E5: Aishwarya Iyer of Brightland

“Optimists make things happen and change the world. Pessimists just pat themselves on the back when they’re right.”

Aishwarya Iyer was never dead-set on becoming a founder, let alone of a fine foods brand. Before founding Brightland, she spent a decade in the world of tech, venture capital, and startups, becoming an in-demand communications leader. After a move to California and, by chance, learning about pervasive low quality issues in the olive oil market, Aishwarya started Brightland in 2018. You can find their California olive oils, vinegars, and honeys stocked across shops in nearly every US state. Shane sits down with Aishwarya to discuss the challenges of being a solo founder; the relationship between brand, product, customer, and team; and how family keeps her centered amidst it all.