Women Who Inspire: Honoring Leaders in Consumer Products

This Women’s History Month, we invite you to draw upon the wisdom of several of our friends of the firm, who inspire us each and every day.

Anouck Gotlib, Co-Founder of Belgian Boys: On leading with integrity
“I strongly believe that kindness is the basis of every relationship. When building a team, a company, and its culture, treating people with respect and empathy elevates an organization.” 1

Photo Credit: anouckgotlib.com/

On not being afraid to ask for help “It’s hard to bring 100% energy, seven days a week, but the pressure as an entrepreneurial mom is to do just that for both work and family life…You can’t be everything to everyone all the time. If you can lean on your family and friends or afford to hire help for your business and/or your home, it will benefit you and your energy levels in so many ways.” 2

Photo Credit: drinkpoppi.com/pages/our-story

Allison Ellsworth, Co-Founder of Poppi: On cultivating a supportive community “The people you surround yourself with, that are in your circle, could either lift you up or bring you down. I’ve had a lot of people tell me “No, you’re weren’t good enough” or “you couldn’t do this,” and I’m one of those big believers…I will cut that (negativity) out of my life. You want to keep that mentality correct. It’s important for me to be a good steward to our community, to lift up and mentor others.” 3

Photo Credit: mzwallace.com/pages/about-us

Lucy Wallace Eustice, Co-Founder of MZ Wallace: On resilience in the face of adversity “I have many people I would consider mentors. I would say most often I hear the echo of advice both my parents gave me throughout my life. Trust your gut. If it’s scary, it’s good because it means you’re learning something new. Don’t be afraid…Leading means having the strength to stick your neck out, be sure, confident and show the way. Sometimes people agree with you, sometimes not. You have to be able to handle when they don’t agree with you.” 4*

Photo Credit: bienasnacks.com/pages/our-story

Poorvi Patodia, Founder of Biena Snacks: On embracing collaboration and mentorship “Something I didn’t anticipate playing such a big role in the success of the brand is the incredible support I’ve received from others in the food industry. Biena wouldn’t be where it is today without the wisdom and guidance of leaders in the industry, who took my calls and offered their tips, time and contacts along the way. Now that I’m on the other side of the equation–the one meeting with those who just took the leap of faith–it’s so invigorating to see their energy and passion. The pay-it-forward mentality in the snack food industry is unmatched and incredibly supportive for someone just starting out. It may be scary to pick up that phone, but trust me, it’s worth it.” 6

Trailblazing Women – Touchland Founder Andrea Lisbona: Andrea Lisbona, the visionary founder of Touchland, shares her wisdom and perspective on cultivating a resilient mindset in a discussion with Anchin’s Carolyn Naporlee-Cipolla.

A Message from Anchin’s Consumer Products Group: It’s difficult to articulate how inspiring and rewarding it is to play a role in founders’ journeys and be in their corner on their paths to success. Brainstorming and investing time in helping to assess and plan for the future of their financial lives is something that we consider time well spent. We hope that you enjoyed these perspectives from some of our friends in the industry as much as we did, and that they leave you inspired and invigorated.

Other Resources

• Navigating Proposed Tariffs: Strategies for Resilience in the CPG Industry
• How to Choose the Best Business Entity for Growth and Succession

Sources

1. “A Kindness Crash-Course from Belgian Boys CEO Anouck Gotlib” belgianboys.com/blogs/home/world-kindness-day
2. “To the mom who is running after her kid(s) – and runs a business, too…I see you” Motherly, 04/25/24
3. tiktok/@jpwhit/video/7366385181499886879
4.  “Meet Lucy Wallace Eustice, Founder of MZ Wallace”, barre3, 06/26/16
5. “Heather Terry – If you sit in a boardroom, you have the responsibility and obligation to visit the farm where the food is produced”, Investing in Regenerative Agriculture, 01/30/24
6. “God Bless the Chickpea & Biena Snacks”, Spoon University, 02/19/19

*Disclaimer: Select quotes have been edited or modified for clarity.