Pistakio is reimagining pistachios for a new generation of pistachio lovers by creating goes-on-anything spreads that are fun, authentic, and approachable. Fran & Nico started this journey with $1000 during their last year of college, by simply setting up a little booth at the local farmers market with their logo and “pistachios reimagined” under it. After seeing how many pistachio lovers couldn’t wait get their hands on the pistachio spreads, they decided to launch this thing for real. They’ve been featured on the Today Show, Eater, Food & Wine, Entrepreneur magazine, and much more. Such a great story about starting small and building community around your product!

Inside the episode

• Fran and Nico’s founder story to CPG food and beverage

• Why they wanted to launch a spreadable pistachio

• Strategy for creating buzz and standing out

• Advice for an emerging brand founder who’s about to launch

Alice is spreading the power of functional mushrooms in the most delightful ways possible with decadent chocolate supplements for sleep, energy and focus that have the wellness world by storm. Founders Lindsay and Charlotte met in 2020 and bonded over their shared passion for food as medicine. Lindsay, a former pharmaceutical executive, and Charlotte, a media expert and food scholar, were tired of a supplement world dominated by pills, bitter tinctures, unnatural gummies, and clumpy powders. That’s when Lindsay decided to create a product she would want to use every day and started formulating alice in her kitchen in Venice Beach. The two then teamed up to create the perfect blend of medicinal + culinary delights in each bite of alice. On this episode, Lindsay and Charlotte bring us behind the scenes!

Inside the episode

• Lindsay’s founder story from pharmaceutical executive to functional mushroom founder

• Alice’s brand story of developing chocolate supplements for sleep, energy and focus

• Strategy to stand out and brand partnerships

• Advice for an emerging brand founder starting a brand from their kitchen

Over the past two decades, Taylor Steele has immersed himself in the global community, serving as creative director of Corona Australia and creating films for National Geographic. Eventually landing in New York City, he experienced an unlikely revelation after an artist friend introduced him to premium sipping tequila. In that simple ritual, Taylor tapped into the possibility of bringing purpose to pleasure: drinking not to disconnect, but to slow down and savor each moment.

With the founding of Solento Organic Tequila, Taylor now extends his treasured ritual to all those looking to realign with their own truest essence. Born in New York City but steeped in California soul, Solento embodies the charmed duality that defines Taylor, ultimately creating space for a much-needed celebration of presence in even the most fast-paced of lives.

Inside the episode

• Taylor’s career shift from an award-winning filmmaker to CPG founder

• Solento Organic Tequila’s brand story to encourage people to slow down

• Strategy behind engaging with consumers and strategic partners

• Advice to an emerging brand founder

Beny Yogurt is your daily probiotic supplement - a delicious organic dairy yogurt made specifically for your gut. Kirsten (Kiki) recently jumped ship to co-found Beny Yogurt, a high-protein, low-carb dairy yogurt packed with the probiotic benefits of a supplement—no pills required.

Though this is Kiki's first foray into the food CPG space (prior she worked in private equity at Alpine Investors), it is by no means a surprise to anyone who knows her. Kiki grew up in Northern California and comes from a family of dairy farmers. She holds a Bachelor's from Stanford University in Human Biology.

In building Beny Yogurt, Kiki is merging her love of health, science, and her agricultural roots to create something truly special. Here’s the behind the scenes of how Beny Yogurt is coming to market!

Inside the episode

• Kiki’s career leap from private equity to CPG founder

• The story behind how the idea of Beny Yogurt

• Strategy behind creating community and demand for the brand

• Advice for an emerging brand founder getting ready to launch!

Sip Solo offers a premium line of deliciously crafted flavored syrups designed to elevate your favorite beverages. Perfect for adding a unique twist to coffee, tea, matcha, mocktails, and cocktails. Sip Solo syrups are created for on-the-go consumers. Founder Tammy Bowser leveraged her 20+ years experience in corporate accounting, corporate strategy and corporate partnerships prepared her to launch a CPG brand. Tammy is bringing us behind the scenes!

Inside the episode

• Tammy’s career shift from corporate accounting to CPG founder

• The inspiration behind creating Sip Solo

• Strategy to launch into independent retailers

• Advice for an emerging brand founder

Rawia Abdelsamad grew up in Lebanon and now calls Cleveland home. A mom of three, she pivoted from a career in management consulting to pursue her passion for food and cultural representation. This led her to create Beituti, a Lebanese-American food brand.

Beituti aims to bring the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to grocery shelves, making it easier for families to cook and enjoy authentic and healthy meals at home.

Inside the episode

• Rawia’s story leaving her career in management consulting to launch a Lebanese-American food brand

• Where the idea for Beituti came from

• Strategy to scale by building local brand community

• Advice for an emerging brand founder starting a food line

MIKUNA is redefining plant protein with Chocho, a nutrient-dense superfood grown regeneratively at high altitudes in the Andes. Rooted in Ecuadorian heritage, their products deliver clean, powerful nutrition while supporting regenerative agriculture and empowering local farming communities. They believe in fueling people and protecting the planet, one scoop at a time. Mikuna was founded by fifth-generation Ecuadorian farmer and former professional athlete, Ricky Echanique. On this episode, Ricky is taking us behind the brand.

Inside the episode

• Ricky Echanique’s founder story as a fifth-generation Ecuadorian farmer and former professional athlete

• Why Ricky created a brand to bring Chocho to new markets

• Strategy marketing Chocho in the United States

• Advice for an emerging brand founder marketing an unknown ingredient to most US consumers

NOON blends age-old adaptive, cognitive-enhancing plant technology, like functional mushrooms, with neuroscience to create next-generation, science-backed delights that support peak mental performance. Jane Wong, co-founder, CCO, and CEO of NOON, is a globally sought-after creative leader with over 15 years of expertise in design, technology, and innovation. And she’s taking us behind NOON.

Inside the episode

• Jane Wong’s story going from design and technology to CPG

• NOON’s brand story of creating a science-backed gummy

• Strategy going to market and standing out

• Advice to emerging CPG founders