Meet the Founder: Chelsey and Cassie Maschhoff of Lottie’s Meats

Growing up on a sixth-generation farm, sisters Chelsey and Cassie were raised on premium pork. As adults, they saw an opportunity to bring their family's ethical farming practices and high-quality meat to a wider audience.

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Meet the Founder: Manny Ferreira of Manny’s Ultimate Mixes

What makes a Bloody Mary truly unforgettable? For Manny, the passionate founder of Manny's Ultimate Mixes, the answer lies in a blend of tradition and a touch of mystery.

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Meet the Founders: Allan and Candace Tea of Cali Dumpling

Married for just three days when the 2020 pandemic shut down in-person dining at their family restaurants, Allan and Candace sidelined their honeymoon plans.

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Meet The Founder: Carly Stein of Beekeeper’s Naturals

Beekeeper's Naturals offers health-boosting products like propolis throat spray while also promoting sustainable practices for pollinators.

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Meet the Founder: Keegan Fong of Woon Kitchen

Growing up in the skate culture of suburban Los Angeles, Keegan’s teenage home became the hangout house.

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Meet the Founders: Lolly Parker and Sumi Nishi of Lolly’s Frozen Grapes

While brainstorming the perfect snack, Lolly and Sumi created Lolly’s Frozen Grapes.

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Meet the Founders: Debbie, Jack, and Meghan Dowd of Cado Avocado Ice Cream

A lifelong commitment to healthy living inspired the Dowd family to reinvent their favorite frozen dessert.

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Meet the Founder: Joe Nicchi of CVT Soft Serve

New York native Joe Nicchi made soft serve cool again with his LA ice cream truck, CVT Soft Serve.

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Meet the Founders: Louis-Pascal Walsh and Frederick 'Flick' Mooradian of Tequio

What makes a truly exceptional tequila soda? For Louis-Pascal and Frederick, the answer lies in authenticity, starting with the source. That's why they partnered with Guillermo 'Willy' Bañuelos, a third-generation Tequilero whose passion for tradition and flavor infuses every can of Tequio.

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Meet the Founders: Daphne Hedley and Diane Wong of Mekhala

Meet Mekhala: a brand built on passion, courage, and the determination of three women. Though they faced the heartbreaking loss of their co-founder Jang, sisters Daphne and Diane are carrying on their shared mission.

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Meet the Founder: Loren Brill Castle of Sweet Loren’s

Sweet Loren’s is inspired by a story of survival. After battling cancer in her early 20s, Loren realized the importance of healthy eating—but she certainly wasn't about to give up her love of sweets! In addition to being vegan and gluten-free, each batch of Sweet Loren’s cookie dough is made entirely from scratch using her own recipes.

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Meet the Founders: Paul Bertolli and Tom Garrity of Fra’ Mani

Say buongiorno to Fra’ Mani! Specializing in Old World Italian sausages, Berkeley-based Fra’ Mani was founded by Paul (an acclaimed chef and cookbook author) and Tom (a food-loving finance lawyer).

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