Common Roots

In this episode of Common Roots, we sit down with Emily Kanter, INFRA Board Member and co-owner of Cambridge Naturals in Cambridge, MA. Emily shares her journey of stepping into her family’s business, the insights she’s gained serving on INFRA’s Board of Directors, and why self-care is essential for small business owners. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and finding balance in the world of independent retail. 

In this episode, we talk with Jake Collier, Co-Founder of New Frontiers Natural Marketplace in Solvang, CA and a founding member of INFRA. Jake shares stories from the early days of the natural foods movement and reflects on the importance of community, passion, and education in building a successful business. He also highlights INFRA’s role in uniting and supporting independent retailers. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we chat with Ariell Ilunga, Founder and Owner of Carla’s Fresh Market in Los Angeles, CA. Hear about how she creates a vibrant and updated shopping experience for her customers, down to the sommelier selected wines. Plus, hear her advice on how to find purpose as an aspiring entrepreneur. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we chat with Diana Hicks, founder of Mama Jean’s Natural Market in Springfield, MO. She shares how their Change for Change program raised $35,000 for a tiny home for the unhoused and how being a woman-owned business shapes her leadership.  

Find them online at mamajeansmarket.com, on Instagram at @mamajeans_market, and on Facebook at @Mama Jean’s Natural Market.  

In this episode of Common Roots, we sit down with Michael and Emily Chase, Co-Founders of Chase’s Market in Ontario, Oregon. Michael shares his journey as a third-generation owner, reflecting on his decision to carry on the family legacy and how he upholds the store’s core values more than six decades after its founding in 1956. Emily discusses her role on the INFRA Board of Directors, what inspired her to join, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we chat with second-generation Owner of the Bi-Rite Family of Businesses, Sam Mogannam. Located in San Francisco, CA, Bi-Rite has been a Bay Area staple for transparent, responsible foods since its founding in 1940. We get the inside scoop (pun intended) on how Sam’s culinary background has impacted his passion for sourcing high-quality ingredients, Bi-Rite's journey towards B-Corp certification, and Bi-Rite's unique Creamery operation.  

In this episode of Common Roots, we chatted with Christina, a worker-owner at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative. Tune in for a discussion about all things worker owned co-op, from how this unique business model increases employee longevity to how it builds and sustains community. We also touch on facing corporate competition, partnering with small businesses, and more!  

In this episode of Common Roots, we hear from Mary Walsh, owner of Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery in Greenville, South Carolina. Hear more about how they prioritize bikeable communities, host collaborative events, and create a vibrant online presence. Plus, get the inside scoop on Swamp Rabbit’s robust commitment to sourcing local.  

In this episode of Common Roots, Ashley Juhl Darlington from Bapa’s Market talks about how her previous work in healthcare has informed her journey in natural foods, how important it is for small business owners to lean on their communities, and some of her favorite local products from the Chico, CA area.  

Find Bapa's Market online at bapasmarket.com, on Instagram at @bapasmarket, and on Facebook at @Bapa’s Market.

In this episode of Common Roots, Erin Malone from Momo’s Market discusses the power of a cooperative, honoring the history of her building, scaling up her business and approaching growth with optimism, and the importance of creating connections to build community.  

Find them online at momosmarketburlington.com, on Instagram at @momosmarketburlington, and on Facebook at @Momo’s Market.