How a ‘Miracle Tree’ Launched a Multi-Million Dollar Superfood Brand

Hosted by

Ian Peterman

Guest

Lisa Curtis

Founder & CEO | Kuli Kuli Foods

Sponsored by

Watch on YouTube

Imagine discovering a single plant so powerful it could transform health, fight climate change, and empower communities worldwide. That’s exactly what happened when Lisa Curtis tried moringa while serving in the Peace Corps. A decade later, she turned that discovery into Kuli Kuli Foods, bringing this ‘miracle tree’ to 11,000 stores across the U.S. 

In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman dives into Lisa’s journey—from launching her first moringa product to scaling her brand nationwide. Lisa shares how she overcame retail challenges, built an ethical supply chain, and why sustainable superfoods like moringa are the future of nutrition. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a sustainability advocate, or just curious about how food brands grow, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 

Notable Moments

  • 00:34 The Origin Story of Kuli Kuli
  • 02:33 Building a Market for Moringa & Overcoming Retail Challenges
  • 08:59 Scaling a Superfood Brand: Product Development & Market Expansion
  • 17:11 Consumer Trends & E-Commerce Growth During COVID-19
  • 23:40 Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability: Building a Climate-Smart Food Brand
  • 34:41 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

About Lisa Curtis and Kuli Kuli Foods

Lisa Curtis is the Founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods, the leading brand pioneering the sustainable superfood moringa. Moringa is a protein-rich leafy green that is more nutritious than kale and offers anti-inflammatory benefits comparable to turmeric. Kuli Kuli’s superfood powders and snacks are sustainably sourced from African women and other small farmers worldwide and are sold in 11,000 U.S. stores.

Lisa began working on Kuli Kuli while serving in the Peace Corps and has since grown it into a multi-million-dollar social enterprise. Before founding Kuli Kuli, she served as the Communications Director at Mosaic, where she led a team of six to grow the company from the ground up to over $5 million invested in clean energy. Previously, Lisa wrote political briefings for President Obama in the White House, served as a United Nations Environment Programme Youth Advisor, and worked at an impact investment firm in India.

Lisa has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Female Founders list. She has also been featured in numerous outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and MSNBC’s Morning Joe.

Kuli Kuli is the leading brand pioneering climate-smart superfoods like moringa in the U.S. Moringa is a naturally energizing green superfood packed with protein, antioxidants, and vitamins. Kuli Kuli offers the highest-quality, most sustainable superfoods by partnering with local entrepreneurs and sourcing directly from small farmers, with a focus on African and women-led social enterprises. Kuli Kuli’s superfood powders and snacks are available in 11,000 stores nationwide

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