Ayeshah Abuelhiga is the Founder and CEO of Mason Dixie Foods, the first and only clean-label ready-to-bake line of frozen biscuits focused on providing fresh, fast, and affordable Southern comfort food. In 2017, the brand was named a Top 10 Innovator by The Washington Business Journal. Ayeshah was voted a Top Millennial to Watch in 2014 and the Number 1 Food & Beverage Stunner by Industree DC. With over 12 years of experience in marketing, business development, and project management, she has consulted and managed business development projects for Fortune 500 companies. Ayeshah has also worked in front-of-the-house positions for major fine-dining restaurants and hotels.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- Ayeshah Abuelhiga’s inspiration for founding Mason Dixie Foods and how she launched her products into retail
- Why did Ayeshah close her original restaurant and what drives her leadership?
- How companies can promote diversity in their hiring practices
- Ayeshah shares her proudest moments as an entrepreneur
- What is Project Potluck, and how does the nonprofit give back to its community?
- Mason Dixie’s current and future product innovations and plans for Expo West 2023
In this episode…
Historically, the CPG space has been male-dominated. While industry-wide DEI efforts are emerging, they’re nevertheless led by those who often lack an adequate understanding of diverse peoples’ experiences. So how can you forge your path and amplify your voice in this landscape?
As a woman of color leading an acclaimed frozen goods brand, Ayeshah Abuelhiga is confident and authentic in her brand’s direction and influence. Her company is 88% diverse because she believes that every brand can enhance its products by reflecting its consumer base. Prioritizing DEI requires lowering the barrier of entry to the CPG industry and providing people of all backgrounds with leadership opportunities. Project Potluck is an exclusive network for POC founders of CPG companies to support each other by offering access to resources and mentorship.
Join Taja Dockendorf in this episode of the Brand Alchemist Podcast as she welcomes Ayeshah Abuelhiga, Founder and CEO of Mason Dixie Foods, to talk about how she encourages diversity through her CPG brand. Ayeshah explains what drives her leadership, her proudest moments as an entrepreneur, and Mason Dixie’s product innovations.
