Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mario Ranieri. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mario, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.

Live Live started as a non profit hat company that was rooted in supporting the arts and mental health initiatives.

When I lost my job, my industry wasn’t hiring and many companies were crippled by the effects of Covid. I knew I had to do something, so I decided to turn LIVE LIVE into a brand. Many brands support charities by donating a % of their profits. I decided strengthen my gift back and commit to 5% of my sales.

It’s not an easy task, especially as a growing business. I take pride and believe if you are going to stand for something stand behind it. And I got 5 on it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started in the clothing industry when I was 15. Needed a job to save up for school and get a car. Taking public transportation in New York is challenging, especially on Long Island. My school and job were roughly 25-30 minutes away from my house, but public transportation would make that 1-2 hours of a commute.

It was a grind juggling school and work. So I decided to focus on work for a while to save up for a car. It wasn’t easy waking up at 5am everyday to make it to school for 8:30. Not to mention working in between classes to just make ends meet. Saving up for a car came to fruition, but so did other obstacles I didn’t see coming.

I needed to focus & work became that focus. Retail wasn’t the goal, but it became part of the journey. After 20+ years of different assignments in all different capacities, there’s a level of understanding I continue to build on. I’m a big believer, we are all the sum of our experiences! Now, I get to support all types of businesses within my industry. From brands to retail stores – the goal is to help streamline and optimize businesses on all levels.

My brand is still a passion project with a strong give back & a focus on bringing the best to market. My consulting business looks to streamline processes and support businesses through the pillars of People, Product & Presentation. As I continue to pursue all areas of our business, it allows me to keep my hands on the pulse of it all.

Ive been a student of this industry for a long time. Today, I look for ways to build it back and contribute…Brick by Brick!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Its challenging to fund a new business, Especially when you have no financial backing and you’re coming out of a pandemic unemployed.

I took my last check & placed a bet on myself. Over the last couple of years I worked hard to drive sales with people I respect & that believed in what I was doing. As I grew, I listened and paid attention. Doubled down and expanded the assortment. Every move I made was calculated. The first employee was the charity and the second was the next round of product. After travel and streamlining the process – I came last.

That’s how I put together the capital.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

No body cares how much you know…until they know how much you care!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.livelivesupply.com
• Instagram: Livelivesupply
• Twitter: livelivesupply
• Other: https://linktr.ee/m.live.group