How I Built This with Guy Raz cover image

How I Built This with Guy Raz

Advice Line with Katlin Smith of Simple Mills

Jan 23, 2025
Kaitlin Smith, Founder and CEO of Simple Mills, shares her journey from a homemade recipe to a thriving gluten-free brand. She offers valuable insights on navigating food entrepreneurship. Tim Taves discusses how to expand his family-focused hot sauce business while balancing challenges. Marissa Gurdian highlights her innovative silicone pet products, tackling everyday pet care issues. The conversation touches on overcoming financial obstacles, marketing strategies, and the importance of resilience in the entrepreneurial landscape.
49:52

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Kaitlin Smith's journey with Simple Mills illustrates the power of innovation and resilience in overcoming personal challenges to create a thriving business.
  • Obtaining funding as a startup requires persistence and networking, as unexpected opportunities can arise from casual conversations and connections.

Deep dives

Caitlin Smith's Journey with Simple Mills

Caitlin Smith founded Simple Mills in her early twenties while working at a consulting firm and struggling to maintain a healthy diet on the road. By experimenting with grain-free and gluten-free recipes, she eventually developed a popular muffin mix, with aspirations to create a brand akin to Betty Crocker. Transitioning from her kitchen to grocery store shelves, Simple Mills has surged in popularity, now holding the position of the largest natural cracker, cookie, and baking mix brand in the natural food sector. The brand’s success exemplifies the impact of dedication and innovation in transforming a personal challenge into a thriving business.

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