From the Ground Up: Jeni Britton’s Sweet Second Act

Hosted by Diana Ransom and Christine Ligorio Chafkin
Release Date: February 3, 2025

In this insightful episode of “From the Ground Up”, Diana Ransom and Christine Ligorio Chafkin sit down with Jenny Britton, the visionary founder of Jenny’s Splendid Ice Cream, to explore her inspiring journey from building a successful ice cream empire to launching her latest venture, Flora. Flora is dedicated to creating innovative, healthy snack bars using sustainable ingredients like watermelon rinds and apple cores. This conversation delves into Jenny’s entrepreneurial struggles, her transformative focus on health, and the strategic moves she’s making in the competitive consumer packaged goods (CPG) market.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode opens with Diana and Christine sharing a light-hearted moment about their past experiences, setting a relatable and engaging tone. Christine reminisces about college days without plastic wrap, highlighting the resourcefulness that would later characterize Jenny’s entrepreneurial spirit.

[00:01] Diana Ransom: "What's the most disgusting thing you've ever eaten?"
[00:16] Christine Ligorio Chafkin: "We just didn't have them. We didn't actively buy things."

2. Jenny Britton’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Jenny Britton shares her 26-year journey in building Jenny’s Splendid Ice Cream from a small operation to nearly 100 scoop shops nationwide. She emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and resilience in overcoming challenges.

[03:28] Jenny Britton: "Nobody starts from nothing. You always have your brain, your bra, and your buddies."

Jenny reflects on her early days at farmers' markets and how strategic coaching from Mark and Adrian helped her navigate the complexities of scaling a business. Her dedication and innovative flavor combinations became the hallmark of Jenny’s Splendid Ice Cream.

3. Transitioning from Jenny’s Splendid Ice Cream to Flora

Due to burnout and health concerns, Jenny stepped away from managing Jenny’s Splendid Ice Cream. This decision marked the beginning of her transformative journey towards better health and wellness, which ultimately led to the creation of Flora.

[04:24] Jenny Britton: "I was feeling it at the same time too."

Jenny explains how daily walks and a diet rich in blueberries, packed with prebiotic fiber, sparked her interest in gut health. This personal health transformation inspired her to address the widespread deficiency in fiber consumption through her new venture.

[10:10] Jenny Britton: "It's the only thing I know how to do. It's the only way I know how to impact the world."

4. Flora's Innovative Approach to Healthy Snacking

Flora focuses on creating fiber-rich snack bars by utilizing fruit by-products such as watermelon rinds and apple cores. Jenny discusses the scientific research behind prebiotic fiber and its benefits for gut health.

[17:44] Jenny Britton: "Each bar has 12 plants out of the 30 that you need every week and then also bridge the fiber gap. So it's 50% of the fiber you need every day."

Jenny highlights Flora’s unique approach to sustainability by repurposing parts of fruits that are typically discarded, thereby reducing food waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.

[13:50] Jenny Britton: "We wild ferment the watermelon rind, learn how to do that, and then dehydrate it, mill it into like a flour we can then use to make anything."

5. Navigating the CPG Market and Retail Challenges

Entering the crowded health bar market, Jenny outlines Flora’s strategy to stand out through exceptional flavor profiles and a focus on taste rather than overt health marketing. She emphasizes the importance of starting small with manageable retail accounts to ensure high velocity and maintain shelf space.

[29:54] Jenny Britton: "People don't want to be sold on health. They want something that tastes good that they believe is good for you."

Jenny shares lessons learned from her experience with Jenny’s Splendid Ice Cream, stressing the need for sustainable pricing and efficient distribution to compete in the retail space.

[32:45] Diana Ransom: "Is it hard for you to grapple with that?"
[33:00] Jenny Britton: "You've gotta be very mindful of it. Luckily, I have a lot of this experience and I've made all the failures at Jenny's."

6. Leadership and Team Building at Flora

Jenny discusses her evolved leadership style at Flora, focusing on respect, admiration, and fostering a collaborative environment. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of control to encourage innovation and team member contributions.

[37:36] Jenny Britton: "We talk about it almost always. I wouldn't say the right answer, but the one we want to try arises up and then we agree and we go and do it."

Jenny highlights the value of continuous learning and open communication within her team, supported by her business partners who also serve as her coaches.

7. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

When asked about advice for women entrepreneurs, Jenny advocates for starting small and building steadily. She encourages women, especially those of color, to embark on entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing that anyone can start a business with the right mindset and resilience.

[40:19] Jenny Britton: "You can start where you're at and do it. It's not easy, but it is so fun. It really is so fun."

Jenny underscores the importance of diversity in leadership and the impact women entrepreneurs can have on shaping the future business landscape.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with reflections on Jenny’s resilience and determination to pursue her passions despite past setbacks. Diana and Christine commend Jenny’s inspiring journey and the practical insights she offers to aspiring entrepreneurs.

[43:07] Jenny Britton: "It's a great life. It is. It's been my entire life, and I just love it so much."

Notable Quotes:

• Jenny Britton [03:28]: "Nobody starts from nothing. You always have your brain, your bra, and your buddies."
• Jenny Britton [10:10]: "It's the only way I know to impact the world."
• Jenny Britton [17:44]: "Each bar has 12 plants out of the 30 that you need every week and then also bridge the fiber gap."
• Jenny Britton [29:54]: "People don't want to be sold on health. They want something that tastes good that they believe is good for you."
• Jenny Britton [40:19]: "You can start where you're at and do it. It's not easy, but it is so fun."

Final Remarks:

This episode of “From the Ground Up” offers a compelling narrative of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and personal transformation. Jenny Britton’s journey from Jenny’s Splendid Ice Cream to Flora serves as an inspiring blueprint for founders looking to innovate while making a positive impact on health and the environment. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, Jenny’s story provides valuable lessons on resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of community in sustaining a successful business.

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Production Credits:

• Produced by: Blake Odom and Avery Miles
• Editing by: Matt Toder
• Mix and Sound Design by: Nicholas Torres
• Executive Producer: Josh Christensen

Thank you for listening and we will see you next week.