Meet Audrey Martinez

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Audrey Martinez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Audrey, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient.” —Dr. Steve Maraboli

When I started Audrey’s Chia Cookies, my vision was simple: to share the health benefits of chia seeds with as many people as possible through delicious cookies. As someone who has always been health-conscious, I believed this was one of the best ways I could make a positive impact. However, entering the food industry without prior experience was no easy feat.

With the initial recipes developed in 2018 with the help of a local chef, I reached out to a local cookie co-packer who not only refined the recipes for production but also introduced me to key industry players. Navigating packaging design, selecting suppliers, and figuring out how to get our cookies into consumers’ hands proved to be much more complex than I anticipated. Despite the tough and competitive nature of the business, I’m incredibly proud of our progress.

We’ve faced numerous challenges, from being pulled off the shelves by the FDA for a labeling issue to navigating the impacts of COVID-19 and inflation. Each obstacle, including the countless rejections, has taught me the importance of perseverance and not taking no for an answer.

My resilience stems from constantly reminding myself why I started this journey: to make a healthy difference in the world. Additionally, I strive to be a role model for my kids, showing them that life’s challenges can be overcome with determination and a positive mindset. It’s the strength we gain from overcoming difficulties that lasts a lifetime.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Audrey’s Chia Cookies are an all-natural, Non-GMO, Better-For-You cookie where we combine flavor with the functional power of chia seeds that fuel the body while satisfying your cravings for a sweet, indulgent treat. Unlike traditional cookies, Audrey’s Chia Cookies are packed with the superfood, chia seeds, to provide all the health benefits of chia.

Some have dubbed me the ‘Chia Queen’ for my enthusiasm in promoting the health benefits of chia seeds. While I’m flattered, at heart, I’m simply a wife, mom, runner, outdoor enthusiast, and now, a proud business owner. Staying healthy has always been a priority, but it wasn’t until I trained for my first marathon at 50 that I truly discovered the incredible power of chia seeds—and became a firm believer.

From the moment I started incorporating chia into my training routine, I noticed real changes in my energy, endurance, mental clarity, and gut health. The benefits just kept adding up! How could something so tiny deliver such a powerful boost? Suddenly, I felt like I could run forever, and I became determined to weave these nutrient-packed seeds into my everyday life—and share them with everyone I knew.

I wanted to create something that not only fuels the body but also satisfies those sweet cravings. That’s when the idea struck: my favorite treat—crisp, crunchy cookies.

With the help of a talented chef, I brought Audrey’s Chia Cookies to life. Each cookie is packed with chia seeds and crafted with high-quality ingredients.

It’s all about indulging yourself—and those you care about—in a better way.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Passion: My journey into the food business stemmed from my passion for healthy eating. I was driven by the desire to offer a healthier cookie option and an easy way for people to incorporate chia seeds into their diet. It took countless hours of internet research and conversations to get started, but I was committed to bringing this healthier, flavorful cookie to the market.

Resilience: Resilience has been key to my journey. Every business faces challenges, and it’s essential to have the tenacity to overcome them. Many factors are beyond our control, but I relied on my faith that a way would always open up—and it always has. Trusting in this process has kept me going.

Industry Knowledge: Through extensive research, I gained a deep understanding of the CPG world and how it operates. This knowledge has been crucial in making informed decisions and navigating the path toward growth and profitability.

Advice for New Entrepreneurs: My advice for those starting their journey is to always remember why you started. If your initial strategy isn’t working, be flexible and try different approaches. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, take proactive steps to address them—the solutions will come. For instance, I originally launched a different chia seed product, but when it didn’t resonate with consumers, I pivoted and incorporated them into my favorite snack: cookies.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

At Audrey’s Chia Cookies, we’re always eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations. We’re particularly interested in partnering with social media influencers who share our passion for healthy living and delicious snacks, as well as investors who believe in the potential of our brand.

If you’re an influencer looking to promote a health-conscious brand or an investor wanting to be part of an exciting growth journey, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us on our website at audreyschia.com or connect with us on our social media channels. Together, let’s bring Audrey’s Chia Cookies to more people who crave nutritious and tasty treats!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.audreyschia.com
• Instagram: @audreyschia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AudreysChia
• Linkedin: Audrey Martinez

Image Credits

Tommie Girl Photography