Founder Spotlight: Amy Isenberg (Lentil Telepahty)
Meet Amy Isenberg:
LENTIL TELEPATHY® is revolutionizing snacking with crunchy, toasted whole lentil creations – from savory snacks and versatile toppers to the first-of-its-kind lentil breakfast – all bursting with outrageously good flavors. Our oil-free, all-natural, and 100% plant-based approach delivers a 100-calorie, fat-free, protein-packed, and irresistibly delicious superfood without derailing better eating goals.
Location:
Oceanside, California, USA
When did you launch the business?
We sold our first bag in April 2024. The business journey began a year prior with Research and Development.
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Startup Stage?
Bootstrapped
What led you to where you are today?
Our journey began with a serendipitous kitchen mishap – a bean dip experiment gone sideways! But that kitchen catastrophe sparked an idea: What if we focus on the incredible potential of the whole lentil as a delicious and nutritious snack? Coming to this realization at the same time, my husband and I looked at each other: "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?". In a perfectly timed eureka moment, his reply, "It must be LENTIL TELEPATHY!," cemented the name and the direction of our brand.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
Looking back, I would have loved to fully grasp just how incredibly supportive and welcoming the entrepreneurial community is – it might have encouraged us to take the leap even sooner! Additionally, the sheer physicality of running a food manufacturing business has been eye-opening. Beyond the mental gymnastics of running a business, there are significant demands on physical strength, from long days in production and demos to managing the physical logistics of ingredients and finished goods.
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
Navigating the increasing interest in organic products while facing unpredictable supply chain challenges has been our most significant hurdle. The year of our launch, unfortunately, coincided with widespread organic lentil crop issues, making it impossible to secure a consistent organic supply. We made the conscious decision to launch with high-quality, naturally non-GMO lentils, achieving Non-GMO Project Verified status, and we're pleased that our customers have prioritized taste and nutrition.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
Ask me anything about lentils! 😉 The transition from my tech marketing background into food manufacturing involved a steep learning curve, so I'm happy to share any insights that could help fellow entrepreneurs entering the space.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
We're so excited about the journey we're on, elevating and innovating humble lentils in delicious and exciting new ways! We truly believe in the potential of this little powerhouse, and we've poured our hearts into creating something special. If you're curious to taste our lentils reimagined and want to be a part of our story, we've got our new range available on our website, lentiltelepathy.com. Your support, big or small, means the world and helps us continue to share the amazing possibilities of lentils with everyone. Thank you for being such a fantastic community!
Fun fact about you:
Growing up in my family's candy store in 1980s Los Angeles, I was immersed in the world of retail and had a firsthand education in customer delight (and perhaps a few too many sugary snacks!).
Anything else you would like to share?
Lentils are not only great for our health, but they are a planet-friendly and sustainable protein source. The 2025 US Dietary Guidelines increased the recommended intake of legumes to 2.5 cups a week! We proudly share our snacks on a monthly basis with communities in need through our snack donation commitment.
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