Art of Shaving: From Failure to $1 Million Profit by Eric Malka
This episode is filled with powerful insights on entrepreneurship, brand building, and the discipline it takes to succeed-personally and professionally. Here’s a sneak peek into what we discussed:
Key Takeaways:
From $100 to a Global Brand:
Eric Malka’s incredible journey from arriving in New York as an undocumented immigrant to building The Art of Shaving and selling it to Procter & Gamble.
How he bootstrapped the first store with just $12,000 and turned it into a multi-million dollar company.
Execution Over Ideas:
Why Eric believes great execution, not just passion or ideas, is what builds legendary businesses.
The importance of entering saturated markets with better execution, not just novelty.
Post-Exit Life & Fulfillment:
What it felt like to wake up after selling his business-without direction.
How he realigned his priorities around family, health, and investing in others.
Coaching & Strategic Investment:
Eric’s current mission: investing in and advising early-stage brands in wellness, grooming, and beauty.
Common pitfalls founders face-like scaling too fast, poor financial discipline, and chasing top-line growth.
Entrepreneurship & Mental Health:
Why financials are your “binoculars” in business-and avoiding them only increases anxiety.
How health, mindset, and consistency play a massive role in entrepreneurial success.
Vulnerability & Fear:
A near-death experience on a boat with the host reveals Eric’s calm-under-pressure nature.
Why fear isn’t the problem-it’s what you do with it that matters.
Why You Should Listen:
Inspiration: Eric’s story is a modern-day rags-to-riches tale with valuable lessons at every turn.
Wisdom: Learn how to scale responsibly, manage crisis, and build lasting success.
Clarity: Discover the importance of simplicity, financial focus, and long-term consistency.
Balance: Gain insight into how health and personal growth fuel sustainable entrepreneurship.
Join us for an honest, impactful conversation filled with actionable advice for any entrepreneur, investor, or leader looking to elevate their game-without losing their soul. You don’t want to miss this one!
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eric malka
entrepreneur/investor/author
Eric Malka is an entrepreneur, brand builder, investor and published author with more than 30 years’ experience in Luxury Consumer Goods. As co-founder and former CEO of The Art of Shaving he is a pioneer of the luxury men’s grooming industry, leading the company from start up to international expansion. In 2009, The Art of Shaving was acquired by Gillette/Procter & Gamble – Eric was tapped by P&G to continue in his role as CEO through the end of 2010. In 2014 he established Strategic Brand Investments; a private equity fund specialized in helping early-stage entrepreneurs develop iconic brands and grow businesses.
