#0276 - Lauren Chew - Love + Chew 🍪

Meet Lauren Chew: The "Accidental Entrepreneur" Behind Love+Chew Cookies 🍪

In 2018, Lauren went completely vegan and needed to rethink her diet—especially her sweet treats. She started experimenting in her tiny San Francisco apartment and, by 2019, transformed her side hustle into a full-fledged business: Love+Chew cookies. Her secret? Delicious, plant-based cookies made with minimal, wholesome ingredients. Fast forward to today, and you can find Love+Chew cookies in over 2,000 stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, select Costco locations, and even on Amazon! 

But what makes Lauren’s journey truly remarkable? She’s bootstrapped her business from day one with zero outside funding. With a background in business development and tech from companies like Tesla and Stem, she runs everything—from product development and marketing to sales and operations. In 2023, Lauren scaled Love+Chew from $1M to $3M in revenue and is on track to hit $5-6M this year! As a solo female founder in a competitive market, Lauren’s story is nothing short of inspiring. 

In this week’s episode, Lauren shares:

How she found the perfect co-manufacturer to scale her business 

The game-changing packaging and sales strategy introduced by Whole Foods 

How she pivoted her business strategy in response to the challenges of COVID-19

Tune in to learn how she did it all—and why Love+Chew cookies are a must-try! 

#0275 - Azure Printed Homes - Ross Maguire

Last year, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gene Eidelman, co-founder of Azure Printed Homes. Now, we’re thrilled to welcome his partner in innovation, Ross Maguire, for an exciting update on the podcast!

Azure Printed Homes is revolutionizing the way we think about living spaces with their cutting-edge 3D-printed small homes and backyard studios, paving the way for a more affordable and sustainable future.

Tune in to this episode to explore:

The groundbreaking future of home printing

How Azure is reshaping the way we live

The advanced technology that keeps Azure at the forefront of the industry

Don’t miss this insightful conversation! 

#0274 - Full Glass Wine 🍷 - Neha Kumar

When Winc, the internet's favorite wine club, filed for bankruptcy, many thought the DTC model was finished. But Neha Kumar saw something golden—true brand loyalty. 💡 She acquired Winc’s DTC arm and, through the power of scaled assets, transformed it into the lion’s share of Full Glass Wine, a $100M powerhouse with two other brands under its wing. Now, millions of loyal Winc subscribers continue to enjoy the brand they love.

🍷 Neha is also the former COO/CFO of Create & Cultivate, a Professor at UCLA, a mentor through the Women’s Abundance Collective, and a first-generation Indian-American entrepreneur. She’s redefining what it means to lead in both business and life. 💪✨

Tune in to this episode to discover:

🍷 The future of DTC wine and where the industry is headed

💡 Neha’s top tips for entrepreneurial success

📈 Exclusive insights into Neha’s innovative marketing strategies

🚀 How Full Glass Wine is optimizing efficiency and scaling to new heights

#0273 - hiyo - Evan, Cygne, and George (the future of Non-Alcohol)

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming two of the Co-Founders of Hiyo to the podcast! 

As a brand, Hiyo is on a mission to revolutionize the way we drink, advocating for healthier ways to unwind. With just 30 calories and 0% ABV per can, you no longer have to choose between feeling good and maintaining your health. Hiyo delivers on both taste and functionality, offering a non-alcoholic option that inspires more relaxation on the sofa, more hangover-free happy hours, more presence at parties, and ultimately, a happier, healthier you. 

 On this week’s episode, you’ll discover: 

 - How Hiyo offers a healthier way to unwind, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages. 

- The growing trend of social tonics and how they are transforming social drinking. - The unique market need Hiyo fulfills with its blend of adaptogens and nootropics.

 - The evolving landscape of alcohol consumption and the shift towards mindful drinking. Tune in to hear more about Hiyo’s journey, mission, and the incredible benefits of their social tonic.

#0272 - Tantos - Chef Joe Sasto & Sean Knecht launch a CPG company

Today, we're thrilled to have Chef Joe Sasto and Sean Knecht as our guests.

Joe Sasto, inspired by his lifelong passion for pasta, founded Tantos, the ultimate pasta chip!  Tantos is a brand that embodies the Italian expression "Tanto Si," meaning "so much yes." From a young age, Joe's talent for cooking was evident. He trained under some of the Bay Area's top chefs, contributing to the success of Michelin-starred Lazy Bear and Quince. You've also seen him on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network’s Tournament of Champions and Chopped.

Sean Knecht, since 2013, has helped Fortune 500 companies, hotels, breweries, and pet retailers leverage the emotional bond between customers and their pets to boost revenue and brand recognition. He provides award-winning customizable pet accessories for resale and promotional use. Sean has appeared on ABC's Shark Tank and has been featured in Inc., Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and Buzzfeed. His clients include Petco, Tito's Vodka, Subaru, Houston Astros, Bumble, Heineken, ESPN, and more.

On this episode you’ll discover:

How Tantos is Revolutionizing Pasta: Tantos revolutionizes pasta by transforming it into a gourmet snack with its unique process of drying, puffing, and seasoning pasta to crispy perfection.

Joe’s Incredible Culinary Journey: Chef Joe Sasto’s remarkable culinary journey took him from a young cooking enthusiast to a Michelin-starred chef, culminating in his innovative creation of the Tantos pasta chip.

Sean & Joe’s Launch Strategy: Sean Knecht and Joe Sasto’s launch strategy combined Sean’s brand expertise with Joe’s culinary innovation to successfully introduce Tantos to the market.

#0271 - Rosalynn Supper Club - Chef Jasper Lynn

Join us in welcoming Chef Jasper Lynn, this week’s special guest! 

To celebrate the grand opening of the Rosalynn Summer Series at Little City Farm, we're giving away two tickets to Thursday's event! To enter, head over to our Instagram! The winner will be announced at 3pm on Wednesday!

Chef Jasper Lynn, recognized as House of Suntory’s 2023 Rising Chef of the Year and featured by the James Beard Foundation at the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, is known for his bold Asian flavors with New American and French influences. His culinary excellence at Rosalynn earned him a feature on Netflix's Bling Empire (Season 2).

Rosalynn started as a passion project during the pandemic in August 2020. Chef Jasper, a former tech PM and consultant for companies like Apple and UPS Capital, began hosting dinner parties, which evolved into one of the most coveted private dining experiences in Los Angeles. He is also launching YEAT HAY, his new CPG and lifestyle brand, and hosts the viral video podcast 'The Durian Pod.'

In this episode, you'll learn about:

- Chef Jasper’s Summer Series at Little City Farm

- His near-death experience

- The launch of YEAT-HAY, the first Asian chimichurri sauce on the market

- His journey from tech to culinary success with Rosalynn Supper Club

#0270 - Bio.me - Shannon Race

Join us as we welcome Shannon Race, co-founder of Bio.me, to our podcast this week. 

 With over 12 years of experience in marketing and brand strategy, Shannon is currently a Principal at Starshot Ventures, where she leads investment strategy and advises portfolio brands. 

She also co-founded bio.me, a pioneering gut health and fiber supplement company, and serves as a board member and strategic advisor for Koia plant-based protein drinks. Shannon has spoken at industry events such as Create & Cultivate, BeautyCon, and BevNET. 

Bio.me is a female-founded company dedicated to improving gut health with effective, science-backed supplements. Their products, including bio.me Daily Prebiotic Fiber, bio.me Fiber Rescue, and bio.me Daily Synbiotic, aim to rebalance the microbiome and support overall digestive wellness. Better gut health leads to more energy, better sleep, reduced bloating, and a stronger immune system.  

On this episode you’ll learn:

How to Create a Strong Brand Identity: Discover the essential steps to build a brand that stands out, from understanding your audience and crafting a clear message to maintaining visual consistency and sharing an authentic story.

The Power of Fiber in Boosting Gut Health: Learn how fiber supports digestion, balances the microbiome, reduces inflammation, enhances nutrient absorption, boosts immunity, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. 

Key Business Tips from Shannon & Co-Founder Chloe Melas: Gain valuable insights from their experiences in growing successful brands and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

#0269 - Cryo Healthcare - Emilia and Jonas Kuehne MD

Join us this week as we welcome the founders of Cryo Healthcare, Emilia and Jonas Kuehne, MD! 

Emilia and Jonas Kuehne, MD, are the visionary minds behind Cryo Healthcare, a pioneering venture that began in 2009. Their journey started in Berlin, Germany, where they discovered the transformative benefits of Cryotherapy. Driven by their passion for wellness, they brought this innovative therapy to the United States, becoming trailblazers of Whole Body Cryotherapy in the country. 

 As the inaugural enterprise to introduce this cutting-edge therapy in the US, Emilia and Jonas have helped countless individuals experience the remarkable benefits of Cryotherapy. 

The success of their first year operating from home inspired them to expand, leading to the establishment of a larger, state-of-the-art facility on La Cienega Blvd in West Hollywood. Cryohealthcare is dedicated to enhancing lives through non-pharmaceutical, preventive healthcare. Their mission is to improve the well-being of their clients and encourage healthier lifestyles.

In this episode, you'll discover: 

🥶 The benefits of Cryotherapy for reducing inflammation, preventing diseases, and promoting healing. 

🥶The link between inflammation and aging. 

🥶 The critical role of recovery in enhancing overall health. 

🥶 Join the Cryohealthcare team on a journey towards wellness and experience the transformative power of Cryotherapy, where health meets innovation.

#0268 - Ground Up - Julie Sullivan 🫙🥜

Please join us in welcoming our guest, Julie Sullivan, co-founder of Ground Up! 

Ground Up was founded in 2016 when Julie returned from Uganda, where she had been leading an employment training program for women overcoming poverty. Back in her hometown of Portland, Oregon, Julie recognized a similar need for such programs locally. 

Ground Up is a mission-driven business dedicated to providing job training to womxn overcoming adversity in the Portland area. By producing and selling healthy, delicious nut butters, Ground Up empowers womxn with the confidence and skills they need to rebuild their lives.

On this week's episode, you’ll discover: 

Ground Up’s innovative influencer marketing strategy

Their remarkable journey to success in both e-commerce and retail 

Julie’s inspiring story of creating the empowering Ground Up employment program

#0267 - Sender One - Alice Kao

Join us as we welcome this week’s guest, Alice Kao. Alice discovered climbing while living and working in London in 2008 after a difficult breakup. Inspired by the healing and self-discovery that climbing brought her, she co-founded Sender One in 2011 upon returning to the United States with her business partners. Alice hates following rules but excels at getting people to believe in her ideas.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- How Alice’s experience as a ‘parachute kid’ shaped her life.

- Diego’s insights on transforming your mindset and turning problems into opportunities.

- Alice’s unique perspective on entrepreneurship.

- Her journey from a side gig to full-time success.

#0266 - Fungiments - Maria Camila Giraldo

Join us as we dive into Maria Camila Giraldo's incredible journey to founding Fungiments! After hitting dead ends on her healing journey from a severe accident, Maria connected to a doctor who introduced her to the power of functional mushrooms. Before working with her functional doctor, Maria had gone through an array of treatments including traditional prescriptions to help with anxiety, stress, and more but left her symptoms worse. After several months of research and development, Fungiments was born, and combines the best of nature and science, only using sustainably sourced and clinically proven ingredients. 

Before building her wellness empire, you may have seen Maria on TV. After starring in shows like Queen of the South in Latin America, the Colombian actress made her US acting debut this year with a role on Netflix’s Griselda – along with two highly anticipated films with actors, Alec Baldwin and Al Pacino premiering later this year. 

In this week's episode, you'll learn:

•  The pivotal moment that led Maria Camila to explore the amazing benefits of mushrooms.

•  How Fungiments is adding fun and "superpowers" to everyday life!

•  The incredible power of natural alternatives for boosting energy and easing anxiety.

#0265 - Cargo Crew - Felicity Rodgers

Please join us in welcoming this week’s guest, Felicity Rodgers, the Co-Founder of Cargo Crew, an Australian-born, female-led, and family-run uniform brand.

Since 2002, Cargo Crew has been on a mission to reinvent the modern uniform. Today, the brand proudly serves 45,000 teams across more than 80 countries, catering to both B2B and D2C sectors. From casual home chefs to what Founder and Chief Creative Officer Felicity Rodgers calls "makers, bakers, and creatives," Cargo Crew's clientele includes renowned names such as Paris Hilton, Curtis Stone, Goop, Netflix, Claus Meyer, and Melbourne & Olympic Parks.

On this week’s episode you’ll learn:

• The story behind Cargo Crew's collaboration with Goop!

• The exciting expansion plans for Cargo Crew.

• How Cargo Crew is revolutionizing the uniform industry.

#0264 - Honey Mamas - Christy Goldsby (Diego's favorite snack 🍫)

Please join us in welcoming this week’s guest, Christy Goldsby, the visionary founder of Honey Mama’s.

Christy was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, in a family of passionate cooks, bakers, and gardeners. From an early age, she experienced the kitchen as a place of creativity and joy. In 2010, her personal health journey inspired her to combine two lifelong passions: indulgent, delicious foods and the empowerment that comes from personal wellness.

Honey Mama’s began with a lightbulb moment. Influenced by the importance of gut health, Christy discovered that a combination of superfood ingredients could replicate the taste and texture of the most indulgent treats. Two years later, she introduced her honey-sweetened truffle bars at the Portland State Farmers Market. Within a few months, Honey Mama’s products were available on grocery store shelves.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

🍫 Christy’s entrepreneurial journey

🍫 Her innovative chocolate marketing strategy

🍫 How she transformed her life through clean eating

🍫 The revolutionary impact Honey Mama’s has had on healthy treats

Tune in to be inspired by Christy’s story and gain insights into her approach to wellness and entrepreneurship.

#0263 - Troop - Stephanie Moyal & Jake Mellman 🍄

Join us as we welcome Stephanie Moyal & Jake Mellman, cousins, friends, and visionary co-founders of Troop! 

Jake and Stephanie founded Troop with a mission to demystify mushrooms and make their incredible benefits accessible to everyone. They believe that nature, especially mushrooms, holds many of the answers we seek. 

 In this episode, you'll discover:

🍄 The remarkable power of mushrooms in healing mental health 

🍄 How Jake and Stephanie explored the complex mushroom kingdom and started cultivating their own 

🍄 Ways to boost your brain health with Troop's innovative products 

Don't miss this enlightening conversation about the transformative potential of mushrooms!