Reinventing Flossing: Inside Slate Flosser’s Breakthrough with CEO Brynn
In This Episode
What does it actually take to build a product-based business that can scale, earn retail trust, and stay rooted in purpose?
In today’s conversation, I’m sitting down with Brynn, founder and CEO of Slate Flosser—a design-forward oral care brand rethinking flossing through innovation and sustainability. Brynn shares how Slate went from concept to securing a Target launch, what early prototypes really cost (financially and emotionally), and why leadership growth often starts with asking the questions other people avoid.
This episode is a founder masterclass in product development, fundraising, cash flow reality, and finding peace while building something big.
Key Topics We Cover
Why “just floss” isn’t simple—and the real barrier for kids (and tired parents)
The moment Brynn realized preventive dental care is a business opportunity and a mission
What makes Slate different: reusable heads, sonic vibrations, gum sweeps, and a tongue scraper
The reality of product development: engineering, prototypes, and why iterations are expensive
Cash flow pressure: the stress behind large POs and waiting months to sell inventory
How Slate funded growth: from Kickstarter to angel funding rounds
Why networking changed everything—and how one event led to a Target opportunity
The leadership shifts required to scale: Who Not How, 10x is Better Than 2x, and building culture
Support systems that matter: friends, therapy, faith, and asking for help
Memorable Moments + Quotes
“Flossing is more important than brushing.”
“Iterations cost tons of money.”
“If you would have told me three years ago where I’d be today, I’d be so proud… today I feel like I’m nowhere.”
“Everything is already working out.”
“Grit—and knowing when to quit or pivot.”
About Brynn + Slate Flosser
Brynn is the founder and CEO of Slate Flosser, an oral care brand focused on creating easier, more effective flossing habits through thoughtfully designed tools. With a background in product design and experience inside a dental practice, Brynn saw firsthand how small daily habits could prevent major (and expensive) health issues—then built a company to make flossing easier to actually stick with.