Let's dive into the world of health, wellness, & food!
Sri Kalapala is a snack lover turned founder with a background in healthcare technology, business strategy, and operations. Frustrated with “healthy” protein bars filled with artificial additives, Sri spent years perfecting his recipes before sharing them with the world. With Kailo, he's on a mission to make clean eating effortless and enjoyable.Kailo is a protein bar crafted for those who value real ingredients—no fillers and no artificial additives. Made with high-quality organic ingredients (that you'll recognize), no added sugar, and 14g of plant-based protein, Kailo bars make clean eating effortless and enjoyable, because nourishing your body should feel good.IG kailo_bar | kailobar.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Lauren Corugedo is the Head of Marketing at Chef Merito. Chef Merito has been a trusted name in authentic Latin American flavors, crafting high-quality seasonings, spices, and blends that celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Hispanic cuisine. Rooted in family recipes and time-honored techniques, each Chef Merito seasoning is expertly designed to enhance the flavors of Latin American, Mexican, and Spanish dishes. Whether in home kitchens, top restaurants, or major retailers across the U.S. and Mexico, Chef Merito continues to bring bold, authentic taste to every meal.IG chef_merito | chefmerito.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Aaron Gatti is the founder and CEO of Brami, a next-generation Italian food brand reimagining Italian cuisine with an emphasis on authenticity and heritage. Growing up in his grandmother's Italian kitchen and gaining experience in a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, Aaron draws from Italy's rich food traditions to democratize sprezzatura—Italy's effortless flair for quality. Outside of work, Aaron is dedicated to his children, Luca and Solana, coaching soccer, and practicing yoga.Brami is devoted to celebrating the magic of Italian slow-food traditions with innovative protein-rich products crafted for modern convenience. Brami's products feature the ancient lupini bean —a Mediterranean superfood that once fuelled Roman warriors and has been cherished for its health benefits for centuries. Brami currently offers two Made-in-Italy product lines: Lupini Bean Snacks and Italian Protein Pasta.IG enjoybrami | enjoybrami.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Ali Elliott is the Founder and CEO of Farmer Foodie, a purpose-driven brand offering sustainable, dairy- and gluten-free Cashew Parm in two flavorful varieties: Golden Chedda and Italian Herb. Made with fair trade, carbon-negative cashews, Cashew Parm was born from Ali's personal journey toward veganism and her background in sustainable agriculture as the former Education Director at McEnroe Organic Farm. With advanced degrees in Social Impact and Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University, Ali has built Farmer Foodie around a triple bottom line of planet, product, and people. From early recipe blogs to pitching competitions and farmers markets, her vision has grown the brand into a Whole Foods–stocked favorite. Loved for its versatility and flavor, Cashew Parm is not only a staple for plant-based eaters but also a go-to seasoning for everything from veggies to proteins. Through her mission, Ali is making sustainable eating simple, delicious, and accessible for all!IG thefarmerfoodie | thefarmerfoodie.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Bernadette Gerrity is the Vice President of Café Aroma and the third-generation torchbearer of her family's beloved coffee legacy. Since joining, she's led the charge on creative strategy and brand innovation, overseeing all marketing efforts while remaining fiercely committed to the original vision her grandfather crafted—right down to the brand's iconic packaging.IG thecafearoma | cafearoma.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Matthew Jung is the Managing Partner & CEO of GOODONYA® Organic Hydration™, joining the high growth startup in 2024 as a distinguished entrepreneur with a 15 year track record of scaling consumer and B2B brands. His passion for turning innovative ideas into thriving, successful enterprises has guided and defined his professional journey.GOODONYA Organic Hydration™ is a six-ingredient electrolyte powder that tastes like light, refreshing lemonade. One of the first Certified Organic hydration solutions, Organic Hydration contains just 1g of sugar (from real fruit) and no added colors, artificial flavorings, or added sugar, making it a suitable option for the entire family. Organic Hydration is a great way to drink more water daily, and it has an approachable level of electrolytes that's suitable for many, including kids over two, pregnant & breastfeeding individuals, seniors, and those seeking to feel hydrated on the daily.IG goodonyaorganic | goodonyaorganic.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Nomadica, founded by sommelier Kristin Olszewski in 2017, is a California-based wine brand redefining premium, sustainable wines in eco-friendly formats like recycled aluminum cans and boxes. Sourcing from responsible winemakers, Nomadica offers vegan, low-sulfur, dry-fermented wines, including White, Orange, Red, and Rosé. Each wine is paired with unique artwork to enhance the experience, blending visual art with taste. Recognized by Forbes, VinePair, and Cosmopolitan, Nomadica is reshaping perceptions of canned and boxed wines while prioritizing sustainability and quality.IG nomadica | explorenomadica.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Sweet Laurel is a better-for-you bakeshop founded by Laurel Gallucci after her autoimmune diagnosis led her to create delicious, nutrient-dense treats free from grains, dairy, and refined sugar. With the support of co-founder Claire Thomas, Sweet Laurel has grown from a passion project into a beloved brand known for its simple, high-quality ingredients and indulgent flavors. From its signature chocolate cake to pantry staples and bestselling cookbooks, Sweet Laurel proves that clean eating can be both nourishing and delicious, inspiring a community that values health without sacrificing joy.IG sweetlaurelbakery | sweetlaurel.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
JW Wiseman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Curious Elixirs, a pioneering brand redefining social drinking with booze-free adaptogenic craft cocktails. Inspired to explore life with less alcohol, he launched Curious Elixirs in 2015, growing it into a leader in the N/A space with over 10 million bottles and cans served. Before that, JW founded the Good Business marketing agency, helping brands like Daily Harvest and Chomps reach their first million customers, and co-founded beloved nightlife spots The Whiskey Brooklyn and OUTPUT. He currently lives in New York with his wife and young daughter.IG curiouselixirs | curiouselixirs.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Mike Glick is the Co-founder and CEO of Goode Health, a purpose-driven health and wellness company dedicated to making optimized nutrition more accessible. With a background in pediatric healthcare leadership and a passion for innovation, Mike is also leading the Columbus studio for Palm Ventures Studios at The Ohio State University, fostering new health and wellness technologies. Goode Health's science-backed solutions, including its customized smoothie mix with protein, fiber, SUPRshield™ polyphenols, and CORE8™ Micronutrients, are designed to bridge the gap between convenience and optimal health, helping people live longer, healthier lives.IG mygoodehealth | goodehealth.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Bake Me Healthy is a woman- and Asian-owned, allergy-friendly baking brand on a mission to help everyone indulge without compromise. Founded by former beauty executive Kimberle Lau, the brand was born from her personal journey of navigating food intolerances and health challenges after pregnancy. Committed to taste, health, and sustainability, Bake Me Healthy crafts gluten-free, vegan, and top 9 allergen-free baking mixes and cookies using upcycled ingredients—bringing joy in every delicious, feel-good bite.IG bakemehealthylove | bakemehealthy.coFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Sabah Ashraf, Founder and CEO of House of Kajaana, transitioned from a career in investment banking and design firm leadership to creating a brand inspired by her Indian roots. Drawing from childhood memories of homemade Indian meals, she launched House of Kajaana to offer convenient, plant-based Indian-inspired frozen meals that balance authenticity, health, and sustainability. IG houseofkajaana | houseofkajaana.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Isabel's love for coffee started early and only grew stronger during her college years at USC. Mornings began with a fitness class, followed by a latte on the way back to her dorm—then another on the way to class, and often another in the afternoon. When she transitioned into the fast-paced world of consulting, coffee became even more essential, fueling long days that started at the airport and ended late at client sites. But finding a great grab-and-go latte was nearly impossible—most were filled with artificial sweeteners, unnecessary oils, and ingredients that didn't sit well with her dairy sensitivity.Everything changed when she discovered A2 dairy. Unlike conventional dairy, A2 was creamy, indulgent, and easy on the gut. That revelation led to the creation of Laurel's—a line of simple, high-quality canned lattes designed for life on the go, without the downsides. Now, coffee lovers can enjoy a rich, barista-level latte anytime, anywhere, without compromise.With Laurel's, Isabel set out to make a coffee experience worth looking forward to—because a grab-and-go latte should be just as satisfying as one from your favorite café.IGdrinklaurels |drinklaurels.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Kaureen Randhawa is the founder of Besto—pesto's newest bestie! Besto is the first-ever pesto that's nut-free, gluten-free, and free of seed oils. Having lived with a lifelong nut allergy, Kaureen understood the frustration of missing out on the classic pesto that so many enjoy. On top of that, finding a store-bought pesto that tasted fresh and looked vibrant was nearly impossible. Determined to change that, she created her own—crafting a unique, flavorful pesto using ingredients like apple cider vinegar and spinach, all while accommodating her dietary needs. Besto's mission is simple: No Nuts. No Seed Oils. Just Pesto. What began in a cozy 506-square-foot New York apartment has since blossomed into a nationwide launch in December, driven by overwhelming demand from "besties" craving a pesto that suits their allergies—or simply one that tastes fresh and vibrant. In January, Besto made its debut at Pop Up Grocer in the West Village, with a goal for 2025 to expand into more retail locations. Whether nut-allergic, gluten-intolerant, avoiding seed oils, or simply a pesto lover who craves bold, clean flavors, Besto is here to deliver. IG eatbesto | eatbesto.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
When Belgian chef Xavier came to Richmond, Virginia to open a restaurant, little did he know he'd meet his match in his meticulous and spunky Southern sous chef, Hannah. The two bonded over their love of cooking and really good food. Their love story was just the beginning, when Hannah started whipping up restaurant-quality ice cream sandwiches they knew they were onto something. Now the husband and wife team sandwich together their European roots, Southern charm and premium ice cream between freshly baked chewy cookies. Handcrafted in small batches, Nightingale ice cream sandwiches are made with a 14% butterfat ice cream, fresh baked cookies & homemade inclusions. Joyful & indulgent in nature, they cannot be compared to any other ice cream novelty, evoking tastes of childhood with new-age sophistication. IG nightingaleicecream | nightingaleicecream.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
About Sofia Rovirosa, Co-FounderSofia Rovirosa is the co-founder of Wanderlands. She grew up in New Mexico on her family's 4th generation pecan estate with a strong sense of connection to both food and land. This curiosity and love of the outdoors took her across the high deserts of Arizona and New Mexico closely followed by the US Virgin Islands, southeast Alaska, and eventually, Napa, where she immersed herself in viticulture as a cellar master at a winery in Napa, California. This hands-on experience working closely with the land inspired in her a love and respect for the concept of terroir — the idea that something could capture the essence of a place and season. Her passions led to her desire to replicate this with her family's pecans, creating Wanderlands to share this sense of “somewhereness” with others.About Jane Ko, Co-Founder and Head of Brand & MarketingJane Ko is the co-founder of Wanderlands. The head of brand and marketing, Jane Ko's experience spans 20 years across multiple industries at Kellogg (leading global brand strategy for brands Pringles and Special K), eos, L'Oreal, Nars Cosmetics & Multiple CPG/Beauty Startups. Jane earned her PhD in Neuroscience at Harvard University and champions the application of neuroscience and neurosensory techniques to develop stronger and more memorable brand products and experiences in CPG. IG visitwanderlands | wanderlands.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Diane Aylsworth, CEO of Aunt Fannie's, brings years of food and bev CPG experience to the cleaning category. From marketing to sales to positioning, Diane wears many hats as an emerging brand CEO. She has been with Aunt Fannie's for 7 years and most recently led the team through a major brand refresh. Passionate about early stage, fast growth brands, her vision is to continue to build Aunt Fannie's to move the category towards products designed for safe use. Diane is based in Portland, OR and when not cleaning up cleaning, she can be found obsessing over artisan cheese or hanging with her two dogs Argo & Roxy. auntfannies.com | IG auntfannies Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Natasha is on a mission to celebrate different cultural flavors leading to new recipes, ideas, and conversations. She has crafted a deeper meaning behind the classic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern one-pan dish, Shakshuka. Originally from Los Angeles, she found her start in Syracuse NY through trial and error during grad school. She went on to create Shooka, a thick, chunky, tomato-based sauce meant to be served with poached eggs in a skillet with crusty bread — but you can add anything you want! IG shookasauce | shookasauce.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Something Sweet was founded by the Cook family after the unexpected loss of their husband & dad, Dan, in 2021. The Cooks turned their pain into purpose by sharing their mom's recipes and their dad's favorite treats. When life is hard, sometimes you just need Something Sweet. Hugs, Kim, Lindsey, Brittney and Cailin Cook IG somethingsweetdough | somethingsweetdough.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Tour manager by day, Desert Dust slinger by night, founder Rick Marino brings his rock n roll mentality to the shelf with Desert Dust's date-based seasoning blends. Inspired by the desert that Rick calls home and has loved for decades, Desert Dust uses dates from Coachella Valley to craft flavorful, healthy, desert-powered spice blends and taco seasonings. Rick noticed a lack of California culinary souvenirs throughout his travels and that is what sparked the idea for Desert Dust. Now people can bring a piece of the desert home. IG getdesertdust | desertdust.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Beituti, meaning homey in Arabic, embodies the warmth and joy of gathering with family and friends around a shared table. Founded by a Lebanese-American family with roots in Beirut, Beituti brings the vibrant flavors of Lebanon to kitchens across the U.S., blending tradition with convenience. The journey began when Rawia and her family moved to the U.S. and discovered a gap in grocery aisles—there were few options for the zesty cooking sauces, flavorful marinades, and indulgent baking mixes that define Lebanese cuisine. Determined to share their heritage, she created Beituti to make authentic Middle Eastern flavors accessible, fast, and easy to prepare. With clean, preservative-free ingredients, Beituti offers a modern take on time-honored recipes, ensuring that every product delivers both authenticity and irresistible taste. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, Beituti invites everyone to experience the hospitality and bold flavors of the Levant, all from the comfort of home. From their family table to yours, Beituti is more than a brand—it's a celebration of culture, community, and culinary tradition. IG eatbeituti | eatbeituti.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Christina Dorr Drake is the CEO and co-founder of Willa's Organic Oat Milk, which is leading meaningful change—nutritiously, deliciously, and for the good of the planet. A seasoned marketing strategist, Christina left her career to join forces with her sister Elena and husband Russell, inspired by their grandmother Willa's original oat milk recipe, crafted with real, whole-food ingredients. Willa's is the only oat milk made with organic ingredients and the whole oat—never just oat sugar. That makes it richer, lower in sugar, and higher in protein and fiber. No part of the oat is wasted, making Willa's a food waste and climate change fighting champion. Christina's journey as a breast cancer survivor reinforced Willa's commitment to wholesome, organic ingredients. During her treatment, she ate mostly plant-based and exercised regularly. In 2020, she was declared cancer-free, bringing renewed purpose to Willa's aim to have a net positive impact on the health of people and the planet. IG willas_kitchen | willaskitchen.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
The idea for Bougie Gougies blossomed from cherished memories of my dear family friend Suzanne. Before she moved to the United States after WW2, she lived an exciting life, studying and modeling, in Paris. Besides instilling in me a curiosity about the world, travel, and culture, she was the one who first introduced me to gougères—the French cheese puff pastries that elevate any gathering.Over the years, I've delighted my friends with this tasty hors d'oeuvre. Simple yet sophisticated, gougies are an exquisite contribution to any party and make my friends feel special as soon as they walk through my front door. Gougies make such a great first impression that I no longer need to stress if the flowers are not perfect or if dessert is served late.When my friends started requesting my gougies for their parties, I realized a need to bring gougies to everyone who loves to entertain. And so voilà, Bougie Gougies was born. I invite you to please indulge in the delicate, cheesy flavors of gougies, where these irresistible puffs and the finest champagne create an effortless and remarkable gathering for your loved ones. IG bougiegougies | bougiegougies.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Veronica Panzardi is on a mission to help busy people make eating healthier easier, without compromising on taste or convenience. As an investment banker, she found herself juggling work, life, and the constant struggle of trying to make better food choices—while still enjoying the pleasures of the meals we love. It was at her bank, when she would work late and order takeout to the office, that she realized how difficult it was to incorporate more vegetables into my daily routine. After some NYC studio prototyping, Edggies veggies were born! IG edggies | edggies.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Abbie Leeson, Co-Founder & Head of Innovation In 1990, Abbie and her husband Bruce co-founded The Ginger People with a mission to make the benefits of ginger more accessible to everyone. Fast Forward to today, and their family-owned company is a major player in the global ginger market. As the head of innovation, Abbie has led The Ginger People to new heights by expanding their product offerings, introducing Ginger Rescue dietary supplements, and enhancing the popularity of their GIN GINS candy line. Her dedication and vision have truly made a mark on the industry. Janessa Stewart, Brand Educator Janessa's role includes educating our team about the various benefits of ginger. She helps us keep abreast of the latest research, as well as feedback from our consumers. She has a wealth of knowledge on the therapeutic usages of ginger -- along with many other natural remedies. Being a migraine-sufferer herself, this is a topic she's familiar with, and uses ginger to help relieve some of her symptoms. As our Health Care Marketing Coordinator, Janessa works with several migraine research and advocacy groups. If any of your listeners need to tap into ginger and migraines – and almost any ailment, Janessa is there for you - at the other end of this email: info@gingerpeople.com. IG the_ginger_people | gingerpeople.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
With over 15 years of experience in the global consumer goods industry, Karim Khalil has developed a keen talent for innovation and leadership. In 2020, he relocated from Lebanon to the United States and launched Yaza in 2023—the first brand to introduce authentic labneh to the U.S. market. Yaza not only pioneered the first flavored labneh but also aims to showcase traditional Mediterranean flavors, setting new standards for food quality in grocery stores and redefining how this beloved staple is enjoyed. Karim's extensive experience in production, his passion for brand creation, and his deep Lebanese roots inspired him to recognize the untapped potential of labneh in the U.S. market. Karim's favorite Yaza flavor is Za'atar & Olive Oil, as it embodies the most traditional way to savor labneh. IG yaza.foods | yazafoods.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Chef Keesha O'Galdez is a Bronx-based culinary entrepreneur and the founder of Live Loud Foods. A former contestant on Food Network's 'Chopped,' Keesha is passionate about creating bold, globally inspired flavors that promote health and well-being. Through her work, she seeks to inspire others by showing what's possible through dedication and creativity. Live Loud Foods is a women-owned gourmet snack brand delivering bold, health-conscious flavors with every bite. From Caribbean jerk nuts to candied citrus pistachios, Live Loud Foods creates unique, high-quality snacks that celebrate cultural diversity and wellness. Based in NYC, the brand is committed to leaving a legacy of great food, positive impact, and living life out loud. IG live.loud.foods | liveloudfoods.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Julia Perez is the Chief Marketing Officer at OWYN (Only What You Need), the premium plant-based nutrition brand behind the #1 plant-based protein shake in the U.S. With a decade of experience in high-growth, healthier-for-you food and beverage startups, her passion for fitness and wellness have come to fruition with OWYN, where she's helped fuel omnichannel expansion and continued to bridge the gap between consumer-friendly appeal and the medical field. Julia has carved a niche as a self-proclaimed “intrapreneur” in the food and beverage industry, playing a pivotal role at high-growth brands that have since successfully exited to two strategic acquirers, Core Water in 2018 to Keurig Dr. Pepper ($535M) and recently, OWYN in 2024 to Simply Good ($280M.) IG juliaperezzz | liveowyn Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
SKU is a trailblazing consumer product accelerator based in Austin, TX. SKU provides an ecosystem that creates lasting change in CPG by providing all the resources founders need to accelerate the growth of their brands. SKU's world-class program is driven by a community of the nation's top CPG leaders, successful founders and industry experts. Their intensive programs offer best-in-class education, hand-picked teams of mentors and access to retailers and investors, all dedicated to building brands that change lives. IG skuatx | sku.is Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
A McKinsey consultant turned into a cheesemaker, Ilay is out to make labneh a thing as the co-founder and CEO of BEZI. She began her career as a financial services consultant at McKinsey and was sponsored by the firm to pursue her MBA at Columbia Business School in New York. During her time at Columbia, Ilay fell in love with the city, built her community through dinner parties at her home, known as Cafe Ilay, and completed her "business school summer internship" at a Mediterranean farm, milking cows and sheep, and learning to make cheese from scratch. Despite her passion, Ilay unfortunately lacked the courage to launch her own cheese company at the time and returned to McKinsey's New York office to become an Engagement Manager. After her promotion, Ilay left McKinsey to help launch Getir's (the parent company of FreshDirect) US operations, where she spent 2.5 years overseeing merchandising, commercial, and marketing departments. It was during this period that she met her co-founder, Hasan, the heir to one of Turkey's largest cheesemaking families. After working together for a year and hitting it off, Ilay and Hasan decided to make labneh a thing by creating BEZI and launching it first in their beloved New York after 1 year of working behind the scenes. IG eatbezi | eatbezi.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Semira Nikou is the co-founder and CEO of Better Sour, a new sour candy startup celebrating global, heritage rich flavors with a commitment to healthier, low-sugar ingredients. Better Sour's flavors are inspired by the tart fruits the co-founders grew up eating as the daughters of Iranian immigrants raised in Hawai'i. Semira was previously a practicing attorney, most recently as a senior associate at a leading law firm in Washington, DC, where she advised clients on international trade and sanctions compliance. IG eatbettersour | bettersour.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Laura Markewicz, Founder & CEO: Former advertising executive, entrepreneurship award winner, and second-time founder with 20 years of experience building brands and growing businesses. Lotza is a non-alcoholic sparkling citrus punch (to mix or enjoy solo) that aims to enhance what we enjoy about alcohol and combat its negative effects on our bodies. We've removed all the bad stuff found in other drink mixers and alcoholic beverages, and added in "lotza" the good stuff... mood-boosting adaptogens, hydrating electrolytes, and vitamins to support next-day recovery. IG getlotza | getlotza.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com
B.T.R. NATION founder Ashley Nickelsen was inspired to create a truly clean snack while serving as the main caretaker for both of her parents as they battled rare forms of cancer. On a mission to create the snacks that were never available to her family, Ashley leveraged her background in food studies and biochemistry to the kitchen, making low-sugar protein bites boosted with plant-based, superfood ingredients. Today, B.T.R NATION remains dedicated to embodying her parent's mantra of being bold, tenacious, & resilient. With each purchase. IG btr.nation | btrnation.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com
Chef Joe Sasto is an acclaimed chef, cookbook author, culinary innovator, and passionate advocate for the art of Italian cuisine. With a background rooted in Michelin-starred kitchens and the rich traditions of his Italian heritage, Chef Joe Sasto is a celebrity chef not only in the culinary world but within the social media landscape as well. Chef Sasto has a penchant for pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity and has gained widespread recognition for his distinctive approach to cooking and his unwavering commitment to excellence. Through his work as a chef, educator, and culinary consultant, Chef Sasto continues to inspire and delight food enthusiasts worldwide with his extraordinary talent and infectious passion for all things pasta, food and travel. www.joesasto.com | IG chef.joe.sasto | TikTok chef.joe.sasto. Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com
Debbie Mullin is the Founder and CEO of Copper Cow Coffee. Inspired by her Vietnamese-American heritage and brought to life using her experiences at the World Bank improving supply chains to reduce poverty in developing countries, Copper Cow was founded in 2016 out of Debbie's sister's garage to support sustainable farming practices in Vietnam, the world's second-largest coffee exporter after Brazil. Copper Cow proudly partners with local Vietnamese farmers by investing in organic farming education, agricultural infrastructure and the supply chain, and investing over $100,000 to date and paying farmers 2x the market rates –– all for a cup you can truly feel good about drinking. Copper Cow is also part of the 2% of women-owned companies with venture funding. IG coppercowcoffee | coppercow.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com
I'm so excited to share with you this week's conversation with Crystal of Bowlcut. She is taking a refreshed look at beloved Asian sauces to ride the wave of the need for lower sodium, plant-based options. We discuss the importance of community and how she's seen the benefits while growing up in her parent's restaurant to now while starting Bowlcut. I learned so much from this conversation and it served as a great reminder to trust my gut. Founded in 2021, Bowlcut is the first and only Asian American sauce brand that is focused on reducing sodium and sugar. Today, the brand's portfolio includes Chili Crisp, Char Siu BBQ, & more! IG getbowlcut | thebowlcut.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com
Michael Tashman is the Founder and CEO of Churn Foods, the butter brand combining the finest grass-fed European-style butter with the highest quality ingredients. He entered the culinary world starting as a line cook while playing football at The University of Miami, and went on to attend both Japanese and French culinary schools. In 2020, Tashman launched Churn bringing a fresh, innovative take on butter to the American market. Churn's butter offers chef crafted tools to home cooks across the US through sweet and savory flavored European-style butters. IG churnfoods | churnfoods.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com
Maura Duggan is the founder and CEO of Fancypants, a delicious crispy cookie brand using high-quality ingredients with an elevated twist. She originally started Fancypants as a decorative cookie company in Massachusetts in 2004, along with creating her own manufacturing facility to ensure quality control and scale the business. Maura evolved the company with her husband and COO Justin Housman into a premium CPG cookie brand in December 2023. With sustainability top of mind for Maura, she's proud that Fancypants is a zero-waste, upcycled cookie brand. We chat all about the journey Maura has taken on the past 20+ years, her latest evolution, and the growing importance of upcycled goods in CPG products + manufacturing. IG: fancypantsbaker | fancypantsbakery.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com
Get Golden is founded by home cook and New York City ballerina of over a decade, Jenelle Manzi (Ballerina Journal). After battling injuries and food allergies throughout her career, Jenelle has turned to food to savor, fuel, and heal. In that, she channeled her own experiences and knack for precision to create a snack company where health & indulgence go hand-in-hand—a feeling she likes to call gold. During our conversation we chatted about Jenelle's balance between being a professional ballerina and brand owner. Diving into what her routines look like, why building a products fueled by great ingredients was so important, how she finds balance in the craziness, and more. IG: getgolden | getgolden.com Find Me: IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studio citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com
Happy Monday! I am so excited to welcome on the last guest of season 4, founder of Joydays, Amy Cohn. Joydays was created with one simple mission: to provide low glycemic, better-for-you snacks that are still packed with those classic flavors you know and love. What We Chat About The mission behind why Joydays was created Color cancer awareness & education How women approach business + competition Find Joydays — IG getjoydays | TikTok getjoydays | getjoydays.com Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
Leesa Renae is a commercial photographer specializing in food, beverage, and product, based in the vibrant culinary scene of Portland, Oregon. Leesa thrives on translating the beauty and appeal of natural foods into captivating visual stories. What We Chat About Leesa's career journey & how she found herself in food Developing creative processes Wellness practices at the intersection of self care & food Find Leesa — IG itsleesa__ | leesarenae.com Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
I'm so excited to welcome Chiara to the podcast! She is such an incredible founder who has accomplished so much in such a short period of time. Chiara Munzi is the co-founders of ChiChi Foods, a first-to-market grain free hot cereal made from chickpeas. As a better-for-you alternative, ChiChi Foods is carving a new path in the breakfast category with a healthier, easy solution. Find ChiChi — IG chickpeaoats | TikTok chickpeaoats | chickpeaoats.com Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
I am thrilled to welcome Lauryn, founder of S'NOODS, to the podcast! I've admired her leap into being a CPG brand owner for awhile now. It was so great to hear her story and learn more about her brand. Such a great listen
I'm so happy to welcome Breanna of Kokada to the podcast this week! She makes one of my favorite snacks and has recently launched their version of dunkaroos which are just spectacular. Breanna's story is so inspiring and will give you a much needed push forward on your journey. Breanna's lifelong dream was to play sports at the highest level. Throughout her international travels through sport and work, she went out of her way to find sweet, “not too unhealthy” snacks that would satisfy her cravings but not harm her health. After years of exploring, she started creating coconut spread in her kitchen. After years of experimenting, she launched Kokada to share with more people! What We Chat About Transitioning from a D1 + national team athlete to CPG business owner Building an accessible healthy snack brand Taking back your health Find Kokada— IG eatkokada | TikTok eatkokada | kokada.com Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
I'm so excited to welcome Maggie of Coffee With Maggie to the podcast! Maggie is a multi-hyphenate creative living and exploring in Seattle, WA. Her career and creative pursuits span her many interests, from working full time in social impact strategy to freelance creative work as a writer, photographer, storyteller and strategist. With a deep passion for food and coffee, she's also a committed home chef and barista. Whether she is building solutions for groundbreaking brain sciences nonprofits, writing her newsletter earlybird, or traveling around the world, Maggie shares stories with substance and heart for those in pursuit of a well-rounded, intentional life. What We Chat About Finding your cooking style + honing your skills Changing your diet & the implications that brings besides just food Vegetarian recipes & a deep love for coffee Find Maggie— IG coffeewithmaggie | Substack Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
I'm so excited to welcome Clara Veniard, founder of Coro Foods, to the podcast! Clara Veniard is the co-founder and CEO of Coro Foods, a premium salami brand that marries old world techniques with global flavors like Molé and Lemongrass. Clara's life and career has taken her all over the globe so it's not a surprise that she has a deep passion for food and international flavors. Beyond their flavors, Clara is dedicated to making the best product possible. That includes only using pork from US family farms that are humanely raised without any hormones or antibiotics. What We Chat About Introduction to the cured-meat space Recipe development process Food inspiring connection Find Coro — IG corofoods | corofoods.com Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
I'm so excited to welcome fell podcaster and James Beard Award winner, Abena Anim-Somuah to the podcast! Abena's work in the food space is truly admirable. Lifting up voices and stories of those are the beginning of their career but already making such a tremendous impact. It was so awesome to hear from Abena what her show means to herself. This episode is such a great listen!! Abena Anim-Somuah is a James Beard award-winning podcast host, writer, and entrepreneur. Born in Ghana and raised in Canada, she knows the power of food as a vessel for belonging. Abena hosts The Future of Food is You, a show on Cherry Bombe's Podcast Network, highlighting emerging talents in the culinary scene. She splits her time between Mexico City and New York where can probably find her on a tennis court, dining out, or digging into a good book. What We Chat About Making your dream a reality through unusual paths Bringing food to the forefront of your career CDMX & NYC food scene Find Abena— IG abenaanimsomuah | Substack Abena Anim-Somuah | The Future of Food Is You Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
I'm so excited to welcome my friend & business mentor, Sophia Karbowski to the podcast! Sophia is the co-founder of realsy — a nut butter filled date brand that is so beyond delicious. I loved hearing how her career journey has panned out and what life looks like now. Check it out! Austin and Sophia became business partners in college in 2017, while (conveniently) studying entrepreneurship. They started their first business with an unrelenting mission to spread healthy vibes all over the country, as they grew from a single food truck to health food cafes on college campuses across the country. Since then, the duo has entered the CPG (consumer packaged goods) space, with a strong desire to make their genuinely nutritious food options even more accessible and convenient. realsy is a snacking company with a mission to make real delicious, real nutritious snacks, that take it a step past better-for-you, but genuinely GOOD-for-you snacking. Think: ingredients as simple as fresh produce – but exciting, novel, and uber easy to take with you wherever you might be headed. Our commitment to using real ingredients in every product we offer you is unwavering, and we can tell you that for realsy. What We Chat About realsy's story + Sophia's experience as a founder Building solid routines to stay happy + energized Saying no to what doesn't serve you Find realsy— IG eatrealsy | TikTok eatrealsy | eatrealsy.com Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
Welcome my wonderful friend & the coolest creative, Candace Molatore to the podcast! I was so lucky to record with Candace in person while I was in Portland a few weeks ago. She was the perfect person to do a deep dive on the current state of the wellness industry with. If you've been a longtime fan of the pod [thank you], you'll feel some nostalgia listening to this discussion topic. Candace Molatore is a creative director, photographer, model, and branding consultant based in Portland, OR. What We Chat About What is wellness? How does it play out through a micro & macro view? How has the wellness industry been influenced by social media? What does taking care of ourselves truly look like? The importance of your home environment Find Candace— IG hey.candace | TikTok hey.candace | candacemolatore.com Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
Please welcome Morgan Murdock, founder of Unbothered Foods, to the podcast! I have been sitting on this episode for about a month now and I'm so excited for you to hear it. We chat all about sourdough and why those with a gluten-intolerance can enjoy it. Definitely a must listen! After years of working with patients with digestive issues and dietary limitations, Morgan - a Chicago registered dietitian - recognized the need for more gut-friendly food brands that her patients could trust and enjoy. Unbothered Foods is on a mission to take the worry and stress out of eating by creating foods that are not only packed with flavor, but leave your bellies feeling happy and unbothered. What We Chat About Explain to me the story and purpose of Unbothered Foods, from working with clients as a registered dietitian to baking them fermented sourdough products to starting your own brand? How did you land on the name Unbothered Foods? How did you decide on crackers and the 3 flavors available? How has this all played into the Low FODMAP diet? Why can gluten-intolerant people eat sourdough products? How has social media affected the proliferation of gluten-free products & diets being thought of as “healthier”? What is your perspective on this? Find Unbothered Foods— IG unbotheredfoods | unbotheredfoods.com Use code DEARCITRUS10 for 10% off Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
Please welcome Caroline Buck, co-founder of Petaluma to the podcast! If you've ever been curious about how human health claims can mirror themselves for animals, you'll find this episode fascinating. Caroline Buck brought Petaluma to market with her partner in 2021 to combat the environmental impact of the pet food industry, which accounts for a quarter of all industrial animal agriculture consumed in the US. Petaluma offers veterinarian-formulated, gently oven baked dog food made with organic ingredients from small farms. What We Chat About How Caroline got her start in the pet space What do plant-based diets look like for pets? How animal nutrition can mirror that for humans Find Caroline— IG feedpetaluma | feedpetaluma.com Find me— IG @citrusdiariesss | TikTok @citrusdiaries Subscribe to the newsletter! citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com New episodes every Monday at 7am EST!
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