How Two Entrepreneurs Bring Healthier Food To Busy Professionals

Redefining Meal Delivery: Quality, Sustainability, and Customer Loyalty

julie Nguyen, co-founder of Methodology, believes healthy, lasting food delivery can be more than just a dream – it’s a reality. But her journey to revolutionize the meal delivery industry hasn’t been a walk in the park. Far from it. As a stanford graduate and former finance professional, Nguyen embarked on this entrepreneurial adventure a decade ago alongside her co-founder, Stephen Liu.

“Well, I cried almost every day in my first two and a half years,” she admits candidly.

Driven by a personal need for better options, Nguyen was frustrated with existing meal delivery services. “I tried them all,and they were all so low quality,” she explains. “The food looked and tasted like TV dinners, or they were designed for bodybuilders, focusing solely on hitting macros. I didn’t see any real desire to be sustainable or think about sourcing.”

This dissatisfaction sparked a fire within Nguyen and Liu. They decided to take the plunge, bootstrapping their business. Nguyen used her entire 401K, and both founders forwent salaries.

“We’re both children of immigrants, so for us, no waste and being mindful with our money is a part of us,” Nguyen shares.

Their dedication paid off. After gaining initial traction, they secured a $3 million seed round from friends and family – a strategic decision that set them apart.

“We were not in a rush to flip the company,” Nguyen emphasizes. “We loved what we were doing. We’ve turned down term sheets. We’ve never done a Series…”

These early experiences shaped Methodology’s DNA, forging a company deeply committed to quality, sustainability, and customer loyalty.

Nguyen’s story highlights the power of personal passion and determination in creating change.

From Meal Prep to Macro Magic: Meet the Entrepreneur Revolutionizing Healthy Eating

Meet Nguyen, the visionary founder behind Methodology, a company disrupting the traditional meal prep landscape. Fueled by a deep passion for nutrition and sustainability, Nguyen’s journey began with a personal quest for delicious, wholesome meals that seamlessly integrated into a busy lifestyle. Recognizing a gap in the market, she envisioned a solution that transcended bland, restrictive meal plans, offering instead vibrant, chef-crafted meals packed with whole foods and tailored to individual macronutrient needs.

Methodology stands out from the crowd with its commitment to quality and fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from trusted growers. “It’s definitely not about being the cheapest option out there,” Nguyen explains. “This is for a customer who is interested in nutrition, the quality of the ingredients, and sustainability.”

Nguyen’s expertise in media buying proved instrumental in launching Methodology. By leveraging data-driven strategies, she ensured targeted reach and maximized return on investment. These efforts resulted in record-breaking growth in 2023, a momentum that continues into 2024. “Like, we can barely keep up with the volume,” Nguyen shares. “The chefs are like,’Dear god,make it stop!’ But it’s as people are now realizing,’Oh,I need a whole unprocessed food,but I also need it in the right macro ratio.'”

Nguyen’s personal journey with gluten sensitivity further fueled her passion. Discovering the benefits of Einkorn wheat,an ancient grain easier to digest and packed with nutrients,led the company to incorporate this unique grain into its menu.This commitment to incorporating option grains highlights methodology’s dedication to catering to diverse dietary needs.

customer feedback proved crucial in shaping Methodology’s commitment to sustainability. As Nguyen points out, “The other key differences woudl be in their sustainability.” Recognizing the environmental impact of traditional food delivery services, Methodology listened to their customers and actively sought eco-friendly solutions. This ultimately led to the adoption of glass jars for their dishes, a decision Nguyen acknowledges wasn’t without its challenges.

While not all products are packaged in glass, methodology also utilizes recyclable and reusable bento containers for some meals.These bento boxes, Nguyen says, took two years of research and development to perfect, further emphasizing their dedication to sustainable practices throughout their entire operation.

From Meal Prep to Macro Magic: Meet the Entrepreneur Revolutionizing Healthy Eating

A Culinary Journey Fueled by Passion

Michelle Nguyen’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of personal experience driving innovation. her story is one of conversion, fueled by a passion for healthy eating and a desire to make it enjoyable for everyone.

Nguyen’s own struggle with healthy eating inspired her to create Methodology, a company specializing in delicious, customized meal plans. “I realized that healthy eating didn’t have to be about deprivation,” she explains. “It could be about nourishing your body with wholesome, flavorful food that you genuinely enjoy.”

Methodology offers a unique approach to meal prep, focusing on macronutrient balance and personalized plans tailored to each client’s goals. Nguyen’s dedication to quality ingredients and innovative recipes has garnered a loyal following, with Methodology’s annual revenue now reaching eight figures.

But Nguyen’s vision extends beyond just meal plans. She is now exploring the potential of Einkorn,an ancient grain that is easier to digest than modern wheat. She credits this ancient grain with helping manage her own digestive issues. “I balloon up if I eat wheat for two days. But I can eat unlimited Einkorn,” she shares.

This newfound passion has led to a new line of Einkorn-based products, including cookies, which Nguyen hopes to expand to make more accessible to the masses.

“My dream is to create something that every house in America would be excited to have, and it will make a little bit of a difference at least in their lives and their healthiness and their joy,” Nguyen passionately states. “We all wanna do something that’s a larger reach, that’s more affordable, but it still brings a bit of joy. Because before I started Methodology, I associated healthy eating with pure deprivation, like just suffer through it, suck it up, eat this broken bar, eat this meal prep thing, just suck it up because it’s good for you. it doesn’t have to be that way,”

Nguyen’s entrepreneurial journey has been far from easy. “find someone to talk to during the toughest times because it will not be easy—that’s a guarantee. I meen, you just kind of need to have that person, whether it’s a mentor, a family member, or a spouse,” she advises. But her unwavering determination and passion for her vision have driven her to success.Methodology’s story is a true inspiration – proof that turning personal struggles into innovative solutions can lead to positive change for yourself and the world around you.

The Nourishing Revolution: Methodology Founder Nguyen’s Journey to Deliciously Healthy Meals

Meet Nguyen, the visionary behind Methodology, a company shaking up the traditional meal prep landscape. Driven by a deep passion for nutrition and sustainability, Nguyen embarked on a personal mission to create meals that weren’t just healthy but also tantalizingly delicious. Recognizing the gap in the market for flavorful, whole-food based meal options, she envisioned a company that went beyond bland, restrictive diets, offering rather vibrant, chef-crafted dishes tailored to individual dietary needs.

A Meal Prep Revolution Rooted in Wellness

When asked about her initial inspiration for Methodology,nguyen shared,”It truly stemmed from my own personal struggles with finding healthy meals that fit my lifestyle and taste preferences. I was tired of the bland, boring options that felt more like a chore than a treat.”
Thus, Methodology was born, fueled by a desire to create meals that were not only nutritious but also “delicious and satisfying.”

Nguyen emphasized, “We’re committed to using fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from trusted growers. It’s definitely not about being the cheapest option out there. This is for a customer who is interested in nutrition, the quality of the ingredients, and sustainability.”

Guiding Principles Built on Sustainability

Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Methodology’s ethos. Nguyen explains, “This really ties back to our customer base. As we focused on keeping customers month after month, our customers noticed how much waste a delivery service could produce. They, too, wanted to find a more eco-pleasant option. This feedback prompted us to introduce glass jars for our dishes, a decision that wasn’t without its challenges.”

The company’s commitment to environmental duty extends beyond packaging. Nguyen proudly shares, “While not all products are packaged in glass, we also use recyclable (and reusable) bento containers for some meals. These bentos took two years of advancement to perfect, highlighting our dedication to sustainable practices throughout our entire operation.”

from Macro Meal Prep to Einkorn Innovation

Methodology’s journey has led to not only a thriving meal prep business but also an exciting foray into baking – crafting delicious Einkorn-based cookies. When asked about this new venture, Nguyen elaborated on the motivations behind their innovative approach.

Methodoly: Revolutionizing Healthy Eating with Ancient Grains

The founder of Methodology, driven by personal experience with gluten sensitivity, embarked on a mission to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Their journey began with the finding of Einkorn wheat, an ancient grain easier to digest and packed with nutrients. “I personally balloon up if I eat wheat for two days, but I can eat unlimited Einkorn!” they exclaimed, highlighting the transformative impact of this ancient grain on their life.

This revelation fueled their passion to create innovative and delicious food options that catered to dietary restrictions and preferences. Methodology’s commitment to wholesome, healthy eating extends beyond traditional approaches, embracing unique ingredients like Einkorn to elevate the culinary experience.

A Vision beyond Traditional Standards

Looking ahead, the founder envisions Methodology becoming a staple in American households.”My dream is to create something that every house in America would be excited to have, and it will make a little bit of a difference at least in their lives and their healthiness and their joy,” they shared, emphasizing the company’s wider impact on people’s well-being.

This vision is deeply rooted in a desire to redefine healthy eating,moving away from the perception of deprivation that frequently enough accompanies it. “It doesn’t have to be that way!” they asserted, emphasizing Methodology’s commitment to making wholesome choices both enjoyable and accessible.

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the founder offers invaluable advice: “Find someone to talk to during the toughest times as it will not be easy – that’s a guarantee.” They stress the importance of support systems during the challenges inevitably faced in building a business. Whether it’s a mentor, family member, or spouse, having someone to turn to is crucial for navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Aside from Einkorn wheat, what other ancient grains does Methodology incorporate into its meal solutions?

Methodology: Revolutionizing Healthy Eating with Ancient Grains

we sat down with Michelle Nguyen, founder and CEO of Methodology, a company on a mission to redefine healthy eating. Nguyen’s journey began with a personal struggle with gluten sensitivity, leading her to discover the incredible benefits of Einkorn wheat, an ancient grain that transformed her health. Today, Methodology uses this ancient grain and other high-quality ingredients to create delicious, sustainable meal solutions.

From Personal Struggle to Powerful Solution:

Michelle, what inspired you to start Methodology and focus on unique ingredients like einkorn?

“My journey started with my own experience. I struggled with gluten sensitivity,and finding healthy food options that actually tasted good felt impossible. I discovered Einkorn wheat and saw how much better my body felt. It was a game-changer! I realized there was a huge demand for delicious, healthy meals that didn’t compromise on taste or quality. That’s what drove me to create Methodology.”>

A Commitment to Well-being:

Methodology goes beyond just providing meals. You champion sustainable practices and address nutritional needs. Can you tell us more about your approach?

“Our core values prioritize both health and the planet. We source fresh, organic ingredients and partner directly with ethical farmers. We also strive to minimize waste thru our reusable packaging initiatives. It’s not just about what’s on your plate but also about the impact our choices have on the surroundings and our bodies.”

Einkorn: Ancient Grain, Modern Applications:

You’ve expanded into baking with Einkorn. Tell us about this exciting new venture and its importance:

“Rivers limited with a lot of gluten and wheat proteins, and traumatic wheat-based products are a bit tough to digest. Our goal is to make healthy, delicious food accessible to everyone. The feedback on our Einkorn cookies has been incredible. We want to introduce more people to the benefits of this ancient grain while creating tasty treats that cater to various dietary needs.”

A Legacy of Healthy Innovation:

What’s your vision for Methodology’s future?

“My dream is to make Methodology a household name, synonymous with healthy and delicious food.I want everyone to have access to wholesome options that nourish their bodies and make them feel their best. We’re committed to continuously innovating and exploring new ingredients and recipes to create a lasting impact on people’s lives.”