It's All Happening : Women In CPG

Emma Weeden is the founder of Emma's Snacks, a Los Angeles-based snack brand known for its chocolate-covered potato chips made with kettle-cooked chips and high-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. She started the company while working a full-time job, building it from the ground up through grassroots sampling, organic marketing, and early retail partnerships. What sets Emma's Snacks apart is its commitment to clean, whole-food ingredients — think organic fair trade chocolate, avocado oil instead of seed oils, and no natural flavors or additives — proving that indulgence and intention don't have to be mutually exclusive. Emma spotted a gap in a category that had been largely untouched by the better-for-you movement and set out to upgrade every part of the chocolate-covered chip, from the oil it's fried in to the chocolate it's dipped in. Emma's Snacks is focused on redefining indulgent snacking with a premium, modern approach. Follow Emma's Snacks on Instagram.It's All Happening WebsiteIt's All Happening Instagram Follow Danielle on LinkedinLaunch Lab

Nikta Mansouri is the Founder and CEO of La Saum, the Los Angeles-based dirty martini brand she launched in 2025. La Saum is built around the idea that the martini is more than a drink, it's a ritual, a mood, and increasingly, a cultural signal. The brand sits at the intersection of taste and intention, for the thoughtful consumer. Before founding La Saum, Nikta spent nearly a decade in entertainment, working at Gloria Sanchez Productions and Saturday Night Live, where she developed a sharp eye for culture and what makes something feel undeniably of-the-moment. She holds a dual degree from NYU's Tisch School and Stern School. Her dog’s name is Humphrey Bogart. Follow La Saum on Instagram.  It's All Happening WebsiteIt's All Happening Instagram Follow Danielle on LinkedinLaunch Lab

Liana Krasnow is the co-founder of Noodo, a better-for-you sauce brand reimagining pantry staples with clean, functional ingredients, featuring bone broth as a core component for added nutrition and depth of flavor. She is building the company alongside her dad, Enzo, combining family roots with a modern approach to food. With a passion for wellness and entrepreneurship, Liana has taken Noodo from concept to retail shelves, sharing an honest look at what it takes to grow a brand from the ground up.In this episode:  How Liana and Enzo have evolved and commercialized the family recipe  The lightspeed branding job that put Noodo on the map at Expo West  The strategy behind the regional distribution approach that the brand is taking  It's All Happening WebsiteIt's All Happening Instagram Follow Danielle on LinkedinLaunch Lab

Afternoon Toast was founded by Kimmy Pace, a technology audit consultant turned beverage founder whose lifelong health challenges inspired a line of ready-to-drink teas that support digestion and effortless hydration.Crafted from steeped ginger, roasted barley, and water, Afternoon Toast has a slightly nutty, toasty, and warming flavor. Gentle on the gut, it helps ease bloating and supports digestion with a touch of natural fiber— all without caffeine, sugar, or carbonation.For Kimmy who has managed chronic dehydration since childhood, the brand was born from a search for a nourishing way to stay hydrated. With a sensitive gut, she found most electrolyte or “better-for-you” drinks too sugary, carbonated, or hard to digest. After reading a novel about a Korean family who drank roasted barley tea, she began brewing her own at home and fell in love with its subtle taste and soothing benefits.By day, Kimmy leads IPO-readiness consulting projects for global consumer products and manufacturing companies, ensuring their financial data is secure.and investor-ready. That same precision now informs her approach to building Afternoon Toast, blending her expertise with a deep personal commitment to better-for-you beverages.Now a staple on her table, Afternoon Toast reflects Kimmy’s desire for a beverage that’s more interesting than water, gentle on the stomach, and easy to sip all day and pair beautifully with meals.In this episode we cover:  Who Afternoon Toast is for The unique challenges of building a tea product with multiple manufacturing steps Why Kimmy is choosing to keep her corporate job for now Follow Afternoon Toast on InstagramIt's All Happening WebsiteIt's All Happening Instagram Follow Danielle on LinkedinLaunch Lab

Gina Moore is the founder of Pantry Gems, a modern pantry brand on a mission to solve the very specific, very relatable problem of leftover tomato paste. Pantry Gems creates perfectly portioned tablespoons of organic tomato paste so home cooks can use exactly what they need without wasting the rest. Gina is based in San Diego and is a mom of three young kids. She is building the brand from the ground up while sharing her journey on socials. When she’s not working on Pantry Gems, she’s walking her dog Ravioli, talking about tomatoes on the internet, or cooking for her family.It's All Happening WebsiteIt's All Happening Instagram Follow Danielle on LinkedinLaunch Lab

Daniele Orellana is the co-founder of Mitts, a design-forward brand creating sleek, non-abrasive sponges for delicate glassware and fine kitchen tools. By day, she works full-time as a pediatric dentist and serves as an attending at a hospital in Brooklyn. Alongside her clinical career, she also helps run Mitts, leading efforts across marketing, social media, and partnerships.The daughter of immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in the late 1980s, Daniele grew up learning how to navigate unfamiliar systems, ask bold questions, and carve her own path. That early independence shaped the scrappy, fearless mindset she brings to entrepreneurship today—despite having no prior experience in the industry.As a first-generation founder, she didn’t grow up surrounded by entrepreneurs or startup culture. Instead, she built Mitts from the ground up while balancing a demanding medical career. What started as a point of frustration—broken wine glasses, unattractive sponges, and a lack of well-designed options—sparked the idea for the brand.Today, Mitts is a reflection of that journey: practical, thoughtful, and design-driven. While she continues to figure things out in real time, Daniele is guided by a clear belief that even the most everyday objects deserve intentional, beautiful design.In this episode:  How Daniele and her husband started Lessons learned as founders not familiar with the CPG industry  How they have grown organically and taken an approach that worrks for them and their lifestyle It's All Happening WebsiteIt's All Happening Instagram Follow Danielle on LinkedinLaunch Lab

Sandra Diez is the founder of BRISCA, a premium Spanish extra virgin olive oil brand bringing the culture and flavor of Mediterranean olive oil to the American table.Originally from Barcelona, Spain and now based in Portland, Oregon, Sandra created BRISCA after realizing that in the U.S., olive oil is often treated as a background ingredient rather than something to savor. She set out to change that by producing small-batch oils made from olives milled the very same day they are harvested, preserving freshness, flavor, and the traditions of Spanish olive oil making.Through BRISCA, Sandra is on a mission to help people rediscover olive oil as a central part of the table, not just something to cook with, but something to taste, share, and enjoy together. Inspired by the Mediterranean tradition of sobremesa, the time spent lingering around the table after a meal, BRISCA celebrates food, conversation, and connection.Since launching, BRISCA has been featured in national publications including Food & Wine and Vogue and has been growing across specialty retailers, markets, and direct-to-consumer channels throughout the United States.Sandra lives in Portland with her husband and four children, and when she is not building BRISCA, you will likely find her cooking, hosting friends, or planning the next gathering around the table.In this episode we cover:  Why Sandra decided to bring such a high quality ingredient to American homes.  Some of the people Sandra worked with to launch her brand.  How she's keeping things scrappy and discovering alternative sales channels to grow the brand.  Follow BRISCA on Instagram BRISCA Website It's All Happening Website It's All Happening Instagram Follow Danielle on LinkedinLaunch Lab

In this episode, we break down how to actually get a return on your investment at Expo West — and it’s not just about buyer meetings or badge scans. Using our Expo West itinerary as a guide, we talk through how to approach everything from the Innovation Summit and Pitch Slam to CPG Sisterhood, Ladies Lounge, Anti-Expo, and the after-hours house parties with real strategy and intention. The biggest takeaway? ROI at Expo is built through proximity and community. The founders who win aren’t standing on the sidelines — they’re putting themselves in the middle of conversations, building relationships before they “need” them, making introductions, and becoming part of the ecosystem. This episode will help you shift from short-term transactional thinking to long-term momentum building, so you leave Expo with more than leads — you leave with positioning, visibility, and real community equity that compounds long after the show floor closes.Links to events mentioned in this episode: Expo West new Hope Innovation SummitNaturally Network HERESnaxshot & Misfits Party HERE CPG Sisterhood Social HERE America's Next Top Snack HERE Startup CPG Ally Rally HERE Ladies Lounge HERE Anti Expo HERE cpg house party HERE  It's All Happening WebsiteRegister for Launch LabFollow Us On InstagramDanielle on Linkedin

Alyssa Fernandez is the founder of Ollin, a cake mix company that is making cakes real again with better grains. She's bringing stone-milled heritage wheat from Texas farmers to your kitchen— because gluten isn't the problem, it's what we did to it.Ollin (pronounced all-in) is a Nahuatl word meaning "movement" or "to come full circle"—which is exactly what Alyssa is doing with baking. She's calling a truce with gluten by bringing heritage grains back where they belong: in your kitchen, at your celebrations, on your Sunday table.Every box is hand-packed in North Texas. Every grain is sourced from Texas farms. Every cake you bake tells a story—one that connects culture with celebration, tradition with taste, and Texas soil with your table.Follow Ollin on InstagramIt's All Happening WebsiteRegister for Launch LabRegister for our Free Power Hour Workshop on 2/26 Follow Us On InstagramDanielle on Linkedin

Cotto reimagines classic dips with high-protein whipped cottage cheese and clean, simple ingredients to create lighter, fresher versions of nostalgic flavors. Designed to be enjoyed straight from the container, added to everyday meals, or shared with friends, Cotto brings ease, elevated flavor, and clean protein to modern eating.Founded by Kendall Kransdorf, Cotto was inspired by her journey to recreate classic foods with wholesome ingredients that supported her wellbeing. After her cottage cheese–based dips became favorites among friends and family, she realized there was an opportunity for a new kind of dip—nostalgic, delicious, and genuinely better-for-you.Kendall brings deep CPG experience to the brand, from strategy work with major retailers at Boston Consulting Group to hands-on product development with food scientists and co-manufacturers at a supplement startup. She brings this expertise and passion to Cotto.Follow COTTO on Instagram COTTO WebsiteKendall Kransdorf on LinkedinRegister for Lab Lab Live Register for the Launch CourseFollow It's All Happening on Instagram Danielle Calabrese on Linkedin It's All Happening Website

With 16+ years in CPG, Danielle has scaled brands from zero to $40M, revived a legacy brand, guided 100+ brands to $75M+ in sales, and secured hundreds of SKUs with top distributors and retailers.It’s All Happening™ was built for founders who refuse to watch from the sidelines. From the CPG School to the high-touch Brand Catalyst Advisory, everything is powered by the proprietary IAH Launch Formula™. Build sales and marketing systems that drive velocity, repeat purchase and increase company valuation is what we do. This isn’t a theory, it’s the proven path to shelf, margin, and scale. It's All Happening Website Register for Launch Lab Follow Us On InstagramDanielle on Linkedin

Emily Steele is the CEO and cofounder of Hummingbirds, a venture-backed platform that connects CPG brands with over 30,000 everyday content creators. With a deep belief in the power of authentic partnerships, Emily and team have scaled Hummingbirds to dozens of U.S. cities, helping brands drive shelf-level awareness by matching them with creators eager to try & share their products with friends. Hummingbirds IG Hummingbirds Website It's All Happening Website Launch Lab Enrollment Follow Us On Instagram Book Your 1:1 Profit Plan

Francesca Pittaluga founded Ciao Pappy in 2022, inspired by her first-generation Italian roots and her love for both the California and Italian coasts. Growing up between these two worlds, she developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of Italian tradition and the laid-back vibrancy of the West Coast. Following a 14-year career in luxury fashion, Ciao Pappy brings those influences together—blending old-world flavors with a fresh, modern sensibility to introduce a new kind of Italian American story, rooted in quality and authenticity. Ciao Pappy’s premium marinara sauces are made with non-GMO ingredients, no added sugar, and California-grown tomatoes. A true people person, Francesca finds her greatest happiness in gathering and sharing meals, believing that food has the power to bring people closer and enrich everyday life. Today, Ciao Pappy is available online and in more than 300 retail stores across the U.S., including Whole Foods, Bristol Farms, Goop, Farmshop, and Gjusta Grocer. The brand has been featured in Goop, Eater, Town & Country, and the LA Times.Ciao Pappy IGCiao Pappy WebsiteIt's All Happening WebsiteLaunch Lab Enrollment Follow Us On InstagramBook Your 1:1 Profit Plan

Blakely and Jordan are best friends, creative pros, and food lovers who met in art school fifteen years ago. Jordan is an award-winning designer and entrepreneur with a sharp eye for branding, while Blakely has spent over a decade running creative operations at a top global ad agency. Together, they created SaladSprinkles—born from a shared love of clean ingredients and clever shortcuts, and built to make everyone fall back in love with lettuce. We recorded this episode a few months back and a lot has changed in their business. Since then, Jordan & Blakey decided to stop production. Here is a note they sent out to their followers this week: We've hit a wall: our production costs are too high to make larger retail expansion work. To get our price point where it needs to be, we'd need to produce at a much larger scale—which requires capital we don't have. We've explored every angle (different suppliers, packaging options, cost models), but without significant funding upfront, we can't solve this puzzle on our own. Rather than take on debt we can't sustain, we're pausing production to find the right partner—a larger company with the infrastructure and resources to produce SaladSprinkles more efficiently and get it into stores nationwide at a price that works. Tune in as we have a really raw conversation of why they came to this decision and whats next for Jordan, Blakely and SaladSprinkles.Follow SaladSprinkles on IGShop SaladSprinklesIt's All Happening Website Launch Lab EnrollmentFollow Us On InstagramBook Your 1:1 Profit Plan

Clara Veniard is the co-founder and CEO of Coro Foods, a premium salami brand that marries old world techniques with unexpected flavors like Orange Cardamom and Lemongrass. With a life and career that has taken her all over the globe, it's no surprise that Clara has a deep passion for food and international ingredients. Sharing food is a way of life, whether it’s assembling after school snack plates for her kids, a thrown together charcuterie board to tide everyone over while dinner is cooking or an impressive-looking spread for company-Coro comes to the rescue every time. 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. CORO FOODS IG  Coro Foods Website  It's All Happening Website Launch Lab Enrollment Follow Us On Instagram Book Your 1:1 Profit Plan

Sisters Meena and Tabi, first-generation Afghan Americans, founded Tursh to share the bold, soulful flavors they grew up with. Inspired by their mother Furoozan’s cherished recipes, they’ve reimagined traditional Afghan chutneys for the modern kitchen. Every small-batch jar of Tursh is handcrafted with real ingredients, no shortcuts, and a whole lot of heart—bringing tang, tradition, and a taste of home to tables everywhere.Tursh IG Tursh Website It's All Happening Website Launch Lab Enrollment Follow Us On InstagramBook Your 1:1 Profit Plan

Lucy Dana is the co-founder and CEO of One Trick Pony, a peanut butter company making two-ingredient peanut butter using Argentinian peanuts. Before launching the brand, Lucy worked at Uber and Blue Bottle Coffee, where she honed her skills in operations and ecommerce. She eventually joined forces with her brother and sister-in-law to build a CPG brand rooted in quality, simplicity. One Trick Pony IG One Trick Pony Website It's All Happening Website Launch Lab Enrollment Follow Us On Instagram Book Your 1:1 Profit Plan

Nicole Swartz is a trademark attorney in Austin, TX. In 2015, she started a CPG brand that was sold in hundreds of retailers around the world. But there was one BIG problem: She didn’t trademark her brand. One day, she woke up to a cease + desist letter in her inbox. Someone trademarked her brand name and now they owned it. She had to rebrand everything in 30 days. A total nightmare! Nicole became a trademark attorney to help other CPG founders own their brands. Today, she runs one of the top 3 trademark law firms in the U.S. She's filed over 1,200 trademarks with a 99.8% success rate. Her favorite snacks are sour candy, non-alc bevies, and hot chips.Bread & Butter Law IG Bread & Butter Law Website It's All Happening Website Launch Lab Enrollment Follow Us On InstagramBook Your 1:1 Profit Plan

Sarah Delevan is a Financial Consultant with over 15 years of experience in building and supporting sustainable and regional food systems. As the founder of The Good Food CFO, she works with purpose-driven food businesses—from farmers, ranchers, fishers, and producers— to help them achieve profitability by design. Sarah's career has spanned nearly every corner of the good food movement. From teaching kids to cook with seasonal ingredients, volunteering with No Kid Hungry and at farmers’ markets, to launching a pop-up grocery and managing food sourcing for a major LA-based catering company, her hands-on experience informs her values-driven financial approach.For the past decade, Sarah has focused on early-stage local, regional, CPG, and independent retail brands because they often fail due to cash flow issues, pricing, thin margins, and unsustainable growth models borrowed from mainstream business headlines. She’s also the host of The Good Food CFO Podcast, where she amplifies the voices of food entrepreneurs and advocates for industry change. And committed to educating consumers, policymakers, and fellow professionals on how to build a more just, equitable, and resilient food system.The Good Food CFO IG The Good Food CFO Financial Strategy Software WaitlistThe Good Food CFO WebsiteIt's All Happening Website Launch Lab Enrollment Follow Us On Instagram

Jessie Kimsey is a results-driven merchandising leader with more than a decade of experience across e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail. At Misfits Market, she leads vendor strategy and category innovation, curating mission-driven brands and championing emerging products that are transforming the food system. A passionate advocate for quality, sustainability, and impact in grocery, Jessie helps like-minded brands connect with hundreds of thousands of highly engaged consumers on Misfits Market’s discovery-driven platform.Misfits IG Misfits Market It's All Happening Website8/27 Free Power Hour Workshop Launch Lab EnrollmentFood Biz Wiz Wholesale Week SignupFollow Us On Instagram 

Alli Ball is the founder & CEO of Food Biz Wiz and the creator of Retail Ready®, an online program that has provided strategic support, curated curriculum, and values-aligned community for over 3,000 producers of packaged products in the food industry. As a former grocery buyer-turned-wholesale consultant, Alli has helped thousands of emerging brands understand what it takes to get on the shelf and have high sales once you’re there. Find her on her website here or on Food Biz Wiz®, her award-winning podcast about wholesale strategy, which contains a library of 250 episodes.Food Biz Wiz IG [email protected], https://www.linkedin.com/in/aball/ www.alliball.com/foodbizwizIt's All Happening Website Free Power Hour Workshop 8/14 & 8/16 Launch Lab Enrollment Follow Us On Instagram

Breezy Griffith is the CEO & Founder of SkinnyDipped, a brand she launched with her mom, Val Griffith, from their kitchen table with a shared passion for creating better-for-you snacks with no compromise on flavor. With an adventurous spirit and sharp business acumen, Breezy has led the company to remarkable growth, expanding to three innovative product lines and nationwide distribution in over 23,000 retail locations. She oversees commercial development, sales strategies, product innovation, marketing, and retail expansion,ensuring that every SkinnyDipped snack delivers big taste with fewer sugars and only real ingredients. Her leadership continues to push SkinnyDipped to the forefront of the modern snacking movement. As Co-Founder & Head of Innovation, Val Griffith is the flavor mastermind behind SkinnyDipped. She and her daughter, Breezy, created the brand with a simple yet powerful goal: to make snacking both delicious and better for you. Val’s highly intuitive palate and passion for natural, balanced flavors fuel the company’s product development and innovation, including its signature thin-dipped coatings. She is constantly perfecting and experimenting with new ingredients and flavor combinations, ensuring that every bite is irresistible and clean. Val is also deeply involved in SkinnyDipped’s philanthropic initiatives, believing that great food is an act of love—a philosophy that shapes the brand’s approach to snacking and giving back.Skinny Dipped IGShop Skinny Dipped It's All Happening WebsiteFree Power Hour Workshop 8/14 & 8/16 Launch Lab Enrollment Follow Us On Instagram

Season 3 of It’s All Happening: Women in CPG is here! Host Danielle Calabrese kicks things off with a life and business update—fresh from a summer of travel, reflection, and recharging—and a deep dive into what’s ahead. From the evolution of her Launch Lab accelerator to the powerhouse lineup of founders, operators, and experts joining the show this season, Danielle sets the tone for what’s shaping up to be the most tactical and inspiring season yet. Expect insights from the minds behind Skinny Dipped, Misfits Market, One Trick Pony, Food Biz Wiz Creator, Alli Ball and more. Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling to shelf, this season is packed with the strategies, stories, and straight talk you won’t hear anywhere else.Its All Happening Instagram It's All Happening Website Free Power Hour Workshop 8/14 & 8/16 Launch Lab Enrollment Follow Us On Instagram 

When I first met Susanna Rizzo at an event, I was immediately drawn to her bold, beautiful packaging. Then I tried her focaccia—and I was instantly obsessed. As someone who seriously appreciates high-quality bread (and is a total foodie), I knew she was onto something special. In this episode, Susanna shares how she launched Jennies House and what it’s been like growing her artisan bread brand—from getting into retailers to selling fresh product to restaurants and on-premise accounts.  I loved this conversation with Susanna and will definitely be watching as she continues to own the artisan bread category.  Don’t miss this one.Jennies House Insta Shop Jennies House It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

Michelle Wilton, founder of Date Better Snacks, is the definition of a scrappy, resourceful entrepreneur. In this episode, she shares how she launched the brand out of her restaurant kitchen and grew it by personally pitching to small accounts across the country. We dive into how she’s leveraged her husband’s engineering skills to build custom packaging equipment, why she’s just now considering fundraising, and what it took to land a recent Whole Foods rollout. And toward the end? Michelle gets candid about her experience as a woman navigating the CPG space — a conversation that will hit home for so many of us.  Trust me, this one’s packed with real talk, smart strategies, and serious founder grit. Don’t miss it.   Date Better Insta Shop Date Better It's All Happening Website Follow us on Instagram Learn more about Launch Lab Masterclass Join the women in CPG Slack Channel Sign Up for the Newsletter 

From farmers markets to national shelves—this is how Humm scaled with soul. In this episode, I sit down with Humm Kombucha’s founder, Michelle Mitchelle to unpack her early-stage regional playbook, the leap into self-manufacturing, and what it really takes to not only land major retail but what she had to do to eventually get Humm aquired. She shares how building a people-first company helped fuel not just growth—but years of sucess. Listen now for a masterclass in scaling with heart. This one is a must listen! Humm InstaShop Humm It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

Today I’m talking with the fearless co-founders of Good Girl Snacks, Leah and Yasamin—you might know them for their viral hit, Hot Girl Pickles. These two dove headfirst into CPG with no prior industry experience and are somehow pulling it off like pros. We get into how they started, what they’ve learned, their recent fundraise, and how they’re rolling out new retailers and innovations at full speed—all while keeping it scrappy, smart, and fun. If you’re building a brand from the ground up (or thinking about it), this one’s a must-listen.GGS Insta Shop Hot Girl Pickles It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

How do you scale a wellness brand without burning out—or burning cash? In this episode, we talk with Cure Hydration’s founder, Lauren Picasso about the real work behind funding a fast-growing brand, getting on shelves nationwide, and going to market with intention. She gives us the tea on how she raised capital as a solo founder and launched in CVS at the height of COVID—in a hydration category that was small and lacking in innovation. Turns out, timing and positioning are everything. This one is a must listen for founders looking for a funding playbook. Cure Insta Shop Cure It's All Happening Website Follow us on Instagram Learn more about Launch Lab Masterclass Join the women in CPG Slack Channel Sign Up for the Newsletter 

Today I sit down with Caroline Brain, founder of @kifandco — and let’s just say, this one’s packed with gut instinct and growth energy.  We dive into how she’s building a brand rooted in gut health from the ground up — literally — including her regional play, why she chose to self-manufacture, and the vision behind the Gut Hut (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds 😎). PLUS: she just launched a crowdfunder so her community can own a piece of the journey. Don’t miss this one — it’s a masterclass in scrappy, smart, and mission-driven CPG growth Shop Kif https://www.instagram.com/kifkefirwater/ Kif Crowdfunder It's All Happening Website Follow us on Instagram Learn more about Launch Lab Masterclass Join the women in CPG Slack Channel Sign Up for the Newsletter 

Just dropped a fresh episode with mother daughter duo Brittany & Kim Cook, half of the team behind @somethingsweetdough. We dive into how they’ve grown their cookie dough brand with intention — keeping things simple, regional, and family-run. This isn’t a story about rushing to scale — it’s about building a solid foundation, leveraging their local community, and using the strengths of their own family to fuel growth (Brittney's other two sisters run marketing.) We talk about what slow, smart expansion really looks like, how they stay lean while growing, and why staying true to your vision matters more than following trends. If you’re a founder who’s looking to grow on your own terms or just love an emotional founder story, this episode is a must-listen. https://www.instagram.com/somethingsweetdough/https://www.somethingsweetdough.com/It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

Today, I chat with Jane Wong, the visionary founder of NOON, a brand that’s redefining how we think about wellness, one beautifully designed mushroom gummy at a time. Jane shares how she’s merging aesthetic minimalism with cognitive health, creating products that not only support your brain but look good on your shelf, too. We dive into her design-led approach, the science behind the formulas, and how NOON is making wellness feel more intentional, elevated, and human. She also gives us the scoop on how her products have evolved and a few key learnings that she shares about profitabilty and testing for early stage brands. This one is a gem not to miss! https://noon.world/It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

Today I sat down with the powerhouse behind TRUBAR, Founder & CEO Erica Groussman—and let me tell you, she brought it. We talked about how she’s taken TRUBAR nationwide (and she’s just getting started), what it really looks like to juggle work, life, a growing team, and constant innovation. Oh—and did I mention she pulled the company out of $7 million in debt? Her journey is raw, real, and packed with grit, resilience, and serious tenacity. This one’s a must-listen for any founder chasing the dream.Erica Instagram TRUBAR Instagram TRUBAR Website It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

I sat down with French Squirrel founder Sydney Wainer to talk about what it really takes to grow a values-driven CPG brand. We got into the nitty gritty—unit economics, scaling smart, and building strong retail relationships . Plus, she shared the personal health journey that inspired it all. It’s honest, inspiring, and full of takeaways for any founder on the rise. If you've been sitting on idea and waiting for the right time to bring it to market, this founder story is your sign that now is your time. Don't sleep on this ep! It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

Question: Do you know what a total badass Jordan Rondel is? If not, let me introduce you. Her creativity isn’t just inspiring—it’s effortlessly cool. If you’re a female founder (or dreaming of becoming one), this convo is a must-listen. Jordan keeps it real, sharing the highs, the lows, and everything in between with honesty and heart. I walked away from this chat so inspired, and I think you’re going to love it just as much as I did. In our conversation, Jordan dishes on how she turned her love of baking into The Caker—an international cake brand with serious cult status. She gets real about the wild ride of scaling a business, moving to LA, and riding the pandemic wave by launching luxe cake kits. As always, she keeps it honest and fun, talking about intuition over ego, the magic of staying creative, and carving out space in a world that wasn’t exactly built for women with big ideas (and even bigger dreams). Buckle up! Its a good one. Find Jordan Rondel on her websiteFollow her on Instagram It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

To kick off Season 2 of my Founder Series, I sit down with Melanie Masarin, the visionary founder of Ghia, to talk about how she’s shaking up the drinking culture—no booze required. 🍸✨ Melanie takes us behind the scenes of building her wildly popular non-alcoholic aperitif, from the spark of inspiration to the gritty realities of product development, manufacturing and breaking into retail and their most recent win, Whole foods. We dive into the power of brand storytelling, how she’s redefining social rituals, and what it really takes to scale a mission-driven CPG brand. If you’ve ever dreamed of launching a product—or just want a fresh take on what it means to drink differently—this episode is for you!Find Melanie and Ghia on Instagram. Shop Ghia's Website.It's All Happening Website Follow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab Masterclass Join the women in CPG Slack Channel Sign Up for the Newsletter 

Lydia is a digital marketing maven, with over 15 years experience in the Social Media and Influencer Marketing Field across many industries. She has experience building brands from conception to acquisition. Lydia is a data driven marketing professional who has built up brands to be on the Inc 5000's fastest growing private companies list. She has experience in developing efficient, high-impact marketing programs that result in exponential growth. You can find Lydia at https://www.fortheclout.co/It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

Bridget Aileen Sicsko is the co-founder of Visibility on Purpose, a media training school established in 2023 alongside publicist Lydia Bagarozza. As a former publisher turned speaker, Bridget has delivered impactful presentations to over 5,000 individuals across the U.S. and Europe, covering topics such as human optimization, the athlete mentality, wellness, and lifestyle. Her dynamic speaking style and dedication to empowering others have made her a sought-after figure in the personal development and business communities. Through Visibility on Purpose, Bridget aims to revolutionize media access by elevating boutique brands and founders. You can find her at https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

Francine Voit is the co-founder of Pistakio, a company dedicated to reimagining pistachios for a new generation of enthusiasts. Pistakio introduced the OG Pistachio Spread, a versatile, sweet, and drizzable spread made with real pistachios and natural ingredients. Francine’s innovative approach aims to make pistachios more accessible and enjoyable beyond their traditional in-shell form. Her commitment to authenticity, community building and quality has garnered praise from pistachio lovers and retail buyers. You can find Francine at https://pistakio.co/ It's All Happening Website Follow us on Instagram Learn more about Launch Lab Masterclass Join the women in CPG Slack Channel Sign Up for the Newsletter 

Kelly Meyer has a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Marketing, and has spent her career working in digital marketing, specializing in social media strategy. After experiencing both the in-house and agency side of things, she combined her expertise and decided launch Muse Digital Strategies, a micro social media agency. Find Kelly at https://www.musedigitalstrategies.com/It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

Rachel Krupa is the founder of The Goods Mart, a mission-driven convenience store offering better-for-you snacks and essentials. With a background in public relations, she has been instrumental in promoting health-conscious brands and fostering community engagement. Rachel’s innovative approach to retail has garnered attention for its focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Through her work, she continues to redefine the convenience store experience, making healthier options more accessible to all. You can find rachel at https://www.thegoodsmart.com/ and https://www.krupaconsulting.com/Launch Smarter: The 4 Mission Critical Phases of building your CPG brandFree workshop registration: https://www.thecpgschool.co/pl/2148642477It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

Kelly Bennett is a CPG food & beverage brand strategist in New York City. She works with brands to differentiate in the marketplace, discover unique selling points, and create buzz with strategic partners, consumers, retailers & industry. Clients featured in LA Times, Forbes, and CNN. And recently collaborated with top Trademark attorney Nicole Swartz to launch Bread & Butter; a Trademark law firm for CPG food and beverage brands. Kelly hosts ‘Emerging Brand Podcast’ where she interviews people behind the coolest CPG brands. Find Kelly at https://www.withkellybennett.com.https://www.instagram.com/withkellybennett/https://www.withkellybennett.comhttps://www.breadandbutterlaw.com/It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter 

Danielle, founder of It's All Happening, a community and agency for CPG founders and brand experts, has been helping CPG businesses scale for over 16 years. Her passion is to help founders turn their ideas into a lucrative reality, navigate difficult problems, nail their strategy, and accelerate. From founding her own small business to working for an agency that takes brands to market, to serving as President of a beverage company, then helming a refresh for a 35 year old legacy brand as the CEO, she's seen and done a lot. She loves to solve the problems that come with scaling a business. Danielle is also the host of The It's All Happening Podcast and creator of "As it Happens" a bi weekly newsletter at the intersection of CPG business and health & wellness that highlights interesting women in the industry. It's All Happening WebsiteFollow us on InstagramLearn more about Launch Lab MasterclassJoin the women in CPG Slack ChannelSign Up for the Newsletter