Cass Spies, Co-founder of Twisted Healthy Treats on the highs and lows of running a frozen dessert business

Welcome to episode #82 if this is the first time you’re tuning in, thank you so very much for being here, my name is Ram Castillo and this podcast explores the decision-making of people who have been exposed and are experienced in a particular expertise or specialisation. It is my deep belief that Giant living requires giant thinking and if you resonate with that, you might enjoy the portfolio of guests we’ve had on the show, from Kelly Slater, to Shark Tank Investors, to Olympians, to Musicians, to Designers / Creatives and leaders of all types. Now, today’s guest is a food technologist and the Co-founder & Managing Director of Twisted Healthy Treats. A company that started back in 2009. Twisted are obsessed with creating Australia's best tasting frozen desserts that are actually good for you.   All their products are made from natural ingredients and are all Australian made and 100% Aussie owned. Her background is in large scale Project Management within the Financial Services industry, but always dreamed of having her own company ever since she was a child. Fast forward 10 years, she is a mum of 3, Twisted now manufacture and sell take home tubs, multipacks and single serve cups to over 5000 outlets across Australia — including a national distribution deal with Woolworths and more recently Costco Australia and Coles Supermarkets. They are also the ONLY 'ice cream style' product that is approved for sale in School Canteens by the Australian Government — 2 million Australian school kids enjoy Twisted yoghurt in their lunch break.   Some of the topics we spoke about include: What to consider when entering the frozen dessert category How to set yourself apart from the many health food brands available The journey of how long it can take from ideation to first product in market – and the testing, iteration and validation involved Pricing decisions and cost structures Processes, prioritisation, managing and a whole heap more.   So if you’re someone that has some seriously giant aspirations – and are interested in the fusion of product innovation, food and running a business, then this episode is for you. Now a quick note from me, if we aren’t connected yet on Instagram, I invite you to follow me on my handle @TheGiantThinker as I share daily posts and stories on helping decision-makers, business owners and leaders get unstuck lightning fast through human-centred design methodologies, creative strategies and personal experiences. Send me a DM I’d love to hear from you! You can find me on my handle @TheGiantThinker.   Alright, let’s get stuck in. I present to you a woman that I very much admire and look up to … the warm-hearted, brave and resilient ... Cass Spies!     More on Cass can be found via the links below: https://www.instagram.com/cassspies https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrstwisted https://www.twistedhealthytreats.com.au https://www.instagram.com/twistedhealthytreats https://www.facebook.com/TwistedHealthyTreats   Subscribe to The Giant Thinkers Podcast on iTunes.     Want to know the most productive tool that has helped me accelerate my progress? It’s the Five-Minute Journal; the simplest, most effective thing you can do everyday to be happier. It’s a physical journal that gives you a positive quote, followed by three questions you answer in the morning and two questions to answer in the evening before bed. It basically anchors your mind in a positively focused, intentional and grateful mindset, in less than 5 minutes a day. Grab yours here: GiantThinkers.com/fiveminutejournal