What happens when you earn two degrees, land a good tech job, and realize that the life you worked so hard for isn't the life you want?

For Gabrielle Brandt, founder of TRAKK, the answer was unexpected: leave her software job after just four months and build a merino wool trail sock brand from Edmonton, Alberta.

In this episode of FoundersOutlook, Gabrielle shares the honest story behind her entrepreneurial journey, from studying biology and computer science to launching a business inspired by the outdoors. And there's one more twist: her orange tabby cat, Jack, has become the company's unofficial Chief Adventure Officer.

We get into the realities of starting a business, taking risks, finding your own path, and building a brand when you're still figuring things out.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:

→ Why Gabrielle left her tech job after four months
→ What two university degrees taught her about career choices
→ Why she decided to start a merino wool trail sock business
→ The story behind TRAKK and its Elk Island, Rock, and Northern Lights sock designs
→ What it's really like building a business in the early stages
→ How she got TRAKK products into Edmonton outdoor retailer Track 'N Trail
→ How to compete with established brands as a new founder
→ Whether university was worth it and what she would do differently
→ How Gabrielle is building her personal brand in public
→ Why Jack the cat might be the company's best marketer

MEET GABRIELLE BRANDT

Gabrielle is the founder of TRAKK, an Edmonton-based outdoor sock brand with the tagline "Land On Your Feet." Her journey is a reminder that your career doesn't have to follow a straight line, and your education doesn't have to determine your future.

Follow Gabrielle:
Instagram: @gab.builds
TRAKK: @trakkbyjack
LinkedIn: Gabrielle Brandt

ABOUT FOUNDERSOUTLOOK

FoundersOutlook shares the stories behind the businesses, the decisions, the risks, and the lessons that rarely make it into the highlight reel.

Through founder interviews and practical conversations, we help entrepreneurs learn from one another, build visibility, and grow with intention.

Subscribe for more founder stories, entrepreneurship lessons, small business insights, and honest conversations about building something of your own.

Every founder has a story. We're here for yours.

#Entrepreneurship #FounderStories #SmallBusiness

In this episode, Courtney Kosack discusses how she went from being a girl from a small town to winning awards.

How do you build a clean beauty brand before clean beauty even exists?

Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Vegan Cosmetics, did it in 1998, after escaping Vietnam by boat, rebuilding her life in North America and turning her own battle with cystic acne into skincare for sensitive skin.

On this episode of FoundersOutlook, host Juliet Ochu sits down with Michelle to talk about starting a beauty brand from scratch as a single mom. They cover a major retail launch right before the 2007 financial crisis, a 60% sales drop during COVID, and how she kept adapting as her customers changed.

Michelle also breaks down her "3 P's" for evaluating skincare: potency, penetration and proven results. She talks openly about immigration, identity, being underestimated, and what 25+ years as a beauty entrepreneur taught her about resilience.If you're a founder, a skincare entrepreneur, or someone turning a personal struggle into a business, this immigrant founder story is for you.

CHAPTERS00:00 - Michelle’s story: from Vietnam to building a beauty brand

02:10 - Escaping Vietnam by boat and seeking refuge

04:06 - Rebuilding in Canada and moving to California

05:01 - Cystic acne and years of searching for a solution

08:01 - Learning about ingredients and the roots of Emani

09:40 - When a personal frustration became a business

10:37 - Building a niche brand without outside funding

11:07 - How motherhood and menopause shaped the brand

15:53 - Starting as a single mom and building from her kitchen

16:25 - Launching in Macy’s before the financial crisis

17:23 - COVID’s impact and the decision to pivot

18:21 - Shifting focus toward skincare

20:08 - Why founders need to adapt to change

21:20 - Immigration, belonging, and feeling like an outsider

23:13 - Turning rejection into conviction

24:34 - Emani’s expansion into Nigeria

26:34 - Hyperpigmentation and developing products for different skin tones

27:03 - A simpler approach to skincare and Korean technology

28:31 - How ingredient-processing technology supports the formulas

29:50 - Where to find Emani products

31:35 - Self-awareness, family, and the cost of living in fight-or-flight mode

33:01 - Self-love, forgiveness, and letting go

34:56 - Michelle’s three P’s for evaluating skincare🔗 LINKSEmani Vegan Cosmetics: https://emani.comFoundersOutlook: https://foundersoutlook.com

Be a guest: https://form.jotform.com/foundersoutlook/podguest-form👉

Subscribe for more real founder stories, with no highlight reels.💬 Comment below: What personal challenge could you turn into a business?

Every founder has a story. We're here for yours.

#FoundersOutlook #CleanBeauty #VisibilityIsPower

Discover the inspiring journey of Nnneoma, founder of Black Spice Canada, as she shares how her love for bold flavors and cultural roots drove her to transform African and Caribbean cuisine into a thriving food business across Canada.

From her unique name origin stemming from her passion for spice and the color black to building a brand rooted in quality, integrity, and taste luxury, Nneoma reveals the challenges of operating a mobile catering service in Edmonton’s seasonal climate and the importance of maintaining high standards in food safety and authenticity.

You'll learn how she navigates a saturated market, the science behind pricing and flavor development, and her secret to creating a must-try dish the award-winning pepper rice. Get practical insights on running a flexible catering business without the overhead of a brick-and-mortar, plus how she balances her passion, family, and personal downtime. Whether you're a food entrepreneur or passionate about authentic cuisine, this episode offers invaluable advice on building a culture-rich, resilient food brand rooted in integrity and love for taste in a competitive market.

Most founder exits are a missed opportunity Muriel Touati, a seasoned acquirer who has signed over 100 NDAs and navigated the data rooms of countless deals, reveals the hidden gaps that can cost you millions at sale. Discover how she’s helping founders unlock premium valuation multipliers of up to 8x through strategic preparation and understanding the valuation gap most overlook.This episode dives into the real stories behind high-stakes acquisitions, including Muriel’s firsthand account of evaluating and pushing back on questionable deals—showing founders how to spot red flags and build a business that commands top dollar. You’ll learn why founder dependency, customer concentration, and weak digital assets sabotage valuation and how to identify and fix these issues years before you plan to sell.If you’re aiming to exit on your terms and maximize your sale price, these insights are essential. Muriel’s approach empowers founders with practical steps—like documenting processes, diversifying clients, and building recurring revenue—that turn an average business into a high-multiple asset.Perfect for founders with revenues between $500K and $10M, or those contemplating growth and eventual exit, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look into what buyers really see—and what sellers miss—and how to close the valuation gap with confidence.Find out why most businesses never sell and how to prepare yourself for a successful exit that respects your hard work. Get inspired to think differently and take concrete steps today to maximize your company’s true worth.

Most entrepreneurs overlook the hidden science behind momentum until now. Chip Higgins reveals how universal laws of motion, energy, and force are the actual drivers of business success. This episode challenges the misconception that luck and timing are the main factors, showing instead that understanding momentum as a precise formula can transform your growth.

Chip shares his 35-year journey from banking to business coaching, illustrating how a simple equation mass times velocity explains why some small businesses thrive while others stall. Discover how energy distribution, unique value, and focused direction impact your momentum. He breaks down tangible tactics, from cultivating positive energy and avoiding spinning in circles to managing cash reserves and navigating walls that stall progress. We explore practical frameworks like linear and angular momentum in business, the importance of culture and energy flow, and how to push through inevitable obstacles without burnout. Plus, Chip's personal stories offer real-life examples of missteps and breakthroughs, emphasizing resilience and strategic pivoting. Whether you're a new founder or scaling your business, understanding these science-backed principles unlocks long-term momentum and prevents costly stalls. Perfect for entrepreneurs committed to intentional growth, this episode offers a fresh blueprint to accelerate success and sustain it.

Unlock the secret to creating a brand that truly impacts and resonates with your most important audience. Rich Kozak, with over 50 years of defining and launching brands, reveals why clarity and authenticity are the keys to building a powerful impact-driven brand and how your perception is merely a reflection of what your target audience thinks, not what you say about yourself.In this episode, you'll discover how to craft a compelling "umbrella brand" that evolves naturally with your purpose, the importance of defining your brand first before jumping into marketing tactics, and why consistency and authenticity are non-negotiable for long-term success. Rich also shares practical steps to visualize your thriving brand, how to handle pivots without damaging your reputation, and the critical difference between branding and marketing—plus insights from his own journey through five decades in the industry.We break down the impact-driven branding seven-step process, emphasizing that authentic language derived from your heart creates magnetic attraction and genuine connection. Rich emphasizes that failure, not fear, teaches the most valuable lessons for sustained growth, while his faith-based perspective inspires entrepreneurs to align their passion with their purpose.If you're a founder or business owner eager to clarify your impact, attract your ideal audience, and build a brand that elevates your purpose, this episode is your blueprint. Learn how to leverage your unique gifts and evolve your brand intentionally—because true impact starts from within.Rich Kozak is a seasoned branding expert, founder of Rich Brands, and a thought leader committed to helping entrepreneurs and visionaries unlock their highest potential through impact-driven branding.Whether you're just starting out or seeking to refine your existing brand, this is essential listening to understand the deeper work behind a successful impact-driven brand one that aligns with your purpose and moves your audience.

Most creators shy away from vulnerability, but revealing your authentic self is the key to building a loyal audience. Courtney Kocak, a prolific podcaster, author, and comedian, shares how leaning into transparency transformed her career—from debuting in small towns to hosting multiple successful shows with over 2 million downloads. Her story proves that visibility is no longer optional—it's essential for growth and credibility in today's creator economy.You’ll discover:

• How to manage multiple passions without burnout through effective batching and prioritization
• The importance of pivoting at the right moment and how flexibility sustains your creative journey
• Why passion should drive your content, not just audience metrics or popularity
• Practical strategies for building a platform that opens doors—like podcasting and newsletters that foster genuine relationships
• Courtney’s advice on embracing failure as feedback and slowing down to accelerate your success

This episode offers a blueprint for creators and entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or hesitant about stepping into the spotlight. If you’re ready to turn vulnerability into your greatest asset, this conversation could be your most impactful yet. Essential listening for anyone committed to authentic growth and making an impact in their field.Courtney Kocak is a writer, comedian, podcaster, and teacher with a unique ability to blend storytelling and strategy, making her insights invaluable to aspiring creators and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.