Podcast
Founder Fridays
Hosted by HAPPIER GROCERY · EN
Founder Fridays by Happier Grocery features real conversations with the founders behind the small, mission-driven brands you’ll find on the shelves at Happier Grocery in NYC . Each episode highlights a different entrepreneur as they share the story of how and why they started their brand, what inspired them to take the leap, and the challenges they faced along the way. Whether you’re curious about the people behind your favorite products or interested in what it takes to build a brand from scratch, Founders offers a fresh and honest look at the journeys of today’s emerging founders.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Lauren from Wooden Spoon Herbs
Apr 300:29:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Lauren Haynes, founder of Wooden Spoon Herbs, to explore the world of herbal wellness and the power of plant-based healing. Lauren shares the story behind building her brand, her approach to making herbal remedies accessible in everyday life, and the philosophy that guides her work.We dive into the benefits of adaptogens, the importance of sourcing high-quality ingredients, and how small, consistent rituals can support long-term well-being. Lauren also opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, staying grounded while growing a business, and what it means to create products with intention.Whether you're herbal-curious or already incorporating plant medicine into your routine, this conversation offers a thoughtful and inspiring look at reconnecting with nature and nurturing your health from the inside out.
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Sabrina from Sandor
Mar 2700:31:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Sabrina, founder of Sandor—a natural, botanicals-rich hair care line that’s as personal as it is purposeful. Named in honor of her grandfather, Sandor is more than a brand—it’s a tribute to legacy, self-care, and slowing down with intention. With dermatologist and hair specialist-approved formulations, Sandor blends nature and science to support scalp health and hair vitality while inviting deeper connection and calm into everyday life. Sabrina shares the story behind the brand, her inspiration from family, and the philosophy of transforming hair care into a meaningful ritual.
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Sarah from Sarah Wragge Wellness
Mar 1300:41:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Friday, Rileigh sits down with Sarah Wragge, founder of Sarah Wragge Wellness, for an honest conversation about building a business rooted in purpose, health, and real life experience.Sarah shares the story behind launching her wellness brand, the personal moments that pushed her toward entrepreneurship, and how she’s helping clients redefine what sustainable wellness actually looks like. From navigating the early stages of starting a business to balancing authenticity with growth, this episode dives into the realities founders face when turning passion into a company.Rileigh and Sarah also talk about the evolving wellness space, the importance of individualized health approaches, and the mindset shifts that helped Sarah build a brand that genuinely supports people’s lives.Whether you’re a founder, wellness enthusiast, or someone curious about the journey behind a mission-driven business, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and real talk.
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Jane from Noon
Mar 600:26:16Tap to summarizeWe’re joined by Jane Kate Wong, co-founder of NOON, a cognitive wellness brand that’s changing the way we think about brain health. NOON creates delicious treats powered by the functional properties of mushrooms, carefully formulated by neuroscientists to support long-term brain function. Jane Kate shares the story behind NOON’s mission to make brain health accessible and fun, with treats designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Tune in to hear how NOON is making cognitive wellness playful and delicious while helping you nurture your mind for the future.
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Emily from Santé Blends
Feb 2700:23:12Tap to summarizeEmily Bennett joins us to share how her research into alcohol’s health impacts led her to create Sante, a powder that easily dissolves into any beverage that mimics the relaxing, social effects of alcohol—without the downsides. We talk wellness, functional ingredients, and the future of mindful drinking.
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Waris from House of Waris
Feb 1300:53:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Waris Ahluwalia, founder of House of Waris, to explore the intersection of creativity, identity, and purpose-driven design. Waris shares the journey behind building House of Waris—from its roots in fine jewelry to its evolution into a broader cultural and lifestyle brand.We dive into how heritage, storytelling, and craftsmanship shape his work, and how he’s used design as a platform for connection and cultural dialogue. Waris opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship in the luxury space, staying authentic in a fast-moving industry, and building a brand that stands for more than just product.This conversation is a thoughtful look at artistry, resilience, and what it means to create with intention in today’s world.
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Zeke from The Absorption Company
Feb 600:18:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Zeke, founder of Absorption Company, to unpack the story behind building a solution to a problem most people didn’t even know existed. We talk about the moment Zeke and Nate identified a major gap in how the body absorbs supplements and nutrients—and how that insight led to the creation of The Absorption Company’s innovative products. From early experimentation to bringing a science-backed solution to market, Zeke shares the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned while building a brand focused on better absorption, better results, and better health outcomes. It’s a conversation about innovation, education, and what it really takes to turn a personal frustration into a purpose-driven company.
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Anabel from Good Bacteria ft. Johnny Drain
Jan 2300:47:32Tap to summarizeMichael sits down with Anabel and Johnny Drain to explore the unpolished journey behind Good Bacteria — from early breakthroughs to hard lessons learned the long way. Together they unpack the highs and lows of building a brand rooted in biology, belief, and patience, and why nurturing a healthy gut isn’t so different from growing a resilient garden. This episode is a candid conversation about failure, regeneration, and what happens when you commit to growing things the right way, even when it’s messy.
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Frances from Abel
Jan 1600:32:36Tap to summarizeOur guest this week is Frances Shoemack, founder of Abel Fragrance, a pioneer in the world of natural, non-toxic perfumes. With more than 12 years in the business, Frances shares how her journey began in the world of wine—and how her curiosity about sustainability and scent led her to create a fragrance brand that’s as conscious as it is beautiful. She talks about working with a master perfumer in New Zealand to craft Abel’s signature scents and what it means to build a modern fragrance house rooted in transparency, nature, and creativity.
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Carolyn from Copina Co.
Jan 900:31:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Carolyn Yachanin, founder of Copina Co, shares how she built a brand that makes it easy to add superfoods into your everyday routine. Copina Co creates delicious, herbalist-formulated blends that support hair, skin, and nail health—all through plant-based ingredients. Carolyn talks about what inspired her to start the brand, how she developed products that are both effective and great-tasting, and what she’s learned along the way as a wellness founder.
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