Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)

Colleen Kavanagh, CEO of Zego, shares how she’s leveraging a $3 Million USDA grant to expand Zego’s capacity and enhance the U.S. gluten-free grain supply chain through the acquisition of a processing facility. She talks about the importance of listening to farmers, explains why Montana oats are the cream of the crop, and shares how she’s helping build the future of purity verified and nutrient dense foods. Discover how her inclusive approach supports U.S. farmers, reduces costs for brands, and promotes a better food future for all.

Key Topics:

• Zego Foods and CIVC Montana’s acquisition of a processing facility in Montana
• The expanded capacity and cost reduction for her brand, Zego Foods
• How she’s helping other brands save up to a $1 their retail price
• The importance of listening to farmers and customers before defining services, pricing, and processes
• Securing and then re-securing the $3M USDA grants for expansion
• Supporting U.S. farmers and brands in gluten-free grain processing
• How Colleen is using AI to be more confident and efficient in her business
• How the new business model helps Zego Foods lean into its mission
• Zego’s Purity Verified commitment and expansion
• Partnering with Edacious to measure nutrient density of regenerative grains

Sound bites:

• “If we can decrease a brand’s cost by say 25 cents at the mill between co-packing and milling, that saves them a dollar on price point on the shelf.”
• “We have developed a new way of pricing organic grain so that it is a lower price add-on compared to conventional to really encourage brands to go organic.” 
• “The rug was ripped out from underneath us. So by providing that transparency into what was happening with us on the ground and what it meant for other people, it gave people like OTA and CCOF the information that they needed to then go and tell those stories on our behalf in DC.”
• “Hulless oats are higher in protein and fiber and iron. Those oats only like to grow in arid climates. So Montana is perfect. We're high, we're dry. We have the right growing season.”
• “Vertically integrating has been fascinating and I have learned so much by listening. I came into this not knowing very much about farming, milling, equipment, or B2B sales for that matter.”
• “I just listened to their problems. And that's how I got to learn more and more about just how challenging it is, what we're asking them to do and what we really need to do to support their business if we want them to support ours.”
• “Zego Foods at its heart is 51 % for-profit company and 49 % advocacy organization.”
• “We test for about 500 different pesticides, and for mycotoxins, gluten allergens and the big four heavy metals. All of that is traceable.”

Chapters:

03:00 Introduction and Guest Background

05:51 Winning the USDA Grant for Grain Expansion

09:16 Challenges of Growing Gluten-Free and Organic Crops

12:29 Lower Margins and Volume Strategies

15:40 Implementing Vertical Integration in Grain Supply

20:51 Supporting Farmers and Building Relationships

24:27 Dealing with Weather and Supply Risks

33:11 Montana Oats and Impact of Growing Conditions

37:01 Working in Harmony with Nature

46:06 Future of Purity Verification and Industry Data

53:38 Favorite Snacks and Food Innovations

54:03 Life-Changing Books and Learning

61:40 What a Better World Means to Colleen

01:03:28 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Links:

Colleen Kavanagh on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zegofoods/

Zego Foods - https://zegofoods.com

Zego Foods on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/zego/

Zego Foods on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ZEGOFoods/

Zego Foods on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zegofoods/

Zego Foods on X - https://x.com/ZegoFoods

Zego Foods on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9caEodIwrGchJ8wsSZ4UdA

…

Uncommon Business, Automate to Accelerate Program - https://theuncommonbusiness.co/

Edacious, Nutrient Density and Toxicity Testing - https://www.edacious.com/

…

…

Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/

Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/

Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/

Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

…

Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/

…

Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/

Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/

Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetwork

Heritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_Radio

Heritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/

Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

…

The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kristin Fracassi, founder & CEO of Root & Splendor, and Alecia Nelson, the COO, share the origin story of a premium non-toxic laundry detergent and stain remover - developed by a mom of four who went down a rabbit hole on natural product ingredients and didn't like what she found. Kristin talks about working with formulation chemists and enzyme scientists, the moment when lab results confirmed her product matched the efficacy of big-name brands, and why full ingredient transparency is a non-negotiable for the brand. Alecia shares what it's like to join a brand she watched grow from the dream stage, and what's on the horizon with a new kitchen product line built to the same uncompromising standards. They wrap up by reflecting on how Naturally Network has opened door after door after door.

Takeaways:

• Root & Splendor makes premium, fully non-toxic laundry detergent and stain remover formulated with 100% plant-based ingredients, scented with natural essential oils, and priced at about 33 cents per load.
• Kristin started the brand as a mom and homesteader, not an entrepreneur, after discovering that many "natural" products still contain harmful ingredients
• Root & Splendor is one of only a few laundry brands to achieve EWG Verified status, a third-party certification from the Environmental Working Group.
• Five years of R&D with formulation chemists and enzyme scientists resulted in a product that matches the efficacy of major conventional brands without any harmful ingredients.
• Their packaging delivers an 800% reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional alternatives.
• Full ingredient transparency is a core brand commitment with every ingredient is listed on the package along with an explanation of what it does.
• Kristin describes conscious business as a daily choice because every day brings opportunities to cut corners.
• Root & Splendor is now expanding into a kitchen product line, holding to the same standards of plant-based formulation, premium efficacy, and sustainable packaging.
• The brand continues to grow organically through word of mouth from customers who try the product and tell their friends.
• Winning the Naturally San Diego Pitch Slam was a turning point for the brand, opening doors to other pitch slams, awards, and a deeply supportive network of industry peers.

Sound Bites:

• "I was willing to sacrifice efficacy for safety, and then I did a deep dive into the ingredients and learned that a lot of natural ingredients are still not safe."
• "We formulate for safety and efficacy. Every ingredient is safe for people, pets, the environment, and fabrics."
• "I had no intention of starting a business, but once I realized we had something truly different, I wanted to bring it to everyone."
• "There are a million ways to cut corners as a business owner. Every day I choose to stay true to our values and our standards."
• "The consumer is really smart. They're educated. They know what they're looking for. The greenwashing in this space, it's pretty wild."
• "There's no reason to sacrifice safety or efficacy. You can have both."
• "This wasn't developed in a boardroom. This was developed by women, for women."
• "Don't ever give up on a stain."

Links:

Alecia Nelson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecialnelson/

Kristin Fracassi LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinfracassirootandsplendor/

Root & Splendor Website - https://rootandsplendor.com/

Root & Splendor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/root-and-splendor/people/

Root & Splendor on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootandsplendor

Root & Splendor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootandsplendor

…

Naturally Network: www.naturallynetwork.org

…

Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/

Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/

Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/

Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

…

Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/

…

Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/

Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/

Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetwork

Heritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_Radio

Heritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/

Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

…

The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This conversation explores the critical issues surrounding seed sovereignty, the threats posed by UPOV, and the collaborative efforts to promote food integrity and indigenous seed saving through the 'Free the Seed' campaign. Megan Westgate of Non-GMO Project and Lauren Cardeli of A Growing Culture talk about how they came to work together on this issue and share insights on the importance of biodiversity, community-led seed libraries, and the power of storytelling in transforming the food system. They then share how you can get involved in the campaign and join their learning journey. 

Key Topics:

• UPOV treaty and its impact on indigenous seed saving
• Farmers being put in jail for saving their own seeds
• The importance of biodiversity and seed diversity
• How Non GMO Project and A Growing Culture came together to build this campaign
• The difference between seed vaults/morgues and community-led living seed libraries
• 4 sessions of the Free The Seed learning journey
• The role of storytelling and narrative in food activism
• Strategies for engaging brands and communities in seed sovereignty

Sound Bites:

• “Humans have the ability to imagine the end of the world easier than the end of capitalism.”
• “[Those kinds of seed libraries are] what I call a seed morgue, because that's where seed goes to die.”
• “Living seed libraries exist through community mechanisms and community ownership where those seeds are being saved and adapting and growing and living throughout.”
• "It's illegal to save seed in many countries."
• "Seed saving is essential for human survival.”
• “Life is regenerative inherently.”
• “Think about what does ‘right relationship’ look like for me and for my business.”
• “Food should nourish life.”
• “Our national identities are stories, our faiths are stories, our belief systems are stories. That is the power of narrative.”
• "We shouldn't be scared of them, they should be scared of us. Because the reality is that every dam will be broken by a heavy rain."

Chapters:

03:00 Introduction to Food Integrity and Sovereignty

04:02 Understanding UPOV and Its Impact

12:53 The Importance of Seed Diversity

22:53 The Role of Seed Libraries

33:03 Building Relationships in the Food System

42:57 The Free the Seed Initiative

43:25 Exploring Seed Power and Policy

47:39 Engaging Brands in the Learning Journey

49:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Food Sovereignty

58:05 The Role of Storytelling in Food Integrity

01:04:20 Building Community and Resilience

Links:

Megan Westgate on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganethompson/

Lauren Cardeli on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/loren-cardeli-5754b828/

…

Free The Seed - https://freetheseed.org/

UPOV Convention - https://www.upov.org/

Food Sovereignty Movements - https://foodsovereigntymovement.org/

Seed Libraries and Community Seed Banks - https://seedfreedom.info/seed-libraries/

…

Non-GMO Project - https://www.nongmoproject.org/

Non-GMO Project on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nongmoproject/

Non-GMO Project on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nongmoproject

Non-GMO Project on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nongmoproject/

A Growing Culture - https://growingculture.org/

A Growing Culture on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-growing-culture/

A Growing Culture on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AGrowingCulture/

A Growing Culture on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agrowingculture/

A Growing Culture on X - https://x.com/agcconnect

…

Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/

Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/

Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/

Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

…

Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/

…

Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/

Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/

Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetwork

Heritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_Radio

Heritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/

Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

…

The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Val Emanuel and Rebecca Caputo, co-founders of Rif Care, share the story behind their brand, the first period care company to make products from hemp fiber and what it took to build that supply chain from scratch. Val and Rebecca talk about what conscious business really means in the feminine care space, where greenwashing is rampant and efficacy can't be sacrificed for sustainability's sake. They dig into the barriers they pushed through with scouring manufacturers, connecting dots across countries, and even how to deliver their first products themselves. We also zoom out on the broader women's health movement gaining momentum in CPG, and why they believe that when women are healthy, the planet is healthy. They wrap up by reflecting on the Naturally Network minority-owned fellowship and how the cohort they went through didn't just open doors, they became family.

Takeaways:

• Rif Care makes period care products out of organic cotton and hemp fiber - pads, period underwear, tampons, and thong panty liners
• They were the first company to make period products out of hemp fiber, pioneering a supply chain that didn't exist when they started.
• The hemp supply chain was built brick by brick, including connecting their manufacturer in one country with a hemp supplier in another just to get their first prototypes made.
• Hemp proved to be an ideal material — abundant, fast-growing, and sourced from upcycled fiber, making their supply chain both resilient and sustainable.
• Conscious business for Rif Care means efficacy first — a period product has to actually work and be made with the best materials possible.
• The period care industry has a significant greenwashing problem, and Rif Care's commitment to transparency is a direct response to that.
• Val and Rebecca see women's health as one of the most exciting and underserved frontiers in CPG — from PMS to menopause — and actively partner with and amplify other brands in the space.
• Women still receive only 3% of venture funding, yet Val and Rebecca see enormous opportunity for investors, partners, and brand ambassadors in the women's health space.
• Through the Naturally Network minority-owned fellowship, Rif Care learned how to build sales decks, talk to retailers, and develop distribution channels that helped them reach and maintain the number one spot at Erewhon.

Sound Bites:

• "We're going to walk the walk. We're going to talk the talk."
• "There were people trying to make hemp feminine care for 10 years and we got a sample in like two weeks. It was completely a paper wall."
• "I don't drive a truck, you know? We had to learn how to drive a U-Haul to pick up our products and deliver them to distributors."
• "There's so many more opportunities for companies to fill that gap in women's health."
• "If women are healthy, the planet is healthy."
• "The people that we did the Naturally Network Fellowship with are still our best friends. We cry together, we laugh together, and we have kept in touch more than any other accelerator that all of us have ever been in."

Links:

Val Emanuel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valemanuel/

Rebecca Caputo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcaputo/

Rif Care: https://rifcare.com/

Rif Care LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rifcares/

Rif Care on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rifcare/

Rif Care on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rifcare

...

Naturally Network: www.naturallynetwork.org

…

Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/

Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/

Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/

Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

…

Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/

…

Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/

Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/

Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetwork

Heritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_Radio

Heritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/

Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

…

The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gagan Levy discusses his book 'Start Your Own Damn Cult,' exploring how ancient yoga principles can be applied to leadership, business, and building authentic movements. The conversation covers the eight codes derived from the eight limbs of yoga, practical applications for leaders, and the importance of play, integrity, and systemic thinking in creating regenerative impact. Gagan’s shares examples of movement building led by his agency, Guru, and talks about most surprising challenges he’s faced leading his agency for the past 17 years. We then wrap up by talking about how we all need more compassion for ourselves, each other, and the planet in order to build a better world.

Key Topics:

• The inspiration behind 'Start Your Own Damn Cult'
• Personal journey of writing the book and overcoming challenges
• The eight codes derived from the eight limbs of yoga
• Applying yoga principles to leadership and business
• The role of integrity and do no harm in building movements
• The importance of play and joy in serious work
• Systemic thinking in regenerative food and business movements
• Examples of movements embodying the principles
• The challenges and opportunities of leading a creative agency
• Using AI and culture-centered design for marketing

Sound Bites:

• "Culture can't spell cult without culture."
• “You think about the physical movement side of yoga, but a lot of folks don't know that there's actually eight limbs of yoga.”
• “I couldn't stop writing for four days. It flowed through me. I literally felt like I was a vessel and it was pouring, spirit was just pouring through.”
• “I started to see people be more innovative when they were more playful.”
• “We're catalyzing cults from the inside out. We’re helping them come into alignment with all the stakeholders in a flow state, and then we can amplify that.”
• “AI is totally disrupting creative work, you know, writing, designing, ideation. It's disrupting the whole industry. It's a really juicy moment and it's causing us to polish the mirror and evolve.”
• “I'm a surfer and one of the most important things to me is how we take care of our oceans.”
• “A better world, to me, means one where we have more compassion for ourselves, for each other, and for the planet.”

Lessons to Action:

• Reflect on your own leadership using the eight codes
• Incorporate play into your work process
• Use AI insights to understand cultural subgroups
• Practice integrity and do no harm in your business

Chapters:

03:00 Introduction to Gagan Levy and His Work

06:01 The Inspiration Behind 'Start Your Own Damn Cult'

08:55 The Eight Codes: A Framework for Conscious Leadership

11:51 The Yamas: Ethical Foundations for Business

15:02 Cultivate Codex: Integrating Yoga Principles into Leadership

18:07 The Flow of Writing: From Inspiration to Structure

20:56 Case Study: Regenerative Organic Certification Movement

38:19 Catalyzing Change Through Collaboration

41:07 The Power of Play in Serious Work

51:12 Navigating the AI Disruption

01:03:15 Personal Insights and Recommendations

Links:

Gagan Levy on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/gagan-levy

Start Your Own Damn Cult (Book) -https://www.weareguru.com/cultstarter

Guru - https://www.weareguru.com/

Guru on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareguru/

…

Ram Dass - Be Here Now - https://www.amazon.com/Be-Here-Now-Ram-Dass/dp/0517543052

…

Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/

Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/

Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/

Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

…

Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/

…

Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/

Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/

Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetwork

Heritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_Radio

Heritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/

Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

…

The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jason Schwartze, founder of Moonglade Craft Soda, shares the decades-long journey from a kitchen obsession with perfecting ginger beer to a freshly launched line of certified organic farmers market-inspired craft sodas. He talks about his background as a park ranger and agricultural inspector, how that shaped his passion for regenerative farming and ocean health, and why joining 1% for the Planet felt less like a business decision and more like an extension of who he already was. Jason digs into the innovations that made Moonglade possible, from solving the carbonation problem in organic beverages to discovering a mushroom fiber extract preservative that keeps his sodas shelf stable. He wraps up by inviting the community to seek out products that are real. And to trust that when something comes from a family and a farmers market, it probably is.

Takeaways:

• Moonglade Craft Soda is a family business out of Oceanside, California that got its start at farmers markets about ten years ago.
• The brand just launched four certified organic RTD cans, farmers market inspired craft sodas, with roughly half the sugar of conventional soda.
• Jason's background in agriculture, and as a park ranger, directly informs his commitment to supporting farmers and regenerative practices.
• Moonglade is a 1% for the Planet member, with a focus on two causes: supporting organic and regenerative agriculture, and keeping plastics out of the ocean.
• A key innovation for the brand was solving the carbonation loss problem that usually plagues natural sodas.
• Moonglade uses a natural mushroom fiber extract as a preservative that keeps the product shelf stable without affecting flavor.
• Jason credits Naturally Network with helping him solidify his growth strategy giving him the clarity and confidence he needed to move forward.
• Conscious business is a personal ethos for Jason, not just a marketing strategy.

Sound Bites:

• "I basically became obsessed with trying to find a better ginger beer."
• "It can't be forced, it can't be contrived. What I'm doing is not contrived. It is who I am."
• "I probably would have given up if the iterative process wasn't a thing. Every time I do something, I have to keep going because it's so much better."
• "Nobody wants a flat root beer."
• "If it came from a family and a farmers market, it's probably pretty real."
• "She just gave me some real clear goals and strategy that I felt like I'd never had before and just gave me a ton of confidence. Without Naturally Network, we wouldn't have had that."

Links:

Jason Schwartze on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-schwartze-9057b12a3/

Moonglade Craft Soda: https://moongladesoda.com/

Moonglade Craft Soda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moonglade-craft-soda/people/

Moonglade Craft Soda on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoongladeCraftSoda

Moonglade Craft Soda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moongladesoda/

...

Naturally Network: www.naturallynetwork.org

…

Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/

Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/

Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/

Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

…

Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/

…

Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/

Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/

Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetwork

Heritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_Radio

Heritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/

Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

…

The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover the inspiring story of Audra Query, founder of Girl Meets Dirt, who transitioned from a Wall Street career to building a seasonally rooted, award-winning preserves business on Orcas Island. This episode explores her journey of intentional living, embracing seasonality, and balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with a meaningful lifestyle. We talk about the benefits of doing things the hard way, the challenges of running a business on an island, and resisting the pressure to scale. Enjoy!

Key Topics:

• Audra's transition from a Wall Street career to rural entrepreneurship
• The importance of seasonality and place in food business storytelling
• How her upbringing and background shaped her values and business approach
• Challenges of building a business on a small island and strategies for resilience
• Balancing motherhood, personal values, and business growth
• The role of intuition, openness, and serendipity in entrepreneurial success
• Future aspirations: scaling versus maintaining mission-driven quality
• Lessons learned from market research, community support, and mindful scaling
• The significance of storytelling, terroir, and authenticity in premium food brands
• Insights for entrepreneurs seeking to create resilient, meaningful businesses

 Sound Bites:

• “I had what I call an accidental career on Wall Street that lasted for 10 years.”
• “I looked at [my mentor] and despite my admiration I said, I don't want that life.”
• "There's no such thing as work-life balance. There's a pendulum, and it swings."
• “I needed to carve a path for myself that accommodated my values.”
• “He actually said, how about the islands? Why don't we move there? I was like, yes, but who are you and what did you do with my husband?”
• “I see this lovely little fence garden and six garden beds and the wheels start turning
• “The origins of Girl Meets Dirt was my personal story and journey of getting my hands dirty and teaching myself how to grow things. It started with seeds and vegetables, which I then started preserving. Then one fruit tree yielded 150 pounds of plums and things changed.”
• “I'm a storyteller, a writer. That's where my real heart and soul is. And I thought, there's a really special story to tell here about terroir and rootedness and seasonality and sense of place.”
• “We're still doing things the hard way, you know, making things in six copper pots on an island and each jar ships via the ferry. It's very difficult to run a business on this island.”
• "Part of our operational strategy is in harvest we take in all the fruit and then we prep and freeze it. Then we can cook off throughout the year so that we're busy, and we can also respond better to demand.”
• “I think it's challenging for us though as a CPG brand and the expectations to scale. I know how to do it, but I've resisted it this whole time because I want to see how far I can get doing it the way that I'm doing it, which is highly attuned to my mission and my morals.”
• “Keep doing the same thing, that one thing until you cannot possibly do it any better.”
• “If I start to think it doesn't seem possible, I'm actually drawn to it even more.”

Lessons to Action:

• Focus on doing one thing well and optimize it
• Trust your journey and listen to your intuition
• Build a business that aligns with your values and lifestyle

Timestamps: 

03:00 - Introduction to Audra Query and Girl Meets Dirt’s story

05:25 - From Wall Street to Orcas Island: making a pivotal life change

08:08 - The influence of mentorship and the realization to pursue purpose

12:00 - Embracing seasonality and place in food production

15:38 - The journey of buying land and starting a garden

20:32 - Personal story behind the genesis of Girl Meets Dirt

25:27 - Navigating challenges of island business and seasonality

31:21 - Community support, wholesale growth, and local connections

34:44 - Motherhood, business expansion, and balancing priorities

39:45 - Unique challenges and strategies of island entrepreneurship

45:21 - Future growth plans, ambitions, and the question of scale

50:30 - Overcoming industry pressures and staying true to mission

57:08 - Favorite foods, recipes, and inspiring books

61:37 - The importance of ingredients, flavor, and authenticity

64:49 - Vision for a better world through shared food and communityResources & Links:

Links:

Audra Query on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/audra-query-9920064/

Girl Meets Dirt - https://girlmeetsdirt.com

Girl Meets Dirt on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/girl-meets-dirt/

Girl Meets Dirt on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/girlmeetsdirt 

Girl Meets Dirt on Instagram - https://instagram.com/girlmeetsdirt

Girl Meets Dirt on X - https://x.com/GirlMeetsDirt

Girl Meets Dirt on Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/girlmeetsdirt

…

Messy Confiture by Christine Faber - https://www.amazon.com/Messes-Confiture-Christine-Faber/dp/

…

Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/

Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/

Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/

Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

…

Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/

…

Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/

Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/

Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetwork

Heritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_Radio

Heritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/

Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

…

The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scott Zimmerman, CEO and founder of Loli's Foods, shares the story behind his brand of clean, fresh, and functional sauces, dips, and dressings and why manufacturing locally in Southern California isn't just a values choice, it's a competitive advantage.

He discusses how self-manufacturing gave Loli's the control they needed to source the right ingredients and build deep relationships with regional retailers. Scott talks about the innovation happening on the outer perimeter of the store, where fresher, cleaner products are finally getting the shelf space they deserve, and shares his vision for a food system built around real ingredients and regional supply chains. He wraps up by talking about the role Naturally Network has played in Loli's journey and why finding community might be the most underrated strategy in the CPG playbook.

Takeaways:

• Loli's Foods makes clean, fresh, and functional sauces, dips, and dressings, including classic flavors and just launched a couple of new recipes.
• The brand is named in honor of Scott's grandmother Loli, and that family legacy shapes every ingredient and sourcing decision they make.
• Loli's manufactures their own products in Pasadena, CA, which gives them full control over ingredient quality, supplier relationships, and product freshness.
• No manufacturer could meet their standards for clean, fresh, and functional, so they built it themselves.
• The biggest growth opportunity Scott sees is the outer perimeter of the store, where consumers are increasingly seeking fresh alternatives to shelf-stable products.
• A more regional, localized food system, similar to the European model, is Scott's vision for where food innovation should head.
• Scott credits Naturally Network as a key catalyst for Loli's growth, having won the Pitch Slam in 2024.
• Finding community as an entrepreneur isn't just good for business, Scott calls it "healthy therapy".

Sound Bites:

• "Being conscious of what you put into your body, using the best ingredients for the people you love, is synonymous with how we do business."
• "It really helps early stage to be able to hold on and control that quality control on the product, especially how we feel when our grandma's name is on the bottle."
• "You can get the same price product that is two years old on a dry shelf for the same price over at fresh that's a highly better quality product."
• "I tell everybody on the team or anybody I bump into that we wouldn't be here without Naturally Network."
• "The business is hard enough and the industry is hard enough. So if you can find community, it's such a weight off your shoulders.”\

Links:

Scott Zimmerman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-08436285/

Loli's Website: https://eatlolis.com/

Loli’s on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatlolis/

Loli’s on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatlolis

Loli's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loli-s/

…

Naturally Network: www.naturallynetwork.org

…

Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/

Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/

Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/

Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

…

Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/

…

Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/

Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/

Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetwork

Heritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_Radio

Heritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/

Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

…

The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three Latin-American food brands saw the opportunity to go further, faster, together – so they took it. Stefanie Garcia Turner of Tuyyo, Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde, and Regina Trillo of Nemi share how they met, why they decided to merge their businesses and brands, and what their vision is for the new brand, unified under Tuyyo. The three woman-and-minoroty-owned brands share a mission of amplifying their Latin-American food culture through authentic and innovative latin foods, representation food culture, and community impact . Learn how this strategic merger will allows each leader to lean into their strengths, and how collaboration aligned on shared values can accelerate growth in the challenger food brand space.

Takeaways:

• The origins and individual missions of Jocelyn of Todo Verde, Regina of Nemi Snacks, and Stephanie of Tuyyo Foods
• The strategic process behind their merger—personality tests, role division, and cultural alignment
• How they’ll leverage their merger to reduce costs, expand categories, and innovate faster
• Transition strategies for branding, retail placement, and consumer education across their unified brand Tuyyo Foods
• Supply chain synergies and efforts to lower COGS by 35% or more through manufacturing and sourcing efficiencies
• The broader vision: promoting Latin American flavors regionally and globally while supporting farmers and sustainability
• Challenges faced—costs of rebranding, education hurdles around regional products, and maintaining brand integrity
• The importance of shared values, culture fit, and a growth mindset for successful mergers
• Recommendations for founders considering collaboration and merger as a growth pathway
• Book and resource recommendations around exponential thinking, sensory storytelling, and personal spirituality
• Thoughts on building a healthier food system rooted in equity, community, and transparent ingredient sourcing

Sound Bites:

• “We can create something that is even bigger, that is even more impactful, that really is going to make a dent in the food industry.” (Stefanie)
• “We went from, I'm holding this, this is my baby, to really egoless, like this isn't about me, this is about a brand.” (Jocelyn)
• “We all knew each other relatively well before the merger. Stephanie is better at this than I am, Regina is better at this than I am, you know, so there was already a sense of like, if we came together, we could split the work in that way.” (Jocelyn)
• “We are planning on bringing everything under the one Tuyyo brand.” (Stefanie)
• “We're moving towards standardizing our supply chain operations. It's been a constant conversation and communication with suppliers, both in the US and in Mexico to see what's going to be the best way to do it.“ (Regina)
• “As of right now, [cost of goods optimization has] been at least 35%, which is it's been a big amount. And based on some information that we have, it's probably going to be higher than that.” (Regina)
• “I think that it's really gonna be about putting our community first and building a brand that not only can we be proud of, but that is a reflection of our heritage.” (Stefanie)
• “It took me six years to figure out that I didn't want to continue doing it alone.” (Regina)
• “[A better world is one] with more representation of the reality of how the community and how that should be represented on shelf as well. Ideally with products that are actually better for us, that are made with real ingredients, that are also supporting the farmers that are producing those ingredients.” (Regina)
• “[A better world is one with] a food system that is actually catered to the betterment of people in their everyday lives. It would just solve so many issues. And with all of the problems that we have between preventable diseases and healthcare systems that don't work for the people, it goes beyond justice for the farmer, but justice for everybody in the food chain.” (Stefanie)
• “I think that that in an ideal world there are policies put in place that are protecting people [by regulating] what is allowed and what isn't allowed in our food system. And products, especially those we give to children, that allow us to really reshape our palates and create shortcuts for cooking without taking the cooking part away because that's an basic survival life skill that most people should have and it empowers people to like know what's in their food, and how to nourish their families.” (Jocelyn)

Links:

Stefanie Garcia Turner on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-garcia-turner/

Jocelyn Ramirez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyncramirez77/

Regina Trillo on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-trillo-a5055711/

Tuyyo - https://tuyyofoods.com/

Tuyyo on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tuyyofoods/

Tuyyo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tuyyofoods/

Tuyyo on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/tuyyofoods/

Tuyyo on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tuyyofoods

Tuyyo on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4b_-VIdL7Yl7UQb91y5Vow

…

Tuyyo Wefunder - Coming soon…

…

Todo Verde (website will go away soon) - https://todoverde.org/

Nemi (website will go away soon) - https://neminative.com/

…

Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/

Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/

Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/

Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

…

Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/

…

Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/

Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/

Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetwork

Heritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_Radio

Heritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/

Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

Timestamps: 

0:00 - Introduction of guests and their brands

2:11 - The idea of merging to amplify Latin American food culture

3:14 - The role of Jocelyn as a connector

4:14 - Initial conversations and alignment of goals

5:09 - Personality tests and understanding team dynamics

6:18 - Personal insights and alignment of values

7:19 - Confirmation of shared vision and responsibilities

8:36 - Expanding vision and impact

9:23 - Egoless collaboration and shared goals

10:16 - Overcoming personal challenges in the merger process

11:33 - Open communication and external support

12:47 - Technical adjustments during recording

13:00 - Introduction and alignment of values and vision

13:29 - Discussion on dividing responsibilities among the founders

13:49 - Initial retreat and mission alignment

14:19 - Specific roles and responsibilities based on skills

15:16 - Transitioning responsibilities before the merger

15:57 - The natural fit of the founders' skills

16:18 - Pre-existing relationships and collaboration

17:27 - Importance of enjoying the process and having fun

19:20 - Branding and unifying product lines under Tuyo Foods

20:11 - Transition phase and retail placement

21:11 - Marketing strategies and community engagement

22:34 - Plans for easing the transition on retail shelves

23:28 - Supply chain synergies and manufacturing efficiencies

25:12 - Cost reduction strategies and shared resources

26:54 - New shared vision and broader goals

27:39 - Community focus and brand representation

29:28 - Expanding Latin American food representation

31:01 - Becoming a go-to platform for Latin foods

33:07 - Benefits and opportunities unlocked by the merger

36:30 - Challenges and unresolved issues

37:37 - Fundraising and rebranding costs

38:20 - Advice for other founders considering mergers

41:58 - Future of the industry and collaboration

45:26 - Fun questions about favorite Latin American foods

53:51 - Book recommendations and personal insights

60:10 - Influential voices and brands to watch

65:17 - Vision of a more representative, equitable, and sustainable food system

71:13 - Upcoming plans and ways to connect with Tuyo Foods

For more insights on food innovation, community building, and scaling purpose-driven brands, subscribe and stay tuned for future episodes.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the Steaz comeback story! Hear how the brand founders were brought back into the company to help renew the purpose and passion of the brand, which led to a collaboration with Wild Orchard to launch the first line of Regenerative Organic Certified ® canned teas! We speak with Eric Schnell of Beyond Brands, who was one of the original founders of Steaz, to learn more about the history of Steaz and his vision for the reboot. Then Mike Fransz, Director of Marketing for Nova Naturals, the company that owns and manages the Steaz brand now, shares why they brought the founders back and how it’s recharged the whole team and brand. Michael Ham, CEO of Wild Orchard, then shared the story of the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified ® tea farm and the role they play in this collaboration. We discuss the new product line, the challenges of this innovative and collaborative process, and what’s bringing each guest hope for the future of our food system. Enjoy!

Takeaways:

• Steaz was the first certified organic soft drink brand in America.
• Steaz was also the very first fair trade certified tea.
• The journey of Steaz began with a passion for tea and health.
• Reviving Steaz involved bringing back the founders to guide its new direction.
• The collaboration with Wild Orchard got them access to the world’s only Regenerative Organic Certified ® green tea.
• Wild Orchard was the first USDA organic certified farm in Korea.
• Regenerative Organic agriculture enhances soil health and product quality.
• The younger generation is increasingly conscious of health, environment, and where their food comes from.
• Challenges in R&D delayed the launch of new products.
• Transparency in the supply chain builds consumer trust.
• Steaz’s 1% for the Planet commitment reflects their dedication to sustainability and regenerative agriculture.

Sound bites:

• “Our five P's, which is what we call the Quintuple Bottom Line Business Value System is rooted in Passion, Purpose, People, Planet, and Prosperity.”
• “We helped get the first fair trade certified tea estate in Sri Lanka up and running.”
• “We're evangelists for this regenerative organic certification process, not because it's just the cool next thing, but because it creates really meaningful impact across so many different places around the globe.”
• “The farm that was regenerative organic had the bees and the birds and the deer running through. It seemed to just attract an ecosystem, like Gaia.”
• “When we consume foods grown in healthy soil, it's actually syncing everything with our gut microbiome and it improves our overall health.”
• “At Steaz we call it doing good by brewing good.”
• "You are what you eat. If the soil is healthy, the plant's going to be healthy and tastier, and then when we eat it, it's going to be better in our body too!”
• “Everybody loves a comeback story. And this is a great one. One of the best I've seen.”

Links:

Steaz - https://drinksteaz.com/

Steaz on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/steaz---the-healthy-beverage-company/

Steaz on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/officialsteaz

Steaz on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/steaz/

Steaz on X - https://www.facebook.com/officialsteaz

…

Eric Schnell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schnell-b133a425/

Beyond Brands - https://beyondbrands.org/

Beyond Brands on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbrands/

…

Mike Fransz on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikefransz/

Nova Naturals - https://nova-natural.com/

Nova Naturals on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nova-natural/

…

Michael Ham on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-ham/

Wild Orchard - https://www.wildorchard.com/

Wild Orchard on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wildorchardteas/

Wild Orchard on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wildorchardteas/#

Wild Orchard on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wildorchardteas

Wild Orchard on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ21UewP8Yx6ZMlzh8NKe0w

Wild Orchard on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wildorchardtea

…

Natural Products Expo West: https://www.expowest.com/en/home.html

…

Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/

Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/

Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/

Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

…

Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/

…

Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/

Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/

Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetwork

Heritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_Radio

Heritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/

Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

Chapters:

03:00 The Origins of Steaz: A Journey Through Tea

09:16 Reviving a Legacy: The Return of Founders

18:13 Collaboration for Change: Steaz and Wild Orchard

23:48 Understanding Regenerative Organic: A New Standard

28:03 The Impact of Healthy Soil on Health and Taste

35:00 The Rise of Regenerative Organic Certification

37:55 Community and Education in Regenerative Practices

41:03 Commitment to the Planet: 1% for the Planet

43:00 Challenges in Collaboration and Supply Chain

53:55 Hope for the Future of Food Systems

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.