August Vega, Malk Founder, On Redefining Authentic Living & Female Empowerment in Wellness

Speaker A: Foreign.

Speaker B: This is Chat cpg. We're your hosts. I'm Liz.

Speaker C: And I'm Megan. Thanks for listening.

Speaker B: Hi. We are so excited to share this episode with you. Today we interviewed August Vega, the founder of Malk. That's M A L K, the clean plant based milk that every celebrity seems to have in their air one smoothie on their Instagram page or just in

Speaker A: their fridge in general.

Speaker B: Uh, August not only founded Malk, but she helped define the clean ingredient alternative milk movement. So if you've ever bought anything like milk specifically or even other categories now that have super minimal ingredients, you have August to thank for that. She put in her blood, sweat and tears so that cleaner products could be in stores today. In this episode, we dive right into her story. So we wanted to give you a more robust background about the company and where August came from. August started milk in 2014 in Houston after realizing that even those healthy nut milks that you see on shelf, remember the older ones you might have bought in 2008 or 2009? Yeah. Those were filled with gums and oils. So she began soaking and sprouting almonds and pecans to make a milk as close to the homemade version as possible. Some of you might wonder what sprouted means, and that's just soaking the nut for several hours before blending, making it into a nut butter or in this case, a milk. This process improves digestibility and makes nutrients more bioavailable. By 2020, milk was available nationwide in major retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger and Target. But as anyone knows in this industry, this world for better for you brands, it's just simply not easy. If you don't start with deep pockets or a built in audience, the road can be really tough for you. This is why you see a lot of people who have money or already have an audience start brands. Because those are two fundamental that you can check off the list that will make the whole process easier. Even though it'll still be a grind. August story is a powerful reminder of what happens when your vision for your life really starts to shift. You have to sit back, listen, and have the courage to act, even when people don't understand why you're doing it. We don't go into every detail, but August eventually stepped away from her role at Mulk and she is now living a new enlightened chapter of her life. August is an advisor and investor to several purpose driven brands. And best of all, she is an advocate for what women in business and wellness. So we were so excited to have her On. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.

Speaker A: Hi, August.

Speaker B: Welcome to the episode.

Speaker A: We're so excited to have you here. Thank you. Likewise. Let's start with your health journey and

Speaker B: what prompted you to invest time in building Malk, a plant based milk brand

Speaker A: that is known for being super clean

Speaker B: and minimal and then also where you are now and just your entire journey.

Speaker A: I was born with a dairy allergy and my parents had no other choices but to give me soy. I'm, um, not a spring chicken, so there weren't a lot of options. At that point in time, I experienced some hormonal issues and things that the rest of my family did not, who did not have soy milk. That's where my life started. Thirty some years later, I became a mom and my son also had a dairy allergy. But when it was time for me to go back to work and start to wean him, I was looking for any alternative. I was not into formulas. I just thought, this is not especially then, like, he's 16 now. There were not good formula options at all and I was subsidizing him myself. But I couldn't keep up with all the demand and work and there was a lot going on. So I started looking at options and there were none. And so I started making homemade almond milks and realized that everything that was in the store was just not up to par for what I wanted for my family and what I wanted to give my baby. And so that lasted probably about six to eight weeks. And then I was like, I also cannot make homemade fresh almond milk every day to sustain a large boy that is growing day by day. But that was kind of the first time where I was like, why is everything in the store different from what I'm doing at home? And why do I have to go through all this trouble just to get something clean and organic for my child? So fast forward, I was going through my career in clean tech and in water and energy efficiency and was always in business development and had big goals over my head and had to bring in a lot of margin. And when you have those types of roles, I know you have familiarity with sales. A lot of responsibility is on your shoulders and so it guides you in the path. I've always been an entrepreneur, even since I was very young. I've started lots of different things, but really being in business development guided me to becoming an entrepreneur because I had so much responsibility and you're in the spotlight to deliver. And so it encouraged that spirit that I had already nourished earlier. In my life. And I paired my love for organic foods. I've said this a million times too, but I used to shop at Whole Foods when it was a tiny co op on Lamar street in Austin. It was like a tiny little building and they had like fresh breads and wheatgrass juice and stuff that was totally abnormal to the rest of the grocery world. And my foundation was in health and wellness. As a child growing up and my parents, we never went out to eat much. We didn't eat junk food. And so going through all these experiences, it all just came together in 2014, where I knew. I kept looking on shelf and I was like, why are there so many ingredients? And that's so cliche now because everyone's, oh, it's five ingredients on so many products. But in 2013, 2014, it was not that. That it was not. So there were very few clean ingredient products on shelf. So I took pretty much the exact recipe I made for Vincent, my son, and I brought it to market in a really large way. So that's how it started. I just. I, um, merged all of my experience together and brought Malk to life.

Speaker C: Is that Vincent's fun fact in every, like, class or icebreaker that he has that Malk is made for was made for him?

Speaker A: No. It used to be when he was younger. Now he's 16 and he's like, I do not want to hear about this again. So this has nothing to do with me anymore.

Speaker C: It's a pretty cool claim to fame, I gotta say.

Speaker A: He rode the wave of fame for a while. He appeared at Mini Expo west as a young one and had tons of brand friends. He would get so much swag. We would come home and he would just have boxes shipped to him because people loved him so much. So he enjoyed the glory for a while.

Speaker C: That's good. He deserves it.

Speaker A: So for you and Vincent, what type

Speaker B: of issues did you notice, like, symptoms did you have that prompted you to

Speaker A: figure out it was a dairy allergy? My symptoms were drastic. I had a pretty severe dairy allergy. Like, if dairy touched my body m my mouth, it was a bad situation. So my parents quickly understood that there was something wrong. Because I had such a severe allergy with Vincent, I had him tested immediately and he had. This is really interesting because he's gone to so many different naturopathic doctors his whole life and nutritionists, and I've always just believed in going as natural as possible. He never had an antibiotic. Like, he is 100% just clean kid. But he had these little bags under his eyes in this area. I probably have some today because I. He was traveling yesterday, but they were consistent also. And that's one of the signs. He wasn't even having dairy. But the nutritionist that I took him to before he got officially tested was observing him, and she was like, oh, these little bags mean that he would have a dairy allergy. And I was like, how strange. I mean, I know he probably does. And then I had him tested and he did, but it was more of a sensitivity. Whereas I think had I given him any dairy products at that time, it probably would have developed more. But I thought that was really interesting. And I always forget to tell people that it's like this little baggy part when they're infants or, uh. I think I started weaning him when he was 8 months old.

Speaker C: I'm curious, August, how you think it would be different to start mock today? Because you are in a really unique spot where you were starting it at the front of this wave of limited ingredient and alternatives and everything. How would you think that it would be different today? And would you do it today?

Speaker A: Would I do it today if I had the knowledge I have today of what it took? No. Yeah, slowly going. But I think it would be more challenging today. That's a really interesting thing to think about in terms of where mulk is today and, um, where I started from and everything it took to get there. It's not like if we had started it today, it would have grown any faster. There's more competition now. There's all kinds of things going on now. But it was really hard. People were just starting to catch on that, uh, maybe some of these ingredients are not good for me. And, um, I was really trying to lead the clean food movement and, uh, really harping on, it's got five ingredients or less, and they're organic ingredients. But that messaging, you know, it took a while to catch on. Whereas I guess had it started a little bit later, maybe it would have been a little easier because people were more familiar with what that meant and why it was important.

Speaker C: Yeah, you came around in a really interesting time when nowadays it, uh, would be to your advantage because there is a lot more information and people have a lot more openness to alternatives. But at the time, wasn't that when they were doing all of the Got Milk commercials with all of the athletes who were promoting drinking milk? And it was like a regular thing. So it's fascinating the, uh, different trials that you went through during that time versus now.

Speaker A: I have so many war stories that are so weird because you think about it like it's a mom. You're creating something clean and organic and healthy and you're just trying to bring it to market to anyone who's in need of that. There was a lot of battles, like it was pretty wild. But then there were a lot of people who were either ill or had been suffering from skin conditions. There's one man, I'll never forget this in a demo, he would come and find me at ah, places and I was always doing my own demoing because I wanted to talk to people. And um, he found me multiple times. Each time he would say, you've healed my body. I've been very sick and this is the only thing I could drink. And I would drink five bottles in a week because it's. And that was just so amazing. So like it was early for the big mass market but it was so necessary for the people who were looking for it.

Speaker C: That's gotta be so rewarding, uh, to be able to have those conversations.

Speaker A: Absolutely.

Speaker B: And one could argue that you actually led the movement to cleaner ingredients, especially in these plant based milks. Because I remember at least milk being really the first innovator in having very few ingredients. And then there have been subsequent milks to follow. So I think you led the way for that which should feel really good because you not only have that brand but now like it's changed a whole category which is really cool to have an impact like that. For those who don't know or aren't as familiar with malt, what was the initial process and how has that process changed to what it is today?

Speaker A: That's such an interesting question because I was extremely stubborn. I made sprouted almond um, milk and pecan milk and cashew milk and all the milks that I made. And so there was a big process, uh, we self manufactured which was a nightmare and not advisable. But I could not find anyone to make it the way that I wanted to make it because the clean, no fillers, all that was not something that manufacturers were willing to take on. They were just like, absolutely not. Like this is a pain and I'm not going to do it in house. Manufacturing and trying to grow a brand at the same time by the way, is almost impossible unless you have Nestle kind of money, which I did not. But we did it and it was sprouted. And I was very stubborn about it being cold pressed. Now the entire industry was very much against it and many people even said you're going to kill people you don't know what you're doing. But I found the ultimate expert in, uh, how to do that safely and was able to really do things that other people were not able to. And I didn't share that with the whole industry because it was so proprietary. And to me that was such a important part of it. Looking back now, I don't think that it was at the time. Maybe it was because that's what was pure about it for me. Like I wanted it to be something where it was easy to digest, it was not heated because that does erode some of the nutrients and the way that you're able to digest the enzymes and things. Now, looking back, I was way too stubborn about that. But it was really challenging to find a manufacturer. So you have to do what you have to do do when you're bringing something to market and you're really determined. I will say it was very costly and very difficult, but I didn't really have a lot of choice. And being able to uh, get the cold press process validated for plant based milks was really important to me. I thought that being sprouted and that was really one of the most important things when really just being clean label was the most important thing.

Speaker C: And are there negative health, uh, benefits to doing cold pressed?

Speaker A: No.

Speaker C: Oh, when you said you're m going to kill people.

Speaker A: Yeah. That was a big statement, hon. I was like, what? That's a very long scientific answer to that. But the basics of it are. I was able to validate that our process was safe and that it was killing off anything that could be harmful. No one else had been able to do that. And everyone thinks that they're an expert, of course get a lot of noise.

Speaker C: I'm curious, August, obviously with a family and starting a new business, did you dive into it headfirst? Was it like a side project at first? How was that transition for you?

Speaker A: I cannot even imagine how horrible and hard that was. Yes, as a mom and a very involved mom and wife and started making the milks in my kitchen and just giving it to people in local coffee shops and stuff and then immediately went into farmer's markets. And as soon as the first farmer's market happened, I started talking to Whole Foods and working out the process and just going as fast as possible and still had a job as a consultant. And so it was wild. I had nights where the sun was up and I was just coming home from manufacturing the product myself in a kitchen. So it was about as hard as it can get.

Speaker B: That's amazing that you were Able to stick it out. Do you feel like starting a company and the journey through motherhood was in some ways transformative?

Speaker A: Oh, for sure. I mean, I've gone through so many evolutions from that point to now from a, uh, family perspective. And I think that's why in the beginning you said, does Vincent ride the wave of being, like, famous for Malk or whatever? Absolutely not. Because he really did watch me go through so many struggles and so did my husband. But the respect that they have for me for that is just. It's unmatched, really.

Speaker C: What was it about this journey or what was it that kept you going through all of these hard times?

Speaker A: I knew, uh, from the second, like, I knew it had to be done and that it would be impactful. I knew that it was needed. I 100% knew that. And I've never felt something in my gut so deep and so serious where I just, you have got to do this. You have to do. It was just like, it was a no brainer. Like, it just had whatever it takes. It has to happen. And then I came up with the name. And this is the funny thing is, like, I googled it and looked for trademarks and stuff, and there was nothing about the Simpsons or any of the stuff that there's all this lore and all these things, but nothing would pop up. It was just open. And I was very determined to have a name that would stick out where people would feel the emotional connectivity that you feel to like dairy, because there is an emotional component to that. But understand that it was something a little different. And as soon as I saw it, like, written, I was like, this is it. And I just went. And I've never felt more certain of something in my life.

Speaker B: Do you think at, uh, this point, like you, that certainty was something that you've seen, realized? Maybe not in the way that you imagined, but it is something, something the world needed. And I feel like your story is something the world needed. So do you feel like you understand that internal, like, ping, you had to do it?

Speaker A: I do. It, uh, was very energetic. I'll say. Like, I knew. I've never had such a. I've had a knowing. Obviously for my family, that's a different story. But professionally, and to drive something so hard, I've never felt anything like that before. Yeah.

Speaker B: Did the milk industry come after you at all for the similarity to the name to milk?

Speaker A: This is so funny. Um, and I got into a lot of trouble with some peers in the plant based movement, but no, the dairy Association, I think, like The National Dairy Farmers of America were like, they're doing it right. She's doing it right. She's not trying to say it's milk. She's saying it's milk. I mean, very silly.

Speaker B: I know, okay.

Speaker A: But yeah. And then it was like, why aren't you saying it's milk? You need to say it's milk. You're not supporting our mission. And I was just like, this is where. This is the best I can do, you guys. Sorry.

Speaker B: So correct me if I'm, um, wrong, but you ultimately, you built this company to a beautiful point and then you decided to step away and change your path into something new. Can you speak to reaching that decision and kind of how you stepped away and what you saw for yourself after Mulk?

Speaker A: We didn't go too deep on the struggles, but I think you can get the struggles after what we've just talked about. And there were 10 years of them. And honestly, once you take on investment from others, which you have to have, especially in cold refrigerated logistics and distribution, you need a lot of money. Had I known that as well, like exactly how much money it would take, it would have been a lot harder to push forward, to start it from the beginning. But I didn't and I was naive. And so you get where you get. But what comes along with that, I think is not talked about enough. It's very stressful and it's somewhat disillusioning and it's hard to navigate when you've never.

Speaker C: Huh.

Speaker A: Navigated it before. And so it adds a lot of stress to your life. You're responsible for other people's money. They believe in you. There's expectations that maybe can't be met. There's things that happen that are out of your control. And it's just very stressful. Especially, I'll say it again, in refrigerated dairy. It's just a, um, very. I couldn't have picked a more challenging category. It's not quite frozen, which is a little bit easier. It has to be at this certain temperature and you've got it. So it was really hard and really expensive. And then you add distributors and how that whole system works and you can't do it without them. And I'm not here to knock them, but think anyone who's been in this space in the food and beverage industry, especially in refrigerated dairy, I'll say it again. It's so expensive and it's so hard to manage. And there's chargebacks and, uh, that whole part of the business really needs expertise that you don't understand. And in the beginning I certainly didn't. I didn't realize at times you're not even going to make any money because the distributor is going to take it all. Basically they're going to charge you back for this, that and the other. And then you have to spend your time trying to figure out or have someone very knowledgeable try to figure out whether it's legitimate or not and all the things that go on. So lots of stress, let's just say. And it was impacting my family, it was impacting me, my health and my family. And um, then you add a pandemic into the mix of all of that and self manufacturing and a pandemic and issues and stuff going on and not being funded. We were not fully funded during the pandemic and I was in the middle of a fundraise that had been going on since the year before. And the pandemic kind of started stretching it out even further because there's uncertainty and investors, I think, understanding that just because someone invests in your company does not mean they can bail you out. When something happens like that, like you're in need of funds and it's the middle of a pandemic, just because you have a good investor pool, they're not going to just start dumping money in. They want you to get a lead to come in for a round. And so there's a lot of disillusionment, I think. And every single day I was in the office while the whole world was shut down and trying to raise money. And I told myself every single day, if I can get the money in the door and stabilize the business, I will not do this again. Just not like this. I'm, um, never doing this again. And that's where it started. And I had supportive investors. I don't think they understood the business as well as maybe any of us could have. And I don't think that I understood the complexities of some of the stuff I talked about, but they were supportive. I just think, uh, I was very hesitant to let them know just how depleted I was. And I don't think anyone understood it. I was holding the whole thing on my shoulders of like walking with earth on your shoulder. I just knew you're either going to end up very sick with this type of stress or you have to make a decision.

Speaker C: That's so interesting. There's so many nuances that are involved in that. And especially building something from the ground up and really creating this category and having Such an impact in it. I have to ask, did you take an ego hit when you walked away?

Speaker A: No, I'm still so proud of it. It's not really much different, frankly. Like the packaging is not much different. It's a little bit, but not really much. And the ingredients aren't any different in the way that there's nuances to it being a little bit different. And uh, it was necessary and I was in the process of going through that whenever I did step away. But I'm just as proud of it. I created it, it's my second child, I birthed it. So I'm still very proud of it. And I, I don't attach my ego like I ever. We all have a healthy dose of ego or you don't survive, basically. But I'm not someone who I'm very aware, I think of who I am. Um, and my non importance, if that makes sense. I'll never forget this. And this applied to mock a little bit, but it more applied to life. My father was just like, this is just incredible. Like so amazing. Like, just like, I can't believe you've done this, you know, like so excited. And I said this to him and I remember the look on his face was so perplexed and I just said, yeah, it's great, but if it disappeared tomorrow, people might talk about it for maybe a month or two and then they wouldn't think about it again and nor would they think about me. And he was just. Who acts this way whenever you're on top? But I was very grounded in that. Uh, this could all go away at any time. It's like teetering on a thread because of funding and all the pieces we just talked about. And if that happened, I'm not that important really. I've done this because I wanted to and I thought it was important, but I'm not going to be remembered after I pass for this. Like, it's just. It is what it is. I don't have a lot of ego about things like that.

Speaker C: That's like such a healthy way to think about it and such a healthy relationship to have and I think that's really unique. So I hope that you're able to give yourself that. Um, because as a business owner myself, I don't feel the same way, although I wish I did. When you did decide to step away and because you grew this company from the ground up and all of the accolades that come along with that, how difficult was it for you to find somebody to pass off to? Did you. Was that like an experience for you, or did that come pretty naturally?

Speaker A: I helped in the transition, but I guess I was so depleted that I couldn't be present to even be a part of that process anymore. I was just. I had nothing left.

Speaker B: I think it's so important and beautiful how we can share the stories behind brands that to an average consumer seem like they're on top or winning it all. And they very well might be. But we want to shed light to people who are not in the consumer packaged goods industry that it is a very difficult industry. And if you see something that might have a premium price to you that you scoff at, it is a very difficult road to compete against brands that have Nestle money, that have large money. And so there are people like you, August, and many others who are trying to change society as a whole and make us healthier. And so to have some compassion and maybe some leniency for brands that seem overly expensive or just like very glamorous. So I think it's so great to hear these true stories. It seems that you had a previous mission. Like prior to building Mulk, you're like, I'm going to do this. You had one mission. Now going through that experience and all that you're doing now, has your mission changed in life and what do you want to be remembered for?

Speaker A: My mission has evolved. It's something I've always been aware of and I became absolutely 100 million times more aware and passionate about supporting women and supporting moms in business. I think I'm a boy mom. I only have one child and he's a boy and I have a husband. So I'm not a man hater and I'm not here to be like, oh, but. However, there's something special about women in business and there's something special about women being allowed to be creative and supported in being a mother and working. And there's just a whole lot around that. It's a big topic to discuss, but that is really my passion. I do work with a few men here and there like that are wonderful. But primarily I'm working with a lot of women and whether that's in mentorship or advising or directly, it's my passion and my goal to help women really be supportive of women in business in multiple ways.

Speaker B: My co host Megan has busted her booty to create an amazing company that is a leader in field marketing for natural inorganic brands. Shelflove offers nationwide demo and event support with a team of brand ambassadors who genuinely care about the products they represent. So when they are Demoing these products because they care about this industry and health and all of the food trends that we see going on within retailers. They can genuinely connect with those shoppers and on top of that they are really personable and incredibly detail oriented. Therefore they have helped brands climb to the top of sales leaderboards at ah, Whole Foods and other retailers and by creating those real connections with the shoppers and with the store staff. The staff is so important and they work so hard and it's really valuable to have your demo company connect with those people in store. Shelf Love is woman owned, values driven and they never represent competing brands within the same retailer. If you are ready to watch your brand shine on Shelf and Beyond, head to shelflovecpg.com and connect with their team directly at their website. That's S-H-E-L f lovecpg.com you can book a meeting and if you check out their socials you can also get great tips on the latest health trends, how to get the most protein in your breakfast, and so many more. Back to the episode. Would you agree with the statement that women can be both mothers and have careers, yet they might have different demands and needs in their life even if they're not mothers and so they need different types of support in the work environment?

Speaker A: Yes, and I don't think that's too much to ask, to be honest. I think that we do it all and I don't think that there is a husband or father out there that would uh, argue with that. Most mothers, most women are in the spot of doing it all and that's very taxing. And I think from a corporate perspective and a job perspective, having flexibility is really important. And I don't mean women should only work four hours a day. Being flexible with that, like if you have a newborn, giving time, take a couple of hours during the day to spend some time with your child or whatever you need to do or to be at the school events or to do the things that you need to do. And I believe wholeheartedly that productivity is better whenever that is allowed. Obviously output productivity and morale is so much better if you support especially mothers in business in that way, being very flexible. And I think you end up working a lot more by the way, if it's like flexible, you end up working through the night. That's just the way it goes.

Speaker C: Yeah. Turns uh, out treating employees well helps with retention and helps your employees feel happy and want to do more for you. It's not rocket science. I would love to know what advice you would Give to young or new moms or families to feel like the imbalance isn't possible. What could they do to feel more supported or seen?

Speaker A: Surround yourself by a support system that can help and take care of yourself. That's one thing I did not do when I was running MLC. I did not prioritize self care. And I knew it was important, but I just. Just didn't think I had the time. And so I just ended up exactly what we're talking about. So depleted that I couldn't. I could barely, if I'm honest, at the end of the pandemic, I wasn't even articulating words almost the right way. I was just so, like, uh, I'm done, just depleted. So don't get to that level. You've got to take care of yourself. Whether that means trying to go and move your body, that's a big one for me. We've got to get in some body movement. That's critical, I think, to mental health as a mother and taking care of yourself. Go get a matcha. Do what you gotta do to just take a break.

Speaker B: So many people, especially women, can resonate with feeling really depleted, especially if they're a new mom. I have talked to several co workers or friends in the business who just feel like they are just like shuffling along the best they can and it's. They really don't feel supported. And I want to note one thing that you said. Your father was like, isn't this so great? And you're like, if it went away tomorrow, no one would remember me. And I want to say that I think a lot of people feel that way. And to note, I think you're a really good example of that because I also had a job at the beginning of my career that people kept congratulating me for. And it would feel really good for one minute, but I knew I was really unhappy. And I think to recognize that, like, people's congratulations or compliments to you will only last for a fraction of the second. So you have to sit back and think what's actually important to me. And it seems like to you, like your family and your son and being a wife was very important. How, after Malk, did you adjust your life and adjust your vision for your life to fit more in line with the true authentic person that you were and wanted to be known for?

Speaker A: I have spent probably of the free time that I have, 98% of it with my son. That's it? Yeah, sorry.

Speaker B: The other 2% filling your cup.

Speaker A: Yeah. That's why I'm here, so that's been amazing. And I'm a hard worker. Like, I work a lot, but I've found a way. And I guess because I went through the grind, I went through that challenge. I really. I can get a lot done very fast. Now I know how to manage my time. I just get life in a different way than maybe I did before, if that makes sense.

Speaker C: Is there something, like, when you think of, uh. Like, obviously you're getting a little emotional talking about your son and love him so much. Is there something about that? Like, about what? How you want him to perceive you or remember you, or is there something, uh, about that is giving you those deep emotions?

Speaker A: No, I think that's why I have such deep emotion, is he's so respectful and so appreciative. And I think that does have a lot to do with Malk, because he did watch me. He was with me constantly. That's the one thing I will say, and I haven't really highlighted that, is I drugged that kid around everywhere. Like, we said, he went to Expo West. He was always in the car with me. He was at the office. He was drawing little malt bottles. Like, he was in it. Like, really in it. And so that was so special, and it bonded us in a way, because he watched. He was there. I, uh, won the Bevnet has a pitch competition, and I won that. And he was there in San Diego, and he was like, oh, my God. And I had this beautiful trophy. And so he would see things like that, and then he would see me coming in distraught when we launched Kroger. And there was a whole situation, and it was days at the facility, and he hadn't seen me for days. And so, like, I think he has such a respect for me going through that so closely, and I think it really did bond us in a way that's, like, very special.

Speaker C: And, like, what a cool experience for him to be able to witness such a badass woman as his mom that is doing so many cool things. I think that goes really untalked about is being able to set, like, a really good female perspective for your son and being able to, like, show him what that looks like and what it looks like to have a successful wife or partner in a, uh, time when. When you were growing up, maybe, or when we were all growing up, that it was, like, a little bit different in that way.

Speaker A: Sure. I definitely think he's very funny. He thinks I'm wild and crazy because I think I can do anything. And I've done a Lot of crazy stuff. So he's always like, I'm not like you. I can't. I don't think I can do anything. He just gets fussy. I'm like, you need to. So I'm like, as he's getting older, he's starting to take on that same kind of an attitude. And I really, I'm really thankful for that because I think when he was a little bit younger, he was just like my mom's wild children.

Speaker C: That's awesome.

Speaker B: You know, parents used to say, do as I say, not as I do, but as a parent, I. And now it's become more common knowledge that they will actually do as you do. So I think by you recognizing, first of all, you've built amazing things, but had an amazing career and then also paid attention to what was important to you, done things that were. Took a lot of courage. So it takes courage to build a brand. It takes courage to change your career path. And I think those are all things that kids pick up on. And so he has a great future ahead of him because that's amazing to see as an adult. Can you speak a little bit to Mama Strong and what that is?

Speaker A: Yeah, I've done a lot since Malk. I really took some time for myself and enjoyed myself after recovery. I was then tapped to do lots of things and so Mama Strong was one of them. And I'm very involved still in terms of, uh, I'm a shareholder and I advise I'm not really involved in the day to day. I came on as a fractional CEO for a little while to get things in shape. And the founder, I've worked a lot with her and she's really in that seat now. And that's really awesome because she is completely badass and so awesome. And so that's been very rewarding I think coming in at a time when things were. It was post Covid and a lot of businesses really have struggled post Covid. You know, there was this big spike and then everything. I guess it's now starting to become normal again. But in terms of D2C and online businesses, and specifically online fitness, there was a ton of activity during COVID that halted shortly after and. And navigating that challenge and what do you do and how do you evolve and how do you pivot and stuff? That was very cool. And I was very happy to utilize some of my pivoting skills to help with that. And the reason it's really important to me is it is truly a very special offering for new mothers, women through Their life. It was founded for prenatal and postnatal exercise. Basically. I mean, it's movement and exercise. There's 5 and 10 minute and 15 minute workouts. It's not super, super strenuous. It's exactly what you need to feel better. And to me, that's so important because you don't have 30 minutes or 45 minutes or an hour or two hours. Whenever you're postpartum, you have 10 or 15 minutes maybe to move around. But the way that Courtney, who is the founder of that business, has brought that to life and her knowledge of the body and like all the things that can go on for women is just really special. And so I'm really excited to see that grow.

Speaker B: Is it different for postpartum, um, and premenopause and other types of life?

Speaker A: Yes, there's different sections for different seasons of life. And so, uh, if you're postpartum, you would go to the postpartum section. And there are daily workouts. Some of them are live. There's a community of people that are talking about maybe you're still having pain in your hip after delivering, or you're going into perimenopause and you do not understand what's happening to your body and like the pains and the stuff that's going on, or you're fully in menopause. So each section is very specific to what you're going through. But there's also a community and there's. It's just a very special place. And it, like I said, it's very feasible because it's affordable. And it's not these giant workouts where you feel like, there's no way I can do this. It's just enough to make your body feel looser and better and your mind clear. And what is considered affordable, it's on a sliding scale. And so the Most affordable is $5 and it goes up, uh, from there, but it's truly affordable.

Speaker B: And when you speak to community, is it, uh, like an online community that can talk about anything, like maybe breastfeeding challenges or going back to work feelings, things like that?

Speaker A: Yes, I love it. I mean, I think honestly, it's one of the most special things I've come across. It's really supportive.

Speaker C: That's really cool. And so when you think about moving forward in the next stage of your life or next couple years or whatever, where do you see yourself growing professionally or how do you see yourself taking breaks and what does that look like for you?

Speaker A: Yeah, well, I mean, I'm currently the COO for AMMD by Amy M. Myers. By Dr. Amy Myers. Some really cool new stuff that's about to hit the market, which I can't really talk about yet, but some very cool stuff. And I have a lot going on. I'm, um, a partner in a boutique. That's really cool. And so it's all women. I love supporting Dr. Amy Myers. I don't know if you all know of her, but she's the most amazing functional medicine doctor who created a supplements line in 2017. And she has a D2C business. That's incredible. And she is just a force. She's super sharp and just wants to help people and their health as much as she can. And she's grown this excellent business and so I love being a part of that. As her coo, I was not looking for a job. Whenever I was approached by a recruiter and I immediately was like, yes, I want to talk. Because it was supplements, functional medicine, and it was a woman owned business and she's never taken on any investment. So it's just really miraculous. Like it's very aspiring. And so I love that business and I love the supplements. They're excellent. And so that takes up the most part of my time. But I am an advisor to a lot of folks that are doing some really cool things. And as AMMD evolves, and however Dr. Myers wants that to evolve, I don't know what I'm gonna exactly I'm gonna end up doing. I have a lot of stuff that's percolating, but it will definitely be in a space to support women for sure.

Speaker C: That's amazing. I love that.

Speaker B: Uh, you said you're an advisor. Are you an investor in those companies as well?

Speaker A: And some of them, yes.

Speaker B: That's so cool. I think investing is something that I hope more women, including myself, get involved in. Have you seen any returns yet?

Speaker A: No, uh, we're getting close for sure. And I think that's another piece to this conversation is how do you support women so that they understand how to even get involved and like how to become a partner, an investor, an advisor. We need a lot more of that. I do think I will probably soon launch a website and just have some resources and be available to talk about that.

Speaker B: That's amazing. And so with ammd, um, you mentioned that it's supplements and functional based. What is different about these supplements from so many of the other supplements on the market?

Speaker A: A lot. But the number one thing that's different is they were formulated by Dr. Myers. And so she was really the leader, the female leader. 100% the number one female leader in functional medicine. She was the first. And so she's personally formulated all these. It's almost like pharmaceutical grade supplements. The formulas that she's put together, the ingredients, the way that they function, what they do, it's just, it's hard to beat. When you start taking them, you're like, oh, I see why? Because I can feel an impact really quick.

Speaker B: Wow, that's so interesting. And do you think that functional medicine is something that we need now more than ever?

Speaker A: And if so, why 100%? Because typically conventional medicine is very much about a band aid for the most part. I think that it's like starting to shift a little bit. But most of the time the physician that you're seeing is not trained in nutrition and root cause issues and things of that nature. And so as, ah, children are becoming sicker and people are getting cancer and autoimmunity and issues at younger ages and more people are getting sick. Getting to the root cause and really understanding why that's happening is really critical. And that's exactly what functional medicine does.

Speaker C: What steps have you taken to make sure that this C suite level job is different than the one that you had at Mulk in terms of like life, work, balance?

Speaker A: There's no situation that will ever be like that. I mean, I think the competition, there's so many different things. I mean, honestly, if I really told the story, it's pretty wild. Like it's very wild. So I just don't see that ever happening again. There's just too many factors. And I think because it was leading a movement and people wanted to jump in on that when they saw it so quickly, it became really tough really quick. So I just don't think I'll ever have that experience again. And plus I have knowledge that I didn't have then. As professional as I was and as much margin as I brought in, or as much as I thought I knew about business, I really, I had no idea. I mean, there was so much I learned that I can bring to the table now that I would never. Things don't even stress me out pretty much. It takes a lot, a whole lot to stress me out. That's all I'll say. I don't know if it's even possible anymore. What would you say is the number

Speaker B: one business tip you've learned that people can take away?

Speaker A: That's so tough for me, I think it's just being as transparent as humanly possible and not that I've Never not been transparent. I was transparent to the best of my knowledge of things when I was younger. But I think as I've gotten a little older and I have more experience, I'm not afraid to have any conversation with anyone. And not in a combative or like aggressive way or anything like that. But if it's a test conversation, it just needs to be had. If it's a sad thing, if it's maybe something's not working out like you thought it would or whatever, you just need to not be afraid if that makes sense.

Speaker C: Your barriers come down really fast as a founder CEO, when you have to have tough conversations. I definitely agree with you there. August, thank you so much for being on this podcast. I feel like we could actually keep you on because now I like, really need to know the entire Mulk story from start to finish. So we might have to have you back on or have a virtual happy hour or something one time.

Speaker A: But we love to, um, end these

Speaker C: episodes with a couple of quicker rapid fire questions to kind of round out our episode. So our first question, in your opinion, what is the most attainable practice for improving your health or physical or mental state within the general public?

Speaker A: Eat as clean as possible, eat as many whole foods as possible, and move your body every day.

Speaker C: And then, uh, what practice do you implement now for personal development?

Speaker A: I have, uh, become a student of a, uh, lot of different things and I've really developed my energetic. I'm, um, a Reiki master and I've studied to be a healer through healing touch. And so I've really leaned in on that a lot.

Speaker C: That's great. And then our last question is, what is an industry secret or something in the industry that the general consumer is not aware of within, in the CPG space?

Speaker A: I don't even know how to answer this question because with the Internet and with Instagram, I feel like everyone knows everything but an industry secret. I would say, well, I don't think this is a secret, but I don't think that the general public knows exactly how expensive and hard it is to get products to the grocery store for people to have the availability to place it in their basket. It is really probably the most challenging thing you can do.

Speaker B: Yeah, Megan and I, like, we hear this a lot and we want people to know. When you see crackers that are $8.99 because they have good ingredients, just buy the damn crackers because it takes a lot to get it to the shelf and there's no one subsidizing that for you.

Speaker A: Yes, that's right. That's right. It's so hard.

Speaker B: I want to ask, would you agree with the statement that you can have a vision and that maybe if you're at one of your lowest lows or a turning point, you didn't expect that, uh, it could be the best thing for, for you. And it's just that your vision might

Speaker A: change for your life 100%. And I am an embracer of change, and I think that comes from exactly what we're talking about. And it gives me a lot of peace. Like I'm not afraid of things changing and I actually am, um, really embrace it at this point in my life. And I think that the more comfortable people can get with change and that things are not always. It's not always a book that you can pre write. It's ever evolving. I think that's really important.

Speaker B: Amazing. I love it. I want people to not fear other people's opinions or fear the other. Something that seems really hard. Life changing.

Speaker A: No, that is probably the biggest lesson. And I hope that younger people can have a healthy relationship with not really caring what, uh, other people think. It's really hard these days because there's so much with social media and things that you have to deal with and feeling, what are people thinking about me? But really, who cares? Who cares? It's your life. Own it. Do your best every day, come to it honestly. And then what people think is what they think. It's not your business. It's your business what you think.

Speaker C: One final question for you, and then we'll let you go. We love to know, is there a common quote or piece of feedback or, um, advice that you remind yourself of and points of maybe struggle or maybe when things are going really awesome.

Speaker A: There's kind of a philosophy science like song by, I think, like Moby. But we are all made of stars. If you ever go to a planetarium and you see us, uh, compared to the rest of everything, it just, whatever you're going through really just doesn't matter. And so I like to remember that when you put yourself in that state of mind and really think about it, we're like this big. And so anything that seems super weighty or important or. Of course there are important things. But if it's something that you need to shake, remember that we are all made of stars. We're like tiny in the grand scheme of things.

Speaker C: Yeah.

Speaker A: Yes. It will come. Yes.

Speaker C: Thank you so much, audience, for being on. Yeah, we, um, just enjoy talking with you so much and really appreciate you taking the time especially after your busy schedule that we know that you have. So thank you so much for being on here and we can't wait to see you again soon, hopefully.

Speaker A: Thank you. I really appreciate it. It's been so much fun. Thank you.

Speaker B: Thanks for listening to Chat cpg. Please help us grow by subscribing and leaving us a rating or review on your listening platform of choice. This really helps us spread to more people and raise awareness about CPG business and career development. Also, shoot us a DM at ChatCPGFood on Instagram if you have any topic ideas or would like to be featured on the pod. Thanks for listening.