Melissa Conner is a partner and director at Jennifer Bett Communications. She has won awards for her communication skills and has over 15 years of experience in the industry. She joined Jennifer Bett Communications in 2014 and focuses on helping fast-growing consumer brands in an inclusive and sustainable way. She has worked with famous brands like Tom's, Sotheby's, and Jack Spade. In 2017, she received the PRSA's 15 under 35 award.

QUOTES

Being unafraid to speak up about what's important to you and your customers is key. While not all brands need to be activists, supporting causes that matter to you and your audience can build confidence and loyalty. - Melissa

The myth that working with celebrities always guarantees success is false. However, working with them can be beneficial if there is a genuine connection between the celebrity and the brand, and if the partnership is thoughtfully planned and executed. - Melissa

Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Melissa’ career and how she became a part of the PR industry

About Jennifer Bett Communications and how they built relationships with their partners

Tricks and Myth about leveraging Celebrity endorsementsImportance of speaking up your ideas and saying no in certain situations

JBC's Focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in branding and communications

ABOUT THE GUEST
Melissa Conner
Partner & Managing Director at Jennifer Bett Communications
Linkedin:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-duren-conner-0418414/
Links: https://www.jenniferbett.com

CHAPTERS
00:00 | Introduction
04:20 | About Jennifer Bett Communications
07:07 | JBC’s focused industries
11:21 | Partnership and building relationship
16:16 | Leveraging celebrity endorsements
26:14 | Melissa’s career on PR Industry
35:35 | Importance of speaking up and saying no
37:26 | Diversity, equity, and inclusion in branding and communications
40:48 | Leading women in various industries
42:22 | Conclusion

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing, and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visit Contact - Retail Voodoo to set up a discovery call today.

Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com/

Audarshia Townsend is the Content Director for Informa Market and a veteran food and beverage journalist covering the latest trends and innovations across the food industry. As Content Director for Informa Markets, she oversees the development of quality content in various forms, from written articles to visual media. Her keen eye for industry trends and her passion for innovation propels her to keep an informed and insightful pulse on the ever-changing landscape of the food and beverage industries. In addition, you can often find her delving into initiatives that support everyone from food companies to founders to small business owners.Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/KEY

TAKEAWAYS:
-How Audarshia became a food and beverage insider.
-The affect that the pandemic had on recent food trends across the country.
-Innovation continues to push both the plant-based and big CPG industries toward product betterment.
-Impactful women leaders across the food and beverage industry and community.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Audarshia TownsendContent Director, Food & Beverage Insider, Informa Markets
https://www.linkedin.com/in/audarshia/
https://www.informamarkets.com

CHAPTERS:

00:00 | Introduction
03:15 | The Making of an Insider
05:02 | Informa Market
06:44 | Working with Naturally Network
08:48 | Becoming a Food & Beverage Insider
17:14 | Nashville’s Diverse Culinary Scene
21:32 | Plant-Based Innovations
28:47 | Current Food Trends
30:48 | Innovative Moves Coming from Ice Cream & Beverage
35:17 | Women Leaders
40:55 | What’s Next for Audarshia
43:26 | Links & Resources

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing, and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visit Contact - Retail Voodoo to set up a discovery call today.

Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com/

QUOTES:

"Transparency in the plant-based narrative is crucial for improved taste and product quality. Companies are actively improving their innovations in plant-based products." - Audarshia

“African cuisine is now available in mainstream grocery aisles, allowing people to easily enjoy African dishes at home. It's incredible that it took so long for this to happen, it's truly remarkable.” - Audarshia

Betsy Frost is the CEO of Hoplark Brands, a company brewing tea like beer, with the hops, but without sugars, additives or any fermentation; each with the sophisticated flavor of hops, without the alcohol or calories. Betsy’s marketing background creating and growing businesses and brands makes her the perfect fit for the company. She has experience across various industries, from startups to large companies, and has a real talent for managing complex projects and partnerships. Betsy is known for being innovative, leading the brands she works with to new ideas that lead to exceptional growth. Additionally, she is passionate about developing people and creating an inclusive workplace culture.

Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Evolution of Hoplark Brands
The Sober Curious Space
Background Working at General Mills
Networking & Mentoring in Business

ABOUT THE GUEST

Betsy Frost
CEO of Hoplark Brands
https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-frosthttps://hoplark.com

QUOTES

"You don't have to stay someplace if you're not happy. There are a lot of options and not every place is the right fit, and that's okay.” - Betsy

"Keep your eye open for new doors...be open. Say yes to things. Just say yes and see where it takes you." - Betsy

CHAPTERS

00:00 | Introduction
03:23 | Meeting Betsy at Expo West
04:33 | What is Hoplark?
08:18 | The sober Curious Market
12:44 | Working at General Mills
24:45 | Networking & Mentoring
28:16 | Creating Your Ideal Working Space
33:48 | Advice & Wisdom Learned Along the Way
36:33 | What’s next for Hoplark?
37:47 | Promoting Amazing Women
39:20 | Learn More About Hoplark Brands

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visithttp://retail-voodoo.com/contact to set up a discovery call today.

Produced by Heartcast Media.
https://www.heartcastmedia.com/

Diana Fryc, Chief Growth Officer, Podcast Host and Partner at Retail Voodoo is an expert marketer in the food, beverage and wellness industries. With 20 years of experience, she has helped both established companies and start-up brands build and grow their presence in their respective categories and overcome business challenges as they arise. She leverages her extensive knowledge in branding, innovation, consumer markets and packaging systems to drive meaningful and sustainable growth for her clients. Diana's passion for the food, beverage, and wellness industry has earned her a reputation for building strong client relationships and bringing together the right people and resources to achieve impressive results.

Today's episode is hosted by Mercedes Evenson of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedesevenson/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Expo West and Expo East
Innovative products at the show
Expo West Networking Events

ABOUT THE GUEST

Diana Fryc
Partner & Chief Growth Officer, Retail Voodoo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafrycRetail Voodoo

QUOTES

The Naturally Network is really working to build the community of minority-owned business owners and brand owners within the community of naturals, simply because there's a lot of under-representation in general. - Diana

"It looks like this year we're going to have a pretty nice mix of brands, I really would encourage you all to come to Expo East." - Diana

CHAPTERS

00:00 | Introduction
03:10 | What is Expo West?
06:36 | Making Meaningful Connections at Expo West
11:12 | Innovative Products & Brands
15:13 | Dream Clients & Brands
17:20 | The Importance of Attending Conferences
19:13 | Connect with Diana

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visit http://retail-voodoo.com/contact to set up a discovery call today.

Produced by Heartcast Media.
https://www.heartcastmedia.com/

Melissa Price, the Customer Vice President at Campbell’s Soup Company, joins us to discuss her 16-year career as a seasoned marketing and sales leader. Her experience in the CPG industry has made her an expert in demand creation, P&L Management and leading teams across food and household products. Melissa shares her journey at Campbell’s, where she has grown from an Associate Brand Manager to Customer Vice President. Throughout the course of her career, her passion for achieving outstanding results and leading winning teams has provided valuable insight for her and her teammates, and she continues to inspire other industry leaders at Campbell’s and beyond.

Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/

KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Campbell’s Soup Company Brand Portfolio
Melissa's Role as Customer Vice President
Managing Large Company Transitions
What’s Upcoming for Campbell’s

ABOUT THE GUEST
Melissa Price
Customer Vice President, Campbell Soup Company
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-price-7879146/
https://www.campbellsoupcompany.com/

QUOTES

"Passion guides my career, fueled by knowing where my strengths and energy lie, and how I can add value to my teams and organization." - Melissa

"I embrace opportunities by seeking guidance from mentors, advocates, and sponsors. By taking calculated risks, I maximize each chance that comes my way, which often leads to new and exciting paths." - Melissa

"Effective leadership involves more than just management. It requires authenticity and adaptability. To improve, leaders must stay self-aware, open to feedback, and willing to learn from others. Being humble and vulnerable are important qualities for successful leadership." -Melissa

CHAPTERS

00:00 | Introduction
04:16 | The Campbell’s Soup Company Brand & Products
05:43 | Customer Vice President Role & Impact
06:04 | The Effects of COVID-19 on the Business
11:12 | Working at Campbell’s Soup Company
14:45 | Leadership Growth & Career Journey
20:01 | Managing Company-Wide Transitions
22:40 | A Career Turning Point
29:23 | Advice & Recommendations
31:40 | What’s Next for Campbell’s
33:10 | Women Who Push For & Seek Change
34:23 | Trends to Watch
38:32 | Conclusion

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visit http://retail-voodoo.com/contact to set up a discovery call today.

Produced by Heartcast Media.
https://www.heartcastmedia.com/

Get ready to hear from Olivia Chen, the co-founder and chief marketing officer of Twrl Milk Tea. She's a creative entrepreneur who loves bringing people together, telling stories, and marketing. Olivia knows how to use unconventional marketing tactics to make a brand stand out and get more sales.

Join us on this podcast as Olivia shares how she started TWRL Milk Tea with her business partner Pauline, and how they've grown the business together. You'll learn the secrets of their success and hear about the challenges they've faced along the way.

Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/

KEY TAKEAWAYS
-About TWRL Milk tea, its product, suppliers, and history
-The inspiration behind TWRL, its foundation and the people behind it
-The work dynamics of the two business partners, Olivia and Pauline
-Creating a successful brand through differentiation and embracing identity

ABOUT THE GUEST
Olivia Chen
Co-Founder & CMO, TWRL Milk Tea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olichen/https://twrlmilktea.com/

https://twrlmilktea.com/

QUOTES

"We incorporated the concept of nature and fusion into our Milk Tea or drinks, which is now a common trend in coffee, but at the time we were the pioneers in this approach.”- Olivia

"Alignment on important values is crucial, and not many people think about it. As individuals with a strong marketing background, Pauline and I prioritize this aspect." - Olivia

CHAPTERS
00:00 | Introduction
01:15 | Introducing Olivia Chen
04:00 | About TWRL Milk Tea
05:42 | What is Milk Tea
07:01 | Farm suppliers
09:30 | The beginnings of TWRL
12:46 | Work dynamics with the business partner
28:41 | The growth of TWRL Milk Tea
38:19 | Differentiation and embracing identity
39:55 | What’s next for TWRL
44:31 | A Spotlight for an amazing women
45:16 | Links
45:55 | Conclusion

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing, and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visit Contact - Retail Voodoo to set up a discovery call today.

Produced by Heartcast Media
www.heartcastmedia.com

Fiona Lee is the Co-Founder and COO of Pod Foods, a logistics and technology enablement company. Connecting B2B brands directly with retailers, Pod Foods is a marketplace built for the new era of grocery.

Prior to starting Pod Foods, Fiona was the Community Manager at Block 71 in San Francisco, a launchpad for Singaporean tech start-ups coming to the United States, and the gateway for Silicon Valley companies to enter the Southeast Asia market. She also founded Green Pea Cookie, an endeavor that helped her realize the need for a company like Pod Foods.

Fiona discusses how she built the business in a highly competitive market and shares the value Pod Foods provides, solving problems with food distribution worldwide. Highlighting the importance of leveraging innovation, she talks about growing the company and remaining competitive in a fast and ever-changing environment.

Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Pod Foods growth trajectory
The greatest challenges with food distribution
Leveraging innovation and technology in order to grow the business
Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs

ABOUT THE GUEST

Fiona Lee
Cofounder at Pod Foods Co
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionalee92https://podfoods.co

QUOTES

"In the first year, we were not thinking of our profitability. What we were talking about was finding product market fit." - Fiona

Our team is passionate about using technology and data to drive innovation and create impact." - Fiona

CHAPTERS
00:00 | Introduction
03:00 | What is Pod Foods
09:19 | Building the Business
12:17 | We All Make Mistakes
14:21 | Harnessing Perseverance
15:33 | Revolutionizing Food Distribution
24:56 | Leveraging Data in the Supply Chain
27:01 | Using Data to Predict Demand
35:07 | Advice for Entrepreneurs
38:24 | What’s Next for Pod Foods
40:27 | Honoring Hard-Working Women
43:02 | Conclusion

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing, and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visithttp://retail-voodoo.com/contact to set up a discovery call today.

Produced by Heartcast Media
www.heartcastmedia.com

Lucinda Wright is a seasoned CPG executive with extensive expertise creating new businesses, building retail empires and creating meaningful marketing. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Cask & Kettle, she is the leader of the thriving spirit-making company based in Temperance, Michigan. Lucinda talks about creating a crossover between categories big and small and how this approach has impacted Cask & Kettle's business. From the beverage industry at large to alcohol and coffee combinations, Lucinda shares her knowledge and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, she gives us a sneak peek into what's next for Cask & Kettle and shares insights into the products they create.

Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

-How Cask & Kettle StartedCreating new market opportunities in the coffee and alcohol industries
-The importance of a iron-clad mindset and facing entrepreneurial challenges

ABOUT THE GUEST

Lucinda Wright,
CEO of Cask & Kettle USA
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucinda-wright-ba7a495
LINKS: https://caskandkettleusa.com/
‌
CHAPTERS

00:00 | Introduction
01:00 | About Lucinda Wright
03:21 | What is Cask & Kettle?
06:30 | Discovering New Market Opportunities
07:53 | The All-in-One Keurig Cup for Coffee and Spirits
14:19 | Innovation in the Alcohol Industry
23:20 | Reflection on Becoming an Entrepreneur
30:11 | Overcoming Challenges and Reaching Milestones
37:41 | The Importance of an Iron-Clad Mindset
39:39 | What's Next for Cask & Kettle?
42:20 | Inspirational Innovators
48:33 | Conclusion

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing, and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visithttp://retail-voodoo.com/contact to set up a discovery call today.

Produced by Heartcast Media
www.heartcastmedia.com

QUOTES

"When you're a disruptive innovator like us, bringing a hot beverage into booze, something that has never existed before, the vast majority of the industry is very suspicious." -Lucinda

"I encourage anybody out there who's in innovation to probe around in the hybrid area." -Lucinda

Jennifer Wiese is the Founder and CEO of BeeFree Gluten Free Bakery. Her passion for creating delicious gluten-free food coupled with her drive to create and provide job opportunities for individuals with autism is what drove her to start the company. Her mission in doing so is grounded in her belief that any one person can make a difference in the world, and through their business.

Jennifer shares her journey as a mompreneur, shedding light on the struggles she experienced in the early days of starting the company paired with the valuable lessons she has learned along the way. Additionally, she offer advice that is inspirational for aspiring entrepreneurs and shares the exciting future plans for BeeFree Gluten Free Bakery.

Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The history and motivation behind the BeeFree Gluten Free Bakery
The company’s mission and advocacy of the company
Milestone achievements and establishing a strong network
‌
ABOUT THE GUEST

Jennifer Wiese, Founder & CEO of BeeFree Gluten Free Bakery
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-wiese-7b98392a
LINKS: https://www.beefreegf.com
‌
CHAPTERS

00:00 | Introduction
00:56 | About Jennifer Wiese
03:29 | BeeFree Gluten Free Bakery
08:05 | Connecting Gluten Free Diets & Autism
10:38 | A Mom on a Mission
15:21 | Building a Company
19:19 | It's About Who You Know
22:55 | Achieving Monumental Milestones
27:24 | Trust the Process & Your Product
28:03 | What's to Come for BeeFree
29:03 | Admiration & Inspiration
31:06 | Conclusion

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing, and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visit http://retail-voodoo.com/contact to set up a discovery call today.

Produced by Heartcast Media
www.heartcastmedia.com

QUOTES

"We were looking for support for our son with autism. We wondered what we could do to give him the best shot at life, and that introduced us to a gluten-free diet." -Jennifer

"We're really passionate about being a source of employment for individuals with autism and providing jobs for people who are often overlooked." -Jennifer

"Believe in yourself and believe in your product and don't let other people knock you off your horse." -Jennifer

Sara Gelenberg-Field is the Chief Marketing Officer of Mommy's Bliss, and has 25 years of experience as a marketing executive. She has spent her career leading brand marketing campaigns and companies for a number of consumer products. In her current role as CMO, she is responsible for a fast-growing, nationally distributed line of products focused on family health and wellness.

Sara sheds light on Mommy's Bliss, the company's history and how she came to work for the company. In addition, she talks about her marketing experience throughout her tenured career and the contributions she has made to many different businesses. Much of her experience and knowledge has helped to pave the way for her successes as a marketing executive and she continually applies what she has learned to grow Mommy's Bliss and succeed in the parenting industry. Finally, she offers advice and discusses what's next for Mommy's Bliss.

Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/

KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Mommy's Bliss brand
Transitioning from big CPG to small startup
Applying knowledge and experience in order to connect with the parent consumer
Analyzing and grabbing opportunities in the parenting space

ABOUT THE GUEST

Sara Gelenberg-Field Chief Marketing Officer, Mommy’s Bliss
INSTAGRAM: [https://www.instagram.com/mommysbliss]
LINKEDIN: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-gelenberg-field]
LINK:https://mommysbliss.com
‌
CHAPTERS

00:00 | Introduction
03:49 | Mommy’s Bliss and Company Background
08:37 | Joining the Team
10:32 | Different Leadership Styles
12:32 | Authentic Connections
15:48 | Career Path Changes
19:17 | Mentorship & Companionship
28:10 | How to Transition Careers
30:42 | Marketing to Parents
32:58 | What's Next for Mommy’s Bliss
35:50 | Lifting Woman Leaders

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing, and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visit retail-voodoo.com/contact to set up a discovery call today.

Produced by Heartcast Media
www.heartcastmedia.com

QUOTES

Leadership means being resourceful, creative and agile in utilizing available resources while maintaining a close connection to the consumer and staying nimble in strategy development. - Sara

The pandemic really helps us to open our eyes to proactive solutions in order to address some problems in the parenting space and make our kids healthier and safer. - Sara