Growing a Legacy, Naturally
She and her sister, Hayley, partnered with a 10th-generation Icelandic skyr yogurt maker to create a dairy product unlike most others sold on mainstream American shelves. Theirs is made from organic whole milk, packed with protein and probiotics, lactose-free, and lightly sweetened with fruit and organic cane sugar.
“We use milk from our own fourth-generation organic regenerative dairy farm, along with milk from other like-minded farms in the region,” Painter explains. “Our farm remains the heart of our business — grounding us in our roots and connecting us to the ingredients and values that define Painterland Sisters.”
After securing startup funds from a grant and support from a business loan, Painterland Sisters sold its first cup of organic Skyr yogurt in March 2022. After three years, a crowdfunding campaign and a seed round, 6,000 stores across all 50 states made space on their shelves to sell the creamy, nutrient-dense yogurt.
“We’re trying to get consumers high-quality products from a farmer at the convenience of their everyday lives, which is retailers,” Painter says. “We’ve expanded to include some of the most recognized names in grocery, such as Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Publix, Natural Grocers, Giant, and even our beloved hometown chain, Topps.”
Their certified organic skyr yogurt creates a meaningful connection between consumers and the source of their food: the American farmer. With educational, eye-catching packaging that combines warmth and visual appeal, it sparks curiosity and invites consumers to discover the story behind their yogurt. This approach fosters an authentic, approachable connection rooted in transparency and trust.
Featured multiple times in Forbes magazine — including its 2024 “30 Under 30” food and drink list — Painter credits 体育买球’s business school for helping her build a strong foundation in everything from finance and strategy to management and marketing, all of which she utilizes every day at Painterland Sisters.
“Using our yogurt as a vehicle to tell the greater story of farming allows us to engage in educating consumers aboutdairy’srolein a balanced diet,” Painter adds. “This brandof storytelling and education has allowed us to overcome misconceptions, connect people to the land, and stay trueto our mission.”
Pictured above, Stephanie Painter (right) and Hayley Painter (left) are co-founders and co-chief executive officers of Painterland Sisters Icelandic Skyr Yogurt.
