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ar·ti·san /ˈärdəzən/ noun

A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.
synonyms: craftsperson, maker

We believe
food is love…

  • It nourishes the body, mind and soul and like most things, is best when shared.
  • Collaborative iteration produces better, faster results.
  • Knowing and applying the science of food in a meaningful, positive way is an art.
  • We are all accountable to contributing to a healthier food system.
  • Curiosity, listening and a human centered approach is a great place to start the design process.

Food Science with Heart

Creating real food that is safe, delicious and consumer centered is our passion. We bring just enough science and a whole lot of joy into every project we do. Sound fun?
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She can consistently identify key business issues and drive for a positive outcome.
“I have had the opportunity to work with Jeni on many projects over the last 15 years – from innovation and product development on billion-dollar brands to business strategy on pre-launch concepts. In each, she has proven to be an invaluable asset to ensure the best possible chance for a successful outcome. She possesses a unique blend of pragmatism, creativity and resiliency, which, in concert, enable her to consistently identify key business issues and drive for a positive outcome. When I have a business challenge or just need a sounding board, Jeni is invariably one of my first calls.”

Karl Mejia
CEO
JL Darling LLC

 

Meet the team

We’re a small but mighty female founded innovation team, focused on making food better by making the cleanest, tastiest and most responsible products we can. Our crew of food loving chefs, creatives, food scientists, nutritionists and engineers are constantly learning and experimenting with new ways to do just that, one bite at a time.

Jeni

founder & ceo, proud mama, super taster
Jeni Ellick has over 20 years of CPG food Innovation experience spanning fortune 500, mid-sized family-owned and emerging equity backed companies. After 15 years developing winning products, leading teams, and creating growth strategies inside companies – Conagra, Krusteaz and Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP, she founded Artisan Row. Jeni also serves on the BOD of Naturally MN and mentors for several food hubs and accelerators. When not feeding her passion for contributing to a better food system, you can find her cooking at home, tending the vegetable garden or biking with her son, Griffin.

Tori

dairy expert, rockstar mom, hobby gardener
Tori has over 15 years of experience in food product development, working with Kraft Foods, Kemp’s and supporting startups, private label customers and food service customers. A strong technical background blended with talented concept development and project management bring depth and breadth. She has launched on-trend frozen desserts, drinks, natural cheese, snacks, and meal solutions as well as found co-packer solutions for several products categories. In her free time, she enjoys dabbling in watercolor, a good concert, and making memories with her kids.

Kenzie

Pastry enthusiast, food scientist, rom-com buff
Kenzie is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota’s Food Science program and is our newest product developer after supporting Artisan Row as a technician during her senior year. Prior to AR, she gained 7 years of Pastry experience from restaurants including Bellecour and Edward’s Dessert Kitchen. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants in the Twin Cities, frequent trips to the bookstore, and baking birthday cakes for close friends and family.

Nali

HPP specialist, green thumb, hoarder of hot sauce
Nali has over 15 years of food industry experience and is passionate about the space where cherished food traditions and modern innovation connect. Specializing in positive food technologies, specifically high-pressure pasteurization (HPP), human nutrition, and health-focused product innovation, she is the founder of Venn Food Group LLC, and is a certified functional nutritional therapy practitioner. Nali is also the R&D Principal for NāTIFS, a nonprofit organization committed to restoring indigenous food sovereignty, and promoting indigenous foodways education. She loves animals, getting creative in the kitchen accompanied by good tunes, digging in the dirt, and soaking up the magic of the great outdoors with her family.

Sarah

regulatory expert, 3-boy mama, nutrition warrior
Sarah Prasky MPH, RD has 20 years of experience working with several leading food manufacturers. She combines her education in nutrition with extensive knowledge of food labeling to guide and develop labels that meet government requirements and industry trends. She has worked on FDA and USDA regulated platforms and excels at product label development, nutrition claim strategy and development, regulatory compliance and nutrition communication. Her passion for nutrition and health has her regularly introducing new recipes to her husband and 3 boys, taking a class at the local gym, or playing a family sports game outdoors.

Malia

Creative Operator, Rooted in Wisdom, Adventure Seeker

Malia is a pro at turning big ideas into seamless operations, combining intuitive problem-solving with a get-it-done attitude. A former educator turned entrepreneur, she has a knack for organizing chaos, inspiring teams, and finding the fun in every challenge. When she’s not streamlining workflows, you’ll find her chasing new adventures with her husband in Arizona, exploring local breweries, or traveling to places that fuel her wanderlust. As a mom of three grown children, she’s learned the art of balance and keeps mental health and personal development at the heart of her journey. 

Hilary

Strategy Aficionado & mom

Hillary has 15 years of diverse, successful insight and strategy development experience. She’s led insight development acress CPG, including consumer packaged food and electronics, both retail and food service. She has developed strategy at the company, category, brand and product levels. Unconvering whitespace. isone of her passions. She has led research in five continents, and has been the right-hand woman of sales, marketing, R&D and finance counterparts. When she’s not thinking strategy, you can find her paddle boarding, wine tasting or playing pretend with her daughter.

Brands we’ve worked with

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