Isabelle Steichen is the CEO and co-founder of Lupii, a plant-based, sustainable food brand known for its protein bars and newly launched pastas. Lupii uses the lupini bean as its main ingredient and source of plant-based protein, and to create simple, sustainable, and delicious food to keep you going. After becoming “obsessed” with lupini beans and in-depth research, it became Isabelle’s mission to introduce this protein-packed bean to more people worldwide. She and her co-founder Allie Dempster then launched Lupii in January 2020.

 

Isabelle’s conversation with Katie Hankinson is absolutely loaded with value and insights for entrepreneurs in all industries. Isabelle shares tons of advice on finding the right business partner with complementary skills and why she and Allie work so well together. She also discusses lessons she’s learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey: early R&D with actual customers, benefits of working with influencers, not rushing growth, and the “retail playbook.”

 

Feeling snackish after listening to this episode? Lupii products can be found in 400 retailers nationally. You can locate your nearest Lupii products on their website.

 

In-flight topics:

• Finding a business partner 
• Refocusing on DTC during the pandemic
• Importance of transparency in building a brand
• Educating your customers through marketing
• Building authentic relationships with influencers 
• Developing sustainable packaging
• Having a growth mindset as an entrepreneur
• …and so much more!

 

Connect with Isabelle:

Lupii website: https://getlupii.com/ 

Lupii on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getlupii/ 

Isabelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-steichen-she-her-1523b969/ 

The Plantiful Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plantiful-podcast/id1157229959