Founder Feature: Val Emanuel of Rif Care

The Startup CPG Podcast

In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Val Emanuel, the inspiring co-founder of Rif Care, a two-year-old feminine care brand that prioritizes sustainability and wellness. Val shares the journey behind Rif Care's creation, from identifying gaps in the market for elevated, eco-friendly period products to overcoming challenges in manufacturing and scaling the business. She opens up about her diverse career path, the importance of sustainability in product innovation, and the invaluable lessons learned from working at iconic companies like GOOP.

Val delves into key entrepreneurial insights, including building a retail presence with brands like Erewhon, leveraging TikTok and social media for growth. She also highlights the realities of being a female founder of color, the role of grant funding, and the value of accelerators in driving business growth. Plus, Val shares practical advice on scaling a team, pursuing grants, and preparing for Riff Care’s 2025 goals, which include expanding retail partnerships and surpassing $1 million in sales.

Don’t miss these actionable insights on navigating the CPG industry and building a sustainable brand —tune in now!

Listen in as they share about:

• Origins of Riff Care
• Early Challenges and Launch
• Funding and Growth Strategies
• Marketing and Sales
• Identifying Market Gaps
• Marketing and Sales Strategies
• Challenges as a Founder
• Future Plans for 2025
• Advice for Founders

Episode Links:

Website: https://rifcare.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valemanuel/

Instagram: malibumama__

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Show Links:

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• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [e-mail]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics