Simple Mills: Katlin Smith
Katlin Smith, founder of Simple Mills, explains how she launched a grain-free baking brand from her Atlanta apartment in 2012 after struggling with health issues as a Deloitte consultant. She details the early challenges of sourcing ingredients, securing a Whole Foods buyer with just 12 bags of product, and managing cash flow while bootstrapping with $70,000 of her own savings and a mortgage from her parents. Smith also discusses the pivotal role of influencer Danielle Walker in boosting Amazon sales, the difficulties of hiring and leadership, and the strategic decision to avoid 'natural flavors' to maintain product integrity.