Essential Ingredients Podcast

The Secret Ingredient to Food Biz Success: A Shared Kitchen with a Side of Networking with Djenaba Johnson-Jones Founder Resource Series Episode Description: "I wanted something that I could call my own and not have to answer to anyone. We asked ourselves what we want for our future and we wanted to launch this business." —Djenaba Johnson-Jones Shared kitchens are more than just a place to cook - they're hubs of innovation, collaboration, and growth for food entrepreneurs. By tapping into a community of like-minded innovators, food startups can unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and accelerate their path to success. Beyond the physical space, shared kitchens offer a wealth of resources, education, and networking that can be game-changing for any food business. Djenaba Johnson-Jones is the founder of Hudson Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen and storage facility in New Jersey that has supported over 60 food businesses since its inception. With a background in marketing and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Djenaba has built a thriving ecosystem that caters to the unique needs of CPG and meal prep companies. Tune in as Justine sits down with Djenaba to discuss the resources, collaborations, and community that make Hudson Kitchen a hub for food business growth. Meet Djenaba: Djenaba Johnson-Jones is the founder of Hudson Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen and storage facility based in Carney, New Jersey. She started the business in 2016 after being laid off from her corporate job, pivoting from an initial plan to launch a fitness business. At Hudson Kitchen, Djenaba supports over 60 food businesses, primarily focused on consumer packaged goods and meal prep companies. She has created educational resources like a "10 Steps to Starting a Food Business in New Jersey" guide and a Food Business Boot Camp program to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their food ventures. In addition to providing physical kitchen space, Djenaba has fostered a collaborative community at Hudson Kitchen, where members share resources and support each other's growth. She also hosts networking events featuring industry experts to connect with her members and provide them with valuable connections and insights. Website LinkedIn Instagram Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:54 Sustainable Food Delivery and Packaging 04:01 Founding the Hudson Kitchen 11:12 More Than a Kitchen: Resources and Support Hub 19:48 Expanding Reach: Local to National Support

Instant Noodles 2.0: Bringing Flavor, Health, and Sustainability to Your Favorite Comfort Food with Thuong Tan Episode Description: "I'm going to create something that I love and my friends' love— because even on a bad day you have to wake up to run your business." —Thuong Tan Comfort food has the power to transport us, to soothe the soul, and to bring us back to simpler times. For many, that comfort comes in the form of a steaming bowl of noodles - a quick, satisfying meal that has stood the test of time. But what if we could reimagine this beloved staple to be both delicious and better for our bodies and the planet? Thuong Tan, the visionary founder of Noodelist, has done just that. With a background in luxury branding and a deep-rooted passion for noodles, she's on a mission to elevate the instant noodle experience with a plant-based, sustainable solution that doesn't sacrifice flavor. Tune in as Justine and Thuong discuss the journey of creating a healthier, more sustainable instant noodle, the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the power of branding and marketing to stand out in a crowded market, the benefits of having a co-founder, the importance of teaching young ones to eat healthy, and more. Meet Thuong: Thuong Tan is the founder of Noodelist, a plant-based instant noodle company that offers a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional instant noodles. With a background in international business and a passion for food, Thuong embarked on a mission to create a better-for-you instant noodle product that delivers on both taste and nutrition. After completing her MBA in luxury branding, Thuong was inspired to leverage her marketing and branding expertise to develop Noodelist. The company's products feature clean, plant-based ingredients and are packaged in eco-friendly materials. Thuong's goal is to make nutritious and delicious instant noodles accessible to a wider audience, from busy professionals to health-conscious families. Under Thuong's leadership, Noodelist has gained a loyal following for its innovative approach to a classic convenience food. Thuong continues to drive the company's product development and expansion into new distribution channels, with a focus on making a positive impact on people's diets and the environment. Website Instagram Facebook Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:42 Loving Noodles 07:06 Walking the Entrepreneur Path 14:28 Challenges and Insights in Entrepreneurship 19:02 Marketing and Strategy 24:14 Building Healthy Habits to the Younger Generation Resources: 💲Get a discount when you shop at Noodelist. Just use promo code: HAPPINESS

From Garage to Global: Spilling the Beans on Startup Success with Jon Lambert Founder Resource Series Episode Description: "You can run the best business in the world, but if you as an individual, fail, the entire thing falls to pieces." —Jon Lambert In the world of startups, your network can be as valuable, if not more, than your net worth. A strong community can provide the resources, mentorship, and support needed to navigate the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship. By fostering meaningful connections and collaborations, founders can unlock opportunities that money alone can't buy, turning their vision into a thriving reality. Jon Lambert is the CEO of The Cannon, a community-driven organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and startups. With a background in tech, startups, and corporate venture capital, Jon has made it his mission to democratize access to resources and support for founders at every stage of their journey. Tune in as Justine and Jon explore the essential ingredients for startup success, including community building, pandemic resilience, digital networking, global expansion strategies, funding challenges, and the power of founder-to-founder support in this insightful conversation about nurturing the next generation of business innovators. Meet Jon: Jon Lambert is the CEO of The Cannon, a company dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and startups. Under his leadership, The Cannon has expanded from its initial focus on mobilizing people and conversations to establishing nine physical locations in Houston, while also developing a robust digital platform to connect members globally. With a vision for global expansion, Jon is guiding The Cannon toward an international network that transcends geographical boundaries, providing resources and support to innovators and entrepreneurs worldwide. Jon's expertise in fundraising, community building, and providing comprehensive support to businesses at various stages has positioned him as a respected figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:00 The Initial Focus of The Cannon in Houston 08:00 How the Pandemic Impacted The Cannon's Community 15:00 Join the "Founder's Confessions" Event 22:00 Accelerator Services 28:00 Global Reach and International Support StartUps

Glow Up Guaranteed: The Chemist-Approved Skincare Routine with Ron Robinson Clean Beauty Series Episode Description: "Every brand now needs to be an educator as well as a seller." —Ron Robinson The beauty industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with consumers demanding more than just surface-level solutions. From the rise of the "skinification" trend to the ongoing debate around clean beauty, the landscape is evolving rapidly. Brands must now navigate the delicate balance between safety, efficacy, and sustainability to captivate their audience. Ron Robinson is a veteran cosmetic chemist with an impressive track record, having developed products for renowned brands like Clinique, Lauder, and L'Oreal. His expertise and passion for unlocking the potential of gold-standard ingredients have led him to found his own brand, Beauty Stat. Tune in as Justine and Ron explore the rise of skinification in beauty products, misconceptions around natural vs synthetic ingredients, the need for brands to incorporate consumer education, Ron's expert recommendations and tips for essential skincare products, upcoming trends in the beauty industry, the importance of sustainability, the challenges around recycling and waste management in the beauty industry, and more. Meet Ron: Veteran cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson founded BeautyStat blog in 2009, demystifying skincare ingredients with a factual, chemist-based approach. After years of research, he developed a technology to formulate pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) at its optimal 20% concentration, protected from oxidation. Website Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:17 The Skinification of Beauty Products 05:00 Clean Beauty and Consumer Concerns 13:19 Consumer Education and Product Transparency 17:21 Skincare Tips 26:52 Beauty and the Planet

Sea the Difference: Unlocking Seaweed's Potential for Beauty and Beyond with Matthew Perkins Clean Beauty Series Episode Description: "Sometimes, it might feel like you're not making progress, but you might just be missing a critical piece of information. Don't give up unless you understand why you want to change direction before you do it." —Matthew Perkins Imagine a world where our beauty products come from the sea, not the land. Could kelp farming be the answer to reducing pressure on terrestrial agriculture while providing sustainable ingredients for our skincare? As we face growing environmental challenges, this innovative approach might just be the wave of the future we've been waiting for. Matthew Perkins is the CEO and founder of Macro Oceans, a California-based startup transforming seaweed into low-carbon biomaterials. With a background in agriculture and a passion for sustainability, Matthew is pioneering the use of kelp in beauty products and beyond. Tune in as Justine And Matthe talk about sustainable harvesting, clinical trials for kelp-derived ingredients, the challenges of green chemistry, expanding beyond skincare to packaging, and the future of bio-based materials in the beauty industry. Meet Matthew: Matthew Perkins is the CEO and founder of Macro Oceans, a California-based startup that's revolutionizing the beauty and materials industries through innovative use of kelp. With a background in agriculture and previous experience in the digital ag space, Matthew is leveraging his expertise to transform seaweed into sustainable, low-carbon biomaterials. His vision extends beyond beauty products, aiming to build a kelp economy that replaces petrochemicals in everyday materials. Matthew's entrepreneurial journey is marked by persistence, a commitment to sustainability, and a drive to create high-performance, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional products. Website LinkedIn Instagram Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:17 Macro Oceans: Inspiration and Initial Challenges 10:23 Navigating Consumer Reception and Market Impact 18:02 Lessons Learned: Before Abandoning a Project 23:42 The Impact of Food-Based Ingredients on Beauty 27:00 The Way to Move Faster

Clean Beauty Series Episode Description: "I'm excited to see what gets tested. There is an endless supply on this planet of products or sources that have not been tested yet. And I think there are entrepreneurial companies starting to find the next efficacious ingredient." —Tamar Kamen The intersection of food and beauty is redefining the future of skincare, as innovative brands harness the power of natural, edible ingredients to nourish skin from the inside out. From upcycled coffee grounds to hydroponic-grown botanicals, the beauty industry is undergoing a delicious transformation. Tamar Kamen is an independent product developer in the beauty industry with over 20 years of experience, bringing her wealth of knowledge and passion for clean, sustainable formulations to the forefront of the conversation. Tune in as Justine and Tamar talk about the rise of transparency and consumer education, the challenges and costs of sustainable packaging, the evolution of clean beauty, the innovations shaping the future of the industry, and more Meet Tamar: Tamar Lara Kamen is an award-winning beauty industry expert with a proven track record in product development and marketing. As a HERO PRODUCT MAKER and Beauty Industry Consultant, Tamar has collaborated with renowned brands such as Herbivore, Dune Suncare, Alpyn, Lion Pose, Glowbar, BoldHue, and Knesko. With a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Columbia University, Barnard College, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Tamar's expertise spans product development, start-ups, new brand development, clinical skincare, consumer studies, pharmaceuticals, and more. She has held key positions, including Vice President of Product Development at Topicals, where she oversaw product development, education, marketing, and regulatory compliance. Tamar is also a member of WE ARE THE BOARD, contributing her insights and leadership to the beauty industry. In addition to her professional achievements, Tamar is dedicated to animal welfare, volunteering as a foster mom, adoption counselor, and dog handler for Best Friends Animal Society and Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. Her passion for innovation, strategy, and brand development makes her a sought-after consultant and fractional executive in the beauty industry. LinkedIn Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:17 Transparency and Consumer Education 06:47 Challenges and Cost of Sustainable Packaging 10:03 Consumer Thresholds and Product Preferences 16:03 The Role of Food in Clinical Beauty 19:10 Innovations in Upcycled Ingredients 24:02 The Future of Clean Beauty 28:25 Tips for Clean Beauty Founders

Clean Beauty Series Episode Description: "You also need a little bit of luck. You can make decisions, and they can cut both ways— you can make a decision and your brand goes through the roof, and you can make a good decision but it just didn't work and you can't recover from it. So you have to stick around long enough for luck to happen too. You just have to be patient." —Kelly Kovack The lines between wellness and beauty continue to blur, as innovative brands harness the power of functional ingredients and cutting-edge biotech to redefine what it means to look and feel our best. As the industry evolves, navigating the clean beauty landscape has become a minefield of misinformation and greenwashing, underscoring the need for transparency and scientific rigor. Yet, amidst the challenges, a new generation of experts and entrepreneurs are paving the way for a more sustainable, efficacious future. Kelly Kovack is the founder and CEO of BeautyMatter. With over two decades of experience in the beauty and wellness space, she is a respected thought leader known for her insights on the business of beauty. Tune in as Justine and Kelly dive deep into the impact of food on the beauty industry, the rise of biotech and clean beauty, the role of education, the future of expert-backed brands, the importance of ensuring legal issues in brand innovation, the importance of patience and perseverance, and more. Meet Kelly: Kelly launched BeautyMatter in the Fall of 2016 with the firm belief that in a fast-moving world, information is knowledge, but context matters. And more importantly, innovation comes from the cross-pollination of industries and expertise. She set out to use her experience building brands and scaling businesses to offer a new perspective and holistic approach to B2B content that filled a void in the beauty industry. Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook X YouTube Pinterest Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:04 Ingestible Beauty 08:17 Historical Context of Food and Beauty 12:13 Biotech in Beauty 20:04 Lawsuits and Legal Threats in Product Innovation 29:36 The Future of Clean Beauty 33:39 Doctor-Made Products and Brand Innovation 37:53 The Timeline of Building a Product

Clean Beauty Series "What you put ON your body is just as important as what you put INSIDE of your body. " —Adria Marshall While we meticulously scrutinize every morsel that enters our bodies, we often overlook the products we slather on our largest organ— our skin. Yet, what if the shampoo we use daily is as crucial to our health as our morning smoothie? It's time to rethink our approach to personal care and consider the profound impact of what we put ON our bodies, not just what goes in. Adria Marshall, a visionary in the natural hair care industry, is the founder of Ecoslay, a brand committed to crafting products with food-grade, natural ingredients. With a passion for holistic wellness, Adria has revolutionized the way we think about hair care and its connection to overall health. Tune in as Justine and Adria explore the fascinating world of scalp permeability, the importance of refrigerating natural hair products, the unexpected benefits of food-grade ingredients in personal care, and how to decipher product labels for truly clean beauty. Meet Adria: Adria Marshall is the innovative founder and CEO of Ecoslay, a pioneering handmade, sustainably packaged, plant-based hair care company. With a passion for sustainability and natural hair care, Adria transformed her frustration with commercial hair products into a thriving business that partners with local farms to grow ingredients for their "farm to pouch" approach. Her journey from creating products in her kitchen to leading her own team showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality. Adria's vision extends beyond hair care, as she aims to support small-scale entrepreneurs to bring high-quality, natural products to market. Website Instagram Facebook Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:50 The Connection Between Food and Hair Care 06:26 Challenges to Shelf Stability 09:34 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 12:07 Navigating Challenges in Initial Product Development 25:51 Expansion and Community Involvement 30:13 Growing Your Own Ingredients 33:52 Ingredient Safety and Consumer Education

Gut, Food, & Health series "Your body will tell you what it needs. Be curious about what your body's telling you, you will make the right decision." —Dr. Edison de Mello The health of our gut is intricately tied to the health of our mind. Emerging research reveals just how profoundly our thought patterns can influence digestive function and overall well-being. Hence, mastering the mind-gut connection may be the key to unlocking optimal vitality. Dr. Edison de Mello is a pioneering integrative medicine expert and clinical psychotherapist. As the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine, he blends cutting-edge science with holistic wisdom to help patients achieve transformative results. Tune in as Dr. de Mello shares eye-opening insights on the surprising link between our thoughts, gut function, and mental resilience. Meet Dr. de Mello: Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine. He is a board-certified integrative physician and a licensed psychotherapist. Dr. de Mello completed his residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, where he trained in a biopsychosocial model and integrated complementary medicine into Family Medicine. Inspired by his grandmother, Nana, who practiced natural healing, Dr. de Mello's approach combines Western and Eastern medicine, focusing on treating the mind, body, and spirit. He has written several articles and contributed to Dr. Andrew Weil's upcoming book on the microbiome and food addiction. Dr. de Mello is also on the advisory board of several organizations and a member of various professional associations. Website Instagram Facebook YouTube X Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Resources: 📖Book Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain: De Mello MD PhD, Edison Episode Highlights: 01:51 Gut and Mental Health Connection 07:08 Practical Tips for Improving Gut Health 11:06 Processed Foods and Mental Health 14:53 Changing Eating Habits 21:06 Understanding the Role of Hormones

"This is the right thing to do. People deserve good, healthy food, especially in a hospital, when we're talking about starting the healing process." —Andrew Bennett Hospital food has long been the butt of jokes, but what if it could rival five-star restaurants? Imagine a world where patients look forward to their next meal, not just their next dose of medication. The revolution in hospital cuisine isn't just about taste— it's a powerful tool for healing and recovery. Andrew Bennett is the Executive Chef at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, bringing his fine dining expertise to healthcare. With a background in Michelin-starred restaurants and a passion for healthy cuisine, Bennett is at the forefront of transforming hospital food into a key component of patient care. Tune in as Justine and Andrew explore the impact of high-quality hospital food on patient recovery, the challenges of implementing restaurant-grade cuisine in healthcare settings, the role of dietitians in menu planning, the business advantages of investing in food quality, and the future of food as preventive medicine in healthcare systems. Meet Andrew: Andrew Bennett is an Executive Chef at Lenox Hill Hospital in the New York City Metropolitan Area. With over 25 years of experience in the culinary industry, he has worked in various restaurants in the US and the UK. Andrew is known for his creative approach to menu development and operational strategies, utilizing research and data analysis. He emphasizes positive leadership, team building, and mentorship in his management style. Andrew is also an avid cyclist who incorporates his passion for health and nutrition into his culinary practices. His recent posts on LinkedIn highlight his team's achievements and celebrations at Lenox Hill Hospital, including winning the Hospitality Above and Beyond award and spreading festive cheer during the holiday season. Andrew has also shared his experiences and insights in a podcast with Joshua Spodek, discussing his journey into healthcare and the evolution of food at Northwell Health. Andrew's professional journey includes roles as Executive Chef at Half Moon Restaurant, Patina Restaurant Group, and Rouge Tomate Chelsea. He holds certifications such as ServSafe Manager and NYC Food Handlers. LinkedIn Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:34 Hospital Food: A Focus on Quality and Patient Recovery 07:55 The Role of Dieticians 12:01 The Potential and Challenges of Northwell's Food Service Model 16:16 Chef Challenge! 19:23 The Importance of Quality Ingredients 24:43 The Business Advantage of Offering High-Quality Hospital Food