In this episode of "Wynn's Kitchen Podcast," host Wynn Austin interviews Jimbo Somek, founder of Jimbo's Naturally, an organic grocery store. They discuss the importance of community involvement, environmental practices, and the journey of building a natural food brand. Jimbo shares his experiences from starting at a co-op to establishing his own store, emphasizing the significance of passion and relationships in business. Wynn reflects on her own journey of creating an Asian sauce brand, highlighting the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. The conversation underscores the impact of making conscious choices in food and business.

Takeaways:

• Jimbo's founding story and community impact
• The importance of passion and authenticity in food business
• Building trust and loyalty through transparency
• Sustainable practices and environmental responsibility
• Supporting local farmers and small brands
• Challenges of scaling a local business
• The role of relationships in retail success
• Lessons for new food entrepreneurs

Resources & Links:

• Jimbo's Naturally Official Website
• Jimbo’s LinkedIn
• Jimbo's Store Locations

This episode celebrates authentic relationships, community impact, and the journey of sustainable growth in the natural foods industry.

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

Growing a Community-Centric Asian Food Business: The Ginger Rabbit's Journey

Join Wynn Austin in this inspiring episode as he chats with Macy Ring, founder of The Ginger Rabbit, a Pan-Asian grocery store in Yucca Valley, California. Macy shares her entrepreneurial journey, from sourcing unique products directly from companies to creating a space that celebrates Asian food stories and community connection. Whether you're interested in niche food retail, community building, or authentic ingredient sourcing, this episode offers valuable insights.

Links:

The Ginger Rabbit - https://thegingerabbit.com
Follow Macy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegingerrabbit_market

Wynn's Kitchen Products - https://wynnskitchen.com

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 Sashee Chandran, founder of TeaDrops, about her journey in creating a unique tea experience that combines convenience with quality. Sashee shares her background, the inspiration behind her innovative product, and the challenges she faced in growing her business from a kitchen project to a brand available in major retailers like Walmart and Sprouts. The conversation delves into the importance of quality control, retail strategies, and the balance between family life and entrepreneurship. Sashee offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for humility, resilience, and a clear vision.

Takeaways

• Sashee's background in tea influenced her passion for creating TeaDrops.
• The idea for TeaDrops came from a desire for quality and convenience in tea.
• Sashee's journey involved testing her product at farmer's markets.
• Quality control is crucial in maintaining product consistency.
• Navigating retail partnerships requires careful consideration of costs and margins.
• Sashee emphasizes the importance of community and feedback in product development.
• The transition from co-packing to self-manufacturing provided more flexibility.
• Balancing family life with business is a constant challenge for entrepreneurs.
• Sashee encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start somewhere and be receptive to feedback.
• Resilience and a clear vision are essential for long-term success.

To shop Tea Drops and connect with Sahsee, please see the links below.

https://www.myteadrop.com/

Instagram: myteadrops

Linkedin: Sashee Chandran

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 reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of celebrating small victories. She shares personal experiences and insights on how recognizing these moments can foster a positive mindset and encourage growth. Wynn discusses the loneliness of entrepreneurship and the significance of connecting with customers and industry peers.She expresses gratitude towards supporters and encourages fellow founders to stay authentic and enjoy their journey, reminding them that they are doing better than they think.

Takeaways

• Celebrating small victories is crucial for maintaining motivation.
• Comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy in entrepreneurship.
• Building a habit of recognizing achievements can enhance focus.
• Connecting with customers provides valuable feedback and joy.
• Gratitude towards supporters is essential for a positive mindset.
• Every small win contributes to overall growth and success.
• Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey; celebrate your wins.
• Staying authentic to your mission is key to fulfillment.
• Learning from others in the industry can be beneficial.
• Enjoying the journey is as important as the destination.

Resources

Chiso's Capital -Funding ambition & People

https://www.chisos.io/

Cailan Ventures

https://cailan.ventures/

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 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