Tell us a little about yourself:
I grew up in Sydney, Australia, and am a big health nut. I get so much joy out of creating and sharing healthy and delicious solutions, so getting to run this business is a dream, most days 🙂 When it comes to the day-to-day, I try to bring the easygoing, relaxed lifestyle of my home into running the business. I work to build relationships with everyone we interact with, whether it’s a customer, a vendor, a partner, or anyone else, and always lead with kindness.
How did your business come to be?
Chia Smash started as something I made for myself, I was topping my overnight oats and swirling it through yogurt. Despite all the amazing innovation going on in the food industry to help people live healthier lives, I realized the jelly aisle had been super complacent, filled with outdated brands and products packed with so much sugar. In fact, I learned that for a jam to be a jam it had to contain at least 55% sugar! Jelly is a household staple consumer by hundreds of millions of Americans and I felt that Chia Smash could serve a wider need outside of myself. I launched it as a business at the end of 2019, I started just as a side hustle outside of my day job (for two years!) and focused on my local market so I could interact directly with customers. As we grew and found ourselves in larger grocery stores, I eventually quit my job alongside my cofounder.
What makes your products unique?
Chia Smash is a superfood fruit spread that has no added sugar or preservatives and is keto and paleo-friendly, but rather than incorporating artificial ingredients, fillers, or high-intensity sweeteners to achieve the health profile, texture, and delicious taste we want, we focus on real ingredients. Chia smash is just made with berries, chia seeds, dates, and lemon.
How has your business impacted you personally?
It’s forced me to become more confident and rely on myself. While I worked for great companies before my own business, I was always able to rely on someone or something else for support, whether it be a boss, a colleague, or just the structures that exist within a company. Today, if I don’t speak up, make the cold call, learn how to do something, or stand up for my business, no one else will. It’s meant I’ve done a lot of things outside of my comfort zone, but I’ve also never felt more challenged, proud, or invigorated.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?
Managing the ups and downs. Everyone says that being an entrepreneur takes you from the highest highs to the lowest lows and it’s so true. I really work on trying to not get caught up on either end, and understand both are part of the process and don’t let them distract me, but it’s hard, and somedays the lows crush me.
What’s next for you and your business?
Expansion! We’re working on expanding outside of our local market in the Northeast to more regions across the US. We’re also bringing out a new, fun flavor this Summer!
One wellness trend you think is overrated:
Artificial and/or high-intensity sweeteners like stevia
What’s your favorite kind of workout?
Cardio kickboxing, the best mood and confidence booster!
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