In This Episode
What does it actually take to build a product-based business that can scale, earn retail trust, and stay rooted in purpose?
In today’s conversation, I’m sitting down with Brynn, founder and CEO of Slate Flosser—a design-forward oral care brand rethinking flossing through innovation and sustainability. Brynn shares how Slate went from concept to securing a Target launch, what early prototypes really cost (financially and emotionally), and why leadership growth often starts with asking the questions other people avoid.
This episode is a founder masterclass in product development, fundraising, cash flow reality, and finding peace while building something big.
Key Topics We Cover
- Why “just floss” isn’t simple—and the real barrier for kids (and tired parents)
- The moment Brynn realized preventive dental care is a business opportunity and a mission
- What makes Slate different: reusable heads, sonic vibrations, gum sweeps, and a tongue scraper
- The reality of product development: engineering, prototypes, and why iterations are expensive
- Cash flow pressure: the stress behind large POs and waiting months to sell inventory
- How Slate funded growth: from Kickstarter to angel funding rounds
- Why networking changed everything—and how one event led to a Target opportunity
- The leadership shifts required to scale: Who Not How, 10x is Better Than 2x, and building culture
- Support systems that matter: friends, therapy, faith, and asking for help
Memorable Moments + Quotes
- “Flossing is more important than brushing.”
- “Iterations cost tons of money.”
- “If you would have told me three years ago where I’d be today, I’d be so proud… today I feel like I’m nowhere.”
- “Everything is already working out.”
- “Grit—and knowing when to quit or pivot.”
About Brynn + Slate Flosser
Brynn is the founder and CEO of Slate Flosser, an oral care brand focused on creating easier, more effective flossing habits through thoughtfully designed tools. With a background in product design and experience inside a dental practice, Brynn saw firsthand how small daily habits could prevent major (and expensive) health issues—then built a company to make flossing easier to actually stick with.
