20- Amanda Miah

Ever wondered how to turn a personal necessity into a thriving business? Join us on the Small Business Bestie podcast as we sit down with Amanda Miah, the trailblazing founder of Bestie Co., a subscription service revolutionizing organic menstrual care. Amanda shares the whirlwind journey from an initial idea to a successful soft launch within just a year. We'll explore the indispensable role her co-founder played in building a robust team and Amanda’s plans to bolster strategy and marketing efforts. Notably, Bestie Co. collaborates with WorkWell Industries, creating vital employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, making their business not just profitable, but purpose-driven.

Facing stringent FDA regulations for menstrual products can be daunting, but Amanda's story underscores the power of a "fail fast, fail often" mentality. Listen as she recounts the critical pivot from eco-friendly loose products to compliant packaged ones, and the intricate dance of managing inventory and logistics with third-party providers. We also touch on Amanda's forward-thinking approach to customer support, including potential chatbot integration to foster a supportive and interactive community space.

Starting a business around personalized care packages comes with its own set of joys and challenges. Amanda opens up about the importance of creating a stigma-free zone for discussing periods and bodies, and the fun involved in curating high-quality, nutritious snacks and self-care products. Hear her valuable advice on conducting market research and competitor analysis to identify unique value propositions. Plus, enjoy a hilarious anecdote about the unexpected pitfalls of buying a blacklisted domain name, and laugh along as we share stories of unexpected male enthusiasm for Bestie Co.’s offerings. Tune in for a perfect blend of insightful business tips and light-hearted moments that’ll leave you inspired and entertained.