Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan: Your One Big Break with Clevv Blends’ Hannah Mendoza
Host: Roger Coppola
Guest: Hannah Mendoza, Co-Founder of Clevv Blends
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Introduction and Background
In this inspiring episode of Confessions of a Female Founder, hosted by Roger Coppola, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Hannah Mendoza, the dynamic co-founder of Clevv Blends. As Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, builds her business with insights from trailblazing women, this conversation with Hannah offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of scaling a startup from humble beginnings to a nationally recognized brand.
First Meeting and Investment
Roger reminisces about his first encounter with Hannah during the early days of Clevv Blends. At [01:33], he reflects:
"When I met today's guest, Hannah Mendoza, I saw her vision, and I fully believed in it. More importantly, I believed in her."
— Roger Coppola [01:33]
Hannah recalls her initial apprehension meeting Roger, noting how his belief in her potential outweighed her nervousness about her startup's infancy:
"I remember being in disbelief. We were still very much in the early phase when we met, and I'm grateful you saw the potential in something that was just starting."
— Hannah Mendoza [04:22]
Roger shares the serendipitous nature of his investment, highlighting that Hannah was his first foray into supporting female founders. Their collaboration became a cornerstone for both their professional and personal growth.
Moving to California and Personal Transformation
Hannah's pivotal decision to move to California at 18 marked a transformative period in her life. She discusses the cultural shift and personal growth she experienced:
"Moving to California changed me massively and quickly. I went from smoking Marlboro Reds and casual tequila on weekends in London to embracing a holistic and communal lifestyle."
— Hannah Mendoza [10:25]
This move not only altered her personal life but also ignited her entrepreneurial spirit. Surrounded by a community that valued emotional openness and sustainability, Hannah found the support and inspiration needed to launch Clevv Blends.
Developing Clevv Blends
Clevv Blends originated from Hannah's struggle with anxiety exacerbated by traditional coffee consumption. At [16:29], she explains:
"Drinking coffee activated my anxiety. I started experimenting with alternatives like matcha teas and herbal concoctions, which led to the creation of super lattes infused with adaptogens and mushrooms."
— Hannah Mendoza [16:29]
Roger adds context to the innovative nature of their products:
"These are food trends, much like quinoa years ago, but now they're recognized for their beneficial properties. Clevv Blends was ahead of the curve in this space."
— Roger Coppola [18:01]
The duo's commitment to transforming traditional beverages into health-enhancing alternatives resonated with a growing audience, culminating in a breakthrough when Oprah Winfrey featured their Golden Latte, resulting in a surge of website traffic and national recognition.
Overcoming Challenges in Entrepreneurship
The journey wasn't without obstacles. Hannah shares the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, particularly the sleepless nights and persistent problem-solving:
"As an entrepreneur, you're constantly solving problems and putting out fires. I've learned to give problems space because they often dissipate on their own."
— Hannah Mendoza [25:47]
Roger reflects on similar experiences, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and belief in one's vision:
"The journey has its low moments, but also high moments that validate all the hard work and resilience."
— Roger Coppola [25:13]
Leadership and Vulnerability
A significant portion of their discussion delves into the balance between vulnerability and leadership. Hannah candidly discusses her struggles with emotional openness in professional settings:
"I've had meetings where I started crying because of hormonal changes, and it made me realize the importance of being the fearless leader while also managing my emotions."
— Hannah Mendoza [29:27]
Roger concurs, highlighting the delicate balance leaders must maintain between being authentic and upholding their role:
"As a leader, you can't always show every aspect of your humanity to your team. It's about holding the vision while managing personal emotions privately."
— Roger Coppola [29:57]
Co-Founder Dynamics
Hannah and Roger explore the dynamics between co-founders, especially when navigating traditional gender roles in a predominantly male-run business landscape:
"Raj, my co-founder, plays an intrinsic and critical role in finance and operations. We've made sure not to pedestalize one another, fostering a team-oriented environment where we have each other’s backs."
— Hannah Mendoza [39:23]
Roger adds that maintaining mutual respect and understanding is crucial for a sustainable partnership:
"Power dynamics can strain relationships. We focus on being a united team to support each other through both successes and challenges."
— Roger Coppola [39:41]
Advice for Female Entrepreneurs
Drawing from her experiences, Hannah offers valuable insights for aspiring female founders:
-
Embrace Emotional Cycles:
"Learn to recognize that your brain goes through waves of obsession and clarity. Giving problems space can lead to new perspectives and solutions."
— Hannah Mendoza [25:47] -
Create Support Systems:
"Having unfiltered, supportive conversations with fellow founders can be incredibly cathartic and grounding."
— Hannah Mendoza [35:37] -
Balance Vulnerability with Leadership:
"It's essential to show strength and vision as a leader while managing personal emotions in a way that doesn’t impact your team’s perception."
— Hannah Mendoza [33:50]
Roger echoes the importance of having reliable support networks and maintaining self-belief despite external pressures:
"Even with a large team, having someone to turn to in moments of self-doubt is crucial for maintaining your leadership role effectively."
— Roger Coppola [34:29]
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Hannah is enthusiastic about expanding Clevv Blends' product line and exploring global markets:
"I love being in the creation process—mixing different blends and iterating on products. We’re gearing up to launch more innovative offerings and expand our reach globally."
— Hannah Mendoza [40:16]
Roger expresses confidence in Hannah’s vision and the brand's potential:
"Watching your business savvy and seeing the intelligent, authentic leader you've become is truly inspiring. I can't wait to see what's next for Clevv Blends."
— Roger Coppola [42:52]
Conclusion
This episode underscores the resilience, authenticity, and collaborative spirit essential for female entrepreneurs navigating the business world. Hannah Mendoza’s journey with Clevv Blends serves as a testament to the power of innovative thinking, supportive partnerships, and the unwavering belief in one's vision. Whether you're an aspiring founder or someone seeking inspiration, Hannah's story offers invaluable lessons on building a brand that aligns with personal values and meets a growing consumer demand for health-conscious products.
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