was so passionate about it.
[00:00:58.960 --> 00:01:02.800] But, you know, there was still a lot of question of like, is this going to work?
[00:01:02.800 --> 00:01:04.080] Are people going to show up?
[00:01:04.080 --> 00:01:11.440] And it ended up being one of the things that we were most known for, you know, at Refinery was doing it.
[00:01:11.440 --> 00:01:21.600] And it was also one of these things where I saw how when you are courageously creative, that creates more courageous creativity in the world.
[00:01:21.600 --> 00:01:29.280] Like everyone that came through, the way that they lit up, the way that their creativity like came alive in the space was so magical.
[00:01:29.280 --> 00:01:38.560] And it was like, you know, wouldn't have happened without that huge risk, you know, taking that huge leap of faith.
[00:01:38.560 --> 00:01:45.040] So that was definitely just the most like magical marketing moment of my career.
[00:01:45.040 --> 00:01:46.800] Wow, that's so cool.
[00:01:46.800 --> 00:01:47.520] So cool.
[00:01:47.520 --> 00:01:52.160] And it's so cool that you get to be like the, you know, the visionary of that.
[00:01:52.160 --> 00:01:54.960] And you're able to be like, yeah, we like, we created that.
[00:01:54.960 --> 00:01:57.920] We got to do that and impact so many people.
[00:01:57.920 --> 00:01:59.120] Powerful.
[00:01:59.440 --> 00:02:00.000] Really powerful.
[00:02:00.200 --> 00:02:09.880] Yeah, it was amazing to like lead the team through that and help, you know, I mean, it was such a group effort of coming up with the idea and bringing it to life.
[00:02:10.440 --> 00:02:12.120] And it was, yeah, it was amazing.
[00:02:12.120 --> 00:02:14.040] It was so special.
[00:02:14.360 --> 00:02:14.840] Cool.
[00:02:15.240 --> 00:02:16.280] The best.
[00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:20.760] Question number three is: What's your go-to business resource?
[00:02:20.760 --> 00:02:28.280] Like, what are the books you're reading or the podcasts that you're listening to or the newsletters that you subscribe to that help you in business?
[00:02:28.600 --> 00:02:36.600] My favorite business podcast and just general podcast is Reset with Liz Tran.
[00:02:36.600 --> 00:02:43.160] She's an incredible executive coach and entrepreneur herself and author.
[00:02:43.160 --> 00:02:52.040] And I love her podcast because it really blends like spiritual wisdom with business and just and life.
[00:02:52.360 --> 00:02:55.640] And so it's one that I just go back to all the time.
[00:02:55.640 --> 00:03:02.920] I re-listen to some of my favorite episodes and it's just like a definitely like a touchstone for so many things that I do.
[00:03:02.920 --> 00:03:03.640] I love that.
[00:03:03.640 --> 00:03:07.560] I'm going to link it in the show notes for anyone who wants to check that out.
[00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:10.920] Question number four is how do you win the day?
[00:03:10.920 --> 00:03:19.240] What are your AM or PM rituals and habits that keep you feeling happy, successful and motivated?
[00:03:19.560 --> 00:03:39.720] I don't do, I'm not perfectly consistent with any of them, but the things that definitely help me to win the day are movement, especially running and dancing, just are both so good for my mental health, spiritual health, you know, joy, all of it.
[00:03:39.720 --> 00:04:07.680] So, getting, yeah, either running or running or dancing, my self-compassion practice of writing myself a note in the morning, just taking two minutes to check in with myself and notice where I'm at and have compassion for myself really helps to center me and to just ground me in like where I'm at in a given day.
[00:04:07.680 --> 00:04:15.360] I think it's impossible for us to imagine that we're going to be like perfectly consistent day in and day in, day out.
[00:04:15.360 --> 00:04:28.080] We're ever-changing beings, like, you know, I mean, hormones are changing, our, you know, surroundings are changing, the weather's changing, you know, it's all, it's all in flux.
[00:04:28.080 --> 00:04:48.000] So, I find that having a practice of self-compassion and checking in with myself just helps me to be grounded and be realistic with what I, where I'm at each day and what I can, what I can give and what I, what's like aligned to even focus on given where I'm at.
[00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:56.560] And then definitely like play, making space for play and creativity, which often, you know, which often is something that I do at the end of the day with my daughter.
[00:04:56.560 --> 00:05:08.480] I usually like when I transition out of work and into mom mode, it's usually through like drawing with my daughter or, you know, having a dance party or playing music, you know, making up a song together.
[00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:17.680] But definitely getting play into the day is, especially because I'm doing a business that is all centered on play and creativity.
[00:05:17.680 --> 00:05:26.320] It's absolutely like a necessity for me to feel aligned and feel connected to the work that I'm doing.
[00:05:26.320 --> 00:05:27.360] Absolutely.
[00:05:27.360 --> 00:05:36.200] I was watching your video with your daughter, Viva, where she's giving you the makeover and having creative expression.
[00:05:36.520 --> 00:05:40.360] And I was like, that is so damn cute and so fun.
[00:05:40.360 --> 00:05:41.560] It looks so fun.
[00:05:41.880 --> 00:05:42.920] Yeah, it's so fun.
[00:05:42.920 --> 00:05:43.560] I mean.
[00:05:43.880 --> 00:05:48.280] Yeah, it's fun to give her, like, yeah, just let her have creative control.
[00:05:48.280 --> 00:05:49.800] Sometimes I let her dress me.
[00:05:49.800 --> 00:05:52.440] You know, she likes to like pick out my outfits.
[00:05:52.440 --> 00:06:02.760] I don't always let her do my makeup for like a regular day because it's very, very expressive, but it is fun to, it's just fun to like collaborate with her on things.
[00:06:03.480 --> 00:06:04.040] Love it.
[00:06:04.040 --> 00:06:05.480] So special.
[00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:12.280] Question number five is, what's been your worst money mistake in business and how much did it cost you?
[00:06:12.280 --> 00:06:13.560] It's a good question.
[00:06:13.560 --> 00:06:23.960] I have to, I think my just general money mistake that I constantly make and like unfortunately still continue to make is undervaluing my time and energy.
[00:06:23.960 --> 00:06:26.600] And that happens for a whole host of reasons.
[00:06:26.600 --> 00:06:36.040] Like often, often I'm unrealistic about how much time and energy something's going to take and I don't value it appropriately.
[00:06:36.040 --> 00:06:44.760] Sometimes I'm just really excited for an opportunity and I don't value it because I'm just fixated on like how excited I am.
[00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:59.720] So that's been like a, it's something I'm still working on is just making sure that I take the time to properly consider like how much something is going to take and how much that, you know, that is worth.
[00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:05.320] I think also as a creative person, like often, actually, I guess this is true of like all gifts.
[00:07:05.320 --> 00:07:14.920] Like, I think we often undervalue the things that come more naturally to us because we, you know, because they don't feel hard.
[00:07:16.320 --> 00:07:28.560] And so I, you know, that's just something I've been guilty of like over and over again is just like not valuing the things that are exciting to me or that come naturally to me.
[00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:30.240] And so it's something that I'm working on.
[00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:33.760] And I'm sure it's cost me a million dollars.
[00:07:33.760 --> 00:07:35.440] I'm just going to throw that number out there.
[00:07:35.440 --> 00:07:38.560] I mean, I think it's cost me a lot of money.
[00:07:38.560 --> 00:07:44.320] You know, even actually when I was first started working on refinery, I was just girlfriend.
[00:07:44.320 --> 00:07:52.400] I was like, I started with my partner, Philip, and I was just like consulting for free because I thought it was interesting and exciting.
[00:07:52.400 --> 00:08:07.920] And it was actually like, you know, my other co-founder said, like, you know, you need to, you need to, you know, make this, make this official and make this, you know, and get paid for this.
[00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:15.760] And so, yeah, this is like something I've been guilty of for so many years is just like not properly valuing my time.
[00:08:15.760 --> 00:08:16.560] Wow.
[00:08:16.560 --> 00:08:17.840] Yeah, that's crazy.
[00:08:17.840 --> 00:08:29.920] And I also feel like as women, we tend to do that more, like give time and kind of go with the flow instead of being like, hang on a second, I'm adding like real value here.
[00:08:29.920 --> 00:08:34.240] I'm actually part of building the vision of this business and its brand.
[00:08:34.240 --> 00:08:39.280] Like, of course, you should be remunerated and part of that for sure.
[00:08:39.280 --> 00:08:41.040] I'm totally guilty of that.
[00:08:41.040 --> 00:08:41.920] Absolutely.
[00:08:41.920 --> 00:08:42.320] Yeah.
[00:08:42.960 --> 00:08:44.240] That's a big one.
[00:08:44.560 --> 00:08:45.200] Big one.
[00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:46.960] It's a really big one.
[00:08:46.960 --> 00:08:48.400] Question number six.
[00:08:48.400 --> 00:08:49.520] Last question.
[00:08:49.520 --> 00:08:57.200] What is just a crazy story, good or bad, that you can share from building your businesses?
[00:08:57.520 --> 00:09:11.080] Okay, well, this is just a wild story generally, but I was debating whether I should start Wild Things World last summer.
[00:09:11.080 --> 00:09:32.520] I was, you know, I felt very passionate about it as we talked about in this podcast, but I was just, you know, questioning whether there was a business, you know, whether there was a business there, you know, whether it might be wiser to, you know, pursue other opportunities that were more like immediately and clearly lucrative.
[00:09:32.520 --> 00:09:39.240] Anyway, so I was debating, I was just like feeling kind of stuck about whether I should pursue it or not.
[00:09:39.560 --> 00:09:47.560] And I was talking to my friend Sophia and she suggested that I ask the universe for a sign.
[00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:59.960] So I, it was the summer and I was in Germany visiting my in-laws and I decided to ask the universe for a sign and go for a walk and see if I got a sign.
[00:10:00.280 --> 00:10:19.400] And so I went for a walk along the Rhine River in Cologne and I passed like a carnival and I thought like, oh, maybe this, maybe this is a sign to start my play business, but it didn't feel, it wasn't like, I didn't feel like electricity.
[00:10:19.400 --> 00:10:24.920] So then I like kept walking, then I passed like one of those like these like amazing German playgrounds.
[00:10:24.920 --> 00:10:27.080] And I was like, is that my sign?
[00:10:27.080 --> 00:10:29.880] Like I was like, but they're all, there's playgrounds all over the place.
[00:10:29.880 --> 00:10:31.800] Like that's, this is, this isn't it.
[00:10:31.800 --> 00:10:33.040] And I kept walking.
[00:10:33.040 --> 00:10:36.360] And then it was a gloomy day, and like the sun started to come out.
[00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:39.480] So I walked down to the water of the Rhine River.
[00:10:39.480 --> 00:10:43.440] And as I got to the edge of the river, I heard this clinking sound.
[00:10:43.440 --> 00:10:50.960] And I looked down, and I shit you not, there was a message in a bottle at my feet.
[00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:57.600] And I picked it up and I was like, if this is not a sign, I do not know what is.
[00:10:57.920 --> 00:11:09.840] And I opened the letter, and it was a message from a seven-year-old boy named Emiliano about how much he loves playing and creativity and drawing.
[00:11:09.840 --> 00:11:11.920] And what?
[00:11:12.560 --> 00:11:13.360] Yes.
[00:11:13.680 --> 00:11:15.920] That is crazy.
[00:11:16.560 --> 00:11:17.200] Yeah.
[00:11:17.520 --> 00:11:20.640] So, and then I got in touch with him and his family.
[00:11:20.640 --> 00:11:37.600] And actually, the project, the like decision, like basically, they created this whole like world of activities during the pandemic to bring more joy, creativity, and connection into their lives, which is like, I'm crying.
[00:11:37.600 --> 00:11:39.760] Those are like my three words.
[00:11:39.760 --> 00:11:45.840] And they, this was the message in a bottle project was one of them.
[00:11:45.840 --> 00:11:50.560] And they're like the most amazing, like, beautiful, loving, creative family.
[00:11:50.560 --> 00:11:52.800] And I've been pen pals with them since then.
[00:11:52.800 --> 00:12:04.160] And like, basically, whenever I feel like I don't know what I'm doing, why, like, I must be out of my mind to like be in this like startup world again.
[00:12:04.160 --> 00:12:06.800] I have the bottle like right here.
[00:12:06.800 --> 00:12:09.120] And I was going to ask if you still had it.
[00:12:09.280 --> 00:12:09.840] Yeah.
[00:12:09.840 --> 00:12:10.800] No, I have it.
[00:12:10.800 --> 00:12:11.200] Yeah.
[00:12:11.200 --> 00:12:12.960] I have it like right on my desk.
[00:12:12.960 --> 00:12:23.440] And yeah, when I feel doubt, I just remember, I just remind myself of this unbelievable sign that I got, and this seven-year-old that lives in all of us.
[00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:26.000] And I'm like, okay, I keep going.
[00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:27.360] Got to keep going.
[00:12:27.680 --> 00:12:28.480] Wow.
[00:12:28.800 --> 00:12:33.800] That is like, I mean, that's the clearest sign we've ever heard of.
[00:12:34.760 --> 00:12:35.480] I know.
[00:12:29.680 --> 00:12:36.760] It was unreal.
[00:12:36.920 --> 00:12:39.240] I mean, a message in a bottle.
[00:12:39.560 --> 00:12:41.960] I was like, you have to be kidding me.
[00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:46.120] Literally, I'm like over here just still processing that.
[00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:47.720] That's wild.
[00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:49.000] It's actually wild.
[00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:50.040] That's so cool.
[00:12:50.040 --> 00:12:52.280] It's so cool that you're still in touch with them.
[00:12:52.280 --> 00:12:54.600] I love it on so many levels.
[00:12:54.600 --> 00:12:55.240] Yeah.
[00:12:55.240 --> 00:12:57.560] It was, yeah, it's so wild.
[00:12:57.560 --> 00:12:59.560] Did you frame the letter?
[00:12:59.560 --> 00:13:02.760] I have to be honest.
[00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:06.920] My daughter was playing with the letter and I can't find the letter.
[00:13:06.920 --> 00:13:09.160] I only have the bottle now.
[00:13:10.600 --> 00:13:15.720] I have a picture of the letter, but I don't, I like don't know where it is.
[00:13:16.200 --> 00:13:19.800] I reckon that letter is going to resurface when you need it.
[00:13:20.440 --> 00:13:21.080] Yeah.
[00:13:21.400 --> 00:13:26.840] I mean, the bottle itself is like kind of enough of a reminder.
[00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:30.680] And like, of course, the vessel.
[00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:31.560] Yeah.
[00:13:31.560 --> 00:13:33.720] Just such a wild thing.
[00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:34.520] Yeah, it was magic.
[00:13:35.880 --> 00:13:38.920] Piera, this has been so much fun.
[00:13:38.920 --> 00:13:41.480] Thank you so much for that journey.
[00:13:41.480 --> 00:13:45.240] I'm so excited for 2023, end of 2023.
[00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:47.480] I'm going to be there front and center.
[00:13:47.480 --> 00:13:49.400] And I'm confused.
[00:13:50.280 --> 00:13:52.280] I will see you on the dance floor.
[00:13:52.600 --> 00:13:53.400] Thank you.
[00:13:53.800 --> 00:13:55.480] You're an amazing hype woman.
[00:13:55.480 --> 00:13:56.760] Thank you so much.
[00:13:56.760 --> 00:13:57.960] Thank you so much.
[00:13:57.960 --> 00:14:08.200] Thank you so much for having me on this epic podcast and for signing up in advance for 2023.
[00:14:08.200 --> 00:14:09.960] First ticket sold right here.
[00:14:09.960 --> 00:14:11.880] First ticket sold.
[00:14:12.040 --> 00:14:16.560] I'll make you, I'll frame it and put it as a pin for you.
[00:14:16.560 --> 00:14:18.240] The first ticket.
[00:14:18.560 --> 00:14:20.080] Thank you.
[00:14:23.920 --> 00:14:26.000] Hey, it's June here.
[00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:30.800] Thanks for listening to this amazing episode of the Female Startup Club podcast.
[00:14:30.800 --> 00:14:40.160] If you're a fan of the show and want even more of the good stuff, I'd recommend checking out femalestartupclub.com where you can subscribe to our free newsletter.
[00:14:40.160 --> 00:14:48.400] We send it out weekly covering female founder business news, insights and learnings in D2C, and interesting business resources.
[00:14:48.400 --> 00:14:59.200] And if you're a founder building an e-commerce brand, you can join our private network of entrepreneurs called Hype Club at femalestartupclub.com forward slash hypeclub.
[00:14:59.200 --> 00:15:10.880] We have guests from the show joining us for intimate ask-me-anythings, expert workshops, and a group of totally amazing, like-minded women building the future of D2C brands.
[00:15:10.880 --> 00:15:17.040] As always, please do subscribe, rate, and review the show and post your favorite episodes to Instagram stories.
[00:15:17.040 --> 00:15:20.240] I am beyond grateful when you do that.