Healthy Hustle Spotlight

In this episode, Mara Smith , founder of Inspiro Tequila , shares her journey from being a corporate strategist and stay-at-home mom to launching a tequila brand focused on additive-free products. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, the wide space she identified in targeting female consumers, and her commitment to social impact thr...

In this episode, Sam Abramson — who was serving as CEO of Just Date at the time of recording and has since transitioned out of the role — shares the origin story of the brand, which began with a focus on creating healthier sweeteners from dates. The conversation covers the evolution of their product line, including the introduction of date-sweetened chocolate and foodservice clients, and the impor...

In this episode, Rachel Simons , founder of Seed & Mill , shares her journey from being a media lawyer to a food entrepreneur, highlighting the evolution of her brand dedicated to sesame products. She discusses the growing popularity of tahini and halva, the health benefits of sesame, and the company's innovative expansion into ice cream. Rachel also addresses the challenges of brand commu...

In this episode, Howard Fischer shares his journey from traditional finance to impact investing, highlighting the importance of using capitalism as a tool for social change. He discusses the mission of Gratitude Railroad, the investment strategies employed, and the significance of authenticity in founders. Howard emphasizes the need for professionalism in impact investing and the role of policy in...

Gloria Chou , an award-winning PR strategist, shares her expertise helping founders gain visibility in top-tier media. She emphasizes the benefits of earned media over paid placements, the distinction between PR and marketing, and the power of storytelling in building credibility. Gloria introduces her CPR method for crafting effective pitches and discusses how founders can track their PR efforts....

In this episode, Greer Tessler , Founding Partner of Simple Food Ventures , shares her journey in Venture Capital, focusing on early-stage investments in the food and beverage sector. She discusses her background, the importance of relationships with founders, and the unique approach her fund takes in evaluating potential investments. Greer highlights her insights on current trends in consumer beh...

In this episode, Lex Evan , founder and CEO of Lexington Bakes , shares the journey of creating an eco-conscious luxury baked good brand. From self production to a focus on radical ingredient transparency, Lex discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a brand rooted in integrity and innovation. The conversation explores branding lessons from his experience in the beauty industry, the impor...

In this episode, Lauren Chew , founder and CEO of Love + Chew Brands , shares her journey from tech to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and triumphs of building a plant-based snack company. She discusses the importance of consumer feedback in product development, strategies for scaling without external funding, and the operational efficiencies that have driven her success. Lauren also em...

In this episode, Regina Trillo , founder of Nemi Snacks , shares her journey of creating a brand that elevates Mexican culture through authentic and sustainable products and branding. She discusses the challenges of representation in the food industry, the importance of flavor innovation, and the need for ethical sourcing. Regina emphasizes the significance of mentorship and community support in n...

In this epsiode, Hudson Davis-Ross , Founder & CEO of Plant People, shares his entrepreneurial journey and his experiences in the CPG industry and wellness-driven brands. He discusses the transition from beverage to supplements, the importance of innovation in crowded markets, and the challenges faced during COVID. Hudson emphasizes the significance of building a strong team culture and offers...

In this episode, Nicholas Naclerio shares his journey as the founder of Mmmly , a better-for-you cookie brand. He discusses the challenges of identifying market gaps, scaling production, and the importance of grassroots marketing. Nicholas also delves into funding strategies, building an advisory network, and the realities of the acquisition process, emphasizing the lessons learned and his future...

In this conversation, Laura Shafferman , founder and CEO of Legally Addictive Foods , shares her journey from creating a cookie recipe in her kitchen to building a successful snack brand. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from homemade products to commercial production, the importance of branding and packaging, the strategies used to navigate pricing and market positioning, and how to...

In this episode, Kiki Couchman shares the journey of co-founding Beny Yogurt , a gut-health-first dairy yogurt poised to disrupt a category filled with incumbents. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the dairy market, the importance of community building for brand success, and the strategies for differentiating their product in a crowded space. Kiki also reflects on her transition fr...

In this episode, JT Sarafa shares his journey from helping grow his family's popcorn business, Pop Daddy Snacks, to becoming an expert in scaling brands on TikTok Shop. He discusses the unique features of TikTok Shop, how to drive trial and use the algorithm to your benefit, and the halo effect that TikTok success has on retail growth. JT also emphasizes the significance of leveraging TikTok f...

In this episode, Matt Weiss , founder of RIND Snacks , shares the journey of creating a sustainable snack brand rooted in his family's history with whole foods. He discusses the importance of upcycling, innovative product development, and the challenges of fundraising while maintaining a mission-driven approach. Matt emphasizes the significance of building credibility with investors, navigatin...

In this episode, Asel Ashergold shares her journey from private equity to launching Pick Me Up Snacks , a healthy, date-based snack brand. She discusses the origin of her product, the importance of nutrition in product development, and how consumer feedback shaped her business. Asel emphasizes the significance of simplicity and transparency in her product offerings, as well as the challenges and l...

In this episode, Sara Cullen , founder of GEM , shares her journey creating a health-focused company that emphasizes a deficiency-first approach to nutrition. She discusses the kaleidoscopic health, which integrates various philosophies and scientific insights into product development. The conversation also covers the challenges and innovations in the supplement industry, the significance of consu...

In this episode, Kathrin Henon shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the story behind her brand, Planet Bake . She discusses the challenges of creating a health-focused food product during the pandemic, the importance of innovation in the food industry, and her approach to balancing health and indulgence in her products. Kathrin also delves into the intricacies of pricing, retail partnerships,...

In this episode, Alli Ball , founder and CEO of Food Biz Wiz , shares her journey going from being a retail buyer to creating a structured program called Retail Ready, aimed at helping emerging food brands succeed in the competitive market. She discusses the importance of understanding the target audience, effective outreach strategies, and the balance between digital and physical retail marketing...

In this episode, Diana Levy , Founder and CEO of Undercover Snacks , shares her journey from a hobbyist chocolatier to a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the origins of her brand, the challenges of creating a healthier indulgent snack, and the importance of certifications and inclusivity in her products. Diana also delves into her journey building her own manufacturing facility, retail strat...

In this episode, Amy Keller , founder of Climate Candy , shares her journey turning her family legacy in the candy industry to becoming a climate activist. She discusses the innovative approach of using imperfect fruits and vegetables to create better for people and better for planet candy options, the unique go-to-market strategy that targets corporate workplaces and travel, and the importance of...

In this conversation, Katina Mountanos , Founder and CEO of Kosterina , shares her journey from a corporate career to launching her own wellness brand centered around high-quality extra virgin olive oil. She discusses the origins of Kosterina, the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and the importance of community and education in promoting healthier lifestyles and integrating her products...

In this conversation, Nikki Seaman, founder and CEO of Freestyle Snacks , shares her journey of revolutionizing the olive snacking experience. From the inception of her brand during the pandemic to overcoming production challenges and leveraging market research, Nikki discusses the importance of consumer insights in product development. She highlights her marketing strategies, including a viral Ti...

In this conversation, we speak with Austin Patry and Sophia Karbowski , co-founders of Realsy , a CPG brand focused on health-conscious snacks. They discuss the origin of Realsy, their experience transitioning from food trucks to a CPG business model, and the importance of strategic decision-making. The duo shares insights on supply chain management, the significance of transparency in ingredients...

In this episode, Ellen Macks , founder and CEO of Ella's Flats , shares her journey of creating a plant-based snack that caters to health-conscious consumers. From her kitchen beginnings to national distribution, Ellen discusses the shift in consumer preferences towards whole foods, the rigorous recipe development process, and the importance of listening to customer feedback. She emphasizes th...