The cofounders of Piecework Puzzles share how to build a multimillion-dollar business on your own terms—without investors or pressure to scale fast.
Rachel Hochhauser and Jena Wolfe didn’t quit their jobs to build Piecework Puzzles—and that’s exactly why it worked. The cofounders share how they turned a stormy weekend experiment into a multi-million dollar lifestyle brand, all while maintaining full-time careers. As VP of Marketing for Goop Kitchen, and renowned Author and creative agency owner, the duo are mastering the art of balancing everything, in real time. From starting with just four puzzle designs shot in Rachel’s grandmother’s garage, to spawning an entire aesthetic movement in the industry, Rachel and Jena have made their mark. They aren’t afraid to do things differently, constantly learning and iterating from production nightmares and successful campaign launches.
Discover their unconventional approach to entrepreneurship, product development, and world building in this candid interview. They both reveal why bootstrapping gave them the creative freedom they craved, how they navigate being business partners and best friends, and the unexpected pivot that led to their viral cocktail napkin line.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
Chapters:
00:00 Introducing Piecework Puzzles and The Stormy Weekend That Started It All
3:30 How to Find Your Gap In the Market & Stand Out
6:00 Design Philosophy 101: How to Create Products That People Connect With
8:40 The Importance of Creative Freedom & How to Obtain It!
10:45 How to Run a Successful Business with Your BFF
13:50 Starting Cultural Moments: The Origins of The Tomato Craze
16:20 The Product Expansion That Shouldn’t Have Worked (But Did)
20:15 Advice for Overcoming Manufacturing Nightmares
23:00 The “Advice Tour” Strategy That Has Saved Piecework Puzzles
26:49 Brand Partnerships: From Goop to Broccoli Magazine
29:15 Addressing Dupe Culture…
32:45 Leadership Tips For Building a Lean & Productive Team