Maryam Ishtiaq

Today’s guest is Maryam Ishtiaq, the chef, founder, storyteller, and mom behind It’s Actually, a bone broth brand inspired by her family, her heritage, and the healing power of food. Maryam joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about growing up in Pakistan, feeding her community, building a company from her kitchen, and how broth became the foundation for a bigger mission.

They discuss Maryam’s path from pre-med and marketing to food entrepreneurship, competing on Gordon Ramsay’s “Next Level Chef,” and what it takes to make a product from scratch without cutting corners. Plus, Maryam shares why the kitchen is the heart of her home, how her daughters became hot pot fans, and the advice she has for anyone ready to pivot.

Thank you to Miele, Whole Foods Market, and Little Spoon for supporting our show. Listeners get 30% off their first order at littlespoon.com/CHERRY.

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