The lecture will explore the journey of Shae Whitney, a young female entrepreneur who achieved success by defying corporate food industry standards. By staying true to her vision and crafting distinctive products, she built a business that stands out in a market often dominated by conformity. This talk will highlight how authenticity became her greatest asset, guiding her through challenges and allowing her brand to connect with customers seeking genuine alternatives in a landscape of mass production. It’s a story of following intuition, embracing uniqueness, and making choices that prioritize integrity over trends.
Suggested Pre-Viewing:
The Flavorists: Tweaking Tastes and Creating Cravings (Youtube)
ShaShae Whitney, a 2010 Evergreen alum, is the founder of DRAM, an award-winning botanical beverage company. Established in 2011 in a Colorado ghost town, DRAM is dedicated to using wild-foraged, fair trade, and certified organic ingredients. The company has earned numerous national awards for its products and branding, and continues to lead the industry by refusing to use so-called "natural flavoring" in any of its goods.