Experts

In 2018, Martha founded her company, Storied Goods, makers of infused Sugar Cubes for cocktails, coffee, and tea. In 2019, Storied Goods won a Best of Virginia for the Rose Petal Sugar Cube for Champagne and in 2020, was a finalist in the Garden & Gun Best of the South Awards. Storied Goods Cubes are now found in major retailers and small boutiques across the country.Martha Bourlakas is a former instructor for police officers, traffic safety school participants, middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students. Receiving her MFA in 2012, she published two books, Love Feast: Together at the Table, and Our One Word: Creating Spiritual Joy and Depth. Pre-Pandemic, she led Our One Word spiritual retreats for women across the county. Martha is wife, mother to three daughters, the oldest of whom has autism, and resides with her husband and two dogs in the mountains of Virginia.

Lex Evan is the Founder, CEO & Chef of LEXINGTON BAKES.He is focused on building the company into the next great American bakery brand rooted in empowering consumer choice, improving equitability, and inspiring radical change in the food world.Before founding LXB, Lex developed his expertise in design and brand strategy through a 15-year career working in CPG.Spending a decade of his career at Johnson & Johnson, Lex led the design, strategy, and creative direction of iconic global brands, products, and teams for some of the world's most impactful beauty, health and wellness brands.Alongside his career in design, Lex also founded three previous startups, including a digital publication, a design marketplace, an LGBTQ+ activism apparel brand, Alt Pronouns, and a subsequent digital platform, Queerist.He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Montclair State University.

Brett Christoffel is the visionary founder and CEO of All Y’alls Foods, a mission-driven company specializing in plant-based proteins that are as delicious as they are impactful. With a passion for compassionate living, Brett’s leadership has seen All Y’alls Foods grow from a bold idea into a thriving brand, offering innovative products with a deep commitment to sustainability, animal welfare, and a better food system for all fuels Brett’s drive to make plant-based eating accessible and enjoyable. Through All Y’alls Foods, Brett supports Rowdy Girl Sanctuary by donating a portion of every sale to help rescue animals and promote compassionate farming alternatives.Under Brett’s leadership, All Y’alls Foods has introduced exciting, certified non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan flavors such as Prickly Pear Teriyaki and Cinnamon Churro, all while creating healthier, more sustainable snack options. Brett’s relentless pursuit of quality, innovation, and ethical business practices has positioned All Y’alls Foods as a leader in the plant-based protein space.Brett is also known for connecting with customers, promoting kindness and sustainability, and creating a sense of community through product storytelling. This approach is exemplified by the introduction of Luna the Longhorn, a mascot who embodies All Y’alls Foods' core values of compassion and sustainability. Brett’s work is not just about creating great food—it’s about fostering a kinder, more sustainable world.

Allissen Adams, an expert blender and a budding entrepreneur in the wine world. Her boundary-pushing work on Lolli's high-ABV line is a testament to her innovative spirit. Allissen's creations are quickly gaining a loyal following crowning her as a role model for other women who are brave enough to push the envelope in their own industries, by putting a creative twist on tradition.Becky Azevedo, an expert blender and a trailblazing force in the world of wine making. Becky s relentless in her pursuit of delivering the sweeter taste we all want in our wine. At Becky's heart is a desire to empower and uplift other women. She is breaking in a traditionally male-dominated industry with the introduction of what many are calling "the next viral wine".