Meet Alex Harvey! From launching high-growth products to consulting for top CPG brands, Alex is making waves in the world of sustainability, nutrition, and operations—and we’re lucky to have them as part of The Shop SLC community!
When they’re not leading innovative projects, you might find them soaking in the energy of Creative Mornings, discovering hidden gems in Salt Lake City, or enjoying the simple joys of working alongside friendly faces (and a few cute office dogs).
Read their full story and get inspired!
1. Tell me more about your company, what do you all do?
After two years at Blueland, a sustainable home-cleaning products company, I transitioned to Zena Nutrition, a fast-growing supplement start-up, where I serve as a Senior Project Manager. My role spans beyond traditional project management—I also contribute as an R&D scientist and a BizOps lead. You may have seen our products, including greens stick packs/bags and liquid collagen, prominently displayed at the front of your local Costco, where we have nationwide distribution for three SKUs. In addition to my work at Zena, I consult for several high-growth CPG start-ups, supporting them in R&D, co-manufacturing, and project management. I consider myself an operations generalist—originally trained as a food scientist, I earned my PMP certification during COVID in 2020, which propelled me into broader operational and strategic roles across the CPG space.
Currently, I’m exploring my next full-time opportunity with a high-growth product brand while also evaluating the feasibility of launching my own consulting business full-time. To deepen my expertise, I’ve been taking courses from IDEO U on leading complex projects and human-centered design thinking, equipping myself with the skills to navigate and thrive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven environment. If you have any insights or advice on growing a consulting practice, I’d love to hear them!
2. What is your favorite part about the work that you do?
What I love most about what I do is the opportunity to collaborate with so many innovative teams across the health, wellness, and sustainability spaces. Working in both a fast-paced supplement startup and as a consultant for high-growth CPG companies allows me to build meaningful connections, tackle complex operational challenges, and continuously learn about groundbreaking research—whether it’s in functional nutrition, sustainability efforts, or climate change studies. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how cutting-edge science and strategic execution come together to create products that make a real impact.
3. How has being a member of The Shop Workspace impacted your work and creativity?
As someone recovering from a bad hip injury and working to build community in a new city, The Shop has been an incredible outlet. After spending weeks working from home in December, I found myself feeling low-energy, distracted, and unmotivated. To break the cycle, I started working from Publik Coffee Roasters a few times and quickly realized how much simply being out of the house and around people boosted my motivation and overall well-being. Since joining The Shop, it’s been a game-changer knowing I have a go-to space that helps me reset whenever I’m feeling drained or stuck. While many of the people around me work in completely different fields, just being in a space where others are focused and driven has had a huge impact on my own productivity and creativity. It helps me get out of my own head, shift gears, and approach my work with fresh energy.
4. Share a memorable moment or achievement that happened while working at The Shop.
One of my favorite moments at The Shop was a rare Friday visit when I unexpectedly stumbled upon a Creative Mornings gathering. I walked into an energetic crowd filled with smiles, a counter full of coffee and donuts, and an atmosphere buzzing with creativity. Instead of heading straight to my usual quiet spot on the fourth floor, I decided to settle into a booth on the side and take it all in. As the event kicked off, I was immediately drawn in. The speaker began by emphasizing their mission—that everyone is creative, regardless of their profession—which resonated deeply with me, even as a scientist and process-driven thinker. It was a refreshing perspective that sparked my curiosity and sense of belonging in a space I hadn’t initially considered my own.That experience left a lasting impression on me. I’ve since signed up for their mailing list and plan to attend more Friday sessions. Even if only half the content directly applies to my work, the energy and people alone make it well worth it.
5. What’s your favorite thing about the community at The Shop Workspace?
Friendly people who are always good for a smile or a quick chat. I personally need to be better about talking to more folks around the space, but I know from my initial interactions people are very kind and willing to help. Additionally have to add – cute dogs 😊
6. Any advice for fellow members or entrepreneurs considering coworking spaces
If you’re feeling isolated without a team to interact with daily or just need a fresh source of inspiration, I highly recommend joining a coworking space. It’s more than just a place to work—it’s an opportunity to connect with a broader community, gain exposure to local events and networking groups, and create an environment that works best for you. One of the biggest advantages is the flexibility to customize your experience. For example, I love having a locker to store a dual monitor for days when I need extra screen space, as well as a blanket for when I bring my dog. I’ve also considered a dedicated desk for more storage, highlighting the range of options available to fit different work styles and needs.
7. What are your top three favorite spots in SLC?
As someone who has spent the last two winter/springs in SLC and now having made the move to call SLC home full-time I have really put energy into trying to find unique spots and/or events that make a place feel like home. Coming from calling Seattle home the last 6 years and Chicago for 7 years before that, I am definitely used to larger cities with a more booming arts, culture and food scene. However, I have quickly found if you put in the work you can find plenty of gems right around the corner here in Utah.
So some of my favorites I have found and can’t wait to explore more:
1.Fountain Records SLC: As a part-time audiophile & full-time vinyl and music lover, who loves collecting new and old vinyl, I found Fountain Records SLC, just a couple blocks away from The Shop one day while wandering after work. Looking for a few new albums, I ended up finding an incredible community who just loves music. With a built in coffee shop and 100’s of used records to comb through you that was appealing enough, but then learned on Wednesday and Thursday evenings they have Avant Garde community Jazz nights in their basement from 7-10pm with other ad hoc concerts as well. Hot tip: follow them on Instagram for the latest events. A great article in the Salt Lake Tribune on this record store and another about how they are fostering an all-ages community around music in SLC here.
2. The Front Climbing Club: This gym truly has it all. With locations downtown and in South Salt Lake/Millcreek both spaces have massive rope climbing walls and tons of bouldering walls. They also offer great yoga and group fitness classes. The best part in my opinion is that the recent expansion of the downtown gym included an addition of a pottery studio in which classes and open wheel time are INCLUDED in membership, as long as you have or buy supplies. Unreal perk in my opinion. They also have a great outdoor space in spring/summer/fall for working, eating, lounging.
3. Tulie Bakery & Kings English Bookshop. These two gems are conveniently right across the street from each other on 1500 E in the Wasatch Hollow neighborhood. Tulie Bakery in my opinion (as someone who is addicted to baked goods) is one (if not THE) best bakery in Salt Lake City. From the croissants, to the walnut brownies, to the olive oil cake, I don’t think you can go wrong there. Also, across the street you will find the King’s English Book Shop, which is a charming, small, local bookshop that has been around since 1977. If you love turning pages as a break from screen time like myself – I highly recommend this place to buy your next read.