Trusting Gut Instincts: Tiffany Masterson’s Path to Success with Drunk Elephant, Endorsed by Ryan Roslansky of LinkedIn

Successful business founder Tiffany Masterson stresses the importance of trusting one’s instincts in decision making. As creator of skincare brand Drunk Elephant, launched in 2013 and later acquired by Japanese beauty company Shiseido for $845 million in 2019, she encountered doubts about her chosen name from loved ones. Friends criticized the choice as unwelcome, with one even calling it “the most asinine thing” they had ever heard; others compared its sound to that of a bar. Masterson drew inspiration for Drunk Elephant’s branding from marula oil, an ingredient she planned on using in her moisturizers. She learned through online research about elephants consuming fermented fruit and becoming tipsy as a result, which suited the company name perfectly according to Masterson due to its compatibility with her quirky personality; however, some critics disapproved of it at first. To avoid costly focus groups that could potentially sway opinions against Drunk Elephant’s branding, she opted instead for trust in herself and went ahead with the chosen moniker despite skepticism from others within the industry. LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky echoes this advice on “The Path” podcast last year; while taking into account different viewpoints is essential, it ultimately comes down to making decisions based upon personal conviction as well. For Small Business Week celebrations (May 2nd), register now for CNBC’s free virtual event that will feature experts and entrepreneurs sharing strategies on overcoming obstacles in entrepreneurship whilst providing insight into the future of small business enterprise. Moreover, individuals who desire additional income outside their regular job can enroll themselves online to learn about various passive revenue streams via “How To Earn Passive Income Online”, CNBC’s newest educational program that also features real-life success stories and tips on getting started in this field.