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Grown Folks
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Hard Seltzer |
Grown Folks was founded by Danica Dias, a working mother from Los Angeles with over 20 years of experience in food, beverage, and hospitality. Inspired by her Louisiana Creole heritage and the cultural traditions surrounding food and drink, Danica launched Grown Folks in February 2024 as the first black-owned and female-owned hard seltzer brand. The brand aims to cater to diverse consumer needs with soul food-inspired flavors, filling a gap in the ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage market. |
Sustainability |
Affordable |
drinkgrownfolks.com |
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BjornQorn
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Popcorn |
BjornQorn was founded by Bjorn, a Minnesota corn farmer's son, and Jamie, an artist and inventor. Their collaboration began at Bard College, where they combined Bjorn's family popcorn recipe with Jamie's innovative ideas. They focus on creating cult-favorite popcorn while experimenting with solar power. |
Sustainability |
Affordable |
bjornqorn.com |
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Ciao Pappy
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Food Products |
Ciao Pappy was established in 2021 by Francesca Pittaluga and her husband Matthew, inspired by Francesca's Italian-American upbringing and her father's emphasis on quality ingredients in cooking. The brand aims to create convenient, quality sauces that help families share meals together and create memories. |
Quality |
Affordable |
ciaopappy.com |
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Chocolate and the Chip
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Cookies |
Hi, I'm Lola, the founder and baker of Chocolate and the Chip. My passion for chocolate chip cookies has been a long-standing obsession, and it brings me so much joy to share them with all of you. The idea for this business sparked during a trip to Napoli. Watching vendors serve mouthwatering pizzas and treats through tiny street windows was magical. Seeing the pure joy on everyone’s faces made me realize how special it feels to know that the person who made your food is not just an expert, but truly loves what they do. I wanted to bring that same feeling to my cookies. I started out selling on Etsy, and within a few months, I was blown away to become a bestseller in the cookie category. Orders were pouring in! Soon after, I expanded locally in Los Angeles through Instagram and pop-up events. When the pandemic hit, I knew I wanted to bring back some joy and nostalgia during such a tough time, and my cookies felt like the perfect way to do that. At the beginning of 2023, life took me in a new direction. After being diagnosed with PCOS, my relationship with food and my body changed dramatically. It’s always been my mission to keep improving my craft, and this was the universe’s way of challenging me further. So, I went from offering just vegan cookies to now gluten-free and vegan. This latest version of my cookies is my favorite yet—they remind me of my early days when I used real browned butter and eggs, but now with just 10 simple, all-natural ingredients. This cookie dough is literally an extension of my love for indulgence, for connection and community, and for the greater good of the planet (that includes us humans!). I can’t wait to treat you and your loved ones to something truly special and thank you for supporting my small business. |
Quality |
Affordable |
chocolateandthechip.com |
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Waves Wine
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Wine |
WAVES Wine in a can is a collaboration between the co-winemaker/owners of Las Jaras Wine, Eric Wareheim and Joel Burt, and artist Jen Stark. These wines are made specifically to be in a can -- they are infinitely chillable, tasty, and ready to be consumed. Purse, backpack, and koozie ready, these single serving cans are infinitely more versatile than a whole bottle and go down easy. WAVES Wines are made from organically grown grapes and minimal sulfur. No other additives. |
Sustainability |
Affordable |
waves.wine |
