Defining Next
Defining Next
Podcast Description
Defining Next is a podcast where we dive into the founder stories behind tomorrow's most talked about brands. Hosted by Tina Harirchian of Sand Studio Designs, we’re peeling back the layers to explore the messy, inspiring, and game-changing moments behind today’s visionary brands. From unexpected pivots to big wins, we’re celebrating what it really takes to build something that redefines their industries. At its core, Defining Next is about spotlighting the founders who lead with intention and purpose—those who aren’t just building businesses, but reshaping the world around them.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and community involvement, with episodes highlighting the journeys of founders like Joyce Medeiros and Laura Texidor from Investrio discussing financial access for women entrepreneurs, and Paige and Julie from Benny sharing their experiences in creating a healthier energy brand. Additionally, it delves into personal insights, industry evolution, and the importance of celebrating milestones.
Defining Next is a podcast where we dive into the founder stories behind tomorrow’s most talked about brands. Hosted by Tina Harirchian of Sand Studio Designs, we’re peeling back the layers to explore the messy, inspiring, and game-changing moments behind today’s visionary brands. From unexpected pivots to big wins, we’re celebrating what it really takes to build something that redefines their industries. At its core, Defining Next is about spotlighting the founders who lead with intention and purpose—those who aren’t just building businesses, but reshaping the world around them.
From the notes app to sold-out launches, this is how Elena turned a simple frustration into a viral, waitlisted product.
In this episode of Defining Next, I sit down with Elena diStefano, founder of Cozy Clip—the world’s first flexible claw clip. What started as a personal annoyance with traditional clips turned into a three-year journey of prototyping, pitching, and building something entirely new from the ground up.
Elena shares how she took her idea from a note in her phone to a first-place win at a university pitch competition, securing $45K in funding, teaching herself 3D design, and launching a brand that’s redefining comfort and innovation in beauty. We talk about building a product-based business with purpose, designing for real people, growing through social media virality, and navigating the emotional and mental load of being a solo founder.
This episode is full of honest insights, thoughtful pivots, and real inspiration for anyone building something meaningful—especially if you're figuring it out as you go.
In this episode, we cover:
The moment that sparked Cozy Clip
Prototyping, pitch competitions, and scrappy product development
Building a brand while managing a full-time job
What to know before launching your first product
Mental health, mentorship, and moving forward after going viral
Tune in to hear how Elena is defining what’s next—not just for her business, but for the future of beauty products.
Find Cozy Clip online at @cozyclip on instagram and tiktok or thecozyclip.com!
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