EP255: How I Launched a Business While Eight Months Pregnant With Leslie Danford

• Leslie shares her journey of starting a business in 2020 amidst the pandemic, while being pregnant and facing the challenges of homeschooling and managing her role in a hospital.
• She emphasizes breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps and starting with small experiments to validate business ideas.
• Leslie highlights the importance of mental and physical health during stressful times.
• We had a discussion on the transition from being laid off to deciding to start her own business.
• Leslie outlines her product development and market research approach through interviews and formula testing.
• The conversation touches on the value of community support and networking through groups like Startup CPG.
• Leslie suggests setting aside explicit time for business tasks, even in a hectic personal life, and the importance of discipline in making gradual progress.
• She shares her strategy of approaching local store managers directly, demonstrating perseverance in business development.

How Leslie Launched a Business During Challenging Times

• Overcoming Overwhelm: Leslie advises focusing on small, manageable tasks to avoid being overwhelmed by the bigger picture.
• Community and Support: Joining relevant groups and networking can provide valuable insights and support for startups.
• Persistence and Flexibility: Leslie’s story exemplifies the importance of persistence in business, particularly in product placement and dealing with retail partners.