Plantas Pod: Bold Strategies for Visionary Entrepreneurs

Join Daniella as she sits down with Denise Woodard, Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, to discuss her inspiring entrepreneurship journey. Denise opens up about the highs and lows of starting a CPG business, sharing pivotal lessons on branding, customer service, and product innovation. Learn how she navigated the complex world of fundraising and scaled her startup, all while championing diversity and inclusion for Black and Brown entrepreneurs in CPG. This episode is a treasure trove of insights on leadership, mentorship, and the dynamic growth of a purpose-driven food company. EPISODE KEY MOMENTS: The founding story of Partake Entrepreneurship challenges and learning curve Early lessons from starting a CPG business Fundraising and growth for a food startup Consumer insights and product innovation Diversity and inclusion in the food industry Where to connect with Denise on the internet: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠⁠Daniella Allam⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠⁠here If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email ⁠info@plantasstrategy.com

In this episode, Daniella sits down with Maddie Hamann, who transitioned from a PhD in oceanography to founding an organic buckwheat bread company focused on regenerative agriculture, PACHA. Maddie shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, highlighting her passion for sustainability and how she and her partner overcame initial hesitations to launch their business. They discuss the marketing challenges, the importance of sustainable packaging, and their persistence in securing Whole Foods distribution. The conversation also covers the significance of regenerative agriculture, the impact of buckwheat as a cover crop, and the difficulties of educating consumers about the benefits of sustainable practices. Maddie emphasizes the need to align values with actions and the potential for big brands to lead in consumer education about regenerative farming. EPISODE KEY MOMENTS: Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship. PACHA's focus on regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices. Launching a business with multiple co-founders during the pandemic. Overcaming marketing challenges and lack of foundational knowledge. Securing production facility and Whole Foods distribution with improved product. Compostable packaging and aligning with sustainability mission. Buckwheat's role as a regenerative cover crop. The challenges of educating consumers on regenerative agriculture benefits. Where to connect with Maddie on the internet: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠⁠Daniella Allam⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠⁠here If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email ⁠info@plantasstrategy.com

In this episode, Daniella sits down with Chef Carla Briggs, Founder and CEO of Viola's Heritage, a business celebrating the contributions of people of color in the culinary world with high-quality bread. Carla shares her entrepreneurial journey from leaving the baking industry due to carpal tunnel syndrome to starting a bread business during the pandemic. She discusses growing her business from a side hustle to a full-fledged bakery by filling a market gap for healthy, locally-made bread and integrating New Orleans’s vibrant cultural heritage into her products. Carla also highlights the challenges of scaling a business as a woman of color, including financial constraints and managing growth, and shares her experience overcoming imposter syndrome. The conversation underscores the importance of creativity, taking risks in entrepreneurship, and sharing the untold stories of people of color in the food industry. EPISODE KEY MOMENTS The story of how Viola's came into existence The culinary contributions of people of color Showcasing cultural heritage in food innovation Scaling challenges as a woman of color Overcoming impostor syndrome and financial barriers Balancing long-term vision with present needs Where to connect with Carla on the internet: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠⁠Daniella Allam⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠⁠here If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email ⁠info@plantasstrategy.com

In this episode, Daniella sits down IRL with Lauren Haynes, Founder and CEO of Wooden Spoon Herbs. A trained herbalist and 3rd generation entrepreneur, Lauren shares her entrepreneurial journey starting with the genesis of her brand at a farmers market in 2014. She recounts her early experiments with herbal products and how she expanded from local sales to a national presence, recently securing a significant distribution deal with Whole Foods. Lauren discusses how she has evolved and grown as a leader alongside her business, emphasizing the support, resources, and mentorship that have been critical to her success. She highlights the challenges and opportunities of building a successful herbal supplement brand, including the need for a clear vision, focusing on products that truly matter to consumers, and connecting to a deeper 'why' beyond just making money. EPISODE KEY MOMENTS Wooden Spoon Herb early days Experimenting with products and gathering consumer feedback Brand growth and distribution partnership with Whole Foods Product development and refinement Making herbal products accessible Fundraising for a natural products business Scaling a brand Where to connect with Lauren on the internet: Wooden Spoon Herbs website - Find them at a Whole Foods near you via this store locator Wooden Spoon Herbs Instagram Lauren Haynes PLANTAS POD CREDITS: Host: ⁠⁠Daniella Allam⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠⁠here If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email ⁠info@plantasstrategy.com

In this episode, Daniella sits down with Lisa Curtis, CEO and Founder of Kuli Kuli Foods to discuss her journey as a social entrepreneur. Lisa shares how she learned about moringa’s benefits in West Africa and was inspired to bring it to the US market, overcoming challenges such as investor skepticism and low awareness of the plant’s benefits. Lisa highlights the importance of early consumer research and leading with product benefits even as a mission-driven company. Lisa also discusses the importance of sustainable sourcing and farmer relationships, and Kuli Kuli's plans to introduce new products and promote other sustainable drought-tolerant crops beyond moringa. She reflects on the company's growth from a startup to a multimillion-dollar business, and offers sound advice for entrepreneurs: be strategically small, tell your story effectively, and take care of yourself to avoid burnout. EPISODE KEY MOMENTS: The story of how Lisa founded Kuli Kuli Introducing moringa to the US market Early consumer research and leading with product benefits Strategic partnerships with retailers like Costco and Walmart Fundraising $11 million for Kuli Kuli Sustainable sourcing and farmer relationships Brand strategy and effective storytelling Navigating supply chain disruptions Starting small and avoiding burnout as an entrepreneur Where to connect with Lisa on the internet: Kuli Kuli ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Lisa Curtis Use code PLANTAS for 20% off (First time customers only) PLANTAS POD CREDITS: Host: ⁠⁠⁠Daniella Allam⁠⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠⁠⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠. If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email ⁠⁠info@plantasstrategy.com⁠

In this episode, Daniella sits down with Sandra Velasquez, Founder and CEO of Nopalera. Sandra shares her entrepreneurial story and why she decided to disrupt the beauty industry and celebrate her Mexican heritage with the first high-end Latina beauty brand. Sandra also discusses her strategic approach to launching a mission-driven beauty brand, including identifying the target consumer, formulating products to meet clean beauty standards, and differentiating the brand through packaging, pricing, and unique value propositions. The conversation highlights the challenges of scaling consumer brands, managing cash flow, and navigating the entrepreneurial journey as an outsider to the industry. Sandra also provides insight into the challenges of entrepreneurship for founders with money wounds and underscores the importance of addressing these wounds to scale one's business and overcome systemic issues that hinder marginalized founders from accessing resources. EPISODE KEY MOMENTS: The story of how Sandra founded Nopalera The importance of branding from the outset Positioning Nopalera as a high-end Latina beauty brand Having a clear mission and vision and building the brand and products from there Getting your formulation, supply chain, and margins right from the beginning Fundraising challenges and turning down Shark Tank offers Overcoming money wounds and building confidence in entrepreneurship Where to connect with Sandra on the internet: Website | Shop Nopalera LinkedIn The Credo Clean Standard PLANTAS POD CREDITS: Host: ⁠⁠Daniella Allam⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠⁠here. If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email ⁠info@plantasstrategy.com

Introducing Season 2 of the Plantas Pod: Bold Strategies for Visionary Entrepreneurs. This season, we are highlighting the brilliant women behind some of your favorite CPG brands and diving deep into their stories of entrepreneurship, the challenges and decisions they have faced, and the bold strategies that have propelled their success. Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠⁠Daniella Allam⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠⁠here⁠ If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email ⁠info@plantasstrategy.com

In this episode, we sit down with Amelia Ahl to discuss alternative business models, what a cooperative is (and isn't), and B Corp certification. We also discuss the importance of a regenerative mindset when building a business and how to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur. Amelia is an expert in regenerative practices for individuals, organizations, and communities in service of an economy that benefits all stakeholders and the planet. Episode Key Moments: What made you decide to start your own business? The ethos of cooperatives The importance of community and self-care. What is a regenerative mindset, and why is it important? What is B Corp certification & the process of getting certified Advice for solopreneurs. Where to connect with Amelia on the internet: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Hypha Collective⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Cooperative principles Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠Daniella Allam⁠ Producer: ⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠ ⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠here If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email info@plantasstrategy.com

In this episode, we speak with writer and public health dietitian Anjali Prasertong on the importance of anti-racism in the food industry. We talk about what is missing in the conversation about nutrition and wellness, culinary appropriation, and the key things founders should think about when starting food & beverage brands. Episode Key Moments: Food systems, racial equity, and nutrition. Racism in the food industry and its impact on health disparities. Body ideals, BMI, and diversity in the food industry. Culinary appropriation and cultural sensitivity in the food industry. Food innovation and its impact on the food system. Building sustainable food brands with a strong mission and values Where to connect with Anjali online: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Article on ⁠⁠Chef Tunde Wey’s⁠⁠ social experiment ⁠⁠Undoing Racism⁠⁠ Community Organizing Workshop Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠Daniella Allam⁠ Producer: ⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠ ⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠here If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email info@plantasstrategy.com

We know "a picture is worth a thousand words," but investing in quality photos and videos is not usually top of mind for startups in growth mode.  In this episode, we speak with celebrated food and lifestyle photographer Erin Scott about the importance of having high-quality assets from the start and how to maximize those assets for the largest ROI. How to connect with Erin online: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Intake Form link⁠ The Remodelista article mentioned in the episode ⁠link⁠ Episode key moments: Erin's entrepreneurship journey and trusting Photography for small businesses with budget constraints. Food and beverage photography techniques Food photography challenges and brand identity Branding, photography, and consumer insights. Client-creative team collaboration for successful photo shoots. Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠⁠Daniella Allam⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠here If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email info@plantasstrategy.com

Daniella sits down with Dr. Zoë Gardner as she talks us through her own journey as a plant nerd in the world of regulation and offers compassionate insight to those just starting out. Websites: HerbNerd Research | Emblossom Instagram LinkedIn Episode Key Moments: In the mug- cherry rose shrub. Advice for people starting their journey. Important things to know about starting a business in regulated industries. How to talk about claims in medicine. What can happen if your product is not compliant. What is substantiation, and why does it matter? Resources for copywriting compliance. Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠Daniella Allam⁠ Producer: ⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠ ⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠here If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email info@plantasstrategy.com

On today's episode, we speak with Veronique Porter, the founder of Ampersand Workspace, on how to build Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into your business. She shares best practices for creating an inclusive workplace culture (even if you are a solopreneur), her specific focus on the race and gender lens, and why thinking about DEI early in your company’s journey is good business. Where you can connect with Veronique online: Website Instagram LinkedIn Episode key moments: Veronique's entrepreneurial journey How to build an inclusive workplace culture Woke = broke and other messaging Identity and heritage months Walking your talk instead of just checking the mark How to think about DEI in your business Dictating and upholding culture in your organization The importance of having a mission lens Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠⁠Daniella Allam⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website here If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email info@plantasstrategy.com

In this episode, we speak with Mika Kasumov, Fractional Chief Performance Officer and founder of Abacus & Pencil, a consulting agency focused on helping early to mid-stage startups manage through transformational change. He shares insights on finding the right investor for your business and how to leverage your finance team as a growth driver instead of purely a cost center. We also discuss his own journey of entrepreneurship and his learnings on the leadership mindsets that help drive growth at scale. Episode Key Moments: Highlights and lows of the entrepreneurial journey Holding conflicting ideas in your mind as a leader The importance of finding the right investors What to look for in a strategic finance partner Self-awareness and the growth mindset How to create a culture of ownership in your organization Connect with Mika online: Mika's ⁠Website⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠Daniella Allam⁠ Producer: ⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠ ⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠⁠here⁠ If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email info@plantasstrategy.com

In this episode, we speak with one of our favorite marketers in the biz, Summer Singletary, Founder of Warmly, Agency. We talk about the importance of strong storytelling, the power of good creative, and listening to consumer feedback. You'll also hear Summer's predictions for upcoming trends and her top tips for creating impactful marketing strategies as a CPG brand on a budget. Episode Key Moments: Entrepreneurship journey from corporate job to agency founder Marketing advice for early-stage founders in the food and beverage industry Consumer insights and marketing optimization The importance of quality content in marketing Marketing strategies for DTC brands with limited budgets Entrepreneurship, copywriting, and creativity Hiring a marketing agency or content team Marketing trends, psychedelic therapy, and herbal business Connect with Summer LinkedIn Warmly, Agency Emblossom Conference Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠Daniella Allam⁠ Producer: ⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠ ⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠⁠here⁠ If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email info@plantasstrategy.com

We’ve got the founder of Dreamland Koffucha, formerly known as Daydream Koffucha, Dalton Honoré, kicking off season one with a conversation on lessons from entrepreneurship as he takes us through his journey and some sound advice for those just starting out. We talk about the trials and tribulations of starting a CPG beverage brand, including the importance of having a good product, how to know you are ready for distribution, and staying true to your vision. Episode Key Moments: What made you decide to become an entrepreneur? Getting back in the game. The importance of having a good product. How did you know you had something on your hands? Transitioning into distribution. Staying connected to your vision and mission. The hardest part of finding a co-packer. Challenges and opportunities for the brand. Advice for early-stage entrepreneurs. Where to connect with Dalton online: Daydream Koffucha website & Instagram Dalton's LinkedIn Plantas Pod Credits Host: Daniella Allam Producer: Jacqueline Smith Plantas Strategy website For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠here⁠ If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email info@plantasstrategy.com

In this episode, host Daniella Allam introduces herself, her background, and the vision behind the Plantas Pod. Plantas Pod Credits Host: Daniella Allam Producer: Jacqueline Smith