Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christine Keller, co-founder, and CEO of Moodify Food, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our Instant Oats are packed with thoughtfully curated ingredients to boost your mood with delicious flavors you crave. At Moodify, we believe in Modern Wellness and know that focusing and nourishing your body & mind, if for only a few moments in the morning, can change your outlook. Life is messy, but small shifts/steps can make a difference.
Our customers are looking for a great start to the day. They are typically younger, active, and interested in brands that are healthy and promote healthy lifestyles.
Tell us about yourself
I've been in the food business my entire career, developing brands and products for both large and small companies. I've also worked as a trend expert for one of the leading development companies discovering and reporting on what is top of mind for consumers. And one of the most recent topics that has been on everyone's mind is the issue of mental health.
There is no doubt that there is a Mental Health crisis in America. While these are challenging times for all of us, this might not be such a bad thing. What it actually means is that we have the opportunity to start talking about mental health openly and make impactful changes. The mental health discussion is everywhere, from Sports figures like Simon Biles, Michael Phelps, and even the NFL. If you pick up any newspaper or popular culture magazine, you will find countless articles on Mental Health.
Businesses are also installing mental health support programs, and schools are on it too. Actually, Gen Z, more than any other generation, is reporting the highest % of mental health issues. This is an indicator that they are more aware and willing to discuss mental health issues and make changes. Our openness to mental health topics represents a real opportunity to start discussions about managing stress, no matter the cause. And until now, I have never been so passionate about developing products and a brand that can help address a real problem.
It is not news that foods can have a positive impact on your brain. Over the last few years, there has been a growing body of studies that support what is called "nutritional psychology - the study of the role nutrition plays on mental health." With that in mind, we set out to develop products with 100% natural ingredients to help boost your mood. Our products have simple natural ingredient combinations that stimulate endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.
We chose to launch our brand with a new spin on instant oatmeal cups. Our flavors include A Little Buzzed, Gut Feeling, Gone Bananas, Its Nuts, and Berry Bliss. As you'll see, our products offer superior texture with two types of Oats, puffed amaranth and ground flax, combined with large particulates and modern flavors like cardamom, ginger, and coffee, to name a few. The best part is that, unlike the other products in the category, we have 0 added sugars. We are lightly sweetened with dates that help regulate your glucose throughout the morning. We are non-GMO, gluten-free, and a good/excellent source of fiber.
In a category that is full of tired old-school brands. Moodify is bright, engaging, and, most importantly, positive. We are all about offering up both functional & emotional support resources to help people navigate their mental well-being. Life is messy, but small shifts/steps can make a difference. We are dedicated to the idea that you are what you eat, but you are also what you think and feel. Moodify is not just food; it's a verb. It's a movement to shake off the blues, eat healthily and begin to take small steps toward a positive outlook.
We are unapologetically all about:
A MOVEMENT - exposing more people to how good food can add value to life, health, and relationships
GOOD FOOD - that tastes great, minimally processed, with good high-quality ingredients, from small producers
HEALTH - foods that support the mind and body. Not junk food
EXPERIENCES - simple ways people can share & experience positive ideas and discover/celebrate good food
HAPPINESS - eating natural foods that promote a healthy, happy brain and stomach
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I don't think we have hit our biggest accomplishment yet, but if we can inspire one person to stop for just a minute in the morning to reflect and check-in with themselves and set the intention to have a better mental health day, our job is done. We have received some feedback from consumers that have been inspired by our brand, and by far, that is our biggest accomplishment up to this point in our business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Waiting. We are enthusiastic about getting our products and message out to our consumers, but that takes time. So we work hard and wait for the doors to open.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Work hard, ask questions and listen to the answers.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Starting a new business is scary, and if it scares you a little, that is a good thing. Take measured risks and have a good support system in place. Surround yourself with people that can help you find answers and give you critical feedback.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.moodifyfood.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moodifyfood
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moodifyfood/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moodify-food/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.