Company: The Stardust Food Company, Bethesda, MD
Nomination Submitted by: Issei
Company Description: We're a woman- and minority-owned company striving to innovate food to be beautiful, delicious and healthy — starting with Mochi Gummies. Our mission is to spark joy, honor our heritage and cultivate a community of shared core values. And through the momentum built with our community, we want to infuse more diversity and inclusion to the food sector — building bridges across cultures through food.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Female Entrepreneur – Consumer Products –10 or Less Employees
 Nomination Title: Mika Shino, CEO of Issei Mochi Gummies
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2021 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 140 words used.
Mika Shino started Issei Mochi Gummies out of a need to create better snack options for her two children. Frustrated by the existing candy options laden with animal-derived gelatin, artificial colors/flavors and high fructose corn syrup, she began to bake these gummies in her own kitchen, trying to emulate the chewy texture of gelatin by using a mixture of rice and tapioca flours. Her kids loved them. Their friends loved them. Their parents loved them. And Mochi Gummies were born. In Japan, where Mika is from, mochi is an ancient, almost sacred, snack. But they are highly perishable unless sold frozen. So through almost 3 years of research, trials and testing with a team of food and starch scientists, they were able to create the very first shelf-stable, clean-label, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, naturally-flavored gummy candy made with rice flour.
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2021 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 161 words used.
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Launched exclusively in 170 Whole Foods Markets across 4 regions where we sold out in many stores, quickly becoming the #2 best selling single-serving chewy candy
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Upgraded our packaging and manufacturing process
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Increased our business-to-consumer efficiency
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Conducted research and development to enhance texture and flavor of our product
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Selected as a finalist for Nosh Awards 2023 Best New Snack
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Participated in multiple expos — boosting our consumer awareness and recognition of our brand and product
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Selected as a finalist for Nexty Awards West
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Launched an online store
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Selected as a finalist in multiple categories for the World Food Innovation Awards 2023 (Best Snack Product, Best Plant-based Product, Best New Startup Business)
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Released new and improved texture and flavors
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Won the Mindful Awards 2023: Best New Chewy Candy
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Finalist in the Sweets and Snack Expo for Most Innovative New Product Award
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Launched in 129 Raley's Supermarts locations
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Opened Issei Mochi Gummies Amazon storefront
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Onboarded with KeHe, Hy-Vee and Costcos for a roadshow
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
These achievements are exceptional for a female entrepreneur, highlighting her remarkable success in a highly competitive, male-dominated industry. By launching exclusively in 170 Whole Foods Markets across 4 regions, she demonstrated strong negotiation skills and a compelling product. Upgrading packaging and manufacturing processes showcased her commitment to product quality and presentation. Increasing business-to-consumer efficiency revealed her effective management and organization skills, contributing to overall growth.
Investing and participating in research and development to enhance texture and flavor showcased her innovative approach to meet consumer demands. Being selected as a finalist for Nosh Awards and Nexty Awards validated the product's excellence and set her apart from competitors. Participating in numerous expos boosted brand recognition and highlighted her networking prowess. Launching an online store demonstrated adaptability and a grasp of modern consumer trends.
Recognition as a finalist in multiple categories for World Food Innovation Awards proved the product's versatility. Winning the Mindful Awards 2023 for Best New Chewy Candy attested to her dedication to excellence. Being a finalist in the Sweets and Snack Expo showcased her competitiveness among established players. Expanding to 129 Raley's Supermarts locations demonstrated effective supply chain management and marketing strategies. Opening an Issei Mochi Gummies Amazon storefront revealed her embrace of e-commerce giants. Onboarding with KeHe, Hy-Vee, and other upcoming launches display her networking abilities and strategic partnerships.
These achievements collectively portray the female entrepreneur as an innovative, resilient, and successful business leader in a male-dominated field, breaking barriers and making a significant impact with her product.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
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