Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We have just released the new issue of Rank & File Magazine – Issue Thirteen “Building the Better Business Model.” I am really excited about this issue because for the next 90-days, we will be talking about something that ALL entrepreneurs struggle with: financially sustainable, purpose-driven business models. In the early days, it’s difficult to find just the right business model that is going to make a social impact and bring you the financial sustainability that you need. Then, even after you launch and you’re in business a while, it’s still so common to struggle with that same balance. Business modeling is never a do it once and leave it alone sort of thing. It tweaking as you go in order to keep growing and reaching your social mission. But there are things that are important to know about in order to not make HUGE mistakes both for the new founder and the established business owner.

Today on the podcast, I am so excited to introduce you to my new friend Reese:

Before Reese Fernandez-Ruiz was a Forbes 30-under 30 entrepreneur and before she graced the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine in the Philippines, she was the daughter of a missionary woman who traveled to aid the poor, a business school management student, and a teacher in Payatas, a poverty-stricken neighborhood of Manila in the Philippines. Now, Reese is the President and founding partner of Rags2Riches (R2R) — a fashion and design house that partners with local artisans to create eco-ethical fashion and home accessories out of upcycled, overstock cloth and indigenous fabrics. Their products have made their way into big stores like Anthropologie, gathering international awards along the way, while providing livelihoods and empowering women across the Philippines. Reese is one of the most loveliest people you will ever meet. I had the privilege of sitting down with her at Rags2Riches HQ in Manila during Rank & File’s Global Retreat. But for those of you who were not lucky enough to join us on that retreat, I am excited to share my follow-up conversation with Reese where we dive into business modeling specifically. This is an episode jam-packed with practical wisdom for all of you founders who are struggling with pricing and revenue streams. 

In Today’s podcast episode, you’ll learn:

– How Rags2Riches struggled in the beginning while finding their branding niche – How improving their branding helped them to raise their prices – How they got in touch with celebrity collaborators to boost their sales – Their secret to managing their cash flow –  How they deal with the ‘funding gap’ that many other social entrepreneurs face

Important links from this episode:

The full interview with Reese inside Issue #13 of Rank & File Magazine – including bullet-pointed key applications Rags2Riches Things That Matter Issue #13 Member Workbook: Building the Better Business Model