In this episode of Wynn's Kitchen podcast, host Wynn Austin speaks with Asha Mody, founder of Mindsy Design, about the importance of mindful branding. Asha shares her journey in the design industry and emphasizes the need for brands to have a soul and authenticity. The conversation explores the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, the significance of mindfulness in business, and the power of saying no. Asha provides valuable insights on building a purpose-driven brand, the role of cultural identity, and the importance of community engagement. The episode concludes with practical advice for founders on how to navigate their branding journey with clarity and intention.

Takeaways

• A brand must have a soul to resonate with its audience.
• Authenticity is key in creating a meaningful brand.
• Mindfulness in business helps prevent burnout.
• Saying no is a powerful tool for founders.
• Understanding your audience's needs is crucial for success.
• Clarity in messaging can significantly impact brand perception.
• Cultural identity plays a vital role in branding.
• Community engagement enhances brand loyalty.
• Mindfulness practices can improve decision-making in business.
• A clear strategy is essential for sustainable growth.

To connect with Asha and learn more about her services, please head over to her website:

https://www.mindsy.design/

Connect with Asha on Linkedin

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share and subscribe to the podcast on apple podcast, spotify, or i heart radio. Please leave us a review on apple to help others like you, find our podcast.

To order our delicous & Keto Friendly Asian sauces & healthy recipes, please feel free to check out our website - www.wynnskitchen.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram at Wynn’s Kitchen, that’s my social media of choice. I’m on there daily, sharing what I’m up to and what I’m cooking up!

Thank you again for listening and until next time, keep cooking up your dreams. You’ll never know when it turns into reality.

xoxo,
Wynn

In this episode of the Wynn's Kitchen podcast,  Wynn speaks with Jordan Karcher, founder of Eileen, an innovative app designed to help consumer product brands manage their products in retail stores. They discuss Karcher's background in the CPG industry, the challenges brands face in retail, the importance of data, and how his app Eileen connects brands with shoppers to gather actionable insights. 

Karcher shares his vision for Eileen, the unique shopper experience it offers, and provides valuable advice for CPG brands looking to grow and succeed in a competitive market.

You can learn more about Eileen on their website:

https://www.shopwitheileen.com/

Takeaways

• Eileen is like Uber for insights for brands.
• Data is crucial for CPG brands but often hard to obtain.
• Retail challenges often lead to unexpected outcomes for brands.
• Physical presence in stores is essential for product management.
• Eileen aims to provide actionable insights for brands.
• Shoppers using Eileen provide real-world perspectives on product placement.
• The app is designed to be user-friendly and gamified for shoppers.
• Brands can set up rewards for product checks in specific stores.
• Eileen is retailer agnostic, allowing flexibility for brands.
• Focus on creating a great product and the rest will follow.

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share and subscribe to the podcast on apple podcast, spotify, or i heart radio. Please leave us a review on apple to help others like you, find our podcast.

To order our delicous & Keto Friendly Asian sauces & healthy recipes, please feel free to check out our website - www.wynnskitchen.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram at Wynn’s Kitchen, that’s my social media of choice. I’m on there daily, sharing what I’m up to and what I’m cooking up!

Thank you again for listening and until next time, keep cooking up your dreams. You’ll never know when it turns into reality.

xoxo,
Wynn

In this episode of Wynn's Kitchen podcast, host Wynn Austin speaks with Marka Basile of Grocery Geeks about the journey of emerging brands in the food and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. 

They discuss the importance of starting in farmer's markets, navigating distribution challenges, and the critical role of marketing in driving sales. Marka shares insights on the evolving retail landscape, the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, and strategies for success in a competitive market.

 In this conversation, Marka Basile and Wynn Austin discuss the complexities of running a food business, emphasizing the importance of navigating challenges, understanding pricing strategies, and the significance of the five P's of CPG. 

They share insights on building long-term client relationships, managing promotions, and knowing when to work with a broker. The discussion also highlights the importance of market demand and staying focused in a competitive landscape, with real-life success stories illustrating the journey of growth in the food industry.

Takeaways

• Emerging brands often start in farmer's markets to test their products.
• Distribution is a significant challenge for new brands, requiring strategic planning.
• Marketing budgets and consumer engagement are crucial for success.
• Retailers are increasingly integrating smaller natural products into their offerings.
• The CPG industry is becoming more competitive, making it harder for new brands to enter.
• Understanding the sales dynamics is essential for moving products off the shelf.
• Emotional attachment to products can cloud decision-making for entrepreneurs.
• Building relationships with retailers is key to gaining shelf space.
• Successful brands need to focus on reorders rather than just initial sales.
• Learning from mistakes and adapting strategies is vital for growth. You can talk through issues and come out the other side with a better perspective.
• Filling out forms for distributors can be incredibly complicated.
• Understanding pricing strategies is crucial for success in retail.
• The power of penny profits can significantly impact your margins.
• It's essential to have a solid pricing structure to avoid losing money.
• The five P's of CPG (Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People) are vital for business success.
• Building long-term relationships with clients can lead to sustained growth.
• Promotions and managing retailer relationships require constant attention.
• Knowing when to work with a broker can accelerate your market entry.
• Market demand should be validated before investing heavily in product development.

To connect with Marka and learn more about her services at Grocery Geeks check out the following links:

Website: https://grocerygeeks.net/

Instagram: Grocery Geeks

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share and subscribe to the podcast on apple podcast, spotify, or i heart radio. Please leave us a review on apple to help others like you, find our podcast.

To order our delicous & Keto Friendly Asian sauces & healthy recipes, please feel free to check out our website - www.wynnskitchen.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram at Wynn’s Kitchen, that’s my social media of choice. I’m on there daily, sharing what I’m up to and what I’m cooking up!

Thank you again for listening and until next time, keep cooking up your dreams. You’ll never know when it turns into reality.

xoxo,
Wynn

In this episode of Wynn's Kitchen podcast, host Wynn Austin speaks with Jess Windell, founder of Maven's Consulting, about the intricacies of public relations (PR) and its importance for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. They discuss the evolution of PR, the challenges brands face, and the significance of storytelling in marketing. Jess introduces her DIY PR course, Catalyst, designed to empower emerging brands with the knowledge and tools to manage their own PR effectively. The conversation also touches on the PESO model and the changing landscape of media and consumer trust.

To learn more about Maven's Consulting and the DIY PR program Catalyst for emerging brands, visit:

Maven Consulting

Catalyst 

Save $500 on the Catalyst program with code: WYNN

Takeaways

• PR is an art form that requires creativity and trial and error.
• Understanding your stakeholders is crucial for brand success.
• It's important to have your brand foundation set before investing in PR.
• Authenticity in storytelling is vital for connecting with consumers.
• Brands should leverage earned media for maximum exposure.
• Shark Tank may not be the best investment of time for brands.
• Building relationships with retailers can enhance PR efforts.
• PR is about managing reputation and building trust with consumers.
• Catalyst offers a comprehensive approach to learning PR at your own pace.

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share and subscribe to the podcast on apple podcast, spotify, or i heart radio. Please leave us a review on apple to help others like you, find our podcast.

To order our delicous & Keto Friendly Asian sauces & healthy recipes, please feel free to check out our website - www.wynnskitchen.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram at Wynn’s Kitchen, that’s my social media of choice. I’m on there daily, sharing what I’m up to and what I’m cooking up!

Thank you again for listening and until next time, keep cooking up your dreams. You’ll never know when it turns into reality.

xoxo,
Wynn

In this episode of the Wynn's Kitchen podcast, host Wynn Austin speaks with Soon Hagerty, founder of the Boundless Futures Foundation, about the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs. They discuss their personal journeys as Vietnamese immigrants, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the mission of the foundation to provide financial resources and mentorship to aspiring female business owners. The conversation highlights the need for financial literacy and access to capital, as well as the impact of social issues on business success. In this conversation, Soon Hagerty and Wynn Austin discuss the significant gender disparity in venture capital funding, the importance of community support for women entrepreneurs, and the challenges they face in their entrepreneurial journeys. They emphasize the need for women to prioritize their time, say no to distractions, and be financially savvy. 

The discussion also highlights the vision for Boundless Futures, a foundation aimed at supporting women-led businesses, and the importance of celebrating small wins in the entrepreneurial journey.

Takeaways

• Women inspire me, especially female founders.
• Access to financial capital is crucial for entrepreneurs.
• Mentorship is vital for navigating business challenges.
• Many entrepreneurs lack focus and can overspend early on.
• Financial literacy is often underestimated among founders.
• The foundation provides grants to women with social impact businesses.
• 43% of U.S. businesses are owned by women, but only 3% receive venture capital.
• Personal stories of immigrant families can drive entrepreneurial spirit.
• Starting a business without experience can lead to valuable learning opportunities.
• The restaurant industry has a high failure rate, emphasizing the need for savvy business practices. 97% of venture capital goes to men-led businesses.
• Women often struggle with saying no, impacting their focus.
• Community support is crucial for women's success in business.
• Women-led businesses tend to be more community-oriented.
• Flexibility in entrepreneurship is vital for women with families.
• Financial literacy is essential for entrepreneurial success.
• Prioritization is key in managing entrepreneurial challenges.
• Celebrating small wins can boost morale and motivation.
• Networking can lead to valuable mentorship opportunities.
• Starting a business requires clarity on the problem being solved.

To learn more about the opportunities at Boundless Futures:

https://boundlessfutures.org/

https://www.instagram.com/boundless_futures/

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share and subscribe to the podcast on apple podcast, spotify, or i heart radio. Please leave us a review on apple to help others like you, find our podcast.

To order our delicous & Keto Friendly Asian sauces & healthy recipes, please feel free to check out our website - www.wynnskitchen.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram at Wynn’s Kitchen, that’s my social media of choice. I’m on there daily, sharing what I’m up to and what I’m cooking up!

Thank you again for listening and until next time, keep cooking up your dreams. You’ll never know when it turns into reality.

xoxo,
Wynn

In this episode of Wynn's Kitchen podcast, host Wynn Austin interviews Hilary Cocalis, founder of SipWell Wine, an award-winning premium sustainable canned wine brand based in San Diego and produced in California. Hilary shares her journey from working in the beer industry to creating a unique line of sparkling wines in cans, emphasizing the importance of convenience and quality. The conversation explores the challenges of running a small business, especially as a mother, and the strategies Hilary employs to market her brand and connect with the community. They also discuss the recent rebranding and expansion of SipWell Wine's distribution.

Takeaways

• Hilary transitioned from the beer industry to wine due to a personal interest.
• SipWell Wine focuses on premium quality canned sparkling wines.
• The names of the wines celebrate hard work and achievements.
• Launching during the pandemic allowed for a unique market entry.
• Convincing consumers to take canned wine seriously is a key challenge.
• Community engagement is crucial for building brand awareness.
• Resources like Naturally San Diego help emerging brands connect.
• Rebranding was aimed at communicating quality through packaging.
• Distribution has expanded significantly with a new distributor.
• Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is a continuous challenge.

To learn more about Sipwell Wines and to put in an order you can head over to their website.

sipwellwine.com

For our listeners, enjoy 20% off on your first order with code: WYNN

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share and subscribe to the podcast on apple podcast, spotify, or i heart radio. Please leave us a review on apple to help others like you, find our podcast.

To order our delicous & Keto Friendly Asian sauces & healthy recipes, please feel free to check out our website - www.wynnskitchen.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram at Wynn’s Kitchen, that’s my social media of choice. I’m on there daily, sharing what I’m up to and what I’m cooking up!

Thank you again for listening and until next time, keep cooking up your dreams. You’ll never know when it turns into reality.

xoxo,
Wynn

In this episode of Wynn's Kitchen podcast, host Wynn Austin interviews Amy M. Le, an author and founder of Quill Hawk Publishing

They discuss Amy's journey from writing her first book, 'Snow in Vietnam', to establishing her own publishing company to help other authors navigate the indie publishing landscape. The conversation covers the challenges of self-publishing, the importance of patience in the publishing process, and the emotional journey of bringing a book to life. Amy shares insights on marketing, building a brand, and the unique stories that every author has to tell, emphasizing that there is always room for more voices in the literary world.

They also talked about Wynn's upcoming Vietnamese cookbook that will focus on having a healthy twist on traditional dishes. The Wynn's Kitchen Cookbook will be published with Quill Hawk Publishing and will be the first cookbook that is published.

Takeaways

• Amy M. Le's first book is 'Snow in Vietnam', based on her family's escape from Vietnam.
• She founded Quillhawk Publishing to help indie authors navigate the publishing process.
• The self-publishing journey can be overwhelming, but support is available.
• Indie publishing allows authors full control over their work and rights.
• Patience is essential in the publishing industry, as it can take years to see a book published.
• Marketing should start as soon as the idea for a book is conceived.
• Every author's journey is unique, and there is no one right way to publish.
• Building a brand is crucial for authors to connect with their audience.
• The emotional experience of holding your published book is profound and rewarding.
• There is always room for more stories, and every author has a unique perspective to share.

Find out more about Quill Hawk Publishing through their website:

https://quillhawkpublishing.com/
Instagram: Quill Hawk Publishing

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share and subscribe to the podcast on apple podcast, spotify, or i heart radio. Please leave us a review on apple to help others like you, find our podcast.

To order our delicous & Keto Friendly Asian sauces & healthy recipes, please feel free to check out our website - www.wynnskitchen.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram at Wynn’s Kitchen, that’s my social media of choice. I’m on there daily, sharing what I’m up to and what I’m cooking up!

Thank you again for listening and until next time, keep cooking up your dreams. You’ll never know when it turns into reality.

xoxo,
Wynn

In this episode of the Wynn's Kitchen podcast, host Wynn Austin discusses the recent acquisition of Siete Foods by PepsiCo for $1.2 billion, reflecting on the inspiring journey of Siete Foods and its impact on the CPG industry. Wynn shares her personal connection to Siete's story and how it motivated her to pursue her own business, Wynn's Kitchen, focusing on better-for-you Asian sauces. The conversation emphasizes the importance of believing in one's mission and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the food industry.

Takeaways

• Siete Foods' acquisition by PepsiCo is a significant milestone for the CPG industry.
• The story of Siete Foods inspired Wynn to pursue her own business.
• Entrepreneurship often involves overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure.
• Creating products that solve real problems can lead to success.
• The importance of clean ingredients in food products is paramount.
• Wynn's Kitchen aims to provide better-for-you Asian sauces.
• Entrepreneurs should celebrate the successes of others in their industry.
• Building a brand requires persistence and belief in one's mission.
• The journey of entrepreneurship can be lonely, but support is crucial.
• Reflecting on the reasons for starting a business can reignite passion.

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share and subscribe to the podcast on apple podcast, spotify, or i heart radio. Please leave us a review on apple to help others like you, find our podcast.

To order our delicous & Keto Friendly Asian sauces & healthy recipes, please feel free to check out our website - www.wynnskitchen.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram at Wynn’s Kitchen, that’s my social media of choice. I’m on there daily, sharing what I’m up to and what I’m cooking up!

Thank you again for listening and until next time, keep cooking up your dreams. You’ll never know when it turns into reality.

xoxo,
Wynn

In this episode of The Wynn's Kitchen podcast, Wynn Austin shares her journey of starting a natural Asian sauce business from scratch. She discusses her initial dreams of working with food, the health challenges she faced that led her to explore healthier eating, and how she created a delicious, healthy version of her favorite Vietnamese sauce- The Sate Chili sauce - that resonated with her community.

Wynn reflects on the overwhelming yet exciting transition from a home kitchen to the idea of a business, emphasizing the importance of taking the first step in entrepreneurship.

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share and subscribe to the podcast on apple podcast, spotify, or i heart radio. Please leave us a review on apple to help others like you, find our podcast.

To order our delicous & Keto Friendly Asian sauces & healthy recipes, please feel free to check out our website - www.wynnskitchen.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram at Wynn’s Kitchen, that’s my social media of choice. I’m on there daily, sharing what I’m up to and what I’m cooking up!

Thank you again for listening and until next time, keep cooking up your dreams. You’ll never know when it turns into reality.

xoxo,
Wynn

In this episode, host Wynn Austin interviews Judy Tsuei,  the founder of Wild Hearted Words, a marketing agency based in San Diego. They discuss Judy's journey as an Asian American woman in entrepreneurship, the importance of storytelling in marketing, and the power of being seen and heard. They also touch on topics such as the impact of upbringing on self-expression, the role of curiosity in personal and professional growth, and the connection between physical and emotional well-being.

 In this conversation, Wynn Austin and Judy discuss the importance of authenticity and self-compassion in both personal and professional journeys. They explore the damaging effects of perfectionism and the pressure to present a curated image on social media. They also touch on the power of storytelling and the role it plays in branding and marketing.

Judy shares her work in helping businesses develop their brand strategy and content marketing, while also empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves. They discuss the value of podcasts in providing support and understanding, and the importance of finding a supportive community.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of being seen and heard in personal and professional relationships
• The power of storytelling in marketing and business
• The impact of upbringing on self-expression and the journey to finding one's voice
• The role of curiosity in personal and professional growth
• The connection between physical and emotional well-being Authenticity and self-compassion are essential in personal and professional journeys.
• Perfectionism and the pressure to present a curated image on social media can be damaging.
• Storytelling plays a powerful role in branding and marketing.
• Developing a brand strategy and content marketing can help businesses scale and increase visibility.

Thank you for tuning in! To learn more about today's guest and dive deeper into her work, check out the links below:

Website: Wild Hearted Words
Podcast: F*ck Saving Face
Kickstarter Book Campaign

Judy is also writing a new book and has launched a kickstarter campaign:
Book: How to Disappoint Your Parents in 10 Shameless Steps
For today's overperforming, overwhelmed, and over-it AANHPI who's tired of the Model Minority Myth—and immigrant parent expectations!

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an update. You can also follow Wynn on social media for behind-the-scenes of her entrepreneurial journey on building Wynn's Kitchen and upcoming podcast guest announcements. Need some dinner inspiration, be sure to check out recipes an

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share and subscribe to the podcast on apple podcast, spotify, or i heart radio. Please leave us a review on apple to help others like you, find our podcast.

To order our delicous & Keto Friendly Asian sauces & healthy recipes, please feel free to check out our website - www.wynnskitchen.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram at Wynn’s Kitchen, that’s my social media of choice. I’m on there daily, sharing what I’m up to and what I’m cooking up!

Thank you again for listening and until next time, keep cooking up your dreams. You’ll never know when it turns into reality.

xoxo,
Wynn