Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Rogers.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been working in the CPG space for nearly a decade. I always knew I wanted to own my own company. I’ve actually founded three. In 2013, I was working on Buff Bake, a line of nut butters and cookies that uses premium roasted peanuts and almonds, protein powder, chia, and flax seeds. After growing and scaling Buff Bake over a four-year period and learning about entrepreneurism, I decided to sell the company and start my own brand: Spudsy, a better-for-you and better-for-the-world snack brand. I have always loved sweet potatoes and couldn’t believe there wasn’t a snack rooted in such a superfood. So I thought, “why not create my own?”
Since 2018, Spudsy has grown from just an idea to a platform brand with delicious upcycled Sweet Potato Puffs and Sweet Potato Fries that never compromise on taste, nutrition, or sustainability. We’ve been able to save approximately 150,000 ugly spuds with every truckload of the finished product, with more than 1,500,000 sweet potatoes saved to date. Spudsy Sweet Potato Puffs and Fries are vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO, and the Sweet Potato Puffs are also free of the top nine allergens. This was important for us to achieve. In today’s world, there are so many diverse diets and health conditions that span consumers. We wanted clean ingredients and to cater to as many people as possible.
Although Spudsy is taking off – we just expanded to another 4,000 stores across the country – we’re not done yet. Our goal is to expand the upcycling mission, #SaveTheSpud, while creating even more innovative, better-for-you, delicious snacks along the way.
I’m not just all work and no play! I love spending time with my family. I live with my husband and our two girls in California and quality time is big for us.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have of course been bumps along the way. One of the biggest was COVID. It was a tough time for everyone – not being able to see family and friends, the uncertainty of it all. But from a brand perspective, Spudsy was new. We were growing. To not be able to meet with buyers and our full team to keep innovation moving definitely slowed us down. We were lucky and able to come out on the other side, but there were moments that were harder than others. It was important to stay positive, pivot when needed and keep pushing. I think my combination of industry experience mixed with Spudsy’s short time on the market was beneficial. I was not tied to any set method of doing things, which can be hard when routines and protocols are established for decades. I like to be hands-on, so we were able to make adjustments where needed.
As you know, we’re big fans of Spudsy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Spudsy, the world’s first Sweet Potato Puff and Fry, was created in 2018 after I was inspired to create a better-for-you and better-for-the-world snacks that never compromise on taste, nutrition, or sustainability. We take taste seriously, reimagining classic foods that consumers know and love by putting a healthy, sustainable twist on them with Sweet Potato Puffs and Sweet Potato Fries. Why? We’re on a proud mission to #SaveTheSpud and upcycle imperfect sweet potatoes into plant-based, delicious, yummy snacks saving approximately 150,000 ugly spuds with every truckload of the finished product. Spudsy products are distributed in more than 10,000 doors across the nation, in retailers including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Wegmans, CVS, select Kroger stores and more as well as on Amazon and Spudsy.com. Choose from Sweet Potato Fries in Hot Fry, Vegan Ranch Fry or Sea Salt Fry, Vegan Cheese Fry, or Puffs in Vegan Cheesy Cheddar, Vegan Sour Cream & Onion or Cinnamon Churro.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Yes! I often attend networking events – locally and nationally. I think hearing from other brands and founders how they’ve overcome situations and taking the bits and pieces you need for yourself is going to help you become a stronger leader. I would say don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Entrepreneurs love to talk about their journey. We’ve always been told it’s not what you know but who. I think it’s a bit of both. Connections can help get you in the room, but once you’re there, you’re on your own. Find someone with a story you are inspired by personally, and do what you feel is right from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spudsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spudsyfoods
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spudsyfoods
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/spudsyfoods
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-rogers-3198aaa3
