Tag: Founder Story
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Meet NYU alum: Tatyana Jones Founder of DEFI Snacks
Tell us about your company: DEFI Snacks is rewriting the rules of better-for-you snacking. Founded by NYU Stern MBA ’15 alumna Tatyana Jones, DEFI is a breakthrough snack brand built for people who refuse to compromise — bold flavor, clean ingredients, and a nutrition profile that actually delivers. We’re not another “healthy” snack hiding sugar…
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Meet USC alum: Ashley Whalen, Founder of Chara Greek Frozen Yogurt
Tell us about your company: Chara is a better-for-you Greek frozen yogurt brand reimagining indulgence with clean, high-protein, probiotic-rich pints made from real ingredients. What inspired you to start your business? During my senior year at USC, I noticed my roommates making Greek yogurt bowls for dessert and saw the frozen aisle wasn’t meeting the…
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Meet UCLA alum: Kian Nikzad, Founder Ancient Sun
Tell us about your company: Ancient Sun sells balanced beverages called date shakes at natural food retailers. They are made with simple ingredients: dates, nuts, and spices. Each of the three flavors is inspired from a different region of the world. What inspired you to start your business? I’ve always had an interest in ‘going…
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Meet USC alum Annie Wiener, Co-Founder Hyli Drops
Tell us about your company: Hyli is the first ever electrolyte and vitamin infused cocktail mixer drop, with 0 calories, 0 sugar, and all natural ingredients. Designed to replace sugary, hangover-inducing mixers, Hyli transforms any spirit into a clean, functional cocktail that supports your wellness goals – without sacrificing fun or flavor. Available in Margarita,…
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Meet USC alum Isabel Washington, Founder Laurel’s Coffee
Tell us about your company: Laurel’s is the first 100% A2 dairy ready-to-drink latte company. What inspired you to start your business? Looking at the canned coffee category and didn’t feel like anyone was speaking to the gen z female consumer, the largest consumer of coffee. What are your proudest achievements so far? We’re launching…
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Meet MSU alum: Lindsey Fredrick, Founder of Tart
Tell us about your company: Tart is an organic healthy lifestyle beverage focused around tart cherry and mineral water, prioritizing organic ingredients. Packed with vitamins & antioxidants, Tart may help reduce inflammation & support muscle recovery. Enjoy Tart daily for a refreshing boost on your overall health! What inspired you to start your business? Growing…
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Meet Northwestern & Berkeley alum: Brendan Flannery, Founder of RIP Cold Brew
Tell us about your company: RIP Cold Brew is cold brew for those who are not dead. For those who “Reap Infinite Potential” everyday, who are always active, always on the go, always on to the next adventure. We’re flipping one of the world’s most recognizable acronyms upside down into a life-affirming rallying cry to…
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Meet Syracuse alum ET (Eric Tecosky) Founder of Dirty Sue
Tell us about your company: Dirty Sue was born behind the bar at Jones Hollywood to solve a simple bartender problem: the olive juice ran out long before the olives, causing waste and standard jar brine was never meant for cocktails anyway. I worked directly with an olive farmer/importer and his family to develop the…
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Meet USC alum Valerie Zweig, Co-Founder of Cookstix
Tell us about your company: Cookstix is an instant chicken stock in powder form, made with real ingredients to make every day cooking easier and less wasteful. Instead of heavy cartons or overly salty cubes, we offer clean-label cooking stock in small stick packets that deliver chef-quality flavor.Each stick lets you use exactly what you…
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