How Lifeway Foods Went from Immigrant Startup to National Retail Staple with Julie Smolyansky

Send us Fan MailOn this episode I’m sitting down with Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, a true retail powerhouse who took over a public company at just 27 years old and helped turn kefir into a nationally recognized category.In this episode, Julie shares: ✨ How Lifeway grew from an immigrant family business to nationwide retail shelves ✨ The scrappy, unconventional strategies they used to get into stores without paying slotting fees ✨ What it’s like leading through doubt, bias, and pressure as a female CEO ✨ Why community, culture, and timing matter just as much as innovation in retailIf you’re a product-based founder dreaming of seeing your brand on shelf or keeping it there, this conversation is a must-listen.Lifeway Foods Website: https://lifewaykefir.com/Lifeway Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewaykefir/ Support the showEvent Partner: Nourish Summit & Expo (Oct. 5-7, 2027 | Baltimore) - Use code SHELFTALKS10 for 10% off full registration https://bit.ly/4sx0ZbaLooking for more? Visit our Linktree for the latest episodes, free resources, retail tips, and ways to connect with the Shelf Talks community.https://linktr.ee/shelftalkspodcastLove what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/supportContact us via email: [email protected] Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode! [email protected] the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book