What really happens when a former angel investor becomes a startup founder? In this episode, we dive into the unfiltered truth about raising $1.3M, spending smart, building a team from scratch, and navigating the messy middle of early-stage growth. From cold emails to product pivots, this is a crash course in what it actually takes to build an AI company—without the fluff.

Check out Retellio: https://www.retellio.com/

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Thanks for tuning in to Beyond Bold! Stay connected:

Follow our blog to stay connected and get early access to podcast info: https://kylabolden.substack.com/

• Follow Kyla:
  • Instagram: @kylabolden and @beyondboldpod
  • TikTok: @kylabolden

Stay bold, stay fearless. See you in the next episode!

What does it really take to turn an idea into a physical product—and scale it into a nationally recognized brand?

In this episode, I sit down with Erica Cole, founder of No Limbits, an adaptive fashion company that started as a personal solution and evolved into a growing brand featured on Shark Tank. Erica shares the full journey—from sewing her own clothes after an accident, to validating the idea through Kickstarter, to securing a deal on national TV, and ultimately acquiring another company as a solo founder.

We talk about:

• How to test a product idea before spending thousands
• What makes a successful Kickstarter campaign (and what people get wrong)
• The surprising truth about being a solo founder
• What really happens after Shark Tank
• How she pulled off a company acquisition early in the journey

Whether you’re thinking of launching a physical product, starting a fashion brand, or just want the real story behind startup life—this one’s packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

🔗 Check Out No Limbits:

Website: no-limbits.com
Instagram: @no.limbits
TikTok: @no.limbits
Connect with Erica on LinkedIn: Erica Cole

Have Questions? Send then in for our AMA section

Thanks for tuning in to Beyond Bold! Stay connected:

Follow our blog to stay connected and get early access to podcast info: https://kylabolden.substack.com/

• Follow Kyla:
  • Instagram: @kylabolden and @beyondboldpod
  • TikTok: @kylabolden

Stay bold, stay fearless. See you in the next episode!

In this episode of Beyond Bold, I sit down with Blake Van Putten, founder and CEO of CISE—the fashion brand behind the viral Protect Black People bags.

We talk about what it really takes to build a fashion brand people care about in 2025—and how CISE grew from a message into a movement. Blake shares how emotion, community, and strategy fuel his work, the ups and downs of going viral, and why real impact will always beat empty marketing.

This is a must-listen if you're building a brand, navigating social media, or trying to connect with your audience in a way that actually matters.

🔗 Connect with Blake:

• Website: cise.store
• Instagram: @blakevanputten | @cise.store
• LinkedIn: Blake Van Putten
• Substack: blakevanputten.substack.com

Have Questions? Send then in for our AMA section

Thanks for tuning in to Beyond Bold! Stay connected:

Follow our blog to stay connected and get early access to podcast info: https://kylabolden.substack.com/

• Follow Kyla:
  • Instagram: @kylabolden and @beyondboldpod
  • TikTok: @kylabolden

Stay bold, stay fearless. See you in the next episode!