Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Felikian
Hi natalie , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The idea for LAV Salad Dressings was born out of a personal struggle during my time as a college student. I was passionate about eating healthy and making balanced meals, but I struggled to find convenient, single-serve salad dressings that were made with clean, anti-inflammatory ingredients and actually tasted good. Most options on the market were either packed with preservatives, made with seed oils, or simply didn’t fit the flavor profiles I was looking for.
With my background in athletic nutrition and my love for exploring bold, Middle Eastern flavors inspired by my Armenian heritage, I started experimenting in my kitchen. What began as a personal solution soon grew into a bigger vision – creating a product that could make healthy eating more convenient, delicious, and accessible for others. After two years of recipe development, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and designing single-serve packaging, LAV Salad Dressings launched.
Since then, it’s been a whirlwind journey – from introducing the dressings at local markets to pitching to hospitals, universities, and even major retailers. Seeing people enjoy and share the flavors I grew up with has been the most rewarding part of the process. LAV is more than just a brand to me; it’s a way to connect with others through food while solving a real problem for busy, health-conscious eaters on the go.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of my initial struggles was actually learning that obstacles are inevitable. Early on, I thought if I planned enough or worked hard enough, I could avoid major setbacks. But as I got deeper into the process, I realized that challenges are a natural part of building something from the ground up. Once I shifted my mindset and embraced the idea that obstacles are just opportunities to problem-solve, everything became much easier to confront.
Whether it was troubleshooting packaging issues, refining recipes, or figuring out how to introduce a completely new product to the market, I started approaching challenges with more curiosity and less fear. It’s still not always easy, but that shift in perspective has helped me stay motivated and focused on my larger mission with LAV Salad Dressings.
We’ve been impressed with LAV, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At LAV Salad Dressings, I focus on creating high-quality, Armenian-inspired dressings that are clean, convenient, and packed with bold flavors. Our dressings are made with anti-inflammatory ingredients and come in single-serve packets, making them perfect for busy, health-conscious people on the go. What started as a personal project to solve my own problem has turned into a mission to bring unique, heritage-inspired flavors to more people while promoting healthier eating habits.
What sets LAV apart is the combination of authenticity and functionality. Each recipe is rooted in the flavors of my Middle Eastern heritage, like za’atar and tahini, but they’re modernized to meet today’s demand for clean, wholesome ingredients. The single-serve format is also unique, making it easy for people to enjoy flavorful meals without worrying about waste or convenience.
I’m most proud of the way the brand connects with people. Seeing someone try LAV and get excited about discovering a new flavor or realizing how easy it is to eat healthily with our dressings is incredibly rewarding. Whether they’re used on salads, as marinades, or even as dips, I love hearing how people incorporate LAV into their everyday lives.
What really sets us apart is our focus on building the brand authentically and out loud. I’ve been transparent about the process – the wins, the challenges, and everything in between – and I think that resonates with people. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about creating a community around healthy, delicious eating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dresslav.com
- Instagram: lavdresswell
- LinkedIn: LAV
Image Credits
Elisa Oreilly
