Strip Jerky, a women-founded, chef-driven brand, is transforming the beef jerky category with quality ingredients and inclusive design.
In the heart of culinary school, a young chef named Nicole faced an unexpected challenge: how to create a jerky that stood out in a market dominated by mass-produced, overly processed snacks. It wasn’t just about flavor. It was about breaking an outdated mold. Strip Jerky, Nicole’s brainchild, was born from this journey, a product that defies expectations and redefines what beef jerky can be.
From the very beginning, Nicole knew that the beef jerky industry was ripe for disruption. In a space where hyper-masculine branding reigned and flavors were often loaded with fillers and artificial additives, Schlesinger set out to create something different, something with culinary intention, simplicity, and transparency at its core.
A New Vision for Beef Jerky
Before Strip Jerky, the options on the market were narrow. Nicole, a chef with a keen eye for quality and a love for real, recognizable ingredients, was unable to find a jerky that matched her standards. Beef jerky was often a one-size-fits-all snack with little regard for flavor sophistication or consumer health. Instead of settling for what was available, she decided to create her own.
Drawing inspiration from her time in culinary school, Nicole worked to perfect a recipe. The key was selecting premium ingredients, namely, inside round beef, a lean cut known for its texture, quality, and consistency. Each batch is marinated with simple, chef-selected ingredients, free from the unnecessary additives. As the product evolved, Nicole refined her vision for Strip Jerky into a brand defined by culinary credibility, clean ingredients, and a fresh, modern design.
Breaking Barriers with Women’s Perspective
What sets Strip Jerky apart from traditional jerky brands is not just its premium ingredients but also its approach to branding. As a woman-founded business, Strip Jerky challenges the often hyper-masculine and outdated image associated with jerky products. The packaging, playful and nostalgic, offers a refreshing take on a product that’s traditionally marketed toward men. Strip Jerky is about breaking down barriers, inviting all consumers to embrace high-quality snacks, regardless of gender.
Nicole’s journey was not without its challenges. She entered a market that had barely evolved over decades, with established brands relying heavily on aggressive marketing and mass production. But instead of shying away from this tough industry, she embraced it, knowing that Strip Jerky could offer something unique. It wasn’t just about selling jerky, it was about offering a product that resonated with modern consumers looking for better ingredients, more transparency, and a fresh perspective on a classic snack.
The Turning Point
The breakthrough came when Nicole realized that Strip Jerky was more than just a product. It was a movement. A movement to modernize an industry that had largely remained stagnant. With careful planning, intentional sourcing, and a commitment to craftsmanship, Nicole began to build a brand that stood out not only for its ingredients but also for its visual identity and ethos.

Strip Jerky is more than a snack; it’s a reflection of the values Nicole holds. It’s about quality, integrity, and inclusivity. Strip Jerky is about reimagining what beef jerky could be, a premium, clean-label product that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health or design. As a women-founded brand, it offers an inclusive perspective that had long been missing from the jerky aisle, inviting consumers of all backgrounds to explore a new kind of snack.
Today, Strip Jerky is making waves across specialty grocery stores, direct-to-consumer platforms, and hospitality spaces. It’s gaining traction with ingredient-conscious consumers who demand more from their food. The product’s culinary roots, combined with a focus on premium sourcing and design, are allowing Strip Jerky to carve out a niche in a crowded and traditionally rigid market.
Building a Brand with Intention
Nicole’s story is one of perseverance and vision. From the early days of developing the perfect jerky recipe at home to scaling Strip Jerky into a recognizable brand, she has stayed true to her core mission: to create a product that’s as thoughtful and intentional as it is delicious. She believes in transparency, in providing real ingredients, and in offering a product that people can feel good about eating. By challenging the conventions of beef jerky, Strip Jerky is helping to set a new standard for the category.
While Strip Jerky has always been about creating a premium product, its success is also about changing how people view jerky. Nicole’s story proves that better ingredients, design, and storytelling can coalesce in a way that transforms an entire category. Strip Jerky is a shining example of how even the most traditional industries can evolve to meet the demands of modern consumers, without compromising on flavor or quality.
A Fresh Perspective on Jerky
What makes Strip Jerky different is the care that goes into every batch. It’s a product born from a chef’s expertise and driven by a desire to break free from the outdated and exclusionary branding that has defined the jerky industry for decades. With a focus on simple ingredients, thoughtful production, and a design-forward brand identity, Strip Jerky is setting a new standard in the snack industry.
By embracing a modern perspective, Strip Jerky offers an alternative to the status quo, a jerky that’s for everyone, not just a select few. Whether you’re a seasoned jerky lover or someone who’s new to the category, Strip Jerky invites you to experience the future of jerky, one that’s clean, flavorful, and inclusive.

Nicole Schlesinger’s journey with Strip Jerky is a testament to the power of innovation, persistence, and a fresh perspective. From a passion project to a brand redefining an industry, Strip Jerky represents the future of beef jerky, a future built on quality, craftsmanship, and inclusivity. For anyone seeking a premium jerky that’s as modern as it is delicious, Strip Jerky is the answer.
Discover more about Strip Jerky and explore its delicious, chef-crafted offerings today by visiting www.stripjerky.com or follow on Instagram at @thestripjerky and TikTok at @thestripjerky.
