Spark Series 02 - Product Development and Launch with Allyson Straka

Welcome to the Spark Series, where we ignite conversations with innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers creating real impact. Our goal is to spark ideas, share journeys, and inspire action.

The goal for the Spark Series is to inspire students to think like entrepreneurs, reflect on key concepts, and apply what they’ve learned to their own ideas and goals.

EPISODE 2 - Product Development and Launch with Allyson Straka
Allyson Straka is the founder and CEO of Frozen Garden, a Valparaiso-based company making it easier to eat real fruits and vegetables, without added sugars or shortcuts. What began in 2016 as a small-batch smoothie startup has since grown into a multimillion-dollar brand offering Overnight Oats, Garden Bowls, and other plant-based foods available online and in stores nationwide. In this episode of the Spark Series, we explore how Allyson turned a $500 website and a simple idea into a thriving venture. We discuss early-stage product development, customer feedback loops, MVP testing, and the lessons she learned launching and scaling a business grounded in health, sustainability, and innovation.

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The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest contributes to economic and community development as the champion of innovation and entrepreneurship in Northwest Indiana. For more information about the Society of Innovators, visit www.pnw.edu/soi.