In this episode, Daniella sits down with Lisa Curtis, CEO and Founder of Kuli Kuli Foods to discuss her journey as a social entrepreneur. Lisa shares how she learned about moringa’s benefits in West Africa and was inspired to bring it to the US market, overcoming challenges such as investor skepticism and low awareness of the plant’s benefits. Lisa highlights the importance of early consumer research and leading with product benefits even as a mission-driven company. Lisa also discusses the importance of sustainable sourcing and farmer relationships, and Kuli Kuli's plans to introduce new products and promote other sustainable drought-tolerant crops beyond moringa. She reflects on the company's growth from a startup to a multimillion-dollar business, and offers sound advice for entrepreneurs: be strategically small, tell your story effectively, and take care of yourself to avoid burnout.
EPISODE KEY MOMENTS:
- The story of how Lisa founded Kuli Kuli
- Introducing moringa to the US market
- Early consumer research and leading with product benefits
- Strategic partnerships with retailers like Costco and Walmart
- Fundraising $11 million for Kuli Kuli
- Sustainable sourcing and farmer relationships
- Brand strategy and effective storytelling
- Navigating supply chain disruptions
- Starting small and avoiding burnout as an entrepreneur
Where to connect with Lisa on the internet:
Kuli Kuli Website | Lisa Curtis
Use code PLANTAS for 20% off (First time customers only)
PLANTAS POD CREDITS:
Host: Daniella Allam
Producer: Jacqueline Smith
Plantas Strategy website
For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website here.
If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email info@plantasstrategy.com
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.