​A Private, Invite-Only Gathering for Scaled Ecom Brand Founders

​For people who are already operating brands at a high level that want honest, peer-to-peer conversations with others who understand the weight of real decisions at scale.

​Anchoring the Room

​The conversation will be anchored by an intimate panel by a small group of experienced operators who have built and scaled iconic brands utilizing Amazon, DTC, TikTok, & Retail.

​Hyla Nayeri – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, 437

437 is a premium women’s activewear brand known for intentional designs that blend femininity and functionality. Hyla leads brand, influencer strategy, partnerships, and growth, helping scale the company into an eight-figure business with 300% growth this past year while spending just 1% of revenue on paid media. Worn by celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Alix Earle, 437 has become a standout name in women’s activewear. Beyond the brand, Hyla is known for her perspective on building ambitious companies with a more balanced and intentional approach to entrepreneurship.

​David Stark – Founder & CEO, Coldest

​Founded and scaled Coldest from scratch to multiple eight figures through paid media, community building, and DTC. After navigating over $4M in debt and the operational challenges that come with rapid growth, David led the company back into a debt-free, high-growth trajectory—currently running at 130% year-over-year growth. His experience spans paid media strategy, product development, cash flow management, and the hard lessons of scaling through constraint.

​Chris Hunter – Co-Founder & CEO, Koia

​Co-founder and CEO of Koia, a plant-based protein drink brand that launched nationally in Whole Foods in 2016 and has since scaled to distribution in over 35,000 stores across all retail channels. A serial beverage entrepreneur, Chris previously co-founded Four Loko and Not Your Father’s Root Beer before transitioning into the health and wellness space. Under his leadership, Koia has grown into one of the most productive protein beverages in retail, with a product line spanning protein shakes, and low-sugar smoothies.

​Chris Kjeldsen – Founder & CEO, CGK Linens

​Founder and CEO of CGK Linens (CGK Unlimited), a premium bedding brand offering luxury-quality sheet sets at accessible price points. Built as an Amazon-native ecommerce brand, CGK Linens has become a recognized name in online bedding with a strong DTC and marketplace presence. Chris brings deep expertise in Amazon growth, product development, and scaling a lean, ecommerce-first operation from the ground up.

​These founders are not presenting decks or selling frameworks. They’re participating in the room—sharing context, answering questions, and engaging in candid discussion alongside other operators.

​What the Conversation Will Focus On

​• What breaks as brands move past $30M–$50M
• How leadership and decision-making change at scale
• TikTok & Retail expansion to anchor your ecom growth
• The challenges that don’t show up on podcasts or panels
• What operators are cutting, and where they are spending

​The Setting

​The gathering will take place outdoors at a historic private home in Miami’s gated Morningside neighborhood, set within a lush backyard and garden environment.

​Surrounded by mature trees, and tropical foliage — intentionally designed for relaxed, open-air conversation. The outdoor space will host the gathering, with multiple natural pockets for small-group discussions throughout the afternoon.

​Located just minutes from the Miami Design District, the beach, downtown, and the airport

If you are flying in we recommend The Moore, Arlo, AC Marriott Wynwood, or The Edition

​Format & Notes

​Attendance is limited and vetted.
Founders and operators only.
No vendors, no solicitation, no pitching, no plus-ones.

​The format is simple: arrive, connect, sit with peers, and talk honestly. After the closed-door session, those who wish can continue the conversation over drinks during an informal post-event gathering.

​Good food and refreshments will be provided throughout.

​This room is for founders who don’t need access, tactics, or validation — but value signal, perspective, and time spent with peers who understand the stakes.

​If you belong in that room, you’ll know.

Must be an operator of a serious ecom-focused brand or an MDS Member to qualify.