Jaime Schmidt Profile picture
Founder of Schmidt’s Naturals, acquired by Unilever / Cofounder @mybff & @cpgclub / Investor in web3 & CPG / Pickleball first
Laurent Gubbels Profile picture Wealth Master 💰 Profile picture Tissam Essafi Profile picture Tissam Essafi Profile picture Adam M. Adamek, PhD Profile picture 7 subscribed
Oct 15, 2022 11 tweets 2 min read
First, I bootstrapped a CPG brand from 0 to $100M+.

Then, I became a VC deploying millions of my own capital.

Now, I’m exploring funding models for building sustainably in web3.

Through it all, I’ve learned what really matters: Your pre-seed money should come from you—side jobs, a loan, a project mint.

Establish your footing before bringing on outside investors, and you’ll be in the routine of managing new money responsibly. 2/11
Oct 10, 2022 9 tweets 2 min read
Traditional avenues to investing are exclusive & outdated.

It’s time to flip these models on their head: Whether private equity, real estate, stocks, or fine art, many of us lack the knowledge, networks, or accreditation requirements to get involved.

Most of the scenes have been dominated by an old boy network we don’t relate to. Or, we’ve found them boring and uninteresting. 2/9
Aug 31, 2022 21 tweets 5 min read
People will be skeptical and quick to dismiss you. But if you block out the noise, you'll find starting small positions you to win big.

A story for the founders who believe fast growth at all costs is the only way 🧵 My business (if you could call it that at the time) started at the farmers market. I was making & selling deodorant to natural product lovers in Portland, OR.

I’m not a scientist & don’t come from a chemistry background. But I was pregnant & wanted something clean for myself.
Jun 29, 2022 6 tweets 2 min read
We’ve been hard at work creating a FUN and first-of-its-kind experience in NFTs:

🛍 The BFF Perk Shop

An innovative web3 commerce experience, enabling holders of BFF NFTs to unlock exclusive access, free products, experiences and more. 🧵 The BFF Perk Shop launched last month with our first round of perks for holders of our You NFTs.

The community shopped a variety of free perks they were eligible for based on different traits in their NFT.

Perks included physical goods, discounts, and online or IRL experiences.
May 11, 2022 11 tweets 3 min read
I co-founded two of the most hyped communities in web3: @MyBFF and @CPGclub.

How & why I got here: A little about me first.

I'm a maker turned entrepreneur who got my start building CPG brand Schmidt's Naturals.

Beginning in my kitchen and at farmers markets, I scaled the biz to a 9-figure acquisition by Unilever. But I knew I wasn't done.

I've found new purpose in web3.
Mar 7, 2022 13 tweets 3 min read
Whether you’re building in web2 or web3, the recipe for winning looks the same.

Between scaling a multi-million dollar CPG brand and one of the fastest-growing crypto communities, I’ve learned firsthand the rules every founder should build by. 🧵 Responsible financial management

No matter the scale of your project, there is $ coming in and $ going out. You need to run it like a business whether you call it that or not.

This means a financing plan, forecasting, knowing your runway, and smart discretion in how you spend.
Feb 23, 2022 12 tweets 2 min read
Innovation isn't about creating something entirely new.

All it takes is a personalized approach to break through even the most competitive space. 🧵 Consider this: the 1st commercial deodorant was invented in 1888. When I entered the scene, it was not a novel idea.

But I saw an opportunity to do things differently, and through creative thinking scaled my biz to a $100M+ acquisition.

Here’s how you can pull it off, too:
Jan 8, 2022 10 tweets 2 min read
Too many founders get stuck because they’re looking at their competition the wrong way.

I built a successful brand in one of the most crowded categories. Here’s the perspective that got me ahead. 🧵 Nobody cares about how you’re better. The sooner you realize this, the more successful you will be.

The only thing that matters is how you’re adding value.

Stop trying to one-up others by pointing out where they fall short.
Dec 28, 2021 8 tweets 2 min read
1/ If you're thinking about monetizing your hobby or side hustle, 2022 is your year.

Growing my startup from my kitchen to $25M in revenue in 7 years, I’ve learned what it really takes to turn your passion into profit. 🧵👇 2/ Make sure it's not a fleeting interest. Ask yourself: if your plan works out, are you willing to commit for the long haul?

Know what you’re naturally good at or uniquely qualified to do to optimize your chances for success.

Look for a deeper purpose beyond making money.
Dec 13, 2021 12 tweets 3 min read
An acquisition was never in my thinking. Yet, I caught the attention of Unilever who paid $100M+ for my brand.

Here are 10 overlooked truths about getting acquired. 🧵 1/ If you’re starting from a position of wanting to exit, you’re starting from the wrong place. I always kept focus on my product and customers, and I never looked too far ahead.

Be prepared for it to take years. When you love what you’re doing, it’s easy to play the long game.
Dec 8, 2021 14 tweets 3 min read
Brands obsess over the customer while they should be obsessing over community.

A strong community lends sustainable buying power, which means more revenue for your business.

We bootstrapped our community to millions. Here’s how you can grow from nothing, too. 🧵 Collaboration over competition

We attended every trade show & networking event with an enthusiasm to meet others working towards the same cause.

You can learn from each other w/o sharing secrets.

Community thrives if you leverage your competitors in a way that benefits all.
Nov 9, 2021 12 tweets 2 min read
🧵 Why every brand should consider NFTs as part of their 2022 strategy: 1/ Today’s brands will live or die by their cultural relevance.

Traditional forms of marketing are becoming less reliable—it’s time to step it up with new ways of thinking about engaging customers.

Let’s get into how NFTs can provide a competitive edge here.👇
Nov 2, 2021 12 tweets 2 min read
Let’s be real—the hardest parts of entrepreneurship aren’t always about the business.

Here are the personal challenges I wasn’t prepared for and what I’ve learned. 🧵 1/ Not being able to articulate the magnitude of what you’re dealing with to family and friends

Instead of holding it all in or getting frustrated by their lack of understanding, find a community of other entrepreneurs who get what you’re going through.
Oct 16, 2021 46 tweets 3 min read
Celebrating 44 years of life today! 🥳

It's been a wild ride—job hopping, bootstrapping my business at 7 months pregnant, selling the business for $100M+ & unlocking new opportunities post acquisition.

Here are 44 things I’ve learned for career success (so far). 🧵👇 1/ Don’t limit yourself by shutting out things you don’t yet understand.
Sep 10, 2021 11 tweets 2 min read
You don’t need credentials or notability to build a successful business.

Here’s how to prove it. A thread 🧵 Frame your fresh perspective as a competitive advantage.

You’re thinking differently about business & aren’t jaded by past experience or knowing too much. Naivety welcomes innovation & opportunity.

Share learnings you’ve gained from past jobs that will support you in the biz.
Aug 17, 2021 11 tweets 2 min read
From making my first dollar at the farmers market to millions in revenue, the one thing that’s remained constant is an obsession with the customer.

No matter what stage your brand is in, here are 10 tricks for maximizing customer relationships. A thread 🧵 Focus less on trying to make sure your customers understand your POV & more on understanding theirs.

You have your own ideas for why you created your product. But your customers may have a different reason for why they are using it. Pay attention.
Aug 2, 2021 9 tweets 2 min read
The right mindset is everything when building a business.

Here’s what I’ve learned to stay one step ahead and power through as a founder. A thread 🧵 Perfect timing is a myth. It’s always easy to find a reason to talk yourself out of something.

I was 31 yrs old & 7 months pregnant with no disposable income when starting my biz.

You don’t need your ducks in a row. You need an excitement that nothing can compete against.
Jul 6, 2021 11 tweets 2 min read
Chasing investor money isn’t for everyone.

I bootstrapped my business to $25M in revenue and a $100M+ acquisition.

Here’s how you can build from nothing, too. A thread 🧵 Ditch the hustle mentality. Grow at a speed that works for you & your own circumstances.

Don’t obsess over competitors landing big investments. You are laying the groundwork for growth that is manageable and sustainable.
May 17, 2021 7 tweets 2 min read
When it comes to distribution, go big or go home.

Deep relationships = deep pockets 😍🤑

Here’s what I learned on my journey to 30,000+ retail doors across 30 countries. Don’t rush in

Your brand isn’t ready for omnichannel without meaningful customer relationships.

Distribution also requires a healthy supply chain, well-trained customer support team & holistic marketing strategy.

Go deep before going wide.
Feb 1, 2020 6 tweets 1 min read
If you’re playing around with a business idea but are not ready to jump in financially, here are 5 things you can do right now that don’t cost any money: Research your industry & competitive landscape to understand how you can differentiate yourself. Read customer comments on social media pages of other brands.