Shows
Healthy Hustle SpotlightLexington Bakes: Founder-Led Branding, Building Consumer Trust & the Road to RetailIn 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 importance of hands-on involvement in branding, and the strategic decisions that have positioned Lexington Bakes for growth in the competitive food landscape.If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact Ariana Korman.2025-07-1549 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightLove+Chew: From Tech to CPG with a Customer-First MindsetIn 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 emphasizes the significance of maintaining strong relationships with retailers and the need for a diverse sales strategy to engage consumers effectively.If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact Ariana Korman.2025-07-0137 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightNemi Snacks: Building a Minority-Owned, Authentic, Sustainable Snack Brand & Creating an Equitable CPG EcosystemIn 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 navigating the complexities of building a minority-owned business. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating an equitable ecosystem for emerging brands in the CPG space.If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us...2025-06-1758 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightPlant People: Lessons in Navigating Market Shifts, Product-Led Branding, and Team CultureIn 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 valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the need to get to market quickly and learn from customer feedback.If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact Ariana Korman.2025-06-1058 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightMmmly: Lessons Learned from Founding & Scaling a Better-for-You Brand and Navigating AcquisitionIn 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 aspirations in the food industry.If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact Ariana Korman.2025-06-0345 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightLegally Addictive: Scaling Challenges, Market Positioning & Building a Strong TeamIn 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 make your brand stick out on a shelf. Laura emphasizes the significance of flavor innovation, social media engagement, and building a strong team, while also offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the food industry.If you're a...2025-05-2742 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightBeny Yogurt: A Gut-First Approach to Disrupting DairyIn 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 from private equity to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned, and her vision for the future of Benny Yogurt.If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact Ariana Korman.2025-05-0644 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightUnlocking TikTok Shop: Storytelling, Social Commerce & Driving Brand GrowthIn 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 for product innovation and customer feedback, while outlining key trends shaping online sales. He shares actionable steps for launching and growing a brand on TikTok.If you're a founder, investor, or...2025-04-2935 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightRIND: Building a Mission-Driven Brand with Vertical IntegrationIn 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, navigating growth expectations, and the strategic decision to vertically integrate manufacturing. He also highlights the role of retail strategy, driving trial and brand loyalty, and the impact of social initiatives on brand equity. Looking ahead, Matt envisions expanding RIND's product offerings while staying true to...2025-04-2249 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightPick Me Up Snacks: Building a Functional Brand Rooted in Simplicity & ScienceIn 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 lessons learned as a first-time founder. She also touches on stress management, the importance of asking for help, and her future plans for product innovation and expansion.If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested...2025-04-1525 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightGEM: Daily Health That’s Science-Backed, Subscription-Based, and SnackableIn 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 consumer-driven product development, and the strategic goals for GEM's growth. Sara highlights the benefits of a subscription model, the role of HSA/FSA eligibility in expanding market reach, and the importance of building trust through transparency and community engagement. Additionally, she shares insights on fundraising, particularly for...2025-04-0833 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightPlanet Bake: Innovating with Healthier Ingredients for Balanced IndulgenceIn 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, and the challenges and benefits of bootstrapping. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the significance of community engagement and educational content in building trust with consumers.If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining...2025-04-0127 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightMastering Retail Strategy: Key Insights for Emerging Food BrandsIn 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. Alli emphasizes the need for operational readiness, the role of feedback in product development, and the significance of rebranding. She also highlights key traits of successful founders and offers valuable advice for new entrepreneurs in the food and...2025-03-181h 09Healthy Hustle SpotlightUndercover Snacks: Mastering Manufacturing, Retail, & Brand CredibilityIn 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 strategies, and the significance of partnerships, particularly with airlines. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the balance between optimism and realism in entrepreneurship, her unique approach to flavor development, and her aspirations for future expansion.If you're a founder...2025-03-1137 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightClimate Candy: The Business of Reinventing Candy for a Sustainable FutureIn 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 partnerships in promoting sustainability and a mission driven brand. Amy also delves into her fundraising experience, the significance of community in defining success, and her vision for the future of Climate Candy.If you're a founder...2025-03-0437 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightKosterina: Leveraging Heritage & Education to Build a Trusted CPG BrandIn 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 into daily life. Katina also highlights the challenges and strategies involved in expanding her product line and building consumer trust across different categories, while emphasizing sustainability and the future of health and wellness in the CPG market.Use code...2025-02-2528 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightFreestyle Snacks: Bringing Innovation to a Forgotten Aisle & Leveraging Consumer InsightsIn 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 TikTok campaign, and the significance of building retail partnerships. Nikki also reflects on the challenges of being a solo founder and her goals for the future of Freestyle Snacks.Use code HEALTHYHUSTLE for 15% off Freestyle Snacks on their website!If...2025-02-1833 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightRealsy: From Food Truck to CPG - Navigating Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Unique PartnershipsIn this conversation, we speak withAustin Patry andSophia Karbowski, co-founders ofRealsy, 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, and their commitment to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. They also delve into their retail strategy, partnerships, and future growth plans, emphasizing their vision of becoming a household name synonymous with health and nutrition.If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in...2025-02-1144 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightElla's Flats: Scaling a Snack Brand with Simplicity & StrategyIn 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 the significance of certifications, allergen-friendly strategies, and understanding the competitive landscape. Ellen also reflects on the operational challenges of growth, and the importance of simplicity in growth strategy.
If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in...2025-02-0445 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightGORGIE: Building Community & Redefining Energy Drinks for the Wellness-Focused ConsumerIn this episode, Madi Lieber, Head of Brand and Strategy at Gorgie, discusses the brand's rapid growth and unique positioning in the energy drink market. She shares insights into Gorgie's origin story, the importance of community engagement, and the brand's innovative marketing strategies. Madi emphasizes the significance of consumer feedback in product development and how Gorgie aims to create a product that resonates with a diverse audience while appealing to demographics that have been historically under-targeted . The conversation also touches on the challenges of entering a male-dominated industry and the brand's approach to building a loyal customer base through...2025-01-2851 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightSattva Vida: The Leap from Corporate America to Plant-Based SnacksIn this episode, Karen Lauterstein, founder of Sattva Vida, shares her transformative journey creating a successful plant-based snack company after leaving a 20-year corporate career. She discusses the significance of mentors and peer-support in the healthy food and beverage business, and the importance of tenacity in going after opportunities. Karen emphasizes the importance of an open mind, flexibility, and asking the right questions when working with prospective retail partners, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a leap into the food space.
Get 30% off your entire purchase on sattvavida.com with...2025-01-2146 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightVenture Capital Insights for Growth-Stage Consumer Brand SuccessIn this episode, Michael Salerno, Managing Principal at Wheelhouse 360, shares his experience in growth-stage venture capital, emphasizing the importance of branding and the evolving landscape of consumer brands. He discusses the challenges faced by founders, the significance of authentic influencer marketing, and the promising future of health and beauty markets. Salerno also provides valuable advice for founders seeking funding, and highlights the need for strong management teams in navigating the current climate.2025-01-1439 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightKetone IQ: From Niche to Mainstream & Building a Credible BrandIn this episode, Michael Brandt, co-founder and CEO of Ketone IQ, discusses the evolution of his company, growing a mainstream audience from a niche base, the role of personal professional branding, and strategic partnerships in the competitive energy drink market. He emphasizes building credibility through partnerships, and the benefits and challenges of a single-product brand. He shares insights on leadership and strategic goals for the future.
Get 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone IQ using link KETONE.com/HEALTHYHUSTLE
If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us...2025-01-0756 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightSweet Nothings: Brand Building Through Multi-Category Innovation, Strategic Growth, and Impactful PartnershipsIn this conversation, Jake Kneller, co-founder and CEO of Sweet Nothings, shares insights into the journey of building a healthy snack brand from inception to current success. He discusses the importance of co-founder dynamics, product development goals, and the significance of consumer feedback. Jake also highlights their retail and point-of-sale marketing strategy, targeting diverse demographics, and the benefits and challenges of expanding into product lines with differing manufacturing and merchandising.
If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact Ariana Korman.2024-12-3138 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightElavi: Brand Building Through Community & First Time FundraisingIn this episode, Michelle Razavi and Nikki Elliott, co-founders of Elavi, share their journey of creating a health-focused snack brand that prioritizes low-sugar, high-protein products. They discuss go-to-market strategies, the importance of community engagement, and their iterative approach to product development. The duo reflects on their fundraising journey, emphasizing the significance of finding the right investors and maintaining a focus on sustainability and profitability. They highlight the evolving landscape of consumer packaged goods and the role of social media in building brand awareness and connection.
If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested...2024-12-171h 05Healthy Hustle SpotlightCure Hydration: Leveraging the Medical World for CPG InnovationIn this episode, Lauren Picasso, founder and CEO of Cure Hydration, shares the journey of creating a premium electrolyte drink mix that emphasizes clean ingredients and scientific backing. She discusses the impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior, the unique benefits of FSA eligibility, and the shift from ready-to-drink products to powdered solutions. Lauren also highlights the role of a medical advisory board in establishing credibility, the value of differentiated retail partners, the success of their subscription DTC model, and her experience fundraising.2024-12-1040 minHealthy Hustle SpotlightTrashy: A Shark Tank Success Story’s Path to Upcycling Food WasteKaitlin Mogentale, founder of Trashy (formerly Pulp Pantry), shares her journey as a food waste warrior and entrepreneur. She discusses the origins of her upcycled food brand, the importance of consumer engagement, and the challenges of sustainable branding. Kaitlin reflects on her experience on Shark Tank, the rebranding process from Pulp Pantry to Trashy, and the significance of mentorship in her entrepreneurial journey. She emphasizes the future of upcycled foods and the potential for B2B opportunities as she grows her platform.
If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us...2024-12-031h 07Healthy Hustle SpotlightHealthy Hustle SpotlightJoin us on Healthy Hustle Spotlight, where we elevate the voices of industry leaders, innovative companies, and unique investors in the health and wellness space. Each episode dives deep into the inspiring stories behind the brands shaping the better-for-you consumer packaged goods (CPG) landscape. We unpack the latest trends, share valuable leadership insights, and foster connections across the industry.
If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact Ariana Korman.2024-11-1401 min
Everyday EndorphinsEP #111: The Science of Healthy Eating with Ariana Korman, R.D. Chief Operating Officer at Juice PressI am thrilled to bring back Ariana Korman, R.D. and COO of Juice Press, to kick off the new season of Everyday Endorphins! In this episode we chat about the science of healthy eating, the gut-brain connection, and how to make healthy eating/cooking more enjoyable.
I'm also stoked to announce that Everyday Endorphins is partnering with Juice Press on October 10th in honor of World Mental Health Day. This festival, hosted by Project Healthy Minds, is the first of its kind to celebrate mental health. Come visit Hudson Yards on October 10th, check out the pr...2023-10-0547 min
Sh*t TalkAirport food, why weight plateaus, + what to look for when choosing snacks, w/ JuicePress COO, Ari Korman, MS, RD, CDNLiz is joined by JuicePress COO and fellow RD, Ariana Korman, MS, RD, CDN on this episode!Liz and Ari discuss how to make healthy choices while traveling. Ari gets into what she looks for when choosing products at the airport, nutrients to focus on, and what to avoid. They talk about some of their favorite snacks and must haves while traveling, and discuss how to go about finding what works for you, nutritionally speaking. They also discuss how the body readjusts to changes in your diet, why we plateau, and why there are no o...2023-06-2659 min
Everyday EndorphinsEP #93- Sticking To Your Nutrition Goals in the New Year with Ariana Korman, Chief Operating Officer of Juice Press, MS, RD, CDNNew Year, Better Diet Habits? This week on the podcast, I sat down with Ariana Korman, Chief Operating Officer of Juice Press, MS, RD, CDN, to chat about why its so hard to stick to our food and nutrition resolutions in the New Year, and how to develop a healthier approach to eating well. We also discuss the product development process at Juice Press, their ethos around healthy eating, and how to identify and navigate diet fads. As a Registered Dietitian, Ariana also shares the gut-brain connection, how to identify if juicing is right for you, and what brings h...2023-01-1253 min