Have you ever looked at a business beyond their visual branding and thought about who they are and what they stand for, and who the owners are and what they stand for? Branding is more than just an aesthetic. It's about connection.

Join us as we speak with Ari Krzyzek, CEO and Head of Strategy of Chykalophia about Ari's journey to creating her own brand agency, the potential of FemTech to change the narrative around women's health, and why knowing your 'why' can help you to succeed.

About Ari Krzyzek 

CEO and Head of Strategy at Chykalophia (read: see-ka-lo-fia), Ari Krzyzek helps FemTech, DTC, and women-led brands transform their website into a platform that unlocks business opportunities. She is co-author of one of the Top 3 Best Sellers book in web design, Made to Sell: Creating Websites that Convert. She serves as a branding, UX consultant, and professional peer in support of fellow female entrepreneurs through the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world, 1871 Chicago, and Chicago’s global healthcare startup incubator, MATTER. She’s the co-host of Halo Femtech Podcast, a podcast that honors disruptive innovators and change-makers advancing women’s health.

Furthermore, she helps women in tech and design break into the industry and succeeds in it by mentoring them for personal branding, career advancement, and entrepreneurship through Interaction Design Foundation, Chicago Innovation and ADP list.

Show Notes (link)

[00:00:57] Ari's journey to visual communication design.

[00:03:00] The gap between design and business strategy.

[00:06:29] The superficial way in which we view branding.

[00:07:25] On your mission and culture.

[00:09:05] Ari's motivations for starting her agency.

[00:10:09] Business identity vs individual identity.

[00:13:13] Starting a business is a journey of self-discovery.

[00:14:11] Everyone should have a personal philosophy.

[00:15:46] What is your 'why'?

[00:16:59] Giving back because of the support she received.

[00:18:25] There's so much available to help you to succeed.

[00:20:13] How to find your niche.

[00:21:42] The focus on tech and FemTech.

[00:24:05] Trends in FemTech beyond medical.

[00:24:49] Awkward Essentials - Dripstick (Content Warning: Sexual health, may be TMI for some).

[00:25:33] The burgeoning space of FemTech in lifestyle and wellness.

[00:26:33] Solutions for quality of life as well as sustainability, because women's bodies and our needs are always changing.

[00:27:55] The point of connection.

[00:30:23] The significance of building connection in FemTech.

[00:32:09] The challenges of marketing FemTech begin with education (or a lack thereof).

[00:34:50] The potential scope of FemTech's role in public education.

[00:37:45] Women can thrive in tech.

[00:39:47] How to position yourself as the solution.

[00:42:10] Bonus Question 1: What hobby or interest do you have that is most unrelated to your field of work?

[00:43:36] Bonus Question 2: Which childhood book holds the strongest memories for you?

[00:44:43] Bonus Question 3: What advice you would give someone who wants to do what you do? Or what advice should they ignore?

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Hosted and produced by Michele Ong.

Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel.