Ashlee was born and raised in Boulder, CO, where the natural beauty and culture of health and wellness helped to shape her world outlook and ultimately bring her to the Natural Foods Industry. She has a BA from Colorado University in International Affairs and earned her MS from Penn State, where she studied Geography with an emphasis on global food systems. Her passion for all things food easily translated to the broker world, where she has worked with Colorado-based natural retailers for the last four years. She has expertise calling on Natural Grocers, Whole Foods Market, Pharmaca, and Lucky's Market, and is always eager to expand her knowledge and build relationships with new retailers. 

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In her free time, Ashlee nurtures her obsession with food by working to deepen her knowledge and understanding of ethnic ingredients, techniques and flavor profiles. She also has a keen interest in helping things grow, keeping an outdoor garden and tending her indoor "garbage garden" composed of items often thrown away but with a little help can be productive again. Whether in rain, sunshine, or snow, she can also be found outside with her husband and her dog, Jack

Brandon was born in SLC, Utah.  After high school, he joined the US Air Force and worked in Avionics.  He mostly worked on the electronics and radar systems of F16s and F22s in CA, CO, TX, MN, VA, and Iraq. 

 

After his time in the military, he studied Psychology and Sales / Business Management at Weber State University.  He spent 10 years in the hospitality industry working for Hilton Worldwide.  He then started working for KeHE as an independent sales representative in Park City and Heber valley before joining the Yin Yang Naturals team.

 

Brandon's free time is spent at the gym, in the mountains / national parks, and traveling the world.  In 2022 Brandon entered a national fitness / physique competition, eliminated in the final round leading to the Top 3. 

Dayna was born and raised in the vast empty state of Wyoming, where she spent summers on her grandparent's ranch.  She learned how to cook, bake and raise a garden from her grandmother.  After receiving an Associates Degree in Fine Arts, she moved to Denver, Colorado to continue her education. 

 

It was in Denver in 2000 that she started working at a Whole Foods Market and discovered her passion for organic and gourmet foods.  She started on the Customer Service Team and worked her way around several departments,  stores, and states before finally realizing her calling as a cheesemonger.  Dayna is a Certified Cheese Professional through the ACS.  She has been a Team Trainer, Buyer, Associate Team Leader and Team Leader. She loves merchandising and using her creativity, is passionate about food and loves sharing her knowledge with customers! 

 

In her free time, Dayna can be found in the pottery studio making mugs, bowls, and other functional products.  She enjoys concerts, museums, and spending time with her many pets. She also needs a certain amount of "ocean time" every year and her partner makes sure to plan vacations accordingly.

Kristen was born and raised in Orange County, California, where she spent most of her early years playing soccer and keeping up with her 6 siblings playing sports, skiing, and hanging out at the beach. She graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a degree in Psychology. During her time there, she worked on campus with the UCSB Health and Wellness team, educating students on nutrition and various health topics. She decided to pursue this passion after graduation by becoming a Certified Nutritionist while gaining hands-on experience working with herbs and supplements at Lazy Acres Natural Market in the Vitamin/Bodycare department. 

 

Kristen continued to gain industry experience in Sales Representative and Brand Building roles, and Vitamin/Body Care Managerial roles at both Lazy Acres and Sprouts Farmers Market. Eventually, this experience steered her towards corporate leadership roles such as Natural Living Analyst and Advertising Coordinator for Lazy Acres and Bristol Farms Markets.  

 

Outside of work, Kristen loves to read and learn about Chinese Medicine, health and longevity hacks, and personal development. She also loves hiking, biking, going to the beach, meditating, and spending time with family.   

Martin was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. He started his career in the Natural Food Industry in 2010 at Whole Foods Market. The attraction to natural, organic foods was instant. Through hard work and determination, Martin quickly rose through the ranks and became an Associate Team Leader where he oversaw all of the Grocery operations and ensured that he had the best looking store. He is well versed in the daily operational duties of Natural Foods Stores and knows how to make product stand out. 

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Outside of work, Martin enjoys working on sound for film and recording up and coming artist.