Episode Details

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Shelf Talks, I sit down with Anna Kotler and Nina Lombardo, the powerhouse duo behind O’ts Cookies—a brand bringing globally inspired flavors to the classic oatmeal cookie.

We dive into how Nina’s background in packaging design and Anna’s experience in brand management came together to transform a farmers’ market favorite into a retail-ready product. From testing recipes in the kitchen for weeks, to navigating co-packers, distributors, and retail launches, Anna and Nina share the behind-the-scenes journey of building their brand.

You’ll hear:

• How they identified a white space in the cookie aisle
• The story behind their top-selling Sweet & Salty Oatmeal and Churro con Chocolate cookies
• What it really takes to work with distributors and get on store shelves
• Lessons learned about demos, packaging pivots, and staying nimble as founders

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a beloved recipe into a shelf-ready brand—or just love a good founder story—you won’t want to miss this episode.

O'ts Cookies Website: https://otscookies.com/

O'ts Cookies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otscookies/?hl=en

Support the show

Event Partner: Nourish Summit & Expo (Oct. 5-7, 2027 | Baltimore) - Use code SHELFTALKS10 for 10% off full registration https://bit.ly/4sx0Zba

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com 

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode! Hello@shelftalks.com

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book