HSR ICYMI 🍒・+✧ +

Time for my favorite part of the week, ICYMI!!!

ICYMI ₊♡₊˚ 🍒・₊✧ ₊

♡ This Week’s Mantra: The future is shaped by those who act, not those who wait.

♡ This Week’s Lesson: You can’t steer a parked car—just start moving.

♡ This Week’s Affirmation: I push through discomfort to achieve the breakthroughs I need.

♡ This Week’s Quote: “Where everybody thinks alike, no one will think at all”

♡ We are a little over a week away from HSR x M13’s Ask Me Anything Live! Make sure you’ve registered here to secure a spot.

This Week’s Mood Board

• The 4 secrets Tesla uses to design their iconic products from Design Director, Franz Von Holzhausen

• How Abercrombie & Fitch pulled off the ultimate brand comeback: 3 steps to reinvent a business (or your life)

Startups To Support

♡ prime day edition ♡

It’s that time of year again. This week on October 8-9, the internet will be taken over by Amazon Prime Day.

When you think of Prime Day, you probably picture big-name brands offering deep discounts. But did you know that over 60% of Amazon’s sales come from independent sellers? Many of these are small businesses and startups that rely on Prime Day to boost their visibility and reach

These companies aren’t just selling products — they’re building innovative businesses and creating jobs. By supporting small businesses, you’re not just getting great products — you’re helping entrepreneurs grow, innovate, and compete with the big players.

Amazon is home to amazing startups and we've curated our favorite HOT SMART RICH brands for you to support this week.

Investor Feature: Nichole Wischoff

♡ a “third tier VC with three funds and $80 AUM ♡

♡ Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and Wischoff Ventures?

NW: I am the founder of Wischoff Ventures, a pre-seed and seed-focused venture capital firm based in Nashville with nearly $80M in AUM.

♡ You’ve leveraged social media to build one of the strongest personal brands in early-stage investing, but it hasn’t come without challenges. You were publicly harassed by a notable male VC and called a “Tier Three VC” on X when you were first starting out. How do you stay motivated when facing critics while doing something differently?

NW: I never used Twitter/X until the end of 2021 when I announced my first fund ($5M). I naively began building a fund in public. As my account grew, I attracted attention from fellow GPs at other firms. Most were curious about who I was and what I was thinking. I received feedback for nearly two years about how I’d “never get LPs to invest” by being so transparent online. They were wrong. It was a gamble, but one I was willing to take. About a year ago, many GPs reached out saying, “Upper management is requiring us to build a personal brand online. How do I do it?” I’m not saying I led this change, but you never know.

♡ We have to talk about the fact that you fundraised for your latest $50M VC fund and run Wischoff Ventures as a solo female GP—all while pregnant and now as a new mom. How have you managed such large life changes while finding success? What advice can you share?

NW: The beauty of sometimes jumping before you look down is that you don’t realize how chaotic it is until you’re in it. I got pregnant faster than expected, which meant raising a fund throughout my pregnancy and into postpartum. There were LP calls I took one week after giving birth when I could barely stand or sit. I kept telling myself, “Whatever it takes.” I would never recommend skipping maternity leave—it’s something I’ll resent for a long time—but that was the situation I found myself in. You have to really love what you’re doing and be willing to give it everything. Big sacrifices are required, often ones you won’t see coming until your back is against the wall. But running your own business is incredibly rewarding, and it’s worth it. I do my best to be home with my little guy and be present when I can. I shared my pitch deck to raise $50M on X.

♡ What advice do you have for women looking to make an impact in their own way? Where should they start, and how do they know if they’re on the right path?

NW: I hope this isn’t the wrong advice, but it’s the mindset I’ve had my entire career: thinking of myself as a woman and a minority sometimes makes me feel like a victim. While I recognize the world isn’t equal, I’m better off competing equally with everyone rather than asking for special treatment. There were LPs who only wanted to invest from their minority-dedicated funds, and I was offended by that. All my male VC friends (and my husband) said, “Just take the money.” There’s truth to that, but I wanted to know I earned it, not that it was a handout. Having the mindset that you CAN compete in the same arena as everyone else is important.

♡ What tips do you have for founders trying to capture a VC’s attention in emails or pitches?

NW: The shorter and more direct the message, the higher your chances are of getting a response.

♡ As a Hot Smart Rich founder, we need to know your current Top 10 for being your hottest, smartest, richest self! (This can be anything from your favorite city, baby products, skincare, travel accessories, mom hacks, TV show, work bag, etc.)

NW: Girlllll, where to start! I’m a total sucker for 90-minute massages twice a month. I live for them. I love men’s bags more than women’s, and I bought an incredible Tom Ford work and laptop bag. It goes with me everywhere. I travel with both my Koios and this Isabel Marant vest on almost every flight. I rarely share this because people think I’m nuts, but I don’t own or use any skincare products—not even face lotion. I do go for the occasional facial at the Face Foundrie. I’m also a total sucker for sugar-free Redbull. And I exclusively wear Anine Bing gold jewelry—earrings and necklaces.

♡ If there’s one book, podcast, or mantra living rent-free in your head that has greatly impacted your success, what would it be?

NW: David Rubenstein (Carlyle Group) gave a talk to grad students at an Ivy League school years ago. He started by saying he was glad he was never one of the students in the room. He said he’s grateful he never had huge success in his early 20s because he would never have worked that hard later in life. He believes early success can lead to a lack of motivation and drive later on. I can’t find the talk, but I hear it in my head often.

♡ What’s a tech startup/app that has recently helped save you time or money (bonus points for both!)?

NW: Checkmate! I’m an investor, but I love it, and I save on almost everything.

♡ Favorite productivity hack?

NW: If it takes 5 minutes, do it now. And deadlines—I work best with my back against the wall.

♡ Favorite rich girl hack? (personal finance)

NW: Use a credit card with great points for EVERYTHING.

♡ Where can people find you?

NW: X: @nwischoff; TikTok: @nicholewischoff, Website: https://www.wischoff.com/

Consumer News

♡ the brands, people, places, things that have captured my attention ♡

♡ Women’s Health & Beauty ♡

• Perelel acquires Loom - from WWD

• Paul Schiraldi appointed as CEO of ILIA Beauty - from WWD

• 4am Skin is officially in Bloomingdale’s - from TikTok

• Love x Money Ventures invests in Marlow - from WWD

• The confusing world of skincare claims explained - from Business of Fashion

• Lili Reinhart’s new brand aims to start the conversation about acne - from Glossy

• The fertility revolution: How Dandi is transforming patient care - from Forbes

♡ E-Commerce, Retail & Social ♡

• Beyoncé launches Levi’s Reimagine campaign - from Billboard

• Luxury fashion’s power sourcer, Gab Waller, is reinventing the job with AI - from Vogue Business

• Off-White sold by LVMH to Bluestar Alliance – Can’t help but wonder if it’s key man’s risk and Off-White was never the same without Virgil - from WWD

• Laundromat bars are trending - from WSJ

♡ Tech, Business, & Investing ♡

• Port workers’ strike delayed - from AP News

• Eva, the entertainment booking platform, raises $2M and expands to more cities - from TechCrunch

• LVMH and Formula 1 sign a 10-year global partnership - from WWD

• LVMH invests in non-alcoholic brand French Bloom - from Quartz

• Adam Neumann's new startup is reworking WeWork's old business model - from Business Insider

HSR Updates

♡ everything fun and exciting in the land of HSR ♡

♡ Locker, HSR portfolio company, earns their second patent for their shoppable collage feature - from LinkedIn. Check out Locker!

TYSM, I♡U!!!!

To enter this week's giveaway, let us know if you’re listening 

If this email was forwarded to you?

Tesla’s Iconic Design Secrets

I had the opportunity to attend Up Summit, an exclusive, invitation-only event bringing together 300 of the most innovative minds shaping the future of transportation. The investors present represent over $1 trillion in investable capital, all focused on Transforming the Moving World. I got to go behind the scenes and am sharing one of the best lessons I learned.

Let’s be honest—today’s world thrives on aesthetics. People buy products that not only make them feel good but also look good. Whether you’re designing products or crafting customer experiences, mastering this balance can be the linchpin of achieving product-market fit. If something doesn’t look good, customers are less likely to buy, even if it functions perfectly.

I got to hear from Tesla’s head designer about how the Cybertruck was conceived, and he shared the key design principles that Tesla follows. Here’s how Tesla approaches design:

Design is born from function.

Great design starts with solving a problem. At Tesla, every design choice enhances functionality—whether that’s making driving more enjoyable, improving efficiency, or ensuring safety. For example, Tesla’s integrated frame and exoskeleton make the vehicle both stronger and lighter, improving energy efficiency.

There is a balance between uniqueness and simplicity.

Striking a balance between distinctiveness and simplicity defines true beauty. Tesla’s designs are bold yet practical, ensuring the vehicles stand out while remaining user-friendly. The Cybertruck’s stainless steel exterior is a distinctive choice that also simplifies production and increases durability.

Material choices dictate form.

Tesla uses stainless steel to inform the shape and structure of its vehicles, leveraging its properties to create designs that are both functional and visually appealing. The angular, wedge-like shape of the Cybertruck results from the way stainless steel bends, maintaining strength and rigidity while creating a unique form.

Design is about experience.

Tesla’s design isn’t just about how the vehicle looks—it’s about how it feels to drive and interact with. The goal is to make driving a Tesla enjoyable, while ensuring durability and efficiency. The exoskeleton and integrated frame contribute to both the vehicle’s structural integrity and the sporty, adventurous driving experience Tesla is known for.

For those building, operating, or investing in the consumer brand ecosystem—ask yourself, what’s your Cybertruck moment? What are the design principles driving your product, and how are you ensuring your brand stands out while still being functional and user-friendly? The brands that focus on balancing aesthetics, function, and experience will be the ones that win.

How To Re-Invent Your Brand

When it comes to staging a successful turnaround in the world of consumer brands, especially for early and growth-stage businesses, it often boils down to three critical steps: changing the people, the product, and the strategy. Abercrombie & Fitch’s transformation is a prime example of how even the most iconic brands can rise from the brink of irrelevance or you can pivot your brand by making bold moves across these three areas.

Step 1: Change the People

Abercrombie & Fitch began its turnaround by rethinking its leadership. The hiring of Fran Horowitz as CEO in 2017 was a pivotal moment. Under Horowitz’s leadership, the company shed its controversial image, putting inclusivity and customer-centric thinking at the forefront of its identity. For any brand looking to pivot, evaluating leadership is key. Bringing in executives with fresh perspectives and customer-focused mindsets can set the tone for innovation and change. Don’t be afraid to question everyone down to the co-founder relationship. Remember, it’s nothing personal—it’s business.

Step 2: Revamp the Product

The Abercrombie of the early 2000s was known for its hyper-specific target market—teenagers obsessed with logos and a very narrow beauty standard. To successfully turn things around, the brand reinvented its product line to appeal to a more diverse, style-conscious customer base. They moved away from the loud logos and exclusive imagery, and instead introduced modern, fashion-forward collections that resonated with a broader audience.

In the early stages of your business, it’s essential to stay agile. When something isn’t resonating with your customers, don’t be afraid to pivot. It’s about understanding what they want now—not what worked in the past.

Step 3: Rethink Your Strategy

Abercrombie & Fitch’s strategy shift was one of its biggest successes. The brand doubled down on digital transformation, improving its e-commerce platform and investing in social media channels where modern consumers engage with brands. This shift in strategy was critical for adapting to the changing retail landscape. For early-stage businesses, focusing on building strong digital infrastructure and aligning your brand with emerging trends will help you stay relevant.

The Financial Impact

Abercrombie & Fitch’s pivot wasn’t just cosmetic—it had a profound financial impact. After years of declining sales, the company’s rebrand helped it reach new revenue highs. For example, in 2021, Abercrombie posted a 19% growth in net sales year-over-year, and by 2023, the company saw further growth in both its digital and brick-and-mortar presence. This serves as a reminder that with the right changes, a brand can turn losses into sustainable growth.

For early and growth-stage consumer businesses, the lesson is clear: embrace change. Whether it’s rethinking your leadership team, revisiting your product offering, or evolving your strategy, making bold moves can set the stage for a successful pivot and long-term growth.