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How Lifeway Foods Went from Immigrant Startup to National Retail Staple with Julie Smolyansky
Description
On this episode I’m sitting down with Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, a true retail powerhouse who took over a public company at just 27 years old and helped turn kefir into a nationally recognized category.
In this episode, Julie shares:
✨ How Lifeway grew from an immigrant family business to nationwide retail shelves
✨ The scrappy, unconventional strategies they used to get into stores without paying slotting fees
✨ What it’s like leading through doubt, bias, and pressure as a female CEO
✨ Why community, culture, and timing matter just as much as innovation in retail
If you’re a product-based founder dreaming of seeing your brand on shelf or keeping it there, this conversation is a must-listen.
Lifeway Foods Website: https://lifewaykefir.com/
Lifeway Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewaykefir/
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