Emerging Brands Podcast®
Welcome to Emerging Brands Podcast® with Kelly Bennett This is the podcast where you’ll discover the stories behind your new favorite CPG brands. Each episode dives into the brand and founder journey—how they launched, what sets them apart, and the strategy behind going to market. We talk plans for growth, practical advice for emerging founders, and where to shop the products making waves in food, beverage, wellness, and beyond. You’ll also hear from industry experts—brand builders, investors, and operators—who should absolutely be on your radar if you're growing a CPG brand today. Whether you’re building something of your own or love supporting what’s next, you’re in the right place.
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Launch Grow Exit
08/02/2025
Launch Grow Exit
Kelly Anne Parker is a self-funded founder who built Send Ribbon, a corporate gifting company, from the ground up—all the way to acquisition by UrbanStems in 2020. Now, through her advisory firm Launch Grow Exit, Kelly helps fellow founders navigate the full lifecycle of being a founder, from getting started to scaling and preparing for a successful exit. She’s on a mission to demystify the founder journey and make exits feel possible especially for female-founded, bootstrapped brands. Inside the Episode: The path from building a gifting brand to selling it—without outside funding Value of corporate gifting for emerging CPG brands What founders need to consider early if they want to build toward a future exit How to think differently about growth and define success on your own terms This podcast episode was made possible by . is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details!
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It’s All Happening
08/02/2025
It’s All Happening
Danielle Calabrese is a seasoned CPG strategist, advisor, and two-time founder with over 16 years of hands-on experience launching and scaling food and beverage brands. From Juice Served Here to De La Calle Tepache, she’s led high-growth teams across sales, operations, and marketing—and now channels that expertise into her own agency, . Through her course and Danielle equips first-time founders (especially women) with the tools, strategy, and confidence to launch smart, avoid expensive missteps, and scale sustainably. Inside the Episode: From startup operator to go-to-market strategist and advisor How to build a launch plan that actually works—and avoid common founder pitfalls What she's learned from working behind the scenes with dozens of emerging brands Sneak peek to next CPG School Launch Lab Join free workshop . CPG School Launch Lab Early Registration . This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details!
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Eat Senza
08/02/2025
Eat Senza
Krista D’Archi and Jake Block are the co-founders of Eat Senza, an allergen-friendly food brand on a mission to make eating with dietary restrictions easier—and more joyful. After 10 years in creative roles, the duo made the leap from supporting brands to building their own. The result? A bold, confident take on allergen-free comfort food, starting with their debut product: Lil Pastina—a gluten-free twist on classic Italian pasta shapes. Inside the Episode: From creative careers to co-founding a food brand Reimagining nostalgic comfort food for allergen-conscious eaters Launching with Kickstarter featuring a single hero product to earn trust and gain traction Advice for an emerging brand founder This podcast episode was made possible by . is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details!
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Cadence
07/27/2025
Cadence
In this episode, I’m joined by Steph Hon, founder and CEO of Cadence—a pioneering consumer systems brand redefining how we store and carry the essentials. With a vision to transform the everyday with the same level of intention and innovation as Apple or Dyson, Steph launched Cadence in 2020 to bring form, function, and sustainability into the personal care category. Cadence creates beautifully designed, endlessly refillable containers made from ocean-bound plastic and scrap materials. Built for travel, everyday routines, and intentional living, the brand is setting a new standard for modular design, durability, and waste reduction—one capsule at a time. Inside the Episode: How Steph’s background shaped the brand’s mission The innovation process behind Cadence’s modular, sustainable capsules Advice for founders building category-defining products This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details!
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DateWorthy
07/27/2025
DateWorthy
In this episode, I’m joined by Hailey Yaffa, founder of DateWorthy—a frozen, date-based snack brand redefining what indulgence looks like with real, high-quality ingredients. Hailey moved to NYC post-grad and began her career in finance before pivoting to create something more meaningful. With a lifelong sweet tooth and a personal history of disordered eating, she became passionate about raising her standards—not just in food, but in every aspect of her life. Dateworthy is a decadent-yet-clean snack made with organic ingredients: dates, almond butter, banana, dark chocolate, shredded coconut, and a touch of sea salt. It’s designed to satisfy your cravings and remind you to choose better—for yourself and your body. Inside the Episode: How Hailey’s personal journey and shift from finance to food inspired the creation of DateWorthy The product development process behind building a frozen snack brand Advice for first-time founders creating brands rooted in personal transformation This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details!
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Peepal People
07/27/2025
Peepal People
In this episode, I’m joined by Alyzeh Rizvi, co-founder and CEO of Peepal People—a bold, modern South Asian pantry brand reimagining traditional condiments for the way we eat today. With a background in architecture and product design from RISD, Alyzeh spent years leading brand innovation and impact-driven research at IDEO.org and the Gates Foundation, working with clients like Gallo, Smoothie King, and Coca-Cola. She launched Peepal People in 2021 with a mission to build a more inclusive food aisle—one that centers culture, community, and real flavor. Peepal People fuses heritage cooking techniques with better-for-you ingredients, creating South Asian condiments with less sodium, sugar, and cholesterol—without compromising taste. What started at the dinner table has evolved into a vibrant, fast-growing brand that’s reshaping how South Asian flavors show up in the modern kitchen. Inside the Episode: How Alyzeh’s design background and cultural roots inspired the vision for Peepal People The strategy behind reimagining traditional condiments to meet today’s flavor and health expectations Advice for founders building inclusive, culture-forward food brands with impact This podcast episode was made possible by . is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details!
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Cure Hydration
07/22/2025
Cure Hydration
n this episode, I’m joined by Lauren Picasso, CEO and founder of Cure Hydration—the only science-backed, plant-based electrolyte mix with no added sugar. A Harvard MBA and triathlete, Lauren’s own struggle with hydration led her to create a clean, better-for-you solution she couldn’t find on the shelf. She launched Cure in 2019, and today it’s one of the fastest-growing brands in the category, recently ranking 568th on the Inc. 5000’s 2024 list. Cure is formulated for all ages, delivering daily hydration without compromising on ingredients or taste—offering an alternative to traditional sports drinks with unnecessary sugars and artificial additives. Inside the Episode: How Lauren’s personal experience as an athlete sparked the idea for Cure Hydration The strategy behind building a science-backed, plant-based brand that stands out in a crowded hydration category Advice for founders scaling a health-focused CPG brand while staying true to clean ingredient standards This podcast episode was made possible by a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details!
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Fancypants
07/22/2025
Fancypants
n this episode, I’m joined by Maura Duggan, founder of Fancypants Baking Co., a brand baking cookies that feel downright good—made with real, recognizable ingredients and a whole lot of heart. After earning a master’s degree in Mind, Brain, and Education from Harvard, Maura found herself drawn back to baking as a way to shake off the stress. Since 2004, Maura has grown Fancypants into a company known for incredible taste, quality ingredients, and sustainability. Today, their cookies are made with butter and eggs, zero artificial ingredients, and upcycled oat flour—baking with purpose while minimizing waste. Inside the Episode: How Maura launched Fancypants as a fresh baked cookie brand 20+ years ago The strategy behind shifting from fresh baked into CPG Advice for founders balancing nostalgia, innovation, and positive impact in CPG This podcast episode was made possible by a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details!
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PlantChi
07/22/2025
PlantChi
In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Hamel, founder of PlantChi—a brand on a mission to make wellness effortless, rebellious, and packed with real plant power. With over 20 years in branding and experience as a former CPG founder, Jessica is also an ultra-runner and competitive sailor—her drive and passion for performance deeply inform how she approaches nutrition and product development today. PlantChi’s superseed blends are designed to simplify nutrition: easy to use, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, and made to sprinkle onto meals without any fuss. Inside the Episode: How Jessica’s journey from founder to athlete shaped her mission to simplify wellness The strategy behind creating functional, nutrient-dense products that integrate effortlessly into modern lifestyles Advice for emerging founders building brands that prioritize both health and ease for consumers This podcast episode was made possible by a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details!
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Cien Chiles
07/13/2025
Cien Chiles
In this episode, I’m joined by Maria Covarrubias, Mexican-American chef and founder of Cien Chiles, a brand bringing the vibrant flavors of her childhood to kitchens everywhere. Inspired by the wisdom of her Abuela and a desire to share her cultural heritage, Maria created a line of hot sauces that do more than bring heat—they celebrate flavor, creativity, and culture. Inside the Episode: How Maria’s family roots, culinary background, and CPG experience inspired the creation of Cien Chiles The philosophy behind “Real Food, Real Flavor” and redefining hot sauce as a culinary art Advice for founders turning personal heritage into authentic, market-ready products This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Chunk
07/13/2025
Chunk
In this episode, I’m joined by Amos Golan, founder and CEO of Chunk, a company redefining what’s possible in plant-based meat through cutting-edge fermentation technology. Amos brings an impressive background spanning organic chemistry, human-computer interaction, agtech, biotech, and food innovation—including time leading Ferrero’s Open Innovation team. He’s also a trained chef with a personal passion that deeply influences his approach to product development. Chunk uses proprietary fermentation techniques to create plant-based meats that deliver a deeply satisfying eating experience, mimicking the texture, color, and taste of traditional meat. Chunk is bringing chefs and foodservice operators a plant-based option with no preservatives, additives, or binders—and raising the bar for quality and innovation in the category. Inside the Episode: How Amos’s diverse background—from biotech to culinary school—shaped his approach to launching Chunk The innovation behind Chunk’s proprietary fermentation process and why it’s different from other plant-based meats Advice for founders working at the intersection of food and science This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Fresh Thyme Market
07/13/2025
Fresh Thyme Market
In this episode, I’m joined by Celena Ruiz, Category Manager at Fresh Thyme Market, where she oversees the poultry and seafood departments and plays a key role in bringing fresh, innovative products to shelves. Celena is passionate about supporting local businesses and helping emerging brands succeed in a competitive retail environment. We dive into what category managers look for when evaluating new brands, how Fresh Thyme Market approaches innovation and differentiation. Inside the Episode: How Celena’s passion for local shapes her work as a category manager What founders need to know to stand out when pitching retail buyers Advice for emerging brands navigating early retail partnerships and growth This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Kind Laundry
07/09/2025
Kind Laundry
In this episode, I’m joined by Angie Tran, co-founder of Kind Laundry—a modern laundry care brand on a mission to make laundry better for the planet, pets, and people. Angie’s path to entrepreneurship began after more than a decade in corporate marketing, followed by an early investment in a healthy fast-food chain. But it was ecommerce and the CPG wellness space that captured her heart—and where she saw an opportunity to innovate. Kind Laundry offers high-performance, sustainable laundry products designed to transform an everyday chore into a small act of self-care (yes, it’s possible to enjoy laundry!). With plant-based, eco-friendly ingredients and plastic-free packaging, Angie and her team are challenging traditional household products while keeping sustainability at the core. Inside the Episode: How Angie transitioned from corporate marketing to CPG entrepreneurship with a mission-driven brand The strategy behind building a wellness-inspired laundry care brand that resonates with today’s conscious consumers Advice for founders disrupting legacy household categories and driving sustainability through product innovation This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Daily Crunch
07/09/2025
Daily Crunch
In this episode, I’m joined by Laurel Orley, CEO and co-founder of Daily Crunch Snacks—a women-owned, Inc. 5000 snack company shaking up the category with its Uniquely Crunchy™ sprouted nut snacks. Laurel brings over 15 years of marketing experience, much of it at Unilever, where she led flagship brands like Dove and Hellmann’s before launching Daily Crunch in March 2020. Daily Crunch satisfies those irresistible crunch cravings with nutrient-dense, superfood snacks that deliver on taste, texture, and clean ingredients—all with minimal added sugars. Laurel shares how she navigated launching during the early days of the pandemic, scaling quickly, and staying focused on product differentiation in a crowded snack space. Inside the Episode: How Laurel’s background in big-brand marketing shaped the strategy behind Daily Crunch The process of creating a distinctive, better-for-you snack that stands out with texture and simplicity Advice for founders on scaling thoughtfully, brand positioning, and distribution This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Ting A Ling
07/09/2025
Ting A Ling
In this episode, I’m joined by Shanice Black, co-founder of Ting A Ling—a Caribbean-inspired food brand bringing bold, authentic Jamaican flavors to kitchens everywhere. Shanice is on a mission to make Caribbean cuisine more accessible while honoring tradition and delivering clean, better-for-you ingredients. Ting A Ling’s vibrant line of sauces and marinades captures the spirit of the islands, allowing home cooks to infuse everyday meals with the flavors of Jamaica—without sacrificing quality or simplicity. Shanice shares her journey as a founder balancing cultural authenticity, product development, and scaling an emerging brand. Inside the Episode: How Shanice’s Jamaican roots inspired the creation of Ting A Ling and its mission to celebrate Caribbean food culture The strategy behind developing authentic, approachable sauces made with better-for-you ingredients Advice for founders bringing heritage-driven products to a broader audience This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Yes! Apples
07/01/2025
Yes! Apples
In this episode, I’m joined by Tenley Fitzgerald, Vice President of Marketing at Yes! Apples—a bold, modern apple brand with deep roots in New York agriculture. With over 100 years in the apple business, Yes! Apples is a network of 50+ family farms growing more than 10 high-quality varieties—and stands out as the only female-run apple organization in the country. Tenley began working with the team as a freelancer in 2017 and ultimately led the charge to take the Yes! Apples brand from concept to consumer launch. Since then, she’s built a powerhouse in-house marketing team and brought apples into the lifestyle and CPG conversation—partnering with brands like Martinelli’s and Ithaca Hummus, and showcasing the brand at Pop Up Grocer and Cherry Bombe Jubilee. With past experience at FreshDirect, Blue Apron, and Beyond Good, Tenley brings a deep understanding of integrated marketing, storytelling, and brand building in food. Inside the Episode: How Tenley transformed Yes! Apples from a traditional grower network into a national lifestyle apple brand The strategy behind turning apples into an experience Advice for brand marketers looking to evolve heritage categories with a fresh, modern voice This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Moxie Sozo
07/01/2025
Moxie Sozo
In this episode, I’m joined by Derek Springston, CEO and Managing Partner of Moxie Sozo—the award-winning, Boulder-based branding and design agency celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Derek’s journey is a true creative arc: he started as an unpaid intern and worked his way up to lead the agency that now serves some of the most disruptive brands across food, beverage, and beyond. Under his leadership, Moxie Sozo has created standout work for brands like Boston Beer Company, Campari America, and Danone—along with countless natural food startups and global lifestyle brands. His approach blends design strategy with business acumen, helping brands break through crowded categories with bold, authentic creative. Inside the episode How Derek went from unpaid intern to CEO of one of the most respected creative studios in CPG The strategy behind building iconic, emotionally resonant packaging—and why it still matters Advice for founders investing in branding for the first time, and what great branding This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Enthuse Foundation
07/01/2025
Enthuse Foundation
In this episode, I’m joined by Kristy Snyder, lifelong educator and co-founder of the Enthuse Foundation—an organization dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in the CPG space through education, community, and funding. Kristy’s passion for teaching and mentorship has been a constant throughout her career, and with Enthuse Foundation, she’s helping create access and opportunity for the next generation of female founders. From grant programs to pitch competitions, community events to founder education, the Enthuse Foundation is focused on breaking down barriers and building up women-led brands with the tools and support they need to grow. Inside the Episode: How Kristy’s background in education inspired the creation of the Enthuse Foundation The foundation’s approach to founder support through grants, learning, and connection Advice for women in CPG navigating early-stage growth and how to tap into available resources This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Floura
06/22/2025
Floura
In this episode, I’m joined by Jeni Britton, celebrated entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, and founder of the iconic Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Now, she’s channeling her creativity and industry insight into her latest venture: Floura & Co., a brand on a mission to change the way we think about food waste—and fiber. Floura reinvents fresh produce trimmings as delicious, nutrient-dense foods with the ambitious goal of diverting 100 million pounds of upcycled produce from the commercial food waste stream annually. At the same time, the brand aims to help close the massive dietary fiber gap in the U.S., bringing joyful, sustainable innovation to pantries across the country. Inside the Episode: How Jeni’s experience building a national brand shaped her approach to launching Floura Why upcycled produce and dietary fiber are two of the biggest untapped opportunities in food today Advice for founders ready to reimagine a category— with community and customer feedback This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Sage Matcha
06/22/2025
Sage Matcha
In this episode, I’m joined by Larry Yu, founder of Sage Matcha—a brand on a mission to bring the magic of ceremonial-grade matcha to your daily routine, no matter how busy life gets. Originally from New Jersey, Larry’s love for matcha started in high school. But it was during his time at NYU Tisch—navigating long hours, creative hustle, and constant movement—that the idea for a more convenient, high-quality matcha latte was born. Sage Matcha’s single-serve sticks combine ceremonial-grade matcha with oat milk powder, organic ingredients, and superfood blends, making it easy to sip something both functional and elevated, anytime, anywhere. Inside the Episode: How Larry’s lifestyle as a student and creative inspired the idea for Sage Matcha The importance of sourcing, formulation, and flavor when building a functional beverage Advice for emerging founders entering the wellness beverage space—and how to differentiate with simplicity and substance This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Keya's Snacks
06/22/2025
Keya's Snacks
In this episode, I’m joined by Keya Wingfield, award-winning pastry chef, Food Network Baking Champion, and founder of Keya’s Snacks—a bold, flavor-packed snack brand redefining the chip aisle through cultural representation and culinary excellence. Originally from Mumbai, Keya moved to the U.S. without ever having used an oven—only to become a sought-after pastry chef and culinary instructor. During the pandemic, she began offering modern Indian American meals to-go. With each order, she included a small bag of homemade "Bombay chips" as a personal touch. The unexpected twist? Customers couldn’t stop asking for just the chips—and retailers quickly took notice. Keya’s Snacks is now a growing line of award-winning chips, rooted in Indian flavors and crafted to challenge the status quo of mainstream snacking. Inside the Episode: How Keya went from culinary student to Food Network winner to snack aisle innovator The unexpected product pivot that launched a category-first chip brand Why cultural storytelling matters on retail shelves This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Nemi Snacks
06/15/2025
Nemi Snacks
In this episode, I’m joined by Regina Trillo, founder of Nemi Snacks—a boldly flavored snack brand rooted in Mexican heritage with clean ingredients. Originally from Mexico City and now based in Chicago, Regina launched Nemi Snacks after feeling unrepresented in the grocery aisle. She saw Mexican culture reduced to stereotypes and products packed with artificial ingredients—and knew there was a better way. Before building her brand, Regina spent her legal career advocating for human rights, providing legal services to immigrants, and leading global initiatives across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the U.S. That same spirit of advocacy now fuels Nemi Snacks—a brand that honors tradition, elevates representation, and brings something truly different to the snack aisle. Inside the Episode: How Regina’s personal journey and human rights background shaped the mission behind Nemi Snacks The strategy behind launching a culturally rooted brand centered around a hero ingredient: nopal Advice for founders navigating representation, authenticity, and innovation in the better-for-you space This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Gloria Chou PR
06/15/2025
Gloria Chou PR
Meet Gloria Chou—award-winning PR strategist and host of the Small Business PR Podcast, known for helping resourceful founders land top-tier press without a publicist, agency, or insider connections. Her untraditional (but proven) pitch strategies have helped thousands of small businesses earn over a billion organic views and secure features in The New York Times, Oprah’s Favorite Things, Vogue, Forbes, and more—all without pay-to-play. This episode is like a quick PR masterclass. Gloria shares straightforward, actionable advice to help you start pitching your CPG brand today—no media list or press kit required. If you're launching or scaling and want to land press that drives awareness and trust, this conversation is for you. This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Hamkke Home
06/15/2025
Hamkke Home
In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Han, founder of Hamkke—a modern tableware brand rooted in tradition, intentional design, and the joy of gathering. With over 17 years of experience in marketing, Jamie brings a thoughtful, community-first approach to brand building. Her goal with Hamkke? To turn everyday meals into meaningful rituals. Inside the Episode: How Jamie’s heritage and background in marketing shaped the vision behind Hamkke Jamie’s vision to bridge culture, craftsmanship, and modern life The design philosophy behind turning routine into ritual This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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High Mesa Chile Co
06/11/2025
High Mesa Chile Co
In this episode, I’m joined by Brock Giles, founder of High Mesa Chile Co.—a modern Southwest kitchen crafting small-batch sauces, condiments, and cocktail mixers inspired by the bold flavor of flame-roasted chiles. Brock’s brand is rooted in a deep love for flame-roasted chiles and a passion for turning regional ingredients into shelf-worthy staples that elevate everyday meals. Inside the Episode How Brock turned his obsession with flame-roasted chiles into a growing line of Southwest-inspired pantry staples How the brand has evolved to cocktail mixers, hot sauces, braising sauces, mustards, pickled items, and other spicy condiments Advice for makers transitioning from farmers markets into wholesale and retail This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Froot Thief
06/11/2025
Froot Thief
In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Cornish, founder of Froot Thief—the bold, better-for-you fruit snack brand, now one of the fastest-growing fruit snack brands across the United States. With over 20 years in the food industry, Jonathan has developed products for major retailers—but launched Froot Thief to shake up the fruit snack aisle with clean ingredients, a playful identity, and a mission to win over both kids and parents. Inside the Episode How Jonathan’s background in food product development shaped Froot Thief The strategy behind building a snack brand that’s fun for kids, trusted by parents, and built to scale Advice for CPG founders launching in competitive categories This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Bawi
06/11/2025
Bawi
In this episode, I’m joined by Victor Guardiola, founder of Bawi—a better-for-you sparkling agua fresca brand inspired by his Mexican roots. Victor grew up drinking aguas frescas made with fresh fruit and a lot of sugar. When he couldn’t find a version that honored the tradition but felt better for the body, he created one himself. Bawi is a love letter to culture and community—crafted with real ingredients, bold flavor, and a fresh take on a nostalgic classic. Through the brand, Victor is not only sharing a drink he grew up loving—he’s helping reshape the narrative around what Latino-inspired beverages can be in today’s market. Inside the episode How Victor’s upbringing and heritage inspired him to launch a better-for-you version of a beloved drink The strategy behind balancing authenticity and health while bringing aguas frescas to a broader audience Advice for founders navigating identity, storytelling, and product innovation This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Behind the scenes with Kelly Bennett
06/05/2025
Behind the scenes with Kelly Bennett
With so many new listeners joining the Emerging Brands Podcast® lately, I thought now was the perfect time to reintroduce myself and share more about the work I do behind the scenes. I’m Kelly Bennett—a Brooklyn-based brand strategist with a front-row seat to what makes early-stage CPG food & beverage brands stand out. I’ve advised over 1,000 founders and stay tapped into what’s working in the industry through my client work, this podcast, and collaborations like Bread & Butter®—a trademark law firm protecting emerging CPG brands. Inside the Episode: How I went from bootstrapping a plant-based restaurant in Downtown Las Vegas building national buzz and a multi-location brand— and career pivot to CPG food & beverage The strategy framework I use to help first-time founders launch standout brands that belongs on retail shelves What you’ll walk away with when we work together—and why story, strategy, and execution matter from day one I also share more about my newest project, At Home with Kelly Bennett—a Substack where I bring you inside my home, lifestyle, and the food, beverage, and wellness brands I’m loving right now. Thank you so much for catching up with me! Bringing a new product to market? Let’s talk! withkellybennett.com This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Seenaya
06/03/2025
Seenaya
Saman and Maha are the mother-daughter duo behind Seenaya, a skincare brand born from a deep love of their Pakistani heritage and a desire to share its generational beauty rituals with the world. Inspired by family’s remedies and the natural ingredients they grew up with, they created Seenaya to preserve and celebrate the power of ancestral skincare—blending traditions with modern science. With each product, they’re not just offering results-driven skincare—they’re building a bridge between generations and creating a global community rooted in authenticity, culture, and nature. Inside the Episode: How Seenaya grew from family rituals into a purpose-driven brand honoring Pakistani beauty traditions The intentional blend of heritage ingredients and modern formulation strategy that sets Seenaya apart Advice for founders building a brand rooted in cultural storytelling and international markets This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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Philo
06/03/2025
Philo
Erica Bonelli is the founder of Philo—a full-service event planning and art direction studio inspired by Philoxenia, the ancient Greek art of hospitality. With a background in tech and food media, Erica launched Philo to help brands tell their story through intentional, in-person experiences that create lasting emotional impact. Today, Philo specializes in brand launch events, experiential activations, and visual storytelling for emerging CPG, food, and beverage brands—blending aesthetic magic with strategic thinking to build connection and drive growth. For the launch of Bread & Butter (a trademark law firm protecting CPG food & beverage brands), Erica curated a standout dinner that seamlessly wove together brand messaging, client offers, and meaningful partnerships—while sourcing the best local vendors to bring the vision to life. I recommend Erica to all my clients. Inside the Episode: How Erica’s upbringing in a first-generation Greek household—and her background in tech and food styling—shaped the ethos behind Philo Her approach to creating brand activations that go beyond aesthetics to spark genuine connection, loyalty, and emotional resonance Advice for founders planning their first event or launch experience, and what to prioritize to make it truly memorableListen here This podcast episode was made possible by is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to for all the details.
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