This is the one.

Catch up with Koia! Meet Dustin Baker: Founder of Koia

Meet our Co-founder, Dustin! Dustin is the VP of Product Development and the creative genius behind our delicious plant based protein beverages. Let’s get to know him and how he cultivates innovation for our product.

How did you get involved in the natural products and beverage industry?

“I had been a very traditional meat eater and frequently eating red meat and potatoes. I didn’t feel my best or look my best, which at the time, also went along with the college and drinking atmosphere. I found it was time to clean up my health and I had some friends that were vegetarian and vegan. I started peering into that life a little more and taking an interest in it. That was around the time that the cold pressed juice craze really started, which was when Raw Nature (now Koia) took off. I feel the immediate benefits of eating plant based. I wake up feeling good and function the best on it.”

Koia has some pretty awesome and tasty flavors out. How do you get inspiration for those flavors?

“Our original flavors were staples- Cacao Bean, Vanilla Bean, and Coconut Almond. We wanted to make people comfortable switching over to a plant based protein shake. We didn’t want complex flavors that turned people off. We wanted to say, “hey there’s no sacrifice here. You can enjoy a plant based beverage and get your protein from plants versus whey sources.” We taste just as good. We’re currently expanding into some interesting line extensions that are still popular, approachable flavors, but also more on the creative side. We’re very excited about that!”

It seems like there are millions of ingredients you can choose to source from. What do you do to research the high quality ingredients that Koia uses?

“I look at flavor trends, functional ingredients, what’s trending, and what’s been around forever that maybe isn’t being used as much in the marketplace as it should be. What also inspires me is what tastes good. I like to go to the extreme or “nerd out” by visiting places and seeing what other people are doing. Then, I take the Koia consumer into consideration. I love to create a hybrid by meeting in the middle- offering healthy benefits without alienating those consumers who aren’t as interested in the extreme functional food revolution, and just want a delicious tasting drink.”

How do you find out about new ingredients and flavor trends?

“I also like to see what is popular on social media and other parts of the world such as Bali and Australia because most likely, those ingredients will make their way here. Then, with the Koia consumer in mind we can find the right time to adopt those ingredients.”

Catch Up With Koia: Meet Our Co-founder, Maya French

Meet our Co Founder, Maya! Maya is a fitness enthusiast and wants to spread the importance of plant based nutrition with Koia’s consumers. Let’s learn more about Maya!

2018 Forbes 30 under 30 class

1.) How did you get started in the natural products and beverage industry? Do you have any tips for anyone interested in getting involved in this industry?

Just by chance! I met Dustin (Koia Co-Founder) back in 2013. He was a neighbor and close friend of mine and expressed interest in starting his own company. He was making juices with the original business plan to build out juice bars in grocery stores. When that business didn’t work out, I asked if I could help him out with a new business plan. We went from there, trying out different products and I’ve been obsessed with the industry ever since!

2. What specifically sparked your interest for getting and staying involved with Koia?

I was always interested in food and loved the creativity aspect of it. Being able to put out a product you created and see the immediate response from consumers is a huge rush. It’s not only incredible to learn so much about the food industry, but it’s also amazing to learn about what consumers need right now (especially in health and wellness) and how we, as a company can contribute to that.

3.) As a fitness enthusiast AND entrepreneur how do you find time to incorporate movement into your day?

I work out with a personal trainer and have a set schedule twice a week. Movement is very important to me because because I’ve seen how much it helps with mental clarity, reducing stress, and staying healthy overall. It’s difficult to be at my best in work and life if I don’t feel my best, which is why I hold myself accountable to incorporate movement everyday.

4.) What are some of your favorite forms of exercise?

I love strength training. I’ve been doing a lot of aerobics and I absolutely love boxing for a full body workout. I’ve also been making a point to do yoga more often because stretching is so important for your joints and overall body. Other than that, I make a point to get outside whenever possible. Hiking, walking, or other outdoor group activities. That’s the luxury of living in California- Getting to enjoy the great outdoors whenever you want!