Host: Sandy Dedeian
Guest: Mariela Katz founder of Frenzr agency (acquired) & Nutterie
For more information about Nutterie visit the website and follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.
Find me here ➡️ Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn
📚 Books recommended by our guests ➡️ Amazon Store
Introduction
In this episode of the Rectified Podcast, I’m having a conversation with Mariela Katz, a seasoned entrepreneur known for her influential networking events in Montreal and her innovative business ventures. From running a successful marketing agency to venturing into the nut industry with her brand, Nutterie, Mariela shares valuable insights into entrepreneurship, networking, and the importance of building a personal brand.
The Importance of Networking
Mariela Katz has made a name for herself through her exceptional networking events, which she started while running her marketing agency. She realized many of her clients and workshop attendees yearned for an authentic space to connect with like-minded individuals. This insight led her to create the "Let's Connect" networking events, which grew organically from small gatherings of 30 people to major events with over 200 attendees.
Mariela emphasized the significance of networking in business, noting that while one can achieve success without it, having a strong network makes the entrepreneurial journey much more seamless. She believes that "your network is your net worth" and stresses the value of being able to reach out to someone for advice or collaboration. Building personal connections and being the face of your brand can create invaluable opportunities for business growth.
Cultural Differences in Networking
Both Mariela and Sandy discussed how cultural differences can impact networking. Mariela, who is of Russian and Bulgarian descent, and Sandy, originally from Lebanon, shared their experiences of adjusting to the networking culture in Montreal. They both agreed that Montreal offers a unique and open-minded networking environment, which has been beneficial for their respective businesses.
Mariela's Journey: From Marketing Agency to Nutterie
Mariela's first business, Frenzr, was a marketing agency that she started nearly a decade ago. She identified a market need for a small agency that could bridge the gap between freelancers and large agencies, offering agility, creativity, and strategic thinking to small and medium-sized businesses. Despite facing challenges like balancing a full-time job and university, Mariela built Frenzr into a thriving business that was eventually acquired.
The story of Frenzr's first client, Rose, vividly illustrates Mariela's entrepreneurial spirit. Rose, who recognized Mariela from her YouTube days, initially wanted her to promote her brand. However, Mariela saw an opportunity to help Rose enhance her social media presence, leading to her first success as a social media manager and eventually to more clients and a solid business foundation.
Selling Frenzr and Venturing into Nutterie
Mariela's decision to sell her agency came after thoughtful consideration, particularly during her pregnancies and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She encountered a business broker who helped her navigate the process, and after speaking with several interested buyers, she sold Frenzr to an individual who shared her values and mindset.
With her experience in marketing and branding, Mariela then launched Nutterie, a business specializing in high-quality nuts sold directly to consumers. Motivated by the gap she noticed in the market for fresh, quality nuts, Mariela utilized her expertise to create a brand that stands out through unique packaging, innovative products, and a direct-to-consumer model that ensures freshness and affordability.
The Power of Personal Connections
Both Sandy and Mariela agreed on the importance of personal connections in business. Mariela shared how her network, built through years of genuine interactions and mutual support, has been instrumental in the success of her ventures. She highlighted the benefits of maintaining a personal brand and how it can help in launching new products or pivoting in business.
Mariela also incorporates customer feedback into her business strategy, emphasizing the value of direct communication with clients. This iterative process not only strengthens customer loyalty but also drives product innovation. An example is the upcoming "Leo mix," a product idea inspired by customer feedback, demonstrating Mariela's commitment to her clients' needs.
Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Mariela offered practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:
1. Start Imperfectly: She encourages new entrepreneurs to take the plunge even if everything isn't perfect. Proving the concept and refining it over time has been a key factor in her successes.
2. Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously: Authenticity resonates with people. Mariela believes that letting your genuine self shine through helps in forming real connections that benefit your business.
3. Building a Personal Brand: A strong personal brand can create a secondary network of followers who support your ventures. This network can be crucial in getting your first sales and building ongoing customer relationships.
4. Seek Inspiration, Not Imitation: Mariela advises looking at brands you admire and drawing inspiration from them while adding your personal twist to maintain authenticity.
Conclusion
Mariela Katz's journey is a testament to the power of networking, the importance of personal branding, and the ability to pivot and innovate in business. Her experiences offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Whether it's starting with imperfect beginnings, embracing authenticity, or leveraging personal connections, Mariela's insights provide a roadmap for building successful and meaningful business ventures.
You can explore Nutterie's unique offerings and fresh perspective on the nut industry by visiting their website at nutterie.com or following them on Instagram @itsnutterie. For more personal insights from Mariela, connect with her on Instagram @ellakatz. To stay updated on upcoming networking events or new business endeavors, keep an eye on Nutterie's newsletter and social media channels.
Mariela's story is a reminder that success in entrepreneurship is not just about the business you build but the relationships you nurture and the authenticity you bring to your endeavors.
Rate the podcast to help it grow ️🌟
Thank you for rating the podcast on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! This helps the podcast grow, reach more people, and allow us to continue producing more episodes.
Share this post