The Pack Heavy Podcast

130. A Conversation with Alice Grey - Founder and CEO of iHeart Fat Fudge Foods Inc.

Established in 2020 and situated in Langley, BC, Mindful Monk creates functional and delicious dark chocolate snacks. Alice, the driving force behind the business exclusively utilizes pure monk fruit juice as the sweetener for her chocolates - a first within the category.  During our long and winding conversation, among many things Alice revealed her genuine dedication to well-being - both in life and through her business. ________________________________________ Find Alice & Mindful Monk here: * Web: https://mindfulmonk.co/ [https://mindfulmonk.co/]  * IG: @mindfulmonksnacks [https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmonksnacks/]  * Email: alice@mindfulmonk.co [alice@mindfulmonk.co]    ________________________________________ 👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms: * Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3 [https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3]  * Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC [https://apple.co/3uyFrzC]  * Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C [https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C]  * Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn [https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn]  👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/company/71607935/admin/] 👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenbthomson/] 👉 Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/thepackheavypodcast/] 👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak  [https://www.foodpak.com/] 👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com [hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com]

129. A Conversation with Melinda Divers, CEO & Founder of Moonshine Mama’s Elixirs & Tonics

In today's episode, Melinda takes us on a journey through the foundational story of Moonshine Mama's. Starting with her motivation for natural health and healing after a stage 3 cancer diagnosis in 2011, right through to the development and launch of the business crafting activated turmeric elixirs on Salt Spring Island. Discover some of the challenges Mel overcame, her passion for natural ingredients and how Moonshine Mama's continues to nourish and revitalize health-conscious individuals nationwide!  ________________________________________ Find Mel & Moonshine Mama’s here: * Web: https://moonshinemamas.ca/ [https://moonshinemamas.ca/]  * IG: @moonshinemamaselixirs [https://www.instagram.com/moonshinemamaselixirs/] * Email: mel@moonshinemamas.ca [mel@moonshinemamas.ca]  ________________________________________ 👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms: * Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3 [https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3]  * Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC [https://apple.co/3uyFrzC]  * Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C [https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C]  * Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn [https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn]  👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/company/71607935/admin/] 👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenbthomson/] 👉 Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/thepackheavypodcast/] 👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak  [https://www.foodpak.com/] 👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com [hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com]

128. Mastering your COGS for Optimal Profitability with Dominica Bay of PLNT LIFE Brand Accelerators

It was a pleasure sitting down again with Dominica, who graciously bestowed us with her invaluable insights across a broad spectrum of subjects. From providing a comprehensive overview of this year's Planted Expo to delving into the mechanics of improving your COGS. Dominica and I also explore the challenges and opportunities that the CPG industry presents, while shedding some light on some essential qualities necessary for entrepreneurs to flourish in this constantly evolving industry. Prepare yourself for an enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and educate all aspiring CPG business owners and operators. ________________________________________ PLNT LIFE Brand Accelerators (founded in 2020 and located in Vancouver, BC) offers a range of services to help food based CPG businesses bring their ideas to life. With a passion for innovation, PLNT LIFE will work with you to find the most exciting ingredients, trends and innovation to help your brand launch or expand out into the world.  In addition to product development, PLNT LIFE also provides full service support including web & graphic design, social media management and product photography as well as finding the right co-packer, distributor and broker to help you achieve your business goals. ________________________________________ Find Dominica & PLNT Life here: * Web: https://www.plntlife.com/ [https://www.plntlife.com/]  * IG: @plntlife_brand_accelerators [https://www.instagram.com/plntlife_brand_accelerators/] * Email: dominica@plntlife.com [dominica@plntlife.com]  ________________________________________ 👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms: * Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3 [https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3]  * Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC [https://apple.co/3uyFrzC]  * Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C [https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C]  * Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn [https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn]  👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/company/71607935/admin/] 👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenbthomson/] 👉 Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/thepackheavypodcast/] 👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak  [https://www.foodpak.com/] 👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com [hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com]

127. Revolutionizing Gluten-Free Delicacies: A Candid Conversation with Chae and Jim Kim, Co-Founders of Earthling Foods

In 2020, Chae and Jim founded Earthling Foods, a dedicated gluten-free specialty production bakery located in Port Coquitlam. Their expertise lies in crafting exquisite gourmet Dacquoise, which they recently rebranded and trademarked as Dacarons™.  During our extensive conversation, we explore various topics including the inspiring founding story, their recent rebranding journey and some of the unique production methods that they have employed. Thanks to their extensive distribution network, Earthling Foods' signature creation, Dacarons™, can be enjoyed in over 80 locations. These establishments consist of a select group of independently owned, third-wave cafés that align perfectly with the ethos of Earthling Foods. To ensure widespread availability, the distribution of Dacarons™ is facilitated by Sysco Vancouver, Kelowna and Victoria, further cementing their reach and impact. ________________________________________ Find Chae & Jim @ Earthling Foods here: * Web: https://www.earthlingfoods.ca/ [https://www.earthlingfoods.ca/]  * IG: @earthlingglutenfree [https://www.instagram.com/earthlingglutenfree/] * Email: info@earthlingfoods.ca [info@earthlingfoods.ca]  ________________________________________ 👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms: * Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3 [https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3]  * Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC [https://apple.co/3uyFrzC]  * Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C [https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C]  * Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn [https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn]  👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/company/71607935/admin/] 👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenbthomson/] 👉 Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/thepackheavypodcast/] 👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak  [https://www.foodpak.com/] 👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com [hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com]

126. Year 1 in the books with Miki Talebi, Founder and CEO of oomé

On for a second time, Miki and I jump deeper into oomé’s first year of business with a big focus on the wins and challenges that have shaped their business model. Miki's startup journey will resonate with many entrepreneurs who have encountered typical obstacles and critical decision points in the food production industry. If you're someone who dreams of turning your idea into reality I recommend going back to episode 95 to hear Miki’s initial startup story prior to listening to this episode. Together, both episodes serve as a powerful example of how much can be achieved within a single year when you commit 100% of yourself to your vision & business. ________________________________________ Find Miki & oomé here: * Web: https://www.thisisoome.com/ [https://www.thisisoome.com/]  * IG: @thisisoome [https://www.instagram.com/thisisoome/] * LinkedIn: Miki Talebi [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miki-talebi-22587a43/] * Email: miki@thisisoome.com [miki@thisisoome.com]  Brand and packaging design by Tyler Quarles @ https://www.quarles.studio/ [https://www.quarles.studio/] Product Photography: Abby Wiseman @ http://abbywiseman.ca/ [http://abbywiseman.ca/] Miki’s book recommendations: * Indra Nooyi - Former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo “My life in full” * Mike Fata - GROW: 12 Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur * Phil Knight – “Shoe Dog”: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike ________________________________________ 👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms: * Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3 [https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3]  * Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC [https://apple.co/3uyFrzC]  * Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C [https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C]  * Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn [https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn]  👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/company/71607935/admin/] 👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenbthomson/] 👉 Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/thepackheavypodcast/] 👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak  [https://www.foodpak.com/] 👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com [hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com]