The goal of Hardly Hustle is to provide inspiration, drive and motivation in a 10 minute read or less. What you see is what you get. This is hot off the press without an editing team.
Jennifer Newman is up. And...
In case you missed her story in 2021, you may want to start here first.
What is your name & current role?
My name is Jennifer Newman, and I'm the founder of JustNosh.
Explain to the audience what it is that you do, or if it failed, what you did do?
After navigating through my own health journey, and struggling to find snacks I could enjoy without digestive upset, I founded JustNosh- FODMAP friendly, collagen protein bars made from just real food. I wanted to create a protein bar (my favorite snack) that people could trust was actually nourishing, tasty and satiating.
It was very important to me that our product could easily be digested by those who typically struggle with the sugars, gluten, whey, various fibers and artificial sweeteners found in the majority of bars on the market. Beyond providing a healthy and convenient snack, my goal is to help educate our consumers about the importance of nutrition and food as medicine, something I’m deeply passionate about.
Since you last shared on Hardly Hustle, what have you been up to?
Since last sharing with the Hardly Hustle community, I have been fortunate enough to continue building JustNosh, and more. I co-founded JAG Provisions Inc with Garry Embleton, my business partner, with the goal of creating the intersection of health and convenience with a portfolio of better-for- you food products (JustNosh being one of our brands).
To make a long story short, JustNosh bars are now available nationwide on our website, through Amazon, and are sold in about 25 retail locations across California and New York. We currently offer three flavors, with more on the way, and look forward to building out our retail distribution in order to reach more consumers.
Since your last story, any responses you’d tweak or add to?
No changes! I feel grateful every day that I get to pursue my curiosities, mission and passion. Our updated website is: https://www.jagprovisions.com and instagram: @justnoshbar
What have you automated or thought about automating in your day to day to make life easier?
Walking while working! Movement is medicine, and I find that I'm cognitively much sharper in motion. If an Excel spreadsheet isn't required, I am often writing emails, taking calls or writing notes to myself while on a walk.
What hire has made the most impact for you?
1. Co-manufacturing: Almost a year's worth of work with a food scientist was required to transform JustNosh from the bars made in my own kitchen to retail ready/ shelf stable products. JustNosh protein bars are now made professionally by our co-manufacturer, which has allowed for true growth and scale.
2. Accounting: We hired an accounting team to keep our books straight on a monthly basis, and for tax purposes. I am still very involved in assigning each transaction an expense/ revenue class, but not having to worry about financial statements and tax prep has been incredibly helpful.
Has your work-life balance gotten better or worse, and why?
I have a long list of non-negotiables to keep me happy and healthy, but I truly love my work, and it is a big part of my life.
What’s one thing you’re bullish on or think is a good idea?
The real food movement will prevail. If you don't have your health, you don't have anything- I believe more and more people will prioritize nutrition, and invest in eating products made from real food ingredients.
What is one business tool or resource you can’t live without?
Microsoft Excel: Inventory, Production, COGS, Raw Materials- I manage it all in spreadsheets :)
What is one "life hack" or one tool in your life, personal or professional, that has made a large impact?
I don't know if it's a life hack, but I know that I do my best work when I am personally at my best. For me, this means that every day I do the best I can to sleep well, eat well, move my body, and connect with friends and family.
The STATS
# of Employees?
2
Current revenue?
Not provided.
Projected revenue?
Not provided.
Any call to action?
We are always looking to offer our products to like minded retailers and partners! (stores, offices, gyms, etc)
Social:
@justnoshbar
@wellfedjenn