Brand Alchemist Podcast

A podcast dives deep into what makes the world’s most sought-after brands tick, trip, and triumph. Listen in to hear Taja in conversation with top brand owners who are forging innovative paths forward and making magic happen along the way.

2023 Featured Episodes

• 2023 Featured Episodes •

The Alchemy of Made with Local

In this episode of the Brand Alchemist podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sheena Russell, founder of Made with Local, about her journey in building a community-rooted snack brand. One of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Sheena was the importance of staying true to your values while scaling a business. Sheea has done an amazing job of sourcing high-quality ingredients and building relationships with local farmers and food producers. I loved hearing about Made with Local's unique approach to making their snack bars in their own bakery, which allows for a truly unique taste and experience. It's clear that they prioritize innovation and quality in everything they do. Finally, I was impressed by Sheena's commitment to building a community of supporters for Made with Local, both in Canada and the US. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this amazing brand! Thanks for tuning in.

The Alchemy of Mid-Day Squares

Jake Karls is the Co-founder and Rainmaker at Mid-Day Squares, which manufactures functional chocolate bars. Over the past four years, Jake and his team have built a fully-automated chocolate factory to sell Mid-Day’s products in over 4,500 stores across North America. As Rainmaker, he focuses on achieving growth by building relationships with investors, buyers, and journalists. Jake was named one of Forbes 2023 30 Under 30 for food and drink. In this episode of the Brand Alchemist Podcast, Taja Dockendorf interviews Jake Karls, Founder and Rainmaker at Mid-Day Squares, about his secret to developing an inspirational and prosperous brand. Jake talks about the impact of positivity and authenticity on brand promotion and growth, how he manifests positivity to scale his brand, and his bold promotion strategies.

The Alchemy of Mason Dixie Foods

Ayeshah Abuelhiga is the Founder and CEO of Mason Dixie Foods, the first and only clean-label ready-to-bake line of frozen biscuits focused on providing fresh, fast, and affordable Southern comfort food. In 2017, the brand was named a Top 10 Innovator by The Washington Business Journal. Ayeshah was voted a Top Millennial to Watch in 2014 and the Number 1 Food & Beverage Stunner by Industree DC. With over 12 years of experience in marketing, business development, and project management, she has consulted and managed business development projects for Fortune 500 companies. Ayeshah has also worked in front-of-the-house positions for major fine-dining restaurants and hotels.

The Alchemy of Building Beverage Brands

Jenny Bonchak is a national award-winning barista and the Founder of Slingshot Coffee Company — offering cold brew black coffee — and Bright Side Beverage Club, a sparkling water brand. She is also the Founder of Needs & Wants, a beverage company offering superfruit teas with natural antioxidants and prebiotics. With 15 years of experience crafting specialty coffee, Jenny founded Slingshot in 2012 after selling her car for $5,000.

The Alchemy of BelliWelli

Katie Wilson is the Co-founder of BelliWelli, the first gluten-free, probiotic-packed, low FODMAP, vegan snack bar for people suffering from gastrointestinal conditions. As someone who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, Katie founded the company after years of sorting through food labels and consulting with doctors. In founding BelliWelli, she formed a community for those struggling with these conditions.

The Alchemy of The Pharmacy Lab

Serina Hanlon is the Owner of The Pharmacy Lab, a compounding pharmacy specializing in non-sterile compounds. The Pharmacy Lab creates and helps customers personalize medications not commercially available. As a community pharmacy owner for over a decade, Serina is passionate about helping patients find modern medicine while incorporating natural alternatives and lifestyles to promote overall well-being.