Coco and Breezy, founders of the eponymous eyewear brand, share their unconventional journey from bootstrapping with less than $1,000 to securing a spot in Andreessen Horowitz's accelerator program. This episode offers valuable lessons on leveraging 'trial and error' for growth, effectively balancing DTC and wholesale channels, and building an intentional brand ecosystem in the competitive fashion industry. It highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic partnerships for emerging brands.
Key takeaways
Embrace a 'master's degree in trial and error' – real-world experience and learning from mistakes are invaluable for growth, especially for bootstrapped businesses.
Strategically balance DTC with wholesale by identifying the unique benefits of each channel and how they can complement each other for broader reach and revenue.
Build an intentional brand by carefully selecting projects and collaborations that align with your core values and long-term vision, even when exploring diverse ventures like DJing or producing.
Actively seek out mentorship and accelerator programs (like Andreessen Horowitz's Talent x Opportunity) for investment, training, and networking opportunities that can provide significant confidence and growth boosts.
Leverage social media platforms like TikTok not just for brand visibility, but for authentic community engagement and to showcase brand personality, aligning with current consumer trends.
Corianna and Brianna Dotson, better known as Coco and Breezy, have been playing by their own rules since launching the Coco & Breezy eyewear brand in 2009. “It was challenging for us when we first started [in the fashion industry] -- with nothing, like less than $1,000. We didn't go to college, and we had never been in a professional business setting. We say that we have our master's degree in trial and error,” Breezy said on the Glossy Podcast. Since, the sisters have grown the brand -- which counts celebrity fans including Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj -- as well as careers as influencers, DJs and producers. In 2020, they collaborated with eyewear brand Zenni on a kids’ line and, in October, they were one of seven companies to be accepted into VC firm Andreessen Horowitz’Talent x Opportunity brand accelerator. The program grants them investment dollars, training and access to top mentors. “It's definitely a confidence builder,” said Coco, of participating in the program. “And we're learning so much.”
In addition to career challenges and recent opportunities, Coco and Breezy discussed their DTC-wholesale balance, their TikTok plans and their rule to “be intentional” in the projects they undertake across the board.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Embrace a 'master's degree in trial and error' – real-world experience and learning from mistakes are invaluable for growth, especially for bootstrapped businesses.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Strategically balance DTC with wholesale by identifying the unique benefits of each channel and how they can complement each other for broader reach and revenue.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Build an intentional brand by carefully selecting projects and collaborations that align with your core values and long-term vision, even when exploring diverse ventures like DJing or producing.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Actively seek out mentorship and accelerator programs (like Andreessen Horowitz's Talent x Opportunity) for investment, training, and networking opportunities that can provide significant confidence and growth boosts.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Leverage social media platforms like TikTok not just for brand visibility, but for authentic community engagement and to showcase brand personality, aligning with current consumer trends.
