Join us as Alan Lin, a design veteran turned food innovator, shares his wild journey from China’s booming creative scene to launching Liquid Salad, a health food disruptor that hit the market on March 24, 2025. With 12 years of experience design, a knack for turning chaos into opportunity, and a fresh take on greens powder, Allen delivers a story packed with entrepreneurial hustle, cultural flair, and a dash of absurdity.
In this episode, Alan unravels his path from studying abroad in Beijing to thriving in China’s “champagne and cocaine” era, only to pivot into founding Liquid Salad—a daily fruit-and-veggie boost that’s as stylish as it is smart. He spills on designing a standout pouch, surviving a 2008 encyclopedia sales gig, and rethinking healthy eating. Whether you’re into startups, food innovation, or epic reinvention tales, Alan’s adventure offers raw insights and unexpected laughs.
🔑 KEY HIGHLIGHTS
FROM CHINA TO LIQUID SALAD
Alan Lin traces his leap from 12 years in China’s design world—think Apple Store vibes— to launching Liquid Salad, a prebiotic-packed alternative to greens powder, on March 24,
2025.
DESIGN MEETS FOOD
Learn how Alan’s experience designing holistic brand experiences (Lincoln showrooms!) shaped Liquid Salad’s stunning pouch, aiming to inspire healthy eating through art, not just nutrition.
SALAD SECRETS UNPACKED
Discover Alan’s perfect salad (chicken, romaine, salsa), Flaviu’s Sweetgreen pick, and Taylor’s Goop Caesar obsession in a tasty icebreaker that sets the tone.
ENCYCLOPEDIA SALES INSANITY
Alan reveals his 2008 door-to-door grind—begging for basements, living off peanut butter—showing the sales grit that fuels his founder mindset.
AI-POWERED CALORIE HACK
Alan shares his go-to app, CalAI, an AI calorie tracker that nails macros from a photo, proving tech’s role in his entrepreneurial toolkit.
GUIDANCE FOR FOOD FOUNDERS
Alan advises aspiring innovators to blend creativity with utility, test how people use your product, and lean into what inspires—fashion, not just food.
RESOURCES & LINKS
Learn More About Liquid Salad: drinkliquidplus.com
Connect with Alan Lin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alanlin98
Podcast Website: foundersecretspod.com
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @foundersecretspod
TikTok: @foundersecrets
Twitter: @founder_secrets
LinkedIn: Founder Secrets Podcast
🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/4h59tyer
Spotify: tinyurl.com/4wjb26v8
⚡ SPONSORED BY DASH
Simplify your success with Dash! From CRM management to social media, bookkeeping, and more, Dash provides top-tier remote talent solutions so you can focus on growing
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