Meet Riana Lynn | Founder & Creative Scientist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Riana Lynn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Riana, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I have a beautiful work-life balance that I am evolving now in my mid-30s. When I started as an entrepreneur in my early 20’s, my life was a whirlwind of activity, ambition, events, and stress. I was always on the go, constantly chasing the next big thing, and pushing myself to the limit. Rest was a foreign concept to me, something reserved for the weak or the lazy. I believed that success came only to those who were willing to sacrifice everything else in pursuit of their goals. This toxic mindset permeated every aspect of my life, from my relationships to my work ethic. Rest! – please.

Communication was another area where I have grown and believe it’s so key to success in business. I often prioritized speed, vision, and design over impact and — even with an impact business. Today, I’ve made a conscious effort to prioritize the relationships that truly matter to me, to cultivate a healthier work culture that values balance and well-being and joy, and to listen to my own needs rather than constantly seeking validation from external sources like venture capitalists or media quips. This shift in perspective has not only made me a happier and more fulfilled individual but has also positively impacted the success and sustainability of my business endeavors.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Certainly! Journey Foods is more than just a business for me; it’s a passionate vision that embodies my commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community impact. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of excellence in leveraging technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to revolutionize the way food is produced and consumed. We help companies reformulate recipes and supplier plans through AI Food Science Bots and deep research.

I’m incredibly proud of our team’s dedication to creating positive change in the food industry and our ability to empower companies to make healthier, more sustainable food products accessible to billions of people worldwide.

The journey to where we are today hasn’t been easy. There were a lot of naysayers of AI, but now the tides have changed five years later. There are challenges with being a small disruptive company that looks to significantly change thousands jobs in a way for the return of good health to millions – it is a paradox we are working through along with being a female founder. We’ve overcome these challenges through listening to the market, and our customers, finding more ways to persevere, and by surrounding ourselves with a supportive network of global partners and allies who believe in our vision.

Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about the importance of creativity, adaptability, and staying true to our core values. Every setback has been an opportunity for growth, and I’m grateful for the lessons learned from each experience.

What I want the world to know about Journey Foods is that we’re more than just a company; we’re a movement towards a more sustainable and equitable future for food systems. Our brand is built on a foundation of innovation, integrity, and social responsibility, and we’re committed to making a meaningful impact on many, many eaters and the companies that serve them. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to nutritious, sustainable food options, and where making supply chains sexy are celebrated in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would pick my friend up from the airport then bring them home to SW Atlanta where the vibe is now, we’d walk to Lee and White on the beltline and get a quick coffee before doing the most, I would then take them to the art galleries at ADAMA in Pittsburgh Yards and then Spelman Museum for some great black art. After a little stretch, we head up for lunch in Buckhead at Lucian Books and Wine.

We’d then stop by for a little hike at the Watershed in the West End (WAWA) before napping and then dinner at Mujo and a nightcap drinks at 7 stages theater in Little Five Points.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Dela Wilson – Axle Impact Studio delawilson.com axleimpactstudio.com

Website: rianalynn.io

Instagram: rianalynn

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rianalynn

Twitter: rianalynn

Facebook: …rianalynn

Youtube: /rianalynn

Other: journeyfoods.io