2-Part Workshop: From First Taste to Loyal Fans: Grow Repeat Customers Organically - Session 1
This is the 1st session of a 2-part workshop. It is designed for early-stage food and beverage founders who want to organically grow repeat buyers, strengthen brand affinity, and create a product that customers remember, crave, and reorder — all without relying on paid ads.
You will learn:
Session 1: Customer Journey + Brand Story
Understand your customer journey from discovery to first purchase to reorder
Identify what makes your food or beverage brand authentically special
Craft a compelling brand story rooted in your values (eco-friendly, sustainable, ethical, artisan, cultural, etc.)
Write your brand story during the session
Get director feedback from the instructor to make your story clearer, more engaging and emotionally resonant
About the speaker:
This 2-Part workshop is led by Julie Zhu , an award-winning marketing strategist and entrepreneur. Featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur, Julie has shared her expertise at Chase, Soho House, and Columbia Business School. Julie is the creator of the Catalyst Marketing Framework, a forward-thinking, sustainable approach for small business owners to propel your business growth and visibility.
A graduate of Columbia University, she began working at Ogilvy, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and alongside award-winning artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs. Among just a few of her clients: Forbes, Entrepreneur, Chase, the Ellevate Network.
This workshop is part of the 2026 Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge online workshop series. Participants will have a chance to win up to a $20K grant for their startup businesses. Applications are due March 2, 2026. Learn more at http://queensstartup.org/