5: How the “Modern Day Milk Lady” brings almond milk to Houston communities w/Jornae Rideaux

Jornae Rideaux, better known as the Modern Day Milk Lady, is a public health professional and the owner of Produce Milk, a dairy-free and plant-based almond milk brand based in Houston, Texas. Jornae discusses:

• Her recipe development process for her almond milk flavors
• The importance of collaborating with other food entrepreneurs in Houston
• How Jornae applies her Masters in Public Health (MPH) experience to running her food business

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Timestamps

[1:32]: How Jornae got started with Produce Milk. There were several months of trial and error for Jornae when she developed her almond milk recipes.

[3:55]: Jornae’s friend, Kim, introduces her to Ella, the owner of Crumbville, which is where Jornae had her first pop-up.

[7:38]: Working with her hands is important to Jornae and is influenced by her grandfather. He finds a lot of joy working with his hands and Jornae believes that it’s his fountain of youth.

[9:39]: Jornae talks about her experience working with the community as a public health professional.

[12:00]: How Jornae applies her MPH experience to Produce Milk. She enjoys the relationship building aspect with the community and that carries over into her business.

[14:20]: It can be a journey being comfortable with who you are.

[15:52]: Strategies Jornae uses for getting people, who may be initially reluctant, to try her almond milk. Samples usually help.

[17:39]: Jornae was on a quest to create almond milk that tasted good enough to enjoy on its own. A lot of plant-based milks need to be paired with something else in order to be tolerable.

[19:06]: How Jornae prepared for her first pop-up and some of the challenges she ran into.

[21:02]: Other business challenges and set backs. Jornae explains how helpful the SURE program was for her and her business.

[23:06]: Some of the fears/concerns that Jornae has as an entrepreneur. Jornae’s perspective is that there’s something great on the other side of fear, so that inspires her to keep moving forward.

[25:33]: Jornae’s top resources that are helping her get to the next level in her business.

[27:30]: The ultimate goal is to have a storefront. Jornae wants to expand her line and has plans to partner with Sweets by Blackbird owner, Abwori.

[30:17] Jornae partnered with Kim and her husband, owners of Jinka, a turmeric paste company, to create a golden milk.

[31:09] Jornae created Produce Milk with the intention of it being a lifestyle brand and helping people take small steps to sustainable, healthy lifestyle. In 2020, Jornae is planning to create healthy living content.

[32:27]: How can you help? Jornae is motivated by your support!

Mentioned in this episode

• Change Happens
• Kim of Eyebrow Energy
• Ella Russell of Crumbville
• University of Houston SURE program
• SCORE
• University of Houston Law Center small business services where they pair you with law student and attorney
• Blue Apron
• Abwori of Sweets by Blackbird
• Kim , co-owner of Jinka turmeric paste

Connect with Jornae Rideaux & Produce Milk

Website: https://www.producemilk.com/

Instagram: @producemilk

Facebook: @producemilk

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