Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Nufer

Hi Megan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Hi, I’m Megan Nufer, and my story is a bit of a whirlwind. I took a big risk by starting a business while working full-time in financial services, never knowing if it would lead anywhere. But something inside me kept pushing forward, even when doubt crept in. It wasn’t easy, especially during the pandemic, but my incredible network of friends and cheerleaders kept me going.

It all started during a time when the world felt chaotic—COVID, social unrest, personal struggles—it seemed like everything was falling apart. I’d hit a glass ceiling in my career, and like many, I felt stuck. But instead of letting that frustration consume me, I decided to invest in myself and channel that energy into something meaningful.

I had my ‘aha’ moment thinking about ESG investing, which was something I saw firsthand in my corporate job. I realized there was an opportunity to bring that same value-driven decision-making to everyday consumers. That’s when I started sketching out ideas for a platform that would allow people to shop according to their values—whether supporting black-owned businesses, female founders, or sustainable products. I wanted to make it easy for people to vote with their dollars.

What started as a side hustle turned into a real business, and after two years of building Mayven, an AI and data company called SmarterX approached me. They saw Mayven as the perfect complement to their business, and before I knew it, Mayven was acquired. Now, I serve as the VP of finance and consumer innovation at SmarterX, still dedicated to empowering people to make informed, value-driven choices.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I’d be shocked if anyone who’s started a business told you it’s been a smooth ride. For me, building Mayven felt like being on the wildest roller coaster—full of exhilarating highs and crushing lows. The peaks come with moments of validation, like landing your first customer or getting recognized for your work. But the lows? Those are tough.

There were plenty of times when I questioned if I had made the right decision, especially in the early days when it felt like I was pouring everything into this venture without knowing if it would take off. Balancing a full-time job while trying to build a business from scratch was exhausting, and there were moments when I just didn’t see how it would all come together. Add to that the backdrop of a global pandemic, social unrest, and trying to manage personal challenges at home, and it sometimes felt overwhelming.

One of the toughest struggles was the uncertainty. There’s no blueprint for entrepreneurship, and that lack of clarity can be daunting. I had to learn to trust my instincts, stay focused, and lean on my support network when things felt particularly rough. But through it all, I kept pushing forward, and while the road hasn’t been smooth, each challenge has taught me something valuable.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

At SmarterX, we’re paving the way in data and AI for retailers and consumer goods companies. One of the top three retailers in the U.S. relies on our services to ensure that the products in their stores are managed correctly. There are so many federal, state, and local laws around how to dispose of, recycle, and donate items that it can feel nearly impossible to navigate without expertise. That’s where our data comes in—it seamlessly helps the back-of-store teams make sure hazardous materials don’t end up in the wrong places, and that items eligible for donation actually get donated. It’s just one of the many ways we’re helping retailers stay compliant, while also making a positive impact.

But what I’m most excited about right now is a project I’m leading around the beauty dupe trend. You’ve probably seen influencers talking about how an affordable product from a brand like e.l.f. is a dupe for a premium makeup product. We’re taking that concept and turning it into something data-driven. Using our AI, we’re comparing products and generating a similarity score to determine how close two items really are. It’s not just hype—you can actually see if one product is truly dupe-worthy. I’m really proud of this because it’s allowed us to pivot into the consumer space in a way no other retailer has done, using our existing tech in a completely fresh way.

We’re calling it DUPE SCORE, and I’m so excited to continue bringing it to life. You can check us out on Instagram or TikTok!

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

One of the most influential and inspirational podcasts that has really helped me on my journey is How I Built This with Guy Raz. Listening to the founders’ stories—everything from their upbringing to the pivotal moments that shaped their companies—has been both educational and entertaining. What I love most is that it shows there’s no single blueprint for building a business. Everyone’s path is different, and that’s incredibly motivating.

Some of my favorite takeaways from the podcast include how Cotopaxi guerrilla-marketed at the University of Utah with scavenger hunts and challenges, even bringing llamas to campus to draw attention to their brand. It was such a creative, out-of-the-box approach.

Another standout for me was learning about how simple team outings and field trips sparked some of the biggest innovations. Like when the former CEO of Walgreens was in Las Vegas and realized people needed stores with longer hours. That insight led to the first 24-hour Walgreens. Or the Doritos marketing team who, after noticing the popularity of ranch dressing in grocery stores, decided to create Ranch Doritos—a decision that ended up being a game-changer for the brand.

It’s these stories that remind me that sometimes, innovation isn’t about having a complex or groundbreaking idea. It’s about looking at what’s around you and paying attention to the small details.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.smarterx.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dupescore?igsh=d3AwcTRsZ3V6YXVm&utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-nufer-20b55813/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dupe.score?_t=8oiN52BnY8A&_r=1