One of the unexpected benefits of starting a business in the natural foods space is the incredible network of supportive founders that I've been able to meet along the way -- specifically, women!
In spirit our Women's History Month and our recent partnership with Girl Up, I wanted to share the perspectives of these amazing female CPG founders on why they're #HungryForEquality and their best advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Siren Snacks, Elizabeth Giannuzzi
I'm #HungryForEquality because equal opportunities should be available to everyone! Plus, with women making up 50% of the population, we should strive for women to make up at least 50% of our leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs.
What's your best advice for aspiring female founders?
You don't have to know the answers to everything before you start. Learn to love sales because as a founder you are always selling. Finally, get to know other companies and founders at a similar stage to your business.
Partake Foods, Denise Woodard
I'm #HungryForEquality because everyone deserves access to safe and wholesome food.
What's your best advice for aspiring female founders?
Know your numbers. Know how your business provides value and know your customers. Break your goals into meaningful steps. Get ready to hear "no." Entrepreneurship is not glamorous. If you know you have a winning business, and you're seeing meaningful sales and growth, stay the course. In the beginning, Partake was self-funded and self-distributed. I quit my corporate job to grow Partake full-time, and that required doing everything from selling my engagement ring to driving around to local natural food stores with cookies in the back of my car in the beginning.
Tea Drops, Sashee Chandran
I’m #HungryForEquality because an injustice somewhere is a threat to justice everywhere (Thanks, MLK!)
What's your best advice for aspiring female founders?
My best advice is to keep persisting. If you want something badly enough, and put in the effort, your path will eventually appear.
Naturally Clean Eats, Jessica Luengo
I'm #HungryForEquality because we all deserve a chance at success.
What's your best advice for aspiring female founders?
Stick to your guns and the product you believe in. A lot of people in business are competitive and always have an angle...unfortunately, I've learned this the hard way with both manufacturers and people advising me to change my ingredients so that they're cheaper and easier to produce (i.e. bigger margins/less headaches for them). It's why so many big box brands are using cheap ingredients! The supply is so abundant and inexpensive, plus they can make them in a factory verses waiting on a farmer. "Be kind but be cautious" is my motto in business. If you don't believe in your product anymore, what are you even working toward?
Repurpose, Lauren Gropper
I’m #HungryForEquality because every human should have an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents!
What's your best advice for aspiring female founders?
Go for it! It always helps to have amazing people around you, so I would work hard to find those people and bring them along for the journey.
Pulp Pantry, Kaitlin Mogentale
I'm #HungryForEquality because equality will allow women to focus on what they do best - deliver great products and great leadership. (Despite garnering only 2% of VC investment, female-founded companies offer better returns for shareholders than their male counterparts. Women create products that other women want - and diversity in the workplace leads to better products and more diverse perspectives.)
What's your best advice for aspiring female founders?
My best advice to aspiring female founders would be to practice confidence, perseverance and self-empowerment every single day. The more you can convey that confidence in your ability to succeed - the more you'll be able to smash that glass ceiling and achieve your wildest dreams. Go get 'em!
Kween Granola Butter, Ali Bonar
I'm #HungryForEquality because women are capable, strong KWEENS.
What's your best advice for aspiring female founders?
You are strong. You are capable. You are a queen. Have faith in yourself, don't be afraid to fail, and above all — keep going.
GoNanas, Morgan Lerner + Annie Slabotsky
I'm #HungryForEquality because everyone deserves a chance to follow their dreams.
What's your best advice for aspiring female founders?
Start with building your self confidence and self worth, and then just GO FOR IT, whatever your passion or dream is. Know, that if you’re challenging yourself and perhaps going against the grain to make an impact, you WILL face resistance. But that resistance WILL make you stronger, and build the resilience you need to truly reach your goals. There’s an invaluable sense of accomplishment too when you overcome those obstacles, so be thankful. We live in a growing era of opportunity for women, so embrace it!
Gr8nola, Erica Liu Williams
I'm #HungryForEquality because gender and ethnicity should NEVER stand in the way of achieving gr8ness.
What's your best advice for aspiring female founders?
Network and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Not only does networking provide you with moral support and knowledge, you’ll also gain new opportunities and new friendships from it! It’ll be a lot more fun along the way :)
Pop & Bottle, Jash Meta + Blair Hardy
We’re #HungryForEquality because we want future female founders to be championed and celebrated as they grow their companies to new heights.
What's your best advice for aspiring female founders?
Find your support networks and your mentors. Starting your own business can be daunting, and having someone who can help guide you with their industry knowledge can be incredibly helpful to get you on that right track and help you make connections.
