Mission-driven Founders

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How do you deconstruct a trillion-dollar industry to find the true heart of wellness?

In this premiere episode of our new series, The Reality Check, host Wanda Malhotra goes behind the scenes with Kacie Schady, the visionary founder of Love and Light Botanicals. Back by popular demand as our most-listened-to guest, Kacie returns to help us move past the "aesthetic filters" of social media and dive into the grit of building an authentic brand.

Kacie’s journey is a masterclass in breaking up with the beauty industry to find a more resilient path. After struggling with hormonal acne and "anti-aging" marketing that eroded her confidence, she went back to school for organic cosmetic science. Today, Love and Light Botanicals stands as a CMB certified beacon of transparency, proving that simplicity is the ultimate science.

The Reality Check is a testament to what happens when founders choose integrity over trends and community over competition.

In this episode, we explore:

- The "Well-Washing" Epidemic: How to spot marketing buzzwords and "wellness fantasies" that are designed to exploit, not heal.

- The 30-Second Routine: Why Kacie advocates for simplicity over the overwhelming 10-step routines pushed by viral trends.

- The Solopreneur’s "Wabi-Sabi": An honest look at the "messy middle" of entrepreneurship—from late-night emails to learning from mistakes.

The Power of the CMB Community: Why mission-driven founders need a collective "sounding board" to navigate the challenges of a self-funded business.

🌿 Connect with Kacie of Love and Light Botanicals, a CMB Certified Brand:

Website: loveandlightbotanicals.com

Instagram: @loveandlightbotanicals

Youtube:  ⁨@LoveandLightBotanicals⁩  

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

How do you sustain a mission-driven brand for over two decades while staying true to the soul of the plants?

In this featured episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra goes behind the scenes with Julie Williams, the Certified Herbalist and visionary founder of Leaf People.

Julie’s journey is a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience and intentional brand building. Long before "clean beauty" was a trend, Julie was traveling to 17 countries and immersing herself in the Amazon to learn the language of plants. In 2003, after completing formal education in medical herbalism, the healing arts, and Buddhism, she founded Leaf People to serve as a "conduit"—translating ancient botanical wisdom into a multi-award-winning, clinically effective skincare line.

Leaf People is a testament to what happens when you lead with integrity, in-house manufacturing, and a commitment to global reforestation.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Global Founder Journey: How Julie’s travels through the Amazon and 17 countries shaped the soul of Leaf People.
• The 20-Year Legacy: The grit and "all-in" mindset required to build a brand with longevity and purpose.
• The Manufacturing Advantage: Why Leaf People chooses to formulate and manufacture in-house at their Colorado headquarters.
• Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability: Protecting endangered species and the importance of sustainable wild-harvesting through partnerships with United Plant Savers.

🌿 Connect with Julie and Leaf People:

Website: leafpeople.com
Instagram:@leafpeopleskincare
Youtube: ‪@leafpeopleskincare‬ 

🛡️ Mission-Driven Standards & Transparency

At The Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, our mission is to provide a platform for innovators shaping the future of health and wellness. To maintain our commitment to our listeners:

• Editorial Policy: An interview is an exploration of a founder’s vision and journey; it is not an automatic endorsement of their products or claims.
• Certification Status: Please note that at the time of this recording, this brand has not been CMB Certified.
• Our Standard: While we are inspired by this founder's story and vision, our official CMB endorsement is reserved exclusively for brands that have completed our rigorous verification process.

Curious about what it takes to get the Seal? ✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

How do you transform a debilitating panic disorder into a global skincare brand rooted in ethical resilience?

In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Dr. Jeanne Retief, the visionary behind Figgi Beauty. What began as a deeply personal journey through mental health struggles has evolved into a powerhouse skincare brand that proves beauty can be both high-performance and soul-deep.

Dr. Jeanne gets vulnerable about the "Panic to Purpose" pipeline and the grit required to build a brand that refuses to compromise on its values. We dive deep into:

• How Dr. Jeanne’s battle with panic disorder became the blueprint for a brand centered on self-care and ethical integrity.
• A transparent look at the hurdles of developing high-quality, eco-conscious products in a fast-fashion beauty world.
• The story of Figgi Beauty’s mission to give back and the specific communities benefiting from their success.
• How to navigate the "beautiful chaos" of entrepreneurship while prioritizing mental well-being and a mission-led life.

🛡️ Mission-Driven Standards & Transparency

At The Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, our mission is to provide a platform for innovators shaping the future of health and wellness. To maintain our commitment to our listeners:

• Editorial Policy: An interview is an exploration of a founder’s vision and journey; it is not an automatic endorsement of their products or claims.
• Certification Status: Please note that at the time of this recording, this brand has not been CMB Certified.
• Our Standard: While we are inspired by this founder's story and vision, our official CMB endorsement is reserved exclusively for brands that have completed our rigorous verification process.

Curious about what it takes to get the Seal? ✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

How do you turn textile waste into a thriving fashion brand while raising four small children?

In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Allison Motoyama, the visionary behind Dona Bela Shreds. What started as a spark of inspiration during a trip to São Paulo, Brazil, has transformed into a powerhouse accessory brand that is saving the planet—one "shred" at a time.

Allison gets vulnerable about the "beautiful chaos" of being a mission-driven mompreneur. We dive deep into:

The Upcycling Revolution: How Allison transforms fashion industry "scraps" into stylish, eco-friendly necklaces and headbands.

From São Paulo to the U.S.: The story of how a visit to Brazil birthed a mission to reduce landfill waste.

The Mom-Founder Reality: A transparent look at scaling a business while raising four small children and managing a growing team.

The Power of Partnership: The vital role of a support system and how Allison’s husband helps anchor the business and the home.

🌿 Join us as we explore the intersection of family, sustainability, and the grit required to build a green empire. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders to catch every story of innovation and impact!

🛡️ Mission-Driven Standards & Transparency

At The Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, our mission is to provide a platform for innovators shaping the future of health and wellness. To maintain our commitment to our listeners:

• Editorial Policy: An interview is an exploration of a founder’s vision and journey; it is not an automatic endorsement of their products or claims.
• Certification Status: Please note that at the time of this recording, this brand has not been CMB Certified.
• Our Standard: While we are inspired by this founder's story and vision, our official CMB endorsement is reserved exclusively for brands that have completed our rigorous verification process.

Curious about what it takes to get the Seal? ✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

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Apple

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Ada Hsieh, the visionary behind Fluency Beauty. Ada shares her inspiring transition from the world of Wall Street to revolutionizing the beauty industry through a radical commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and regenerative agriculture. 🌱💄

In this interview, we dive into:

• The raw challenges of sustainable product development.
• The power of affirmations: Why every product name carries a deeper intention.
• How Fluency Beauty is setting a new standard for biodegradable and cruelty-free makeup.

🛡️ Mission-Driven Standards & Transparency

At The Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, our mission is to provide a platform for innovators shaping the future of health and wellness. To maintain our commitment to our listeners:

• Editorial Policy: An interview is an exploration of a founder’s vision and journey; it is not an automatic endorsement of their products or claims.
• Certification Status: Please note that at the time of this recording, this brand has not been CMB Certified.
• Our Standard: While we are inspired by this founder's story and vision, our official CMB endorsement is reserved exclusively for brands that have completed our rigorous verification process.

Curious about what it takes to get the Seal? ✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, host Wanda Malhotra welcomes International Chef Manuela Scalini, founder of Scai Sustainable Culinary Arts and Innovation. With over 16 years of global experience, Manuela shares her transition from the film industry to becoming a leader in sustainable wellness and functional food education.

Manuela’s philosophy centers on "real food for real life." We explore how her background in cultural anthropology informs her "root-to-bloom" zero-waste kitchen strategies and her heart-led work in providing food literacy for those navigating health challenges.

In this episode, we discuss:

Transitioning to a "plant-forward" lifestyle by listening to your body’s unique cues.

Creative culinary solutions: Replacing MSG with natural umami using nutritional yeast.

Why the future of healthcare lies in the collaboration between chefs and functional medicine practitioners.

Practical tips for implementing a zero-waste, sustainable kitchen at home or in a professional setting.

Connect with Manuela Scalini:
Website: manuelascalini.com
Instagram: @manuscalini  &  @scai.global

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

As a mission-driven founder, your business is an extension of your heart—but how often do you extend that same compassion to your own body? In a world obsessed with "optimization" and "performance," we often lose sight of the most fundamental truth: every body is a unique ecosystem requiring its own specific care.

In this episode of the Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, we sit down with Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD, a heart-centered registered dietitian and author whose work focuses on the intersection of nutrition, awareness, and mental health. With a career spanning hospital care, recipe book authorship, and freelance writing for platforms like OprahMag, Staci brings a deeply empathetic perspective to women's wellness.

In this soulful and empowering conversation, we explore:

• Bio-Individuality & Acceptance: Why there is no "perfect" diet and how to embrace a way of eating that honors your specific body and lifestyle.
• The Mind-Body-Health Connection: How our mental well-being and self-love directly influence our physical health, weight, and energy levels.
• Support Through Every Season: Staci shares her wisdom on navigating the unique challenges women face during life’s major transitions—from pregnancy to menopause—and how to provide your body with what it needs in each stage.
• Healing After the Shift: Insights into post-bariatric nutrition and recovery, focusing on meaningful healing and sustainable long-term wellness.
• Awareness as a Tool: Moving away from restrictive mindsets and toward a place of awareness, where nutrition becomes an act of self-care rather than a chore.

Whether you are building a brand or nurturing a dream, Staci’s approach reminds us that the most successful "business plan" starts with a foundation of self-love and gentle nourishment.

Tune in for an interview that will change the way you look at your plate and your reflection. 🖤

Support Staci:

• Instagram: @lighttrack_dietitian 
• Website: lighttracknutrition.com

🛡️ Mission-Driven Standards & Transparency

At The Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, our mission is to provide a platform for innovators shaping the future of health and wellness. To maintain our commitment to our listeners:

• Editorial Policy: An interview is an exploration of a founder’s vision and journey; it is not an automatic endorsement of their products or claims.
• Certification Status: Please note that at the time of this recording, this brand has not been CMB Certified.
• Our Standard: While we are inspired by this founder's story and vision, our official CMB endorsement is reserved exclusively for brands that have completed our rigorous verification process.

Curious about what it takes to get the Seal? ✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

How do you make all-natural products exciting for kids without relying on toxic synthetics? In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra welcomes Andrea Ort, the scientist and founder behind The Roxy Grace Company.

Andrea’s journey began 11 years ago with a simple goal: creating a safe, skin-friendly solution for her son’s eczema that also encouraged screen-free family bonding. Today, Roxy Grace is a leading name in all-natural bath and beauty, known for its small-batch integrity and "food-grade" ingredients.

In this candid conversation, Andrea reveals the reality of bootstrapping a brand, the education gap in the "clean" industry, and the pivotal moment she chose mission over marketing trends. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a parent striving for a non-toxic home, this episode offers practical guidance on living—and building—with intention.

In this episode, we explore:

• The transition from a 30-year dental career to small-batch manufacturing.
• Why the "open pore" vulnerability makes bath water quality critical.
• Navigating the challenges of eco-friendly packaging in a small business.

Support Andrea:

• Instagram: @theroxygracecompany
• Website: roxygrace.com

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What does it look like to turn a lifetime of visibility into a vehicle for social good? In this episode, we are joined by a truly celebrated figure in the fashion and media world: Brazilian Model & TV Host, Fabi Saba. Now based in NYC, Fabi continues to empower audiences through her social platforms, bridging her international career with a deep commitment to advocacy.

Having established an iconic presence on the runways of Milan, NYC, Tokyo, and Paris, and as a beloved personality on Brazilian television, Fabi has spent years in the spotlight. However, her most impactful work is happening now; while remaining a force in the industry, she is using her platform more than ever to champion self-love, authenticity, and the power of the individual voice.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Power of a Platform: How Fabi leverages her career as a top-tier Model & TV Host to act as a vocal advocate for societal change.
• Strategic Collaboration: Her aspirations to connect with visionaries and align with causes—such as those led by Felipe Neto—to amplify meaningful change with authenticity and courage.
• The Next Generation of Impact: While not covered in the audio of this episode, we want to highlight the incredible work happening right now by Fabi's 17-year-old daughter, Victoria. As the founder of the We Still Rise Foundation, Victoria is continuing the family legacy by giving women a fresh start. The mission of the We Still Rise Foundation is to provide essential resources and a community of support to help women reach their full potential. We invite our community to support this vital cause via the links below.

Fabi’s journey is a testament to the fact that no matter your profession—be it modeling, acting, or entrepreneurship—your most powerful tool is your own authentic voice and the courage to stand up for yourself and those you love.

Connect & Support:

• Instagram: @fabisaba
• Tiktok: fabianasabany
• Support We Still Rise Foundation: @westillrisefoundation
• Inquiries & donations: [email protected]

Photo Credit: Felipe Bauer

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

The first 1,000 days of life are a sacred window — but for many parents, they can also be the most overwhelming. In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Naina Jain, founder of MarigoldLife, to explore the intersection of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern family wellness.

Inspired by her grandfather’s legacy as an Ayurvedic practitioner in India, Naina created a Nashville-based brand that provides clean, nurturing support for mothers and babies. In this conversation, Naina discusses the "clean beauty" gap, the challenges of ethical sourcing and sustainable packaging, and the honest reality of bootstrapping a brand from her kitchen to the shelf.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a conscious parent, this episode delivers a beautiful blend of heritage, purpose, and practical advice for building a business with intention.

Support Naina:

• Instagram: @marigoldlife.co
• Website: marigoldlifeco.com

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple

Support the show

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show