Shows
Shelf Talks3 Rapid Retail Questions with Mika Shino, Founder of Issei Mochi GummiesSend us a textHope you have enjoyed the full episode with Mika Shino, Founder of Issei Mochi Gummies and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Mika specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).What is a learning that you didn’t know until Mochi was actually on retail shelves?What advice would you give to other founders trying to secure their first retail deal?What trade shows have you found the most be...2025-04-2303 min
Shelf TalksHow Issei Mochi Gummies Found Its Sweet Spot in Retail with Founder Mika ShinoSend us a textIn this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Mika Shino, founder of Issei Mochi Gummies. Mika shares her journey from working at the United Nations to launching her innovative gummy brand inspired by traditional Japanese mochi. The conversation covers her challenges in product development, the importance of consumer feedback, and her strategies for breaking into major retailers like Whole Foods. Mika discusses her marketing tactics, including winning awards to gain recognition, and her plans for future expansion in the retail market.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Issei Mochi...2025-04-2243 min
The Firebelly Social Show[Expo West Series] Food & Beverage Trends With Industry LeadersPedro Lamarre is the Co-founder of Wave, an innovative beverage company known for its organic, lightly carbonated refreshers infused with coconut water. Before co-founding Wave, he had a background in health and wellness, which influenced the brand's commitment to offering low-calorie, no-added-sugar drinks. Since its launch in February 2024, Wave has aimed to provide consumers with healthier beverage options that are both refreshing and flavorful. Pedro's passion for health-conscious products drives Wave's mission to innovate within the beverage industry. Jennifer Draz is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Kerry, where she oversees digital strategies for brands such as...2025-03-2117 minThe Firebelly Social ShowLeaders Insights: Redefining Food And Beverage IndustryDuncan Alney is the Founder and CEO of Firebelly Marketing, an award-winning, top-ranked agency that helps founders of mission-driven food and beverage brands grow their businesses and connect with their audiences through social media marketing. Duncan has worked in marketing for 30 years and brings his expertise in engaging with clients and rebuilding brands to each project. He has worked with top brands, including Netflix, Fiji Water, and Sony. Duncan is also the host of the Firebelly Social Show, a podcast featuring leaders and top entrepreneurs in the food and beverage space who are on a mission to make the...2025-02-0709 min
Thirsty Thursdays @3PM ESTHow a WHOLE FOODS Exclusive Led So Many to Fall IN LOVE With Mochi Gummies!Send us a text📢I talk🎙️with Mika Shino Founder & CEO of Issei Mochi Gummies from Bethesda, MD. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁If you haven't tried these yet, you are missing out. She shares her amazing story how a Whole Foods buyers' instincts kick-started this brand and how Mika with her PR philosophy landed her on the cover of Inc Magazine within two years as Inc Female Founder 2024!WATCH ON YOUTUBE! 📽 🎞 https://youtu.be/v-jW5OSs_swSummaryMika Shino shares her journey from Kyoto, Japan, to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her bran...2024-11-211h 32
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 501: Mika Shino On Launching, Mass-producing & Marketing Issei Mochi GummiesBecause Mika Shino was born in Japan, she possessed an innate connection to Japan's traditions, culture, aesthetics, and cuisines. But having grown up in other countries, especially America, she also was imbued with a creative curiosity that was free to explore beyond the boundaries of her native roots. When she became a mom, she soon learned that most of American snacks originatetd in Europe, and they weren't healthy. So she began to experiment in her kitchen, eventually concocting a healthy snack that her boys and their friends loved that was based in the traditional Japanese mochi cake. But she...2024-10-0647 minThe Firebelly Social ShowMika Shino: Cultural Connection, Spiritual Joy & Persistent InnovationMika Shino is the Founder and CEO of Issei, a brand that has reimagined the gummy candy world with a heartfelt mission. Of Japanese heritage, Mika ventured into entrepreneurship to offer her children healthier candy options inspired by her native mochi. Her innovative product, the world’s first shelf-stable mochi gummies, has earned acclaim as the most innovative among thousands. With a profound background at the UN, Mika embeds a message of cultural inclusivity and the celebration of immigrant voices in her confections. Her journey from kitchen experiments to retail success embodies passion, heritage, and the power of a mo...2024-07-2637 min
Asian Pacific Voices RadioSweetening Life's Moments with Mochi Gummies - 4 X 22
Mika Shino, a first-generation Japanese entrepreneur, founded Issei Mochi Gummies in 2022. She created the world's first all-natural mochi gummy brand, which is vegan, kosher, and free of gluten, dairy, soy, and nuts. Her company, which is woman- and minority-founded, owned, and led, has disrupted the candy sector by offering a clean-label, better-for-you snack. Celebrating her Asian heritage, Shino's venture promotes diversity in the food industry and fosters cultural connections through food. In recognition of her achievements, Mika Shino was named to Inc.'s 2024 Female Founders List.
In this episode, Mika shares how working with UNESCO allowed her to...2024-07-0230 minThe Firebelly Social Show[Sweets And Snacks Show] Innovating The Snack GameMika Shino is the Founder and CEO of Issei, a brand that has reimagined the gummy candy world with a heartfelt mission. Of Japanese heritage, Mika ventured into entrepreneurship to offer her children healthier candy options inspired by her native mochi. Her innovative product, the world’s first shelf-stable mochi gummies, has earned acclaim as the most innovative among thousands. With a profound background at the UN, Mika embeds a message of cultural inclusivity and the celebration of immigrant voices in her confections. Her journey from kitchen experiments to retail success embodies passion, heritage, and the power of a mo...2024-06-1423 min
Long Shot Leaders with Michael SteinA tale of cultural fusion, philosophical exploration, and a passion for healthier living, Mika Shino.Mika has a diverse background in culture, diplomacy, art, and business. She spent 15 years at UNESCO, creating World Philosophy Day and International Jazz Day. She advised notable figures like Herbie Hancock, Lady Gaga, and organizations like UNICEF and Cartier International on philanthropic efforts. Mika has held roles in music tech firms, directed UNESCO International Jazz Day, and produced artistic projects. She's a published author, painter, Le Cordon Bleu graduate, and cookbook author. Currently, she's the Founder/CEO of Issei, a food innovation company that launched Issei Mochi Gummies exclusively with Whole Foods Market in the U...2023-12-2634 min
StokemeterEpisode 100: Mika Shino - Live by Your Own ScriptMika Shino is the Founder and CEO of Mochi gummies, which mission is to “build bridges across cultures through food”. She shares her impressive journey of being a first generation Japanese American and the lessons she learned as a United Nations diplomat; a senior advisor to Herbie Hancock as a UN Goodwill Advisor; Founder/CEO of Roar Consulting and SoundPlay; an author and more! She is a true renaissance woman who shows what is possible when you put your mind and energies to a good cause! 2023-04-1044 min