Scooping Holistic Wellness: A Conversation with Camille Lasker of Holi Scoops
In this conversation, SEAM founder Amy Cohen Epstein speaks with Camille Lasker, co-founder of Holi Scoops. Camille shares how her journey through health challenges inspired her to create a line of health-conscious ice creams. Through Holi Scoops, Camille integrates holistic ingredients and functional adaptogens into treats that aim to bring balance, enjoyment, and wellness. Join Amy and Camille as they discuss the entrepreneurial spirit, the challenges of balancing health and indulgence, and the importance of resilience in both life and business.
Amy Cohen Epstein:
Camille Lasker, I'm really excited to have you here today. You’re a co-founder of Holi Scoops, and I think it’s great to have a “first-timer” meeting, which is really exciting. Most of my guests I’ve known beforehand, so it’s fun to do an interview with a stranger, even though we have some overlapping history. So, to answer your question from earlier—what am I doing here and why am I interviewing you? I started the Lynne Cohen Foundation 26 years ago after my mom passed away from ovarian cancer. She was 48 when she was diagnosed and 53 when she passed away. I was 21, and my little brother was 15.
After she passed, we started the foundation as a way to keep her name alive… it was just a way for people to feel connected and do something meaningful. Later, I decided to turn my focus to women’s health, wellness, and preventive care because I believe so much in the importance of staying on top of our health. That’s why I’m here. I love trying new health-conscious products and discovered Holi Scoops. I’d love to know what inspired you to start this, especially since so many people say they want to do something, but it’s rare for them to actually go through with it. So, tell me—how did you start Holi Scoops?
Camille Lasker:
Thanks, Amy! So, a little bit of background—I'm from LA and went to USC for undergrad. From a young age, I knew I wanted to start my own company someday. I was constantly coming up with ideas. Right out of college, I joined friends in launching a social media mobile app, and that was my first taste of entrepreneurship. We ran out of money within a year and a half, so I moved on to work with different tech startups. But at a certain point, I realized I didn’t feel passionate about what I was working on. I wanted something that really mattered to me.
Amy:
What was it about dessert, or ice cream specifically, that spoke to you?
Camille:
I’ve always loved dessert—maybe too much! My mom was very strict about what she allowed in our house. No food dyes, no artificial stuff. So, when I got to college, I went a little overboard with foods I wasn’t allowed to eat growing up. But I quickly realized I didn’t feel great eating that way. I’ve had health issues for as long as I can remember—digestive issues, lactose intolerance, even SIBO in my teens. Sugar was a big trigger for me. So, I wanted to create something indulgent that didn’t make me feel terrible afterward.
Amy:
Digestive health issues at such a young age can be really tough. It’s not just about finding healthy options but also navigating a diet that actually works for your body.
Camille:
Yes, exactly. And it’s difficult when you’re young, especially when people around you don’t really understand. But over time, I learned to manage my diet, even though it took trial and error. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, and eventually, at 26, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The doctors weren’t entirely sure at first, but I ended up having half my thyroid removed, which has led to more ongoing monitoring and managing medication. It’s definitely been a journey.
Amy:
Wow, that’s a lot. And you said you dealt with anxiety too?
Camille:
Yes, I’ve struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember. I even went to UCLA in high school for a meditation course and started hypnosis sessions, which made a huge difference. My hypnotherapist would connect a specific scent to my calm state, so I could bring that scent with me when I needed it. That was a game-changer for me.
Amy:
That’s amazing. I think it’s so empowering to take control of your health, especially at a young age. So, tell me about Holi Scoops—how did it go from an idea to something tangible?
Camille:
When I met my business partner, I was making dessert energy balls. I thought that might be my business idea, but she suggested we focus on ice cream instead. Halo Top was popular at the time, and we saw there was a demand for “better-for-you” ice cream. So, we started experimenting and worked with the previous formulator from Ben & Jerry’s, who helped create their vegan line. It took us two to three years to get the formula right. Eventually, we added a bit of date to make the texture scoopable without using too much sugar.
Amy:
It sounds like a labor of love! How did you go from finalizing the product to actually selling it?
Camille:
We wanted to test the market first, so we set our sights on getting into Erewhon. With some funding from a Kickstarter campaign and grants, we got our pints into Erewhon stores. It was surreal seeing our product on the shelves. We did a lot of demos to gather feedback, which helped us fine-tune both the formula and the packaging. Shortly after, we caught the attention of Sprouts, who wanted to launch us nationwide. We had to scale up very quickly, find a larger co-packer, and start working with a national distributor.
Amy:
That’s incredible growth! So where is Holi Scoops headed next?
Camille:
We’re actually pulling back on the pints for now to focus on a new product called “Discos”—small, two- to three-bite ice cream snacks wrapped in gluten-free cookie dough. We’re really excited about these, and they were a big hit when we debuted them at Expo, the largest natural food and beverage trade show. VegNews awarded us Best New Product, which was amazing.
Amy:
That sounds delicious! Can I be a tester? [laughs]
Camille:
Absolutely! We’re planning to launch the Discos soon, hopefully before the end of summer, and then we’ll work toward national distribution.
Amy:
What have you learned from this whole experience?
Camille:
I’ve learned that I’m resilient. At first, every obstacle felt like the end of the world, but over time I realized that most challenges can be overcome. It’s taught me to not take every “no” so personally—whether it’s in business or life.
Amy:
That’s a powerful lesson. And I think resilience is one of the most valuable things you can carry forward, especially in business.
Camille:
Yes, definitely. And I think all of my health challenges have helped me be more aware of what I put into my body. I’ve stopped certain habits, like hair straightening treatments after learning about the chemicals involved. There’s a balance, though—I don’t want to be so restrictive that I don’t enjoy life. Holi Scoops embodies that idea of balance—enjoying something indulgent but in a way that aligns with wellness.
Amy:
I love that. And I agree, balance is a lifelong process. It’s amazing that you’re channeling your experiences into a product that can bring joy and wellness to others. Thank you so much, Camille. This was wonderful.
Camille:
Thank you, Amy. This was such a pleasure.
Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity