Mika Shino is the Founder and CEO of Issei, a brand that has reimagined the gummy candy world with a heartfelt mission. Of Japanese heritage, Mika ventured into entrepreneurship to offer her children healthier candy options inspired by her native mochi. Her innovative product, the world’s first shelf-stable mochi gummies, has earned acclaim as the most innovative among thousands. With a profound background at the UN, Mika embeds a message of cultural inclusivity and the celebration of immigrant voices in her confections. Her journey from kitchen experiments to retail success embodies passion, heritage, and the power of a mother's love.

Crafting tradition into modernity isn't always a walk in the park, but when perseverance meets a vision that yearns to share cultural heritage, can the result be anything short of remarkable? What does this blending of legacy and innovation look like in practice, and what hurdles must you overcome?

Successful entrepreneur Mika Shino dives deep into the makings of Issei, a brand that has successfully infused Japanese tradition into the competitive candy marketplace with its innovative mochi gummies. From winning awards amidst giants to standing tall in the face of production nightmares, she shares her story full of challenges, victories, and invaluable lessons. Her fusion of culinary passion, cultural pride, and a mother's intuition has led to a line of products that speaks to a growing demand for diversity and inclusivity in food.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Mika Shino, Founder and CEO of Issei, about cultural innovation in the candy industry. Mika shares her journey of creating better-for-you snacks that resonate with traditional roots and modern demands, the challenges and insights of bringing innovation into a competitive candy market, how diversity and inclusion in the CPG space benefit consumers and cultures alike, and the triumphs and lessons from Issei's early production challenges.