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

Author: Mercedes Gosby
Published: Thu 12 Dec 2019
Episode Link: https://profoodmaker.libsyn.com/ep-5-small-steps-toward-healthy-black-communities-with-jornae-rideaux-of-produce-milk

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