Entrepreneur & IIN Alum Elizabeth Stein on Launching an Organic Brand
“Start a natural foods company.” These were the words 2007 graduate Elizabeth Stein wrote down in class one day when IIN founder and primary teacher Joshua Rosenthal asked students to describe their “unpredictable future.”
Nearly ten years later, Elizabeth’s “unpredictable future” has become a very impressive reality. In 2009, she founded Purely Elizabeth, and her line of healthy granola, oatmeal, and cake mixes which are now available in Whole Foods, Wegmans, Kroger, and many other grocery stores across the United States.
On top of that, Elizabeth has just published Eating Purely, a new cookbook with more than 100 of her favorite gluten-free recipes that she makes for family, friends, and clients.
Elizabeth shared more with us about her experience at IIN, what she loves about her work, and her advice for all new entrepreneurs. Read below!
Prior to Integrative Nutrition: I was in a sales and marketing role for a handbag company in NYC. I started getting intro triathlons and gaining a greater interest in health and wellness. At the same time, I was unhappy at work and felt like I needed to find something that was aligned with my passions. I can’t remember what I googled, but I found IIN online and immediately signed up.
On her favorite visiting teacher: Dr. Mark Hyman was definitely one of my favorite teachers. He really connected the dots between what you eat and how you feel, especially focusing on how a gluten-free diet can have such a profound effect on your health and wellbeing.
On owning her own business: I am now the founder and CEO of Purely Elizabeth, an all-natural and organic food company. We focus on using the most innovative, nutrient dense ingredients while making the products taste absolutely delicious. We have some exciting new products coming out that use some pretty cool ingredients!
On her favorite part of her work: I love that the industry we are in truly has an effect on people’s lives. It’s pretty rewarding to hear feedback that our products are life changing, or helped them to live a healthier lifestyle. It’s also amazing to be surrounded by such like minded people. The industry is filled with passionate people who are happy in what they are doing.
Her advice for new entrepreneurs: Get clear on what you want to do and go for it. There will be a lot of people trying to discourage you from taking a risk, but getting out of your comfort zone is where all good things happen!
Connect with Elizabeth
Published: June 8, 2024
Updated: November 6, 2024
