In this episode, JT Sarafa shares his journey from helping grow his family's popcorn business, Pop Daddy Snacks, to becoming an expert in scaling brands on TikTok Shop. He discusses the unique features of TikTok Shop, how to drive trial and use the algorithm to your benefit, and the halo effect that TikTok success has on retail growth. JT also emphasizes the significance of leveraging TikTok for product innovation and customer feedback, while outlining key trends shaping online sales. He shares actionable steps for launching and growing a brand on TikTok.

If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ariana Korman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Matt Weiss, founder of RIND Snacks, shares the journey of creating a sustainable snack brand rooted in his family's history with whole foods. He discusses the importance of upcycling, innovative product development, and the challenges of fundraising while maintaining a mission-driven approach. Matt emphasizes the significance of building credibility with investors, navigating growth expectations, and the strategic decision to vertically integrate manufacturing. He also highlights the role of retail strategy, driving trial and brand loyalty, and the impact of social initiatives on brand equity. Looking ahead, Matt envisions expanding RIND's product offerings while staying true to their sustainability mission.

If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ariana Korman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Asel Ashergold shares her journey from private equity to launching Pick Me Up Snacks, a healthy, date-based snack brand. She discusses the origin of her product, the importance of nutrition in product development, and how consumer feedback shaped her business. Asel emphasizes the significance of simplicity and transparency in her product offerings, as well as the challenges and lessons learned as a first-time founder. She also touches on stress management, the importance of asking for help, and her future plans for product innovation and expansion.

If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ariana Korman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Sara Cullen, founder of GEM, shares her journey creating a health-focused company that emphasizes a deficiency-first approach to nutrition. She discusses the kaleidoscopic health, which integrates various philosophies and scientific insights into product development. The conversation also covers the challenges and innovations in the supplement industry, the significance of consumer-driven product development, and the strategic goals for GEM's growth. Sara highlights the benefits of a subscription model, the role of HSA/FSA eligibility in expanding market reach, and the importance of building trust through transparency and community engagement. Additionally, she shares insights on fundraising, particularly for female founders, and reflects on her previous venture, Plant Life Ventures, and the lessons learned that continue to shape GEM's mission.

If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ariana Korman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Kathrin Henon shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the story behind her brand, Planet Bake. She discusses the challenges of creating a health-focused food product during the pandemic, the importance of innovation in the food industry, and her approach to balancing health and indulgence in her products. Kathrin also delves into the intricacies of pricing, retail partnerships, and the challenges and benefits of bootstrapping. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the significance of community engagement and educational content in building trust with consumers.

If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ariana Korman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Alli Ball, founder and CEO of Food Biz Wiz, shares her journey going from being a retail buyer to creating a structured program called Retail Ready, aimed at helping emerging food brands succeed in the competitive market. She discusses the importance of understanding the target audience, effective outreach strategies, and the balance between digital and physical retail marketing. Alli emphasizes the need for operational readiness, the role of feedback in product development, and the significance of rebranding. She also highlights key traits of successful founders and offers valuable advice for new entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry.

If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ariana Korman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Diana Levy, Founder and CEO of Undercover Snacks, shares her journey from a hobbyist chocolatier to a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the origins of her brand, the challenges of creating a healthier indulgent snack, and the importance of certifications and inclusivity in her products. Diana also delves into her journey building her own manufacturing facility, retail strategies, and the significance of partnerships, particularly with airlines. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the balance between optimism and realism in entrepreneurship, her unique approach to flavor development, and her aspirations for future expansion.

If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ariana Korman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Amy Keller, founder of Climate Candy, shares her journey turning her family legacy in the candy industry to becoming a climate activist. She discusses the innovative approach of using imperfect fruits and vegetables to create better for people and better for planet candy options, the unique go-to-market strategy that targets corporate workplaces and travel, and the importance of partnerships in promoting sustainability and a mission driven brand. Amy also delves into her fundraising experience, the significance of community in defining success, and her vision for the future of Climate Candy.

If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ariana Korman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this conversation, Katina Mountanos, Founder and CEO of Kosterina, shares her journey from a corporate career to launching her own wellness brand centered around high-quality extra virgin olive oil. She discusses the origins of Kosterina, the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and the importance of community and education in promoting healthier lifestyles and integrating her products into daily life. Katina also highlights the challenges and strategies involved in expanding her product line and building consumer trust across different categories, while emphasizing sustainability and the future of health and wellness in the CPG market.

Use code ARIANA15 for 15% off Kosterina on their website!

If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ariana Korman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this conversation, Nikki Seaman, founder and CEO of Freestyle Snacks, shares her journey of revolutionizing the olive snacking experience. From the inception of her brand during the pandemic to overcoming production challenges and leveraging market research, Nikki discusses the importance of consumer insights in product development. She highlights her marketing strategies, including a viral TikTok campaign, and the significance of building retail partnerships. Nikki also reflects on the challenges of being a solo founder and her goals for the future of Freestyle Snacks.

Use code HEALTHYHUSTLE for 15% off Freestyle Snacks on their website!

If you're a founder, investor, or industry expert interested in joining us, please contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ariana Korman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.