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.

From Charleston to Jackson Hole, San Francisco to Santa Barbara, Katherine Knowlton is a classically trained chef, wellness entrepreneur, and founder of Happy Chance—a brand rooted in ingredient integrity and sustainable, better-for-you food. With over 15 years in the culinary world, Katherine has worked as a private chef, recipe developer, and creative force behind intimate events and wellness-forward meals for discerning clientele—including prominent public figures and global tastemakers.Trained at the San Francisco Cooking School, Katherine blends classical technique with a deep passion for functional, nourishing food. As a private chef and sustainable food advocate, she creates elevated dining experiences centered on whole ingredients, seasonal cooking, and thoughtful sourcing. Whether through her clean-label hemp capsules or curated catering menus, Katherine is dedicated to helping people feel their best—through food made with intention and integrity.Explore her culinary work at katherineknowlton.com.