For the 157th feature of our "Together Talks" campaign, we collaborated with Smoodies and Keren Dorner, President/CEO. SMOODIES are premium organic plant-based frozen smoothies with minimal effort. Each frozen SMOODIES kit consists of a unique combination of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, spices, and butters. They use over 40 different raw ingredients in our 12 different SMOODIES to save you the time, effort, and shelf space. SMOODIES are flash frozen so you can keep them for up to a year without sacrificing nutritional value or flavor. As you open a SMOODIES kit you’ll find the perfect balance of ingredients for two 8oz drinks. Simply pour the contents of the kit into a blender, add a liquid and blend for 30 seconds, no cutting, mixing, or preparation required!
"Together Talks" feature # 157: Smoodies presented by KLS - Your Trusted Shipping Solutions In The USA
Can you reflect on a goal you set, achieved, and how it made you feel? Goals for upcoming year + Next phase of the company?
What were your concerns to transition to starting your own business? How have you dealt with being the face of the company?
How have you grown due to becoming an entrepreneur? What aspect of entrepreneurship do you appreciate the most? Share a decision that you made that was detrimental? What is your why?
Story of how it was created?
Before starting Smoodies, I was a software engineer. At the time, I was also married to my husband, whom I had been with since I was 15. After we separated, I found myself as a single mom, navigating a new chapter in my life. That’s when the idea for Smoodies began to take shape.
I’ve always been passionate about healthy eating and organic options. Suddenly, I needed quick, healthy solutions to fit my new, busy lifestyle. I started experimenting with recipes that I’d created in my mind, all focused on natural and wholesome ingredients. The turning point came when I came up with the name Smoodies. It felt perfect because it captured the essence of what I wanted to create: smoothies designed to influence our mood and how we feel.
From that moment, everything started to come together. The name wasn’t just catchy—it represented the heart of the brand and became the driving force behind the company.
What separates you from your competition?
At Smoodies, we focus on mood. Each smoothie is named after a specific mood, and the ingredients are carefully chosen to support that feeling. Whether it’s energizing, calming, or nourishing, the flavors and nutrients are tailored to help people feel their best.
We aim to create something that not only supports the body but also uplifts the mind. This holistic approach, blending nutrition and emotional well-being, truly sets Smoodies apart from other options on the market.
What have been the biggest challenges?
From the start, I self-funded Smoodies—I didn’t take any outside investment. While that allowed me to maintain full control of the company, it was a significant financial undertaking. For example, when we secured a nationwide partnership with Sprouts within a year, it was an incredible milestone. But scaling up production to meet that level of demand required a substantial investment.
Another challenge was dealing with our initial distribution company. They included a clause in the contract that I missed, which allowed them to withhold payments for a few months. That was a huge setback, but it taught me a critical lesson: always read every detail of an agreement, and work with partners who share your values. There are great companies out there that genuinely support small businesses, and finding the right fit is essential.
Can you reflect on a goal you set, achieved, and how it made you feel?
Getting Smoodies into Costco was my ultimate goal—and we finally achieved it! It took over two years of negotiations, but we officially launched in the Northwest region this month.
I traveled to Utah with my daughter to see Smoodies in Costco’s freezer section, and it was an incredible moment. It wasn’t just a small corner in the freezer—it was a big, noticeable display. Seeing that after all the hard work and persistence felt amazing. Sharing that moment with my daughter made it even more special.
Goals for upcoming year + Next phase of the company?
The next phase is to expand Smoodies nationwide in Costco and establish partnerships with premium grocery stores like Whole Foods. Our core demographic is health-conscious consumers who value convenience, and these stores align perfectly with our mission.
Beyond grocery stores, we want to explore partnerships with hotels, casinos, and other venues where healthy options aren’t always available. Expanding accessibility and making Smoodies a go-to solution for busy people is our primary focus.
What were your concerns to transition to starting your own business?
For me, it wasn’t about fear—it was about mindset. I believe that fear leads to doubt, and doubt can cause you to focus on obstacles rather than solutions. Instead, I focused on my goals and stayed determined.
When you have the right mindset, everything starts to align. You figure out what needs to be done and push forward. That mindset has been crucial to my journey as an entrepreneur.
How have you dealt with being the face of the company?
When you meet with big companies, it’s not just about the product—it’s about you. For example, when I pitched Smoodies to Sprouts in Arizona, I felt like 50% of their decision was based on me and 50% on the product.
The frozen aisle is extremely competitive, with limited shelf space. To secure a spot, you have to sell not just your product but also your vision and personality. Being authentic and passionate has been key to building trust and partnerships.
How have you grown due to becoming an entrepreneur?
When Sprouts decided to launch Smoodies nationally, they initially wanted to start regionally. But a week later, they changed their minds and asked for 30,000 units within six weeks. At the time, I didn’t even have a manufacturing facility or employees. But I made it happen, and it felt amazing to reach that goal.
I’ve learned that I don’t let stress or setbacks hold me back. When challenges arise, I focus on solutions instead of dwelling on problems. This journey has pushed me far outside my comfort zone and taught me so much about myself.
What aspect of entrepreneurship do you appreciate the most?
The freedom to try new things. I love being able to make decisions and chart the course for the company. It’s challenging—especially as a self-funded business—but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
What is your why?
I dream of building an empire. I want everyone to know what Smoodies are. I want our products to be in stores nationwide, in hotels, and even in places like casinos where healthy options are harder to find.
Smoodies are vegan, gluten-free, and accessible to so many people. We want to make a real difference by offering a convenient, nutritious, and delicious solution that fits into busy lives.
Do you have a moment that brings you the most joy?
Taking my daughter to Costco to see Smoodies in the freezer section was one of the most powerful moments for me. Sharing that experience with her felt like a full-circle moment—not just as a business owner but as a woman. It was a reminder of how far I’ve come and what I’ve built from the ground up.
As a woman, there’s something deeply empowering about creating a business, facing challenges head-on, and succeeding in an industry where competition is fierce. I want my daughter to see that women are capable of achieving incredible things, no matter the obstacles. My hope is that she grows up believing in herself and her ability to chase her dreams, just as I have.
Piece of Advice
Just start! Don’t let your dreams stay dreams because of your fears. Take that first step, and you’ll figure everything out along the way. It might feel daunting, but once you start, the path forward becomes clearer.
Promo Code
Purchase Smoodies off of their website and use the code below:
KLS10 -> 10% off!
In Closing
KLS wants to thank Smoodies and Keren Dorner, President/CEO, for today's "Together Talks" feature. Follow along for their journey with their social handles below!
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