ProductPayPalResearch and Insights
March 24, 2021
This year, millions of small business owners faced challenges as the coronavirus pandemic closed businesses and caused shoppers to stay home. From coast-to-coast, and around the world, small business owners are finding ways to successfully adapt during these uncertain times – and capture growth opportunities ahead.
The Adaptables, hosted by Steve Strauss, features the inspirational stories of business owners who are finding ways to adapt and grow, despite a tumultuous year. Plus, they’re sharing how they’re taking on financial challenges and offering their insights to help other small business leaders in similar situations.
Episode 5: Shining On with The Glitter Guy
In just a few years, The Glitter Guy went from social media sensation to building a thriving online retail business for craft lovers.
The New Jersey-based glitter and craft supply company had just moved into a new 5,200 square foot warehouse when COVID-19 struck. After initial scares, demand for at-home crafting took off, and owners Sarah and Jason Lively got into gear.
They turned their passion into planning ahead, launching a new wholesale business, revamping their website and going big on marketing with help from “Big D,” a loveable duck mascot.
In this episode, Steve talks to Sarah and Jason about taking on new endeavors in a disruptive time.
Episode 4: Pivoting to Product with HigherDOSE
With close to a dozen spa locations, New York City’s HigherDOSE had become well-known for its infrared sauna experience, even counting A-list celebrities among its clientele.
But when the pandemic struck, it had to shut the doors on its spas. At the same time, demand for at-home wellness was up. The team quickly seized the opportunity. They doubled down on marketing their at-home spa blanket, plus launched new products to keep revenue coming – and keep delivering the customer experience HigherDOSE is known for.
In this episode, Steve talks to co-founder Katie Kaps about her biggest lessons, from finding new sources of capital for building inventory to tapping into her network of ecommerce experts, all of which is taking HigherDOSE to new heights.
Episode 3: Listening and Learning to Grow with Bohemian Mama
Online retailer Bohemian Mama has built a loyal following of customers who love its curated selection of sustainable brands for women, children and the home.
But when the pandemic hit, how those customers shopped and what they were looking for shifted fast – and the California-based business had to evolve with them. Instead of shopping for themselves, many of Bohemian Mama’s customers were looking for clothing, toys and games to help their kids get the most out of staying home.
In this episode, Steve talks to founder Gina Ozhuthual about how she transformed her product selection and pivoted her private label collection to stay successful – and what she’s learned along the way.
Episode 2: Going Digital with Malbon Golf
Running a successful business and playing a great round of golf both take strategy, skill, and usually a little creativity. Erica and Stephen Malbon, co-founders of Los Angeles-based apparel and lifestyle brand Malbon Golf, know this all too well.
Along with creating stylish and playful looks for both on and off the course, the husband-and-wife team have built up a passionate community with the Malbon Golf Club, a social club for golf enthusiasts.
But with much of their brand focused on in-person experiences and events in their brick-and-mortar locations and on the golf course, the pandemic meant they needed to take the physical, digital.
In this episode, Steve speaks to Erica Malbon about how Malbon Golf has been bringing their A-game to adapting.
Episode 1: Growing through Purpose with Shea Radiance
Beauty brand Shea Radiance has made a name for itself with handcrafted soaps, lotions and hair products made from shea butter it sources directly from women-run cooperatives in West Africa.
But when the pandemic hit, the company’s supply chain was hit hard, too. Getting products from overseas became much more difficult.
At the same time, the Black Lives Matter movement has had a major impact on how business is done and how customers shop – changes Shea Radiance’s co-founder Funlayo Alabi has felt deeply.
In this episode, Steve chats with Funlayo about leaning into what her products stand for, and why now is a pivotal moment for Black-owned businesses.