Today we’d like to introduce you to Brie Smithey.
Hi Brie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Being born with one kidney, clean eating is a way of life for me. After immense frustration of the protein bars currently on the market made with low-grade protein, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, but being marketed as “high quality,” I created my own line with passion + purpose; from my health to yours! I’m committed to offering premium quality products backed by advanced quality assurance testing. I believe in the power of consuming clean, high-quality ingredients, nothing artificial, and no preservatives.
I started making these bars for myself personally, and once I put them for sale in at the time a tea cafe + event center that I owned, they quickly became a hit selling out almost daily, leading me to open an ecommerce store where they became an even bigger hit nationwide. They are enjoyed by health + fitness enthusiasts, models and professional athletes throughout the US.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When I first created my recipes, it was through good old trial and error. To get premium quality ingredients with nothing artificial and no preservatives to last longer than a day in a package was difficult. Then to nail the taste + texture was another hurdle. But after many failed attempts, I found the right balance and Brie’s Premium Bars were created!
After five years of small-batch production, I’m now scaling to large production manufacturing where I’ve faced numerous struggles. I’ve gotten really good at turning obstacles into opportunities to come up with creative solutions. As a young female, I’m constantly being underestimated. I’ve learned to stand my ground and not take “no” as an answer. The manufacturers have tried to persuade me to do business as usual and be like the other bars on the market (adding preservatives, artificial flavors and sweeteners). I’m not here to be like everyone else. Even as I grow, I’m staying true to myself and my brand, keeping my standards high while choosing people > profits.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Brie’s specializes in premium protein bars that are Kid Tested. Athlete Approved. Model Loved. We’re also a lifestyle brand that helps you Feel Good. + motivates you to Do Good. It’s a Brie’s! We’re committed to offering premium quality products that you can trust and are nutritious.
I’m so proud to offer a premium quality protein bar that others can enjoy knowing they are backed by advanced quality assurance testing and contain functional ingredients that will help them Feel Good. Brie’s Bars are also Informed Sport certified (batch tested for banned substances prior to release into the market) so that professional athletes can safely enjoy them.
Brie’s Bars are setting a new standard of protein bars, making a difference where there needs change!
We are also on the 2021 Forbes Next 1000 list!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Stay true to who you are as a person and as a brand. Don’t cut corners, and always choose people > profits. Fight for what you believe in and stand your ground. Be willing to do whatever it takes to get you and your brand where you want to go. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. I appreciate the opportunity I have to make a positive impact on people’s lives + careers, I’ll never take that for granted!
Contact Info:
- Email: bries.fit@gmail.com
- Website: www.bries.fit
- Instagram: @briesbars.fit
- Facebook: Brie’s Bars
- Twitter: @briesbarsfit
