Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay DeAguila.
Hi Lindsay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Diagnosed at the age of 18 with Celiac Disease and living a gluten-free lifestyle was not as dreamy as it is today — with every croissant having a gluten-free option available. It was a tough road at first. I had to dramatically change my attitude and connection with food. Product labeling (GF, non-gmo, vegan, nut-free, soy-free, etc.) was essentially non-existent in 2004, so I was forced to educate myself beyond the packaging to determine what I could and could not eat. I scoured each ingredient on every label in search of wheat, rye, barley, and other hidden forms of gluten. I was astounded by how often wheat was in products — I mean, it was in 95% of ALL SAUCES, soups, beauty products and hot chocolate. Come on, hot chocolate?!
Yet, awareness of the disease has grown, which I am thankful for and equally annoyed by. With companies quickly adjusting to the GF community, they were lacking in ‘whole food’ ingredients. In an effort to create a product that Celiacs could enjoy, I was surprised to see the labels grow in ingredients. Unfortunately, the only way to make Gluten Free products tasty was to include artificially made ingredients that cost us our health. Loaded with sugar, corn, soy, preservatives and other malnourishing and digestive disturbing ingredients, I felt defeated that I couldn’t find honest products that contained real food. I didn’t want to believe that in order to enjoy the taste of our food, we had to consume artificially made ingredients.
My feelings of defeat turned into passion. A burning desire to create a business that was transparent in our labels and serve nourishing food with strong values — to prioritize quality and the well-being of the consumer. I was on a mission to create products that contained ‘whole food’ ingredients that came from the earth while also experiencing a flavor profile unlike any other sauce.
In 2020, I launched my first product Pesto No. 1 at a local Farmer’s Market. Fueled by excitement and positive feedback — I knew I was going to need a partner. Equally as passionate about consuming and sharing real food + spectacular taste, my partner, Kamal Khouri, and I created Lindsay’s Apothecary, LLC.
Currently, we have two spreads — Pesto No.1 and Mushroom. We sell at Farmer’s Markets and are on the shelves in the refrigerated section at Tiny Grocer on South Congress. We have two more yummy spreads in the works….stay tuned!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I certainly see a bumpy road as a built-in expectation of starting any new business. Between adapting to the infrastructure of your own company (being ALL the roles) to deciding what avenues to take to provide the best experience for our customers. With that said, perishable foods can be challenging as it relates to inventory and predicting production. Also, having to start a food company from scratch and not knowing anything about the Consumer Packaged Goods business. From the FDA requirements to ensuring our products have a stable shelf life without compromising our ingredients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We create easy-to spread functional foods that are centered around our customer’s well-being and culinary enjoyment. Simple recipes from quality ingredients that are nourishing and come together for a spectacular taste and experience.
We believe less is more and what we put in our bodies is equally important to the flavor and taste. Transparency and our health is at the center of our products and we will continue to learn, adapt, change and grow for the benefit of our customers.
We believe in relentless, science-based research to guide our ingredient choices to fuel our bodies the way nature intended.
We are most proud of our commitment to holding ourselves and the food industry accountable for producing quality foods for our communities.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
How I built this by Guy Raz What got you there by Sean Delaney
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
The Third Door by Alex Banyan
Contact Info:
- Email: admin@lindsaysapothecary.com
- Website: www.lindsaysapothecary.com
- Instagram: @lindsaysapothecary
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindsaysapothecaryatx
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Jerry Sandoval
