The Story of a Brand Lifeway Foods - The Immigrant Dream That Built a $200M Wellness Brand
In this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Julie Smolyansky, President, CEO, and Chairwoman of Lifeway Foods, a pioneering brand behind the kefir movement in the U.S.
We dive deep into Julie’s incredible family story, from escaping the Soviet Union with just $116 to building a nearly $200M company that now owns 95% of the global kefir category. Julie shares how her father’s dream, her mother's entrepreneurial spirit, and her own grit helped turn a probiotic-rich dairy drink into a wellness staple for millions.
We also discuss the science behind kefir, staying innovative while running a public company, and how Julie is standing strong in the face of a hostile takeover attempt. This isn’t just a conversation about dairy; it’s about resilience, passion, legacy, and the powerful connection between gut health and life.
Key Moments in This Episode:
* 🇺🇸 Julie’s immigrant journey—from fleeing the Soviet Union to becoming a public company CEO at 27
* 🥛 Why kefir is a probiotic powerhouse—and how it supports digestion, immunity, and mental health
* 🔬 The science behind dairy-based probiotics and how they outperform supplements
* 💪 The legacy of resilience and why Julie says, “you have to learn how to take a punch”
* 🚫 How she’s fighting off a hostile takeover and defending the brand her father built
Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this powerful and inspiring founder story where food meets science, heritage fuels innovation, and fighting for what matters takes center stage.
For more on Lifeway, visit: https://lifewaykefir.com/
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Today’s Sponsors:
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/
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