Firsthand began as a problem to solve (and not as a business to launch) in the kitchen of my co-founder Filipe's small apartment. The problem was a lack of hair-styling products that were made using ingredients that wouldn't irritate our scalps and damage the health of our hair. The solution was a product made using clean ingredients (that actually worked). Easier said than done; that solution took 50+ iterations and a year to develop. What we came up with resonated with enough people that we realized we were on to something, and thus Firsthand was born.Fast forward several years and we've scaled operations to include multiple more SKUs, built out and developed our own manufacturing facility, and are fully owning the clean, sustainable, and people-centric hair care and hair styling space. Needless to say, we've outgrown that apartment.My role at Firsthand has included many things (we all wear a lot of hats) but specifically:- Oversaw a massive rebrand in 2018 which included rebuilding our entire packaging supply chain from the ground up. We were able to accomplish this using packaging made completely from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic–the first of its kind in our industry.- Grew sales with a 48% CAGR over the past 5 years with an omnichannel model.- Oversee the development and growth of international B2B channels. - Oversee the general business operations for running the day-to-day business- Develop and optimize supply chains for the materials used in producing our packaging and products to uphold our commitment to sustainable processes and honest sourcing.- Oversee creative production for all creative.- Develop and maintain brand continuity across all channels.

• Plan and execute all web, email, social media and display advertising campaigns (text and graphic content)• Design, build and maintain our social media presence• Measure and report performance for clients• Identify trends and insights, and optimize spend and performance based on the insights• Brainstorm new and creative growth strategies to help clients expand their database, persuade undecided voters, mobilize committed voters to turn out.• Plan, execute, and measure experiments and conversion tests.• Evaluate emerging technologies. Provide thought leadership and perspective for adoption where appropriate.

My main responsibilities were to oversee our communications and production departments. I did this through streamlining all systems and processes for both departments while building and equipping teams and team leads along the way. I oversaw and launched multiple campaigns which included both digital and print media on multiple platforms. Under my direction we launched our most recent website, updated our branding and brought our production teams into industry standards.

I worked mainly as the company strategist and developer. I play a large role in the creation and development of the initiatives that we produce. I then work closely with the other partners to brand and design the identity and direction for these initiatives. Following the initial creation and design of the initiative I then play a role in organizing the production and assets for executing that initiative and I do a good deal of our networking as well.