Behind Her Empire: Salt & Straw Founder Kim Malek On Overcoming The Fear of Starting a Business

Decerry Donato

Decerry Donato is a reporter at dot.LA. Prior to that, she was an editorial fellow at the company. Decerry received her bachelor's degree in literary journalism from the University of California, Irvine. She continues to write stories to inform the community about issues or events that take place in the L.A. area. On the weekends, she can be found hiking in the Angeles National forest or sifting through racks at your local thrift store.

Behind Her Empire: Salt & Straw Founder Kim Malek On Overcoming The Fear of Starting a Business
Kim Malek

On this episode of Behind Her Empire, Salt & Straw co-founder and CEO Kim Malek discusses how she self funded her business and shares how she dealt with criticism from investors.


Malek founded Salt & Straw in 2011. The Portland, Oregon-based ice cream company is known for its unique flavors made by hand with local ingredients.

Malek began conceptualizing her business in 1996, but had doubts because of her fatherโ€™s own failed business endeavors.

โ€œThis idea of running your own small business just seems so scary and risky to me,โ€ she said. โ€œEven though I was really passionate about this and I could feel it in my bones, this is something I want to do and it felt right. I just shelved it and that also felt right and it felt safe. But it was always percolating in the background and something that I had thought about a lot.โ€

Nearly fifteen years later she took a leap of faith, cashed out her 401(k), sold her house and organized a garage sale, all to fund their first location. The years she spent working at companies like Starbucks, Yahoo and Adidas made her realize her love for creating something new.

โ€œEven though some of those companies were on the bigger side,โ€ Malek said. โ€œI was always looking for those entrepreneurial spots where we were introducing something new and sort of setting that up for people.โ€

She added, โ€œ I would find when I was in an environment that was a lot bigger, it was hard to just have just one little piece to the puzzle. That wasn't fulfilling to me. And also just the timelines, things would take so long and the bureaucracyโ€ฆ.I love coming up with ideas and just trying it to see if it works and evolving it over time.โ€

Clearly Malek had a knack for the entrepreneurial lifestyle, but she had no experience making ice cream. Despite that missing link, Malek knew she would eventually meet the right business partner. Little did she know, it would be her cousin Tyler.

โ€œHe got an ice cream maker from Goodwill and [was] trying all these different recipes and sending them to me,โ€ she said.

Throughout all of the strideโ€™s sheโ€™s made in growing Salt & Straw, Malek admitted that she still experiences the fears she felt prior to starting the business. But she understands now that some of the hesitation for taking the leap of faith was fear combined with this idea that many women faceโ€“imposter syndrome.

โ€œIโ€™m in rooms with my brethren and all these other entrepreneurs who are a lot of men,โ€ she said. โ€œAnd they will wake up in the morning and say โ€˜I just had the best idea. I cannot wait to share it with the world.โ€™ Iโ€™m going to honor you with this brilliant idea I had and then you know myself included, women are so famous for wanting to perfect something before they bring it to the world.โ€

More than a decade later, Kim has grown Salt & Straw into a successful business, and even brought on celebrity investors like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Her first few stores were self funded, but she said that eventually that runway was running out. She started applying for SBA loans and needed to find a new direction to fund the business. Eventually, she got a hold of some investors that included Allan Karp and the rest was history.

โ€œI did partner with him and Danny [Dwayne Johnsonโ€™s ex wife] and the team because during the pandemic, we really needed help and it tests you know, you can get money from a lot of places, but you want to have money that aligns with your values,โ€ she explained. โ€œEspecially when the cards are down and your backs against the wall and decisions are being made that affect the future of your company, big or small.โ€

Malek emphasized the value oneโ€™s network has on a business. She attributes some of her success to the people sheโ€™s met throughout her career journey that has helped her grow her business to what it is today.

โ€œI wake up every morning and Iโ€™m like, we cannot be complacent. This doesn't happen by accident,โ€ she said. โ€œWe have to go above and beyond what people could ever imagine they would get from us both in terms of our ice cream, but more importantly, in terms of how we make them feel.โ€

dot.LA Reporter Decerry Donato contributed to this post.

This podcast is produced by Behind Her Empire. The views and opinions expressed in the show are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of dot.LA or its newsroom.

Hear more of the Behind Her Empire podcast. Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radioor wherever you get your podcasts.

OpenAI's $6.6B Power Play: The Future of AI Just Got a Massive Boost ๐Ÿ’ฐ๐Ÿš€
Image Source: Open AI - Sam Altman

๐Ÿ”ฆ Spotlight

OpenAI is making some exciting moves! The company just completed a massive $6.6 billion funding round, pushing its valuation to an impressive $157 billion. Thrive Capital led the charge, with big names like Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund also joining in. This investment will allow OpenAI to further scale its operations and advance AI technologies like GPT-4 across various sectors such as healthcare, entertainment, and business.

But thatโ€™s not the only exciting news. OpenAI has also secured an additional$1 billion credit facility, giving the company even more financial flexibility to execute its ambitious growth plans. This safety net ensures that OpenAI has the resources to scale safely and effectively while continuing to lead the AI space.

AI is becoming integral to industries worldwide, and OpenAIโ€™s productsโ€”like ChatGPTโ€”are seeing rapid adoption. From education to enterprise solutions, the company is driving significant advancements in how AI is integrated into everyday life.

Following Microsoftโ€™s $10 billion investment earlier this year, this latest round underscores the marketโ€™s confidence in OpenAIโ€™s potential. With its strong focus on responsible AI deployment and ethical scaling, the company is set to shape the future of AI in a way that benefits a broad range of industries and addresses global challenges.

As AI evolves, OpenAI remains dedicated to pushing boundaries while ensuring that its innovations prioritize safety, scalability, and social impact. Keep an eye on this spaceโ€”big things are on the horizon!


๐Ÿค Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Impulse Space, a Redondo Beach-based company specializing in in-space transportation services, raised $150M in Series B funding led by Founders Fund, bringing its total funding to $225M, to expand its team and advance production of its Helios and Mira vehicles. - learn more
  • Nusano has secured over $115M in Series C financing, led by The Wasatch Group, to accelerate the commercialization of its radioisotope production technology, aimed at improving cancer treatment and medical diagnostics. - learn more
  • Future Trash, a multidisciplinary creative studio, has raised a $5M Seed funding round from TIRTA and General Catalyst to develop original intellectual property (IP) within Fortnite, focusing on building unique in-game content and experiences. - learn more
  • XType, the leading software company for multi-instance management on the ServiceNow platform, has raised a $21M Series A funding round led by Norwest Venture Partners to accelerate innovation and expand its platform capabilities on the ServiceNow platform. - learn more
  • 3Laws Robotics, a robotics company focused on building AI-powered platforms to enhance the safety, security, and operational efficiency of robotic systems, has raised a $4.1M Seed funding round led by TenOneTen Ventures. - learn more

LA Venture Funds
  • Watertower Ventures participated in the $8M Series A funding round for DocJuris, a leader in AI-based contract review and negotiation software that automates key tasks to streamline the contract process for enterprise teams and general counsels. - learn more
  • Progression Fund participated in a $3.7M Seed funding round for Permanent, a company focused on advancing sustainable agriculture by developing solutions that improve soil health and productivity. - learn more


LA Exits

  • Loom, an educational community platform that empowers women by providing comprehensive resources on reproductive health, sexual wellness, and parenting education, has been acquired by women's health brand Perelel, marking a significant expansion in the women's health and wellness sector. - learn more

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โš ๏ธ๐Ÿ“ฒ๐ŸŒฉ๏ธ Your Digital Lifeline: Top Tech Apps for Natural Disasters

Living in LA means being ready for anythingโ€”quakes, wildfires, crazy weather, you name it. Luckily, thereโ€™s a suite of tech apps designed to keep you informed, connected, and safe when disaster strikes. From real-time alerts to staying in touch with loved ones, these apps have you covered. Hereโ€™s the ultimate list to help you handle whatever chaos comes your way in LA County.

Get Real-Time Alerts

Image Source: MyRadar

FEMA App
  • What it does: Provides real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, along with shelter and disaster recovery info.
  • Key features: Weather alerts, shelter locator, and preparedness resources.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
MyRadar Weather Radar
  • What it does: Offers real-time, animated radar for tracking severe weather and storms.
  • Key features: Live radar, storm tracking, and severe weather alerts.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Clime: NOAA Weather Radar
  • What it does: Delivers real-time radar and weather updates, with wildfire and flood tracking.
  • Key features: Customizable weather alerts, disaster tracking.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
American Red Cross Emergency App
  • What it does: Provides real-time alerts for over 35 types of emergencies, plus disaster preparedness tips.
  • Key features: Alerts, safety check-ins, and emergency tips.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
My Earthquake Alerts & Feed
  • What it does: Sends real-time earthquake alerts, with maps and detailed data.
  • Key features: Earthquake alerts, customizable notifications, detailed maps.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Citizen
  • What it does: Delivers real-time alerts for emergencies, including natural disasters and crime near your location.
  • Key features: Safety alerts, live incident reports, and community updates.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Image Source: Life360

While social media apps like Facebook and X provide real-time updates, additional tools can help with communication and location sharing, ensuring you stay connected and safe.

Nextdoor
  • What it does: Connects neighbors with real-time local updates on emergencies and community events.
  • Key features: Neighborhood alerts, local info, resource sharing.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
WhatsApp
  • What it does: Enables secure messaging, location sharing, and video/voice calls with family and friends.
  • Key features: End-to-end encryption, location sharing, voice/video calls.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Zello Walkie Talkie
  • What it does: Turns your phone into a push-to-talk walkie-talkie for communication in low-signal areas.
  • Key features: Push-to-talk, works over Wi-Fi/data, group communication.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Glympse โ€“ Share Your Location
  • What it does: Lets users share real-time locations with family and friends without needing an account.
  • Key features: Location sharing, ETA updates, private tracking.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Life360
  • What it does: Tracks real-time location of family members and provides emergency SOS alerts.
  • Key features: Family location tracking, emergency alerts, crash detection.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Stay Mobile

Image Source: PlugShare

For navigating road closures and traffic during disasters, Google Maps and Waze are essential tools that offer real-time updates and alternate routes. Along with these go-to options, there are additional apps that can help you stay mobile when it matters most.

GasBuddy
  • What it does: Locates nearby gas stations and provides real-time updates on fuel availability and prices.
  • Key features: Gas station locator, fuel prices, availability checks.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
PlugShare
  • What it does: Provides a comprehensive map of public EV charging stations worldwide. It offers real-time availability, pricing, user reviews, and photos of charging stations, helping you find the best nearby options.
  • Key features: Real-time station availability, detailed station info, user reviews, and trip planning.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Traditional Preparedness Tips

In addition to these tech apps, itโ€™s crucial to prepare for natural disasters with traditional methods:

  • Build a disaster kit: Gather essential supplies like food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
  • Develop an evacuation plan: Determine where you will go and how you will get there in case of an emergency.
  • Keep emergency contacts handy: Make a list of important phone numbers.

Maximize Battery Life and Data During Emergencies

During disasters, power outages and increased network traffic can affect your device's battery life and data usage. Consider the following:

  • Keep your devices charged: Use portable or solar-powered chargers to extend battery life.
  • Conserve data: Use Wi-Fi hotspots when available to avoid excessive data charges.

These apps are your go-to tools for staying informed, connected, and ready for anything in Los Angeles County. Whether you need real-time alerts, navigation assistance, or ways to keep in touch with loved ones, having these apps on hand can make all the difference when it matters most.

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Luxurious Second Home Ownership without the Headache: How Pacaso is Changing the Landscape of Real Estate

๐Ÿ”ฆ Spotlight

Pacaso addresses the pain points of second home ownership, offering a luxurious, flexible, and financially sound alternative to traditional second homes and ultra-luxury hotels. Co-founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Austin Allison and former Zillow executive and prominent LA tech figure Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso, an unicorn startup, has redefined vacation home ownership with its unique co-ownership model. Rascoff's contributions to the LA tech scene extend beyond real estate; he also founded 75 & Sunny, an LA-based startup studio and venture fund, and co-founded dot.LA, an LA tech news and events company.

LA residents adore Pacaso for its lush vacation destinations that also make for smart investments. Pacaso offers everything from serene weekend getaways in Aspen to sophisticated escapes in Paris. Each residence, valued between $200k to over $2M for 1/8th, boasts meticulous design, high-end furnishings, and premium amenities. Unlike traditional second home ownership, which involves high costs, maintenance, and underutilization, or ultra-luxury hotels, which lack the personal touch and investment potential, Pacaso's co-ownership model offers a superior solution. Co-owners enjoy the benefits of a high-end vacation home without the full financial burden and hassle of sole ownership, making it a smarter and more flexible choice for discerning buyers.


Image Source: Pacaso

Cabo, Mexico

$822,000 (1/8th ownership)

5 bds. l 5 ba. l 4,969 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Paris, France

$600,000 (1/8th ownership)

2 bds. l 2.5 ba. l 1,410 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Malibu, California

$750,000 (1/8th ownership)

3 bds. l 3 ba. l 1,880 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Park City, Utah

$755,000 (1/8th ownership)

4 bds. l 4.5 ba. l 2,584 sq ft

View Here

Head to Pacaso to learn more about its innovative co-ownership model that addresses the common challenges of second home ownership!


๐Ÿค Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Oak Essentials, the natural skincare brand founded by Jenni Kayne, has raised an undisclosed amount in Series A Funding from Silas Capital and Unilever Ventures. This investment will drive the brandโ€™s expansion, focusing on product development, boosting marketing efforts, and expanding distribution channels. - learn more
  • Playhouse MD, an upcoming childrenโ€™s healthcare platform that incorporates play to enhance health outcomes, has raised $4M in funding, according to a recent SEC filing. - learn more
  • FluidLogic, a high-performance hydration system provider, raised $15M in a Series A Extension led by Solyco Capital to support product development and innovation for adventure sports and outdoor endurance categories, with consumer products launching in early 2025. - learn more
  • Reflect Orbital, which uses in-space reflectors to direct sunlight to solar farms and large-scale lighting applications after sunset, has raised $6.5M in seed funding led by Sequoia Capital. The funding will help the company develop production vehicles and expand its team as it builds space-based energy infrastructure. - learn more

LA Venture Funds
  • Smash Capital led a โ‚ฌ20M Series B round into Vilnius-based Ovoko, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used car parts across Europe, marking Smash Capital's first investment in Lithuania. The funds will support Ovoko's product development, market expansion, and team growth as it aims to dominate the European market for second-hand automotive components. - learn more
  • M13 led a $9M Series A Funding Round for Zenlytic, the worldโ€™s first self-serve business intelligence platform. - learn more



LA Exits

  • Continuum Global Solutionsโ€™ healthcare vertical has been acquired by Everise, a customer service management company, enhancing Everiseโ€™s capabilities in pharmacy benefit management and expanding its growth prospects in the healthcare sector. - learn more
  • Radical Semiconductor, a company specializing in processing-in-memory technology, has been acquired by BTQ Technologies, a leader in post-quantum cryptography. This acquisition strengthens BTQโ€™s ability to secure data in the post-quantum era by integrating Radical Semiconductor's advanced technology portfolio. - learn more

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