In this episode, Kris Buchanan, a former Olympian and founder of nature inspired, organic food and beverage brand, GOODONYA, shares her journey from being an athlete to launching a CPG company. She discusses the challenges that she faced with product development, the importance of understanding the CPG industry, and what it takes to launch your product in a crowded marketplace. 

Kris also highlights the need for unique and well-packaged products in the competitive food industry. She emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients and the impact of food on our health. Kris shares her self-care practices and the joy of connecting with customers through her business. She concludes by offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and celebrating the growth of her company.

[01:23] About Kris’ transition from Olympic athlete to owning five restaurants

[03:37] How she launched the GOODONYA bar, her challenges with product development, and pivoting to producing an electrolyte drink

[09:24] How Kris uses the skills she learned as a member of a field hockey team in her business

[11:45] What it takes to balance owning restaurants and a CPG business

[12:24] Her decision to keep GOODONYA a direct-to-consumer business 

[14:06] About her challenges building a CPG business and her advice to new entrepreneurs

[20:26] About issues with the food industry and nutrition

[23:39] What she does for self-care and how she works to achieve work-life balance

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