How a WHOLE FOODS Exclusive Led So Many to Fall IN LOVE With Mochi Gummies!

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📢I talk🎙️with Mika Shino Founder & CEO of Issei Mochi Gummies from Bethesda, MD. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁
If you haven't tried these yet, you are missing out. She shares her amazing story how a Whole Foods buyers' instincts kick-started this brand and how Mika with her PR philosophy landed her on the cover of Inc Magazine within two years as Inc Female Founder 2024!
WATCH ON YOUTUBE! 📽 🎞
https://youtu.be/v-jW5OSs_sw
Summary
Mika Shino shares her journey from Kyoto, Japan, to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her brand, Issei Mochi Gummies.
She discusses her cultural influences, experiences at the UN in Paris, France, and the challenges of creating a healthier candy option for children. Mika emphasizes the importance of food in brain development, the philosophy of jazz in business, and her commitment to customer engagement through personal touches in her branding.
The conversation highlights her dedication to quality and the continuous evolution of her product. In this engaging conversation, Mika shares her journey of launching a product with Whole Foods, the challenges of manufacturing, and the importance of building relationships in the industry.
She discusses the pivotal moment at Expo West, her upcoming launches with Target, and the innovative flavors she is developing. Mika also opens up about the struggles of being a small business owner, the recognition she has received, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of starting without fear of failure.
AWARDS 2024
Inc. Magazine 2024 #2 Female Founders List
Most Innovative New Product 2024 Small Business Innovator
2024 Stevie Award Best Female Entrepreneur
World Food Innovation Award Best Snack 2024
#IsseiMochiGummies #fnbinnovation #ThirstyThursdays

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1. How a WHOLE FOODS Exclusive Led So Many to Fall IN LOVE With Mochi Gummies! (00:00:00)

2. Introduction and Background of Mika Shino (00:00:28)

3. Cultural Influences and Early Life (00:02:05)

4. Journey to the United States and Education (00:05:04)

5. Career at the UN and Transition to Food Industry (00:08:11)

6. The Birth of Mochi Gummies and Parenting Insights (00:11:04)

7. The Philosophy of Cooking and Food's Impact on Growth (00:13:59)

8. Jazz, Improvisation, and Business Philosophy (00:17:07)

9. Challenges in Creating a Shelf-Stable Product (00:19:58)

10. Market Demand and Consumer Awareness (00:23:00)

11. Flavor Development and Cultural Significance (00:25:53)

12. Branding and Customer Engagement (00:29:03)

13. Future Aspirations and Continuous Improvement (00:32:14)

14. Launching with Whole Foods (00:44:13)

15. Building Relationships and Finding Mentors (00:48:13)

16. Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges (00:49:19)

17. Expo West: A Turning Point (00:51:11)

18. Exciting New Launches (00:52:47)

19. Innovative Flavor Development (00:54:17)

20. Navigating Entrepreneurial Pain Points (00:57:27)

21. The Struggles of Small Business (01:00:52)

22. Recognition and Resilience (01:08:44)

23. Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (01:27:12)