Wangi Wellness at Newtopia Now: Reflections from Our First Big Expo
Last week was a milestone moment - our very first time exhibiting at a large CPG expo. To be honest, I was both nervous and excited walking in. It felt like stepping onto a much bigger stage, but in many ways, my time at farmers markets had prepared me well. From setting up our booth to pitching on the spot and talking to curious passersby, I realized those market days were the perfect training ground for this leap.
One thing I wish I had? A camera capturing the faces of people as they sampled our scents. The look of surprise and delight - it was divine. Those little moments fueled me through the long days.
Beyond the booth, I had the chance to pitch on two on-stage panels and sit down for a few 1:1 retailer meetings with some of the biggest names in the industry. The feedback was honest and constructive, and it gave me so much clarity on how Wangi can grow in retail.
The expo floor itself was buzzing. Investors stopped by, as did wellness gurus, marketing and branding agencies, brokers, and so many other people whose perspectives added value. Every single conversation mattered. I walked away from each one with a new insight, a new connection, or a spark of inspiration.
My step counter told the other story - > 15,000 steps every day - but I barely noticed because the energy around me was contagious. What struck me most was the passion of the other entrepreneurs: their grit, their creativity, their drive to bring something meaningful into the world.
As I reflect, I’m deeply grateful for this first big step into the CPG world. It feels like just the beginning. I’m excited to see Wangi grow and to keep building partnerships with more retailers who believe in what we’re creating.
The journey from farmers markets to expo halls has been wild, but one thing hasn’t changed: the joy of sharing Wangi with people for the first time and seeing their faces light up. That’s the magic I’ll always hold onto.
