“I saw firsthand how food can really, I hate to say ‘bridge cultures’ because it’s overused, but it’s true. It brings people together,” says Crystal Ung, founder and CEO of Bowlcut. In this episode, Crystal joins Lindsay Pinchuk to talk about the inspiration behind Bowlcut, a brand that grew out of her passion for healthier, authentic Asian sauces and her desire to challenge common misconceptions about Asian cuisine.

Crystal shares her entrepreneurial journey, explaining how she spotted a gap in the market for nutritious sauces and the hurdles she faced in manufacturing and supply chain management. How does grassroots marketing influence a brand’s growth? For Crystal, it’s been essential. By connecting directly with customers, Bowlcut has expanded steadily, now available in 500 independent retailers, including Sur La Table and World Market, with even more growth on the horizon.

Offering valuable advice to aspiring female founders, Crystal highlights the importance of building a strong support network, choosing the right partners, and making self-care a priority. Lindsay wraps up their conversation with a key takeaway: understanding when to seek help and using freelance or project-based support to drive business growth.

Quotes

• “What I observed working in my dad’s restaurant was that, yes, there was hate and negative comments, but I also saw a beautiful side of humanity. Food really brought communities together and sparked curiosity about our culture and heritage.” (06:49 | Crystal Ung)
• “I saw firsthand how food can really, I hate to say ‘bridge cultures’ because it’s overused, but it’s true. It brings people together. I thought there was no better time than now for a brand like Bowlcut to exist because, hopefully, one day we can scale that impact—bringing people together through food. Being inclusive is a core element of our brand.” (07:24 | Crystal Ung) 
• “When we think about our mission, it’s very much rooted in our origin story. But what really excites me and keeps me dreaming about the future is that we’re redefining what eating well tastes like for a new generation.” (09:42 | Crystal Ung)
• “As a small brand, you’re often seen as disposable, like, okay, there will be another small brand tomorrow. Who cares? So, finding the right partners who believe in you and in your future growth is really, really important.” (31:10 | Crystal Ung) 
• “I think it’s really important to carve out time for yourself. Even if it’s literally just five minutes, you need a moment to take a step back because there’s going to be so much going on. Your mind will be split in a million ways, and you’ll feel overwhelmed and stressed. To make better decisions, you need that moment for clarity.” (39:40 | Crystal Ung)

Connect with Crystal Ung:

https://thebowlcut.com/

https://www.instagram.com/getbowlcut/

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