Startup CPG hosted the second annual Shelfie Awards in September 2022. Amongst over 300 submissions and over 600 products, Funky Mello received the Shelfie Award for Best Plant-Based Product! Products were judged on taste, innovation, mission and branding.
We were absolutely thrilled to not only receive a physical award, but also get featured in their eMagazine and podcast! Check them out below.
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As a small business we know how hard the hustle is! We work hard to make something happen because we have a dream and we’re inspired to make a difference in this world.
There are lots of other companies that do the same, and this holiday season we’re inspired to shop small. When we vote with our dollars to support companies that are fighting to make a positive impact it ripples down and creates a better world for all.
Our hope is to inspire you to shop small whenever possible. Here’s a gift guide for some of our favorite small businesses. These companies are vegan, women-founded or run, ethical and amazing at what they do. They also have some great offers listed below.
What a treasure we found on Instagram! This young lady gives us all the funky feels. If you've listened to the tunes on our website this month, you know what we mean. ;)
It's been a pleasure getting to know her, and we're stoked to feature her so you can too! Check out more of her music on Soundcloud and give her a follow on Instagram.
Funky, energetic, and playful!
I've always been a musical person. Whether it was guitar, voice/choir, or hanging out with my dad and uncles jamming out on their guitars (aka his high garage band that still gigs to this day), I've felt compelled to participate in music in some way or another in my life.
Djing has helped me bring my passions to life and I'm just scratching the surface! So much is possible nowadays thanks to technology and I'm so excited to dive deeper into all it!
To help inspire other women to break into the industry. There's not enough female representation and it's about time we change that!
Also, to help connect and bring people together. There's something magical about music and the dancefloor that unites people in ways other mediums cannot, and to provide the soundtrack for these types of experiences is beyond thrilling and fulfilling to me.
My dear friend and DJ mentor, Leyl Master Black, has changed my life in the best of ways! She has encouraged me to pursue my passion for music, and is the reason why I finally started djing.
Without her I can't say I would have known how to get started, and her support and encouragement has really been a game changer. It can really be intimidating. I hope one day I can help do the same for others!
I'd probably have to say the first time I Dj'ed for an audience - it was so exciting, but also so nerve-wracking! It was such a fun time having the support of my friends, watching everyone smile, dance around, and have fun together.
The experience filled my heart with so much joy and excitement! I knew I was hooked from that moment.
"Do. Or do not. There is no try." - Master Yoda.
Not only because Yoda is all-knowing, but because this quote encourages me to keep going in times when I've felt discouraged. There's power in giving something your all!
I'm a pretty active person. When I'm not working on music, working, hanging with friends (or my cat), you can usually find me out on a run, or getting outside. Or, you'll find me scoping out the latest vegan eats in my city!
I've been told I can sing and am a good emcee - I can say I do enjoy getting up on the mic. :)
With vegan hot cocoa or ice cream!
While perusing social media late one night, we came across the groovy tunes of Krooked Kriss.
We couldn't have found a more perfect artist to kick off our "On the Rise" blog with!
Besides being featured on our website for the month of May, you can find his toe-tapping, head-bobbing beats on SoundCloud.
Please support him by sharing his music, dropping a comment, and following him on Instagram!
Now, without further ado...meet Krooked Kriss!
My name, Krooked Kriss mostly came from the city where I grew up in - Corpus Christi. A nickname for the city is "Crooked Christi". I used Ks in the name because I am a Kappa. I wanted to portray a dj that doesn't always play a typical genre. In other words, not taking the straight path but taking the "Krooked" path. Something different.
During quarantine, I started learning how to produce. The beats I am working on, in collaboration with other artists, are mostly experimental. I am still learning and discovering my sound. I love mixing different genres, from rap to underground music to top 40.
I randomly came across djing in college. At the time, I was thinking about getting into producing, and what I came to find is that there is a very steep learning curve. You have to be pretty focused and with my "ADD" I couldn't sit down and learn.
One day on eBay, I came across a $20 dj controller and just decided to buy it out of boredom. When the controller came in, I started learning on it and for the next couple nights I got absolutely no sleep. I was hooked!
My first real inspirations were Dj Jazzy Jeff, Dj Z Trip, and Dj Sleeper. They really opened my eyes to what could be possible as a dj in terms of evoking an emotion in a mix and setting a vibe.
What inspires me now would probably be any type of music I haven't heard before or stumbling across some obscure artists deep in SoundCloud. In general, artists doing their own thing; not really looking for fame but to express what they are feeling in the moment. That really inspires me.
I hope to inspire someone or help someone's day be just a little bit better. There is some much going on in the world, especially now, and if my music could help someone escape or deal with the craziness, that's all I hope for.
I would say there is no time like the present - just do it. It is easy to think you need money or special equipment to start, but it all starts with you speaking from experience. It's crazy how things will fall into place once you just start.
In order to run, you first have to walk. It all starts with that first step. You're going to fall; but before you know it, you will be walking, then running. It all starts with taking that first step.
At the moment, one of my favorite known artists is Kojey Radical. I really like his sound, which is kind of a homage to classic artists like Al Green, Bootsy Collins, and Rick James.
I like to skate jamming out to music or go for runs. My turntables are always on so I'm always messing around with them. Haha
I like marshmallows in s'mores but especially with Rice Krispies!!
You can find my music on my SoundCloud and on Instagram @KrookedKriss. Also, I have a few mixes with Hyperrhythm.
Listen and if you like, share and drop a comment. I'm always open to feedback!
I am always open for collaboration! Feel free to reach out!!
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