18 Chestnuts was founded by Ilona Kossoff. After working in law and accounting, and as CFO of a commercial real estate company she co-owned with her husband, Ilona craved a creative outlet. She completed a 200-hour yoga teaching certification, and enrolled in the prestigious Cornell University healthy living nutrition certification program.

Ilona had been passionate about nutrition, health, and good food for much of her life – and making soup for just as many years. So, when she received her certification from Cornell, it all clicked. This was the creative spark she had been looking for! She spent the next several months learning, creating and refining, and 18 Chestnuts was born.