What happens when two lifelong friends walk away from the peak of their respective careers to create something entirely new? In this week's episode of No Wrong Choices, we sit down with Linda Sawyer and Alison Matz, the dynamic co-founders of Skura Style, a company that’s transforming an everyday household item—the kitchen sponge—into a product you can love.
The Journey from Career Titans to Entrepreneurs
Linda and Alison weren’t just successful in their previous careers—they had reached the pinnacle. Linda was the North American CEO of Deutsche Advertising, leading a team of over 1,000 people, while Alison made her mark in magazine publishing, holding senior roles at iconic publications like Teen Vogue, Glamour, and Martha Stewart Living. Despite thriving in these industries, both felt an itch for something more. They shared an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to build something of their own.
Their friendship, which began in a second-grade spelling bee, was the foundation upon which they built their company. But it wasn’t just about working together; it was about walking away from the comfort of their established careers to start a journey that was full of risk and uncertainty.
How They Took the Leap
Linda and Alison spent ten years meeting every Sunday to brainstorm, write business plans, and figure out their path forward—all while juggling their demanding careers and family responsibilities. It was a relentless process, but it also served as the ultimate test of their commitment and compatibility as business partners.
Through this dedication, they identified a gap in the market that others had overlooked: the kitchen sponge. Despite all the advances in home design, the sponge had remained the same for decades, uninspiring and often downright unpleasant. Linda and Alison knew they could do better.
Introducing Skura Style: A Smarter Sponge
With their combined expertise in advertising, branding, and media, Linda and Alison approached product development differently. They weren’t just making a sponge; they were creating a brand that combined beauty, functionality, and a touch of joy in everyday life. The Skura Style sponge is designed to be a “smart sponge,” with a pattern that fades over time to let you know when it’s time for a replacement, ensuring a cleaner, more hygienic kitchen experience.
But what truly sets their journey apart is how they attracted a superstar to join their mission—Hollywood actress Eva Mendes. In the episode, Linda and Alison share how Eva, a passionate supporter of women-owned businesses, discovered their product and decided to become a partner, helping elevate Skura Style to new heights.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
- Embrace the unknown: Linda and Alison took a leap of faith, even when they were at the top of their respective industries. They proved that sometimes, you need to step outside your comfort zone to achieve something extraordinary.
- The importance of friendship and partnership: Their journey demonstrates how having a strong, trusting partnership can be a game-changer when building a business.
- The value of persistence: Ten years of Sunday meetings paid off, showing that great ideas often take time and dedication to bring to life.
- How to identify a market opportunity: They explain how their deep understanding of branding and consumer needs helped them spot an overlooked opportunity and turn it into a successful business.
Why You Should Listen
If you’re looking for inspiration, insight into building a brand, or simply want to hear an incredible story about two friends who made their entrepreneurial dream a reality, this episode is for you. Linda and Alison's journey offers valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the power of believing in your vision, no matter how unconventional it may seem.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of No Wrong Choices by clicking here: Skura Style Also available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.
