Emerging Brands Podcast

While building a dynamic career in food and beverage marketing for industry giants like Uber, Walmart, and Gopuff, sauce lover Nicole Glabman was simultaneously navigating intense personal hormonal and gut health challenges. This journey, combined with her love for flavor and over seven years of industry experience, sparked an idea: to reimagine the everyday condiments that are the backbone of our meals. Nicole set out to create She's the Sauce, a line of delicious, better-for-you sauces with benefits—built on a foundation of clean ingredients, added protein, and fiber. The brand believes that you shouldn't have to compromise on flavor to feel good, offering sauces that truly satisfy while supporting a healthier lifestyle. Inside the Episode: The essential balance: crafting a "better-for-you" sauce that maintains indulgent flavor and texture. How Nicole's extensive background in CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) marketing prepared her to launch her own brand. Nicole's experience turning personal health struggles into a mission-driven brand that helps others redefine their relationship with food. Shop now! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!  

In the competitive world of retail, emerging brands with mission-driven, clean-label products often struggle to compete with the massive marketing budgets of legacy players. Eleanor Hayden, Founder and CEO of Veriti, experienced this challenge firsthand as an in-house marketer for successful emerging CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) brands. Since 2021, Veriti has operated as the essential shopper marketing and retail media team for these challengers, proving that sharper strategy and expert execution can consistently outperform bigger budgets. Veriti manages the entire retail ecosystem—from vendor relationships and in-store displays to keyword-by-keyword retail media campaign optimization—freeing founders to focus on building their brand. Inside the Episode: How a strategic, integrated approach to shopper marketing (in-store displays) and retail media (digital advertising) drives outsized results. Eleanor's journey from in-house brand marketer to launching the agency she wished she had. What emerging founders can learn about allocating their limited budget to maximize new-to-brand sales and secure long-term retail relationships. Connect here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!  

For 15 years, Roopa Annadatha mastered the art of bringing products to market at a massive scale, leading operations for global innovators like Apple, Microsoft, and Peloton. Yet, her most challenging and inspiring role was becoming a mother of two. The turning point came during a long travel day, observing her 18-month-old survive on pretzels and Goldfish. That moment crystallized a profound realization: modern parents are forced to choose between quick, empty calories and nutritious meals that require precious time they don't have. With many existing toddler foods failing to meet global nutrition standards, Roopa recognized a critical gap: convenient, delicious, and science-backed meals for kids, not just snacks. Roopa founded Nomie to end the mealtime stress for families. She now combines her deep expertise in scaling complex operations with her lived experience to build the first-of-its-kind better-for-kids meal brand, committed to fueling children's growth from busy weeknights to travel days. Inside the Episode: How being the target customer (a busy mom) informs every product and strategic decision at Nomie. How Roopa leveraged her operations and execution experience from tech giants (Apple, Microsoft, Peloton) to build a food brand's supply chain. What emerging founders can learn about "filling the gaps": How Roopa built community and sought out specific expertise to navigate the CPG/food industry knowledge she didn't have. Follow Nomie for launch updates! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

After earning a business degree and moving to Italy to pursue a master's in World Food Cultures, Carli gained a profound understanding of the cultural, political, and social forces that shape our global food systems. Upon returning to New York City, she honed her skills in brand, operations, and training at industry leaders like Eataly and Hot Bread Kitchen. Seeing a need for a dedicated space for connection and collaboration, she set out to carve her own path. This journey led to the creation of The Libi Project, a mission-driven culinary community and creative studio. The Libi Project is all about uplifting early-stage entrepreneurs, creatives, and farmers through industry programming, educational workshops, and storytelling. At its heart are Culinary Industry Nights—quarterly events that gather hundreds of food and beverage professionals to connect, collaborate, and build genuine partnerships across the food world, from urban farmers and pastry chefs to CPG founders and fermentation experts. Inside the Episode: How Carli's international education and New York food industry experience sparked the idea for The Libi Project. The power of peer-to-peer learning and cross-disciplinary exchange in strengthening the food industry. What emerging founders can learn about creating intentional, impactful industry events that lead to genuine partnerships. Connect here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

For years, guests have traveled to the Catskills to get a taste of Phoenicia Diner's legendary fluffy pancakes. The diner became a modern classic, famous for its comfort food and classic Americana style. But when guests kept asking for the secret to that signature fluffiness, owner Michael Cioffi realized he had an opportunity to bring a piece of the diner experience right into their homes. Now, brunch aficionados can recreate the magic with Phoenicia Diner's trio of high-quality Pancake Mixes in Classic Buttermilk, Buckwheat, and Vegan varieties. Made with the same ingredients served at the diner, these mixes capture the comforting flavors that make them a beloved favorite. Available for purchase online and in over 100 regional stores, these mixes, along with the Phoenicia Diner Cookbook (released by Penguin/Randomhouse), have turned a local landmark into a national brand. Inside the Episode: How Michael Cioffi successfully translated a beloved restaurant experience into a national consumer product line. The challenge of maintaining quality and authenticity when scaling a diner's signature recipe into a shelf-stable mix. How a CPG launch can diversify revenue and expand the reach of a well-established hospitality brand. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

Chef Jane Coxwell has cooked all over the world—from the South of France and the villages of Southeast Asia to a 305-foot superyacht—serving some of the biggest names in fashion and media, including over a decade as Diane von Furstenberg's private chef. Known for her elegant yet approachable style, Jane built her career on the belief that good food should be simple and full of life. Her latest project, OKO, is a chef-founded food company making fresh, organic vegetable blends that make eating well effortless. What started as a personal project to help DVF heal through food is now available to everyone. Each OKO blend (like Beet Ginger and Carrot Turmeric) is certified organic, plant-based, and made with simple, farmers-market-quality ingredients. Built on simplicity, health, and joy, OKO helps people—whether they cook a lot or not at all—bring more vegetables, color, and life into their kitchen. Inside the Episode: How Jane's experience as a private chef for top public figures led to the creation of her own CPG product, OKO. The challenge of bottling and scaling a fresh, chef-quality product while maintaining its organic, clean ingredient integrity. What emerging founders can learn about turning a professional "secret weapon" (like a recipe or technique) into a successful consumer brand. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!  

After a 15-year career shaping luxury hospitality experiences for brands like Mandarin Oriental and Ian Schrager, Kristin Charbo found herself ready for a new challenge—one that was delicious, nostalgic, and deeply personal. Along with her partner, Grover Light, her "healthy, yummy donut things" accidentally went viral, sparking the birth of glonuts. Glonuts is a better-for-you donut brand that redefines indulgence with clean, raw vegan, and gluten-free ingredients, all while keeping sugar counts low. For Kristin, who manages PCOS, glonuts is more than a business; it's a way to celebrate food that tastes incredible without sacrificing how you feel. The brand meets a growing demand from a community hungry for clean-ingredient "glow ups" of their favorite treats. Kristin now brings her high-touch experience and luxury brand mindset to the CPG world, creating products that prioritize both delight and functionality. She's building a brand that doesn't shame indulgence but celebrates it with products available in retailers across the US, including H-E-B, Erewhon, and Misfitsmarket.com. Inside the Episode: How an idea for a coffee shop side-pairing quickly became the main product and focus of their business. Kristin's journey managing PCOS and how she turned a personal health need into a growing national brand. How glonuts built a brand around "guilt-free" indulgence, making treats approachable and accessible without food shame. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!    

Charlotte Langley's journey as a celebrated Chef, Canner, and Ocean Steward is rooted in a desire to transform the often-staid world of preserved food. Driven by a culinary expertise and a bold, confident spirit, she created Nice Cans—a brand that proves canned goods can be gourmet, vibrant, and utterly delicious. Nice Cans is a Boldly Delicious Canned Food Brand that celebrates and empowers its consumers. By blending Sensual, Juicy, and Delicious flavors with a vibrant, confident, and playfully provocative spirit, Nice Cans crafts high-quality, fabulous products that go beyond taste. The brand is successfully redefining the experience of gourmet canned goods, breaking barriers, and inspiring bold living that inspires joy, confidence, and beauty from the inside out. Inside the Episode: How Chef Langley transitioned her celebrated culinary career and expertise into building a disruptive CPG brand. What it means to lead a brand with a "cheeky" and "provocative" approach while delivering high-quality, gourmet products. How Nice Cans is redefining the canned goods category and inspiring "bold living" in consumers. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!  

Andrew Bly is a strategic brand and advertising designer focused on delivering unique, ownable creative for brands looking to reach the next level of growth. He is also the founder of Snacks & Design, a neighborly shop to discover up-and-coming brands focused on indie goodies made with good stuff by even better people. Andrew brings his expertise and unique perspective on both branding and retail discovery. As a designer who builds custom brand identities and curates shelf-ready success at Snacks & Design, he is perfectly positioned to uncover the stories, strategies, and design decisions behind the most exciting new consumer companies. Inside the Episode: The inspiration behind opening Snacks & Design and what a physical retail space teaches founders about product placement and package design. The latest shifts in design for CPG food & beverage brands, including the massive industry-wide emphasis on simple, clean ingredients. How running the Snacks & Design retail space gives Andrew an invaluable source of live consumer feedback, allowing him to understand customer desires and bring that actionable insight to his design and strategy work. This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

Patrick Coyne loved the bustling energy and incredible flavor of the roadside dumpling shops he visited in China. That experience, and the incredible food, was something he missed back home—and something he realized was missing from the American frozen food aisle. Seeing an opportunity to merge authentic flavors with modern convenience, Patrick founded Laoban, a brand dedicated to delivering the dumpling shop experience right to your freezer. Laoban, which means "boss" in Chinese, pays homage to the masters of those authentic shops, offering a line of frozen Asian snacks and appetizers that began with chef-crafted dumplings. The brand takes classic Chinese dumplings and injects them with modern twists, new flavor combinations, and heaps of fun, making them accessible to everyone across the nation. Inside the Episode: How Patrick turned his love for authentic Chinese street food into a mass-market frozen brand. How partnering with a culinary expert helped Laoban craft a quality, chef-driven recipe that could be successfully scaled for the frozen aisle. How to build a brand identity—like Laoban—that successfully honors tradition while embracing fun and innovation. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!  

While building her career at the intersection of fashion, hospitality, and brand development, Wesley Davis, CEO and Co-Founder of Society De La Rassi, saw a shift happening. People were seeking out connection and clarity at their social events, but the celebratory options felt limited. This sparked the idea for a sophisticated, premium dealcoholized sparkling wine crafted for discerning palates and noteworthy characters. Society De La Rassi is a modern toast to bold encounters and new age soirées, marrying timeless winemaking tradition with intentional innovation. It's an elegant alternative for those who seek luxury without the limits of compromise. More than just a beverage, each sip is an invitation to redefine the art of celebration. Inside the Episode: How Wesley translated her deep experience in fashion and hospitality into the world of premium beverages. Building a brand narrative around luxury, connection, and clarity in the rapidly evolving non-alcoholic space. Lessons for emerging founders on cultivating a premium brand that resonates deeply with a modern consumer. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

Lindsay Holden, Co-founder of Odele, left her stable corporate role to make prestige beauty accessible to all. Alongside her fellow working mother co-founders, she launched a line of clean, inclusive, affordable, and shareable hair care, guided by the philosophy: "Crazy good doesn't have to be crazy expensive." You can now find their products, developed by hair type and texture, at major retailers like Target, Ulta Beauty, and CVS Pharmacy. Before this leap, Lindsay was a Senior Buyer for Target Corporation for eight years. Inspired by the struggle of work/life balance and a market gap for inclusive, salon-grade products, she co-founded Odele, which achieved profitability within its first six months. Lindsay is candid about the trials and triumphs of entrepreneurship, offering an honest look at life "without the pretty filters." Inside the Episode: How Lindsay moved from a corporate leadership role at Target to a co-founder of an emerging beauty brand and the strategy behind building a brand that balances clean, inclusive, and affordable beauty. Lessons on building a profitable business that scaled its retail distribution to Target, Ulta Beauty, and CVS Pharmacy. What emerging founders can learn about turning the working parent struggle into a breakthrough product and achieving work/life balance without the pretty filters. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

Launching a successful CPG food & beverage brand starts long before you ever hit production — it starts with a rock-solid brand concept. In this solo episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of Week 1 of my proprietary four-week strategy, revealing the exact methodology I use to help my clients nail the foundational elements of their business. This process involves deep market research and intense questioning to ensure your brand concept is clear, unique, and primed for consumer resonance. I share the critical steps for defining your brand's DNA, including identifying your core consumer problem and solution, clarifying your long-term vision, and setting clear parameters around the brand's identity. By the end of this foundational week, we establish the brand's Concept, Founder Story, Differentiators, and Pre-Launch Messaging — all the essential components for commanding attention and generating demand before you launch. Inside the Episode: The essential questions I ask to help founders define their Brand Concept, Differentiators, and big vision. How to craft a Founder & Brand Story that powerfully resonates with your target market, media, and potential investors. The critical elements—including Brand Voice, Values, and Name Concepts—that must be finalized to set the stage for your go-to-market strategy. Learn more about brand strategy here. This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!  

Halli Sigel began her career in the thick of some of New York's fastest-growing startups. Excelling at the junction of customer experience and operations, she quickly realized her ideal venture would merge her passion for scaling businesses with her love for bringing people together. Halli and her friend, Shelby Sims, founded Quincy on the belief that great cocktails need a fantastic mixer and garnish just as much as a great spirit. Historically, mixers were overlooked while alcohol brands built loyalty. Quincy is now on a mission to ignite brand love for the other half of the glass by redefining mixers and garnishes for the modern consumer, both at home and out on the town. Inside the Episode: How Halli's background in high-growth startups set the stage for launching Quincy The strategy behind creating brand loyalty and excitement for a previously ignored category—cocktail mixers and garnishes Lessons for emerging founders on combining operational expertise with community-building to create a breakthrough brand Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!  

As a bartender in Toronto, Amanda Chen lost all her work during the pandemic. What seemed like a setback turned into a blessing: a one-way ticket to Mexico that changed her life. Now four years sober, she is dedicated to trailblazing the next wave of non-alcoholic beverages. This journey led her to create Tomonotomo, an award-winning non-alcoholic distilled agave spirit handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Tomonotomo has a unique process that blends with traditional mezcal practices to create a clean, sophisticated, and alcohol-free spirit that everyone can enjoy. Inside the Episode: How losing her job led Amanda on a path to sobriety and entrepreneurship in Mexico The innovative process of creating an alcohol-free distilled agave spirit that respects traditional mezcal practices What emerging founders can learn about building a sophisticated brand in the rapidly growing non-alc space Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

After a decade at Google and YouTube — most recently leading business development for YouTube Health — Ariel Altman knew she wanted to build something that drove impact at the intersection of health and innovation. That passion, combined with her Brazilian roots by marriage, led her to co-found Figa Foods. Figa is a company reimagining the chocolate aisle with bars made from the upcycled seeds of cupuaçu (coo-poo-ah-soo), a Brazilian superfood that's as delicious as it is sustainable. By partnering with regenerative farmers and top chefs, Figa is on a mission to make cupuaçu your new favorite superfood that both tastes good and does good. Inside the Episode: How Ariel's experience building partnerships at Google and YouTube translated to launching a CPG brand The innovation behind upcycling cupuaçu seeds to create a sustainable and delicious chocolate alternative Lessons for emerging founders on building a mission-driven brand by prioritizing regenerative sourcing and unique ingredients Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

With a successful background in marketing, including launching one of the first nationally distributed canned wine brands, Alexis Beechen joined forces with founders Miles Beckett and Steve Seigel to launch Ola Sol. As CEO, Alexis brought her full-stack marketing leadership to handle distribution and implement tech-first sales strategies, helping to bring this unique agave wine to market. Ola Sol is the first premium agave wine specifically designed for crafting cocktails. Made from 100% estate-grown Blue Weber agave sourced from Jalisco, Mexico, Ola Sol offers the authentic flavor of agave spirits but with half the alcohol content (24% ABV), allowing for delicious, balanced cocktails. Inside the Episode: How Alexis's experience in brand development and marketing led her to create Ola Sol What it takes to build a premium beverage brand that offers a unique value proposition How to identify a gap in the market and turn a personal passion into an innovative product Shop here! This podcast was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and a tastemaker at heart, Ana Lander traded a decade long career in social and data for broth packets after a health journey inspired by her roots. Now, she's building Pikora, a brand dedicated to bringing the bold flavors she grew up with to your kitchen. Pikora is a women-founded, culture-forward brand on a mission to deliver better nutrition through its innovative broth packets. Ana Lander's personal journey of becoming a product innovator by accident is a testament to turning challenges into delicious solutions. Pikora makes it easier to savor every moment, whether you're using their broth as a snack, a meal upgrade, or a seasoning that adds depth to any dish. Inside the Episode: How Ana's personal health journey inspired the creation of Pikora. The mission behind building a brand that honors your cultural roots while balancing function and flavor. What emerging founders can learn about turning personal challenges into breakthrough products. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

Stephanie Berwick is an innovative entrepreneur who transformed her 20-year career in fintech and diverse background into founding Pastazerts. Her journey is a testament to the power of trusting your instincts and embracing a new path, a bold move that led to the creation of the world's first chocolate ravioli dessert. Pastazerts is the culmination of Stephanie's unconventional vision, uniting two of the world's most beloved foods — chocolate and pasta — with sweet, creamy fillings. It's a brand built on the belief that innovation can come from the most unexpected places, offering a delightful and surprising new treat to dessert lovers everywhere. Inside the Episode: How Stephanie's two-decade-long career in fintech uniquely prepared her to launch a food brand. What it takes to transform a creative, unconventional idea into a tangible, marketable product. How emerging founders can learn to trust their instincts and embrace unconventional journeys. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!

Date Smarter's founder, Grace Finerman, knows what it's like to be busy. As a former TV news anchor and reporter, she was constantly on the go and realized the need for food that was both healthy and delicious.  Grace took this realization and created Date Smarter, a brand that's breaking up with unhealthy snacks by proving that healthy eating doesn't have to mean giving up on flavor. Inside the Episode: How Grace's background as a news reporter helped her launch and grow her business The inspiration behind Date Smarter's unique products, including their signature chocolate-covered date caramels Grace's strategy for creating a brand that's both healthy and indulgent Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is the go-to platform built for creator-powered retail activations—connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to spark shelf-level awareness, drive in-store momentum, and generate authentic content in the markets that matter most. Learn more!