How Two Beverage Industry Veterans Karishma & Tekla Are Reinventing Energy Drinks with KEY Energy

Send us Fan MailThis week's Shelf Talks Podcast I sat down with Karishma Thawani and Dr. Tekla Black founders of KEY energy.From Karishma's personal health journey that inspired the idea to Tekla's deep expertise in nutrition science and retail strategy, they share how complementary skills, consumer research, and relentless persistence helped them launch into retail and secure placements with retailers like Erewhon, Market District, and beyond.They also reveal the realities of building a beverage brand from the ground up, including:• Conducting consumer research before building the product• Continuing to perfect the formulation• Landing early retail placements before launch• Using grassroots sampling and community partnerships to drive velocity• Raising capital as first-time founders• Building a retail-first growth strategy in one of the most competitive categories in CPGWhether you're building a food or beverage brand, preparing to pitch retail buyers, or looking to understand what it really takes to create a disruptive product in an established category, this episode is packed with actionable insights and founder lessons.Connect with Key Energy:Instagram: @drinkkey.lifeWebsite: drinkkey.comTry your first KEY and get 15% using code KEY15 at checkout on their website.Enjoying Shelf Talks? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a founder who's building their way onto retail shelves. Support the showEvent Partner: Nourish Summit & Expo (Oct. 5-7, 2027 | Baltimore) - Use code SHELFTALKS10 for 10% off full registration https://bit.ly/4sx0ZbaHow to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcastLove 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