What started as a direct-to-consumer brand is today making strides across supermarket shelves nationwide as Hearn leads the company to embark on a rapid expansion, shifting from online sales to furthering their presence with brick-and-mortar retailers. Their health and fitness supplements can be found not only on Amazon and GNC's website but also in select QuikTrip and Kroger stores across the US.
"Her leadership and tenacity in helping grow Alani Nu to the brand we know today is unparalleled," said Gwynne Maiorana, senior category merchant manager at GNC. "Watching Alani Nu's immense retail expansion," she added, "over the coming months/year will be an exciting journey.
"I've been very impressed by how Elle has put every moment of her waking hours into this venture, and have been impressed to see her business grow since she first launched it in 2018, with sales tripling this year despite a global pandemic that has negatively impacted so many other small businesses," Cong said.
"Think Rent the Runway for Indian clothes — an online rental service giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate in Indian culture through fashion," Desai, who's also the company's CMO, said.