Pivot! A Vegan Business Interview Series

In this episode, we sit down with the co-founder of MARPHYL Marine Phytoplankton to explore the journey of this pioneering vegan business. Harvesting wild and multi-species marine phytoplankton, MARPHYL offers a range of organic products designed to enhance soil health and promote sustainable agriculture.

Founded in 2017, MARPHYL has quickly established itself as a leader in the vegan and sustainable farming space. With a focus on environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing, the company has garnered a loyal following of environmentally-conscious consumers.

Join us as we discuss the secrets to MARPHYL's success, from their innovative product offerings to their strategic approach to business growth. Learn how MARPHYL navigated the challenges of launching a vegan business and discover valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the plant-based industry.

Get to know Benjamin and MARPHYL Marine Phytoplankton's mission better here: MARPHYL

Quote:

When you have a bad day, week, month of sales, or problem with production – just come back to your product and why you're there in the first place. Get that energy back. You're going to have bad days, you might even fail, but there is no problem in failing. It's all about trying again. If you have that drive of entrepreneurship, you will rise again and continue. 

So believe in yourself, believe in yourself, believe in your product. At the end of the day, it will work if you have a great product and you're driven. You'll have great days ahead, so don't lose hope.

–Benjamin Achache

Show notes:
🌊 [01:45] Taking all the goodness from the ocean, but sustainably – supporting the oceans is key.
💊 [03:16] Products Marphyl is making: seaweed fertilizer, the flower of sea salt, liquid salt, and plankton supplements.
🪸 [05:07] The difference between spirulina, other microalgae, and Marphyl’s supplement.
3️ [06:45] The three aspects of sustainability: producing more energy than spending in production, everything is organic and cruelty-free.
🌸 [11:36] The soil enhancer has 80 different algae in it and is compatible with all plants.
🧂 [14:04] Producing supplements and flower of the sea – a type of white salt with phytoplanktons.
👫 [18:12] Benjamin started this business with his wife because they were impressed with the power of phytoplanktons. 
🌎 [20:25] Shipping products worldwide: e-commerce covers only 20% of the market and the key is to be more present in retail. 
⚠️ [23:44]  Chemical fertilizers: extremely damaging to water streams, lakes, and soil. 
💎 [26:37] Don’t stop believing in yourself and your product: don’t give up, remember why you are here.

-----

Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our two premium paid podcasts, Going Solo and Fix It.

In this episode of Pivot! we sit down with Kim Giovacco, the visionary behind Veg Jaunts and Journeys, to uncover the remarkable story of her company's rapid expansion. Despite the setbacks of the pandemic, Kim's resilience and strategic vision helped take Veg Jaunts and Journeys to new heights.

We dive into Kim's journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and how her background in the travel industry paved the way for her success. Plus, you'll hear how Kim transformed adversity into opportunity during difficult times, building a thriving business that offers unique vegan travel experiences worldwide.

This conversation is a raw look at the challenges and triumphs of growing a business during uncertain times. It's full of Kim's valuable tips and strategies for sustainable growth and innovation.

Tune in to learn from the inspiring journey of Veg Jaunts and Journeys.

https://www.vegjauntsandjourneys.com

Join us as we delve into the story of Veg Jaunts and Journeys with Kim Giovacco, the driving force behind this innovative vegan travel company. With a background in the travel industry and a passion for veganism, Kim has transformed her vision into a thriving business that offers unique travel experiences for the vegan community.

In this episode, Kim shares how Veg Jaunts and Journeys has evolved from a small startup to a global leader in vegan travel, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. She shares her journey of resilience and adaptation and what it's like navigating the complexities of running a travel company in a rapidly changing world.

We explore the company's expansion into new geographic regions, including Africa and Asia, the innovative tours the company offers, from European adventures to whole food plant-based experiences near national parks, and how Veg Jaunts and Journeys is shaping the future of vegan tourism worldwide.

If you're looking for valuable insights into Kim's strategies for business growth and sustainability, don't miss this episode.  

Get to know Kim Giovacco and Veg Jaunts and Journeys better here: https://www.vegjauntsandjourneys.com

Show notes:
🧳 [00:43] More intimate travel experience: getting back on track after Covid.  
👩‍💼 [04:05] Kim took people on tours instead of traveling by herself: creating a business with quality as the priority. 
🇺🇸 [08:18] Entering the Covid without debt: oil-free tours in national parks and having tours in the States. 
🤝 [12:45] Having a partner sometimes can help you expand your business: sharing ideas, helping each other and creating subsidiary offers. 
🗼 [21:24] Booking for 2025 is open. 
🗺️ [22:45] What trips to Europe, Safari in Africa are like: supporting the vegan scene while having your own room. 
🌍 [27:10] Having vegan relationships internationally and expanding your community.
🌆 [28:24] Short tours in vegan-friendly towns.
🤩 [29:43] Don't be afraid to give up some control: growing means delegating and being sustainable.

-----

Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our two premium paid podcasts, Going Solo and Fix It.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Olivier Mankondo, the visionary behind Mankondo Global Ltd. Discover how Olivier lost 77 pounds in just 9 months, reversed high blood pressure, and embarked on a mission to share the life-changing benefits of a plant-based diet. Dive into his captivating story, unveiling the secrets to achieving vibrant health and vitality.

https://oliviermankondo.com

In this episode of Pivot! Olivier Mankondo, the driving force behind Mankondo Global Ltd, joins us to offer a beacon of hope for those seeking holistic wellness solutions. Olivier's journey from battling chronic health issues to reclaiming his vitality through a plant-based lifestyle is nothing short of extraordinary.

Olivier's dedication to optimal health led him to shed an impressive 77 pounds in a mere 9 months, while also reversing high blood pressure and a myriad of other health ailments. As a certified weight loss and wellness coach, Olivier is on a mission to empower individuals to take charge of their health and transform their lives.

Throughout our conversation, Olivier shares intimate details of his personal health struggles and the pivotal moment that sparked his journey towards plant-based living. His journey serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of lifestyle choices and the profound impact they can have on our well-being.

Show Notes:
🙃 [00:43] Turning your major transformation into business is possible.
🤯 [03:00] Olivier’s transition: reversing his chronic diseases in 4 months with a vegan diet.
🤢 [04:22] Detox symptoms in the first week: his symptoms were worsening but he kept going.
 💊[06:39] Suffering from malaria when he was younger: bad health and immunity reversed.
 ⚠️ [09:03] Olivier lost 11 pounds in the first week, and a total of 77 pounds in nine weeks with no medications.
 🤒[11:30] You don't have to be sick when you grow up and get older: Olivier decided to share his health experience and became a public speaker.
⚡ [14:49] Helping people is very transformational: hearing feedback from the people gives Olivier more power to continue.
🎤 [16:25] Being just a speaker was not enough: Olivier created a three-step course and discovered the power of coaching one-on-one.
📙 [18:24] Olivier wrote a book and covered 4 main topics in it.
👉🏽 [21:20] Support from your environment matters when making big life changes: Olivier was lucky and had great support around him.
👣 [23:03] Take baby steps first: introduce plant-based food slowly to decrease detox symptoms and make your transitions sustainable.
😇 [25:58] Learning all the things needed to run a coaching business.
🤩 [30:52] Looking at things from a positive standpoint: Olivier built three streams of income during the pandemic. 
🍏 [34:18] It is possible to live a disease-free life. 

-----

Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our two premium paid podcasts, Going Solo and Fix It.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Pivot! we delve into Carolyn Scott's multifaceted career as The Healthy Voyager. From her pioneering vegan travel show to her latest cookbook, Carolyn has been at the forefront of the global vegan movement. Discover how she's transforming mainstream dining, consulting with major hotel chains, and inspiring millions to embrace a plant-based lifestyle.

https://www.healthyvoyager.com/

Full Description / Episode Show Notes:

Join us for an incredibly interesting conversation with Carolyn Scott, aka The Healthy Voyager, as we explore her remarkable journey in promoting veganism globally. As a chef, nutritionist, and media personality, Carolyn has led initiatives that have reshaped the culinary landscape.

From her groundbreaking vegan travel show to her bestselling cookbooks, Carolyn's influence transcends borders. Tune in to discover how she's partnering with major brands and institutions to revolutionize plant-based cuisine.

We also explore Carolyn's latest projects, including her consultancy work with theme parks, air force bases, and even entire towns.Plus, Carolyn shares how she's leveraging her expertise to create sustainable, delicious vegan options for diverse audiences.

Check out this episode to learn the secrets to Carolyn's success and walk away with valuable insights into entrepreneurship, flexibility, and the power of positivity.

Get to know Carolyn Scott and the Healthy Voyager better here: https://www.healthyvoyager.com/

Show Notes:
🌎 [00:43] Being vegan not just in your backyard, but on a global scale.
✈️ [03:29] Healthy Vegan Show: becoming vegan and traveling was challenging, so Carolyn produced a healthy eating show that became her full-time business. 
🥑 [09:30] Carolyn wanted to learn all about veganism and cooking: a personal choice that turned into a whole new world.
🥅 [12:19] Staying consistent. But don’t wait for the perfect time for anything.
🌍 [15:02] Travelling in faraway countries as a vegan: pre-planning and trust are crucial, and people will always help if you are patient.
🧳 [18:57] How to choose your destination: many resources are on Carolyn’s website.
🌱 [20:55] Carolyn is keeping herself very busy: cookbooks, TV presentations, veganizing different restaurants, nutritional coaching, and many more.
🎯 [23:37] Don’t turn away from your dream: becoming an early adopter of social media marketing. 
🥚 [24:40] Flowing through issues: don’t throw all your eggs in one basket. 
⚠️ [27:24] Learning all aspects of business is crucial: delegating and understanding roles people are doing.
🙃 [30:54] Being an entrepreneur means being ready for changes, and being flexible – you don’t know what is around the corner. 

Links:

Website: https://healthyvoyager.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RdsmodaKovin
https://facebook.com/healthyvoyager 

-----

Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our two premium paid podcasts, Going Solo and Fix It.

Full Description:

Prepare to be inspired by the incredible journey of Nancy Leeds Gribble, the driving force behind NourishLiftGrow. Her story embodies the power of resilience and transformation. Nancy's life took an unexpected turn when she faced the profound loss of her husband to terminal cancer, leaving her a widowed single parent while navigating a turbulent real estate market. Later, she experienced the pain of losing a new love to cancer, prompting her to redefine her path and refuse to let adversity define her.

As someone who had been a vegetarian since her early twenties and a vegan for the past 17 years, Nancy's dietary choices were based on ethics rather than health. However, witnessing the devastating effects of disease and becoming the sole parent to her young son propelled her to seek the healthiest lifestyle possible. This awakening sparked a profound transformation journey encompassing health, fitness, self-development, and career.

Nancy Leeds Gribble is now the founder of NourishLiftGrow and a Plant-based Vegan Culinary Nutrition Expert specializing in empowering women in midlife. She helps them achieve weight loss, body confidence, optimal health, and vitality, making their second season of life their best season.

This episode offers a deeply moving and inspirational story of turning tragedy into triumph, embracing a vegan lifestyle, and empowering others to thrive. 

Get to know Nancy Leeds Gribble and NourishLiftGrow better here: https://www.nancyleedsgribble.com

Quote:

I think when you start your business if you don't take the time to really figure out why you're starting it. If it was ‘This sounds like it will be fun” and then you find out it's not so fun all the time, you won't sustain it. So you really want to sit down and figure out why are you starting this business? Like, what is your driving force, aside from, we need to make money, we have to make money. But what are the other deeper reasons that this is so important to you? And that's going to help you when you hit that wall, and you will hit a wall and think it's very few people that they just start a business and off they go, and they're coasting and everything is great. You're going to hit the wall, whether it's because something didn't work, whether it's life, like God the world like COVID when it hit everybody, and you're going to have to either say, at that moment, I'm out, or no, this was important. And I'm going to figure this out, and I'm going to pivot And I'm going to adjust and, and you keep doing that you keep doing that until you hit the spot. 

–Nancy Leeds Gribble 

Show notes timestamps:

🏆 [00:42] Turning tragedy into triumph and successful business.

🤸‍♀️ [02:40] Growing up with the premise she needs to be skinny: going vegan due to ethical reasons.

🖤 [04:10] Family tragedy and bankruptcy: one more tragedy and Nancy’s realization about getting more healthy is the key.

🍏 [10:32] Nancy started focusing her business on healthy weight loss: most women are undernourished. 

👉🏾 [14:49] Getting first clients: face-plant forward is failing in front of people. 

🦄 [18:55] How to differentiate yourself on the market: worrying about clients you don’t have.

🙇‍♂️ [23:05] Realizing that in a new, starting business, entrepreneurs need to be humble.

🌞 [28:34] Figuring out the deeper reasons for starting a business.

-----

Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our two premium paid podcasts, Going Solo and Fix It.

Full Description:

Mind Blown founders, mother-and-daughter team Shelly Van Cleve and daughter Monica Talbert, originally found success making gourmet seafood delicacies along the Chesapeake Bay. They started with a crab shack, Capt. Jack’s, which was wildly popular, leading them to create The Van Cleve Seafood Co.

The two began to see deep-seated issues with the global fishing industry right outside their front door, particularly with illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices from non-domestic mega-ships. As the plant-based industry began to boom, they founded Mind Blown. Rather than alienating the seafood industry with unsustainable market solutions, Mind Blown works alongside the industry.

Together, they create solutions that help to take pressure off of edge-of-extinction fish stocks, and regenerate abundant oceans, such as their future partnership with Atlantic Sea Farms, using their kelp. Today, their lineup includes Mind Blown Coconut Shrimp, Dusted Scallops, Crab Cakes and more. The company is backed by notable investors including eight-time James Beard recipient and host of Bravo TV’s Top Chef Tom Colicchio, as well as D.C. restaurateur, founder of PLNT Burger and Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn.

Get to know Monica and Mind Blown and The Plant Based Seafood Co. better here: https://plantbasedseafoodco.com/

Quote:

If you're going through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, make sure that you let the downs go every day. Let that shit go at the end of every day and start every day new and fresh. Sounds simple, but it's very, very, very important.

–Monica Talbert

Show notes:
🌊 [00:46] Vegan seafood: brands who innovate and disrupt landscapes of industries.
🦀 [03:06] Creating a sustainable seafood brand: unacceptable practices in seafood industries and innovative new products.
▶️ [06:34] Wanting to see change in the industry and food system: the journey of creating a brand.
👉🏾 [08:42] Direct-to-consumer is a great step to test your product.
🤯 [09:32] Naming your brand can be a struggle: “My mind is blown!”
🦞 [11:49] Plant-based seafood industry has the potential to address ocean sustainability issues: making vegan seafood is not easy.
🍥 [15:25] Benefits of vegan seafood: savings, consistency, and extended shelf life.
🌞 [16:43] Most changes happen from consumer demand: balance in the market and consumer demand will take 3–5 years.
🤔 [19:34] Challenges of mass adoption of new products: inflation, a problem with repeat purchases, and education of consumers.
🔑 [24:38] The Importance of gratefulness and focusing on the positive can help in running your business.
🧘‍♀️ [28:09] Handling stress differently is crucial for business owners: lean towards your mentors for help.
🎙️ [30:07] Learning from podcasts: there are so many lessons to learn from other entrepreneurs. 

-----
Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our two premium paid podcasts, Going Solo and Fix It.

Full Description:

Get ready to dive into the inspiring story of Kate Galli, the unstoppable force behind a mission to create a healthier, happier, and more compassionate vegan world. Kate's journey began in the fitness world, where she sought to transform not only her body but also her confidence. Over the years, she has helped thousands of individuals sculpt their bodies and lives in a way they love. For the past seven years, she has been dedicated to Vegan Health Coaching, using it as a powerful tool to advocate for animal welfare while promoting fitness, strength, and overall well-being.

During the episode, Kate opens up about the tensions and challenges faced by ethical vegans in their relationships. She candidly discusses the feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness that can arise when trying to navigate a compassionate lifestyle in a non-vegan world. However, Kate shares her personal story of how the toughest year of her life helped her transcend the negative emotions, while maintaining her passion for creating a compassionate vegan world.

As a Vegan Health Coach, author of "The Plant Positive Journal," and host of The Healthification Podcast, Kate is full of practical advice. She shares valuable tools, such as her 8 Step S.E.L.F. C.A.R.E. Acronym, the "Stop, Start, Continue" time magic'ing technique, and strategies to regain your exercising mojo. Additionally, she provides 10 Tips to Make Adopting a Plant-Based Lifestyle Easy, drawing from her own experiences and mistakes when she first transitioned to vegetarianism 30 years ago.

Don't miss this episode if you're looking for empowering insights, actionable tips, and a powerful story of love prevailing over hate on the journey to a compassionate vegan lifestyle.

Get to know Kate Galli and her mission better here: http://www.strongbodygreenplanet.com

Quote:

I bought into the ‘business from hell’, as I like to call it, and I learned so many lessons during that journey. The number one of which has really been so valuable is to back yourself 100%. You can't rely on circumstances or what's turning up today, tomorrow, or next year, but you can rely on yourself. And you can rely on yourself to turn up and to continually get better and to back yourself to come up with the goods. 

– Kate Galli

Show Notes:
🤔 [00:45] Dynamic changes on your business journey can be a big struggle.  
😇 [03:05] Mindset about eating and exercise choices: Kate has a lot of clients who have been with her for two decades.
✌️ [06:03] Laying foundations to success: do the do.
▶️ [09:19] Referrals are the best way to grow and maintain your business: creating a strategy that provides results.
🌞 [14:19] Journey from being a personal trainer, purchasing a franchise, and recreating all online: long-term entrepreneurs get bored and reinvent their business.
📗 [16:18] Plant Journal: vegan Trojan horse that helps to adopt a healthy plant-based lifestyle one step at a time.
⚡ [19:59] Getting professionals to help you in projects provides amazing products: creating content for Plant Journal.
😍 [22:54] Helping her mom to become vegan on Christmas: why she stopped being an angry vegan.
💚 [27:37] Focusing on love: it is hard being in a non-vegan world, but leading with love can help.
🎙️ [28:15] Healthification podcast: education in health, fitness and food.
🤓 [31:35] Importance of self-care and supporting yourself, and your body: implementing self-care steps daily for getting joy. 

-----
Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our two premium paid podcasts, Going Solo and Fix It.

In this episode, we sit down with Rey Ortega, a true pioneer in the vegan food industry. Rey's health struggles led him on a path of discovery, from battling chronic illness to becoming a successful vegan entrepreneur.

Rey's journey began with health issues that left him feeling unwell and desperate for answers. After identifying an egg allergy, he transitioned to a vegetarian diet, which significantly improved his health and led to a remarkable 95-pound weight loss. Inspired by dairy-free, eggless cookies at the Sacramento Natural Foods Coop, Rey decided to start his own vegan baking venture, the Alternative Baking Company.

Despite initial challenges and setbacks, Rey's business flourished, reaching nearly $1 million in sales. 

However, a difficult partnership forced him to start over. With a loan from a trusted friend, he founded Sun Flour Baking Company and continued to expand his presence in the vegan food market.

Rey's expertise spans all aspects of the business, offering invaluable insights for aspiring vegan entrepreneurs. Join us to learn from Rey's experiences, avoid common pitfalls, and embark on your own journey to a profitable and successful venture in the world of plant-based living.

Get to know Rey Ortega and Sun Flour Baking Company better here: https://www.sunflourbaking.com

Quote: 

When I first started an alternative baking company, I got so much slack for people not wanting me to put the word ‘vegan’ on my package. I had so many people say, “That's going to kill your sales”. I didn't care! I was an angry vegan at the time. In fact, when I became vegan, I became vegan for health reasons.

– Rey Ortega

Show notes with timestamps: 
🍪 [00:43] Cookies and entrepreneurship: health challenges and tasty pivots: dominating market with vegan cookies.
😎 [02:30] In cookie business for almost 30 years: How he became an angry vegan.
😇 [06:53] Learning how to make cookies without eggs: starting first company with just $5000 and huge passion.
😋 [08:54] Taking slack for creating a vegan baking business in 1994: giving away cookies for convincing people of its great taste.
👉 [12:30] Vegan cookies these days don't have issues with taste but with competition: saturated market.
👀 [15:20] Plant-based but not vegan: vegan products are getting to the mainstream, but we still need to look at labels.
🤕 [17:48] From illness to entrepreneurship: struggles with chronic illness made him learn about food digestion, and his sicknesses catapulted Rey into veganism.
💚 [23:25] Rey’s passion comes from veganism. 
👨‍🍳 [26:16] Vegan cannabis producer of edibles: becoming a serial entrepreneur is a natural way of entrepreneurship life. 
 
-----
Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our two premium paid podcasts, Going Solo and Fix It.

Karen Ranzi is a pioneer in the vegan and raw food movement, vegan since 1989 and raw vegan since 1994, guiding thousands of individuals and families to excellent health and wellbeing through a vegan and raw food lifestyle.

In 2020, when the COVID pandemic rocked the world, Karen Ramzi had a thriving live raw vegan coaching and classes business called Feel Fabulous With Food that she had built over decades. Karen was no longer able to host live classes for students and couldn't offer her in-person coaching appointments. Instead of panicking, Karen quickly started exploring ways she could continue to share her passion for teaching the vegan and raw lifestyle. 

By leveraging her newsletter and social media platforms in a whole new way, Karen was able to bring in more new students and clients for online classes and sessions than ever before. In this episode, Karen shares how she did it. From creating interesting content and leveraging various tools for communication to restructuring her offers to appeal to new students and clients with varied interests, Karen shows us what a truly successful pivot can look like. 

Karen Ranzi, M.A. is an Award-Winning Author, Vegan Health Coach, Autism Expert, Internationally Acclaimed Speaker, Director of the Vegan Coach Certification Course, Raw Food Health Retreat Leader of retreats in Costa Rica and the Women’s Health Retreat, and Speech/Language/Feeding Therapist. Karen has been a featured speaker worldwide for over twenty years, presenting at events such as the London VegFest and the annual Woodstock Fruit Festival. 

Get to know Karen and Feel Fabulous With Food better here: https://feelfabulouswithfood.com/

Quote

Go with your passion, get strong, realize that your mindset is going to establish your business going forward. If you're fearful of getting on camera, just look at your underlying cause. Why are you passionate about spreading the information of a vegan business? Why do you want to get your message out there? I hope today’s show will give you that solid grounding that you need to spread your own message. 

–Karen Ranzi

Show notes:

👩‍💼 [00:43] Longevity in establishing a business: Karen’s expertise and experience.
📣 [03:31] Helping people understand the vegan message through coaching and courses from  1988.
👵 [10:57] Karen’s inspirational story from her grandmother: issues with skin pushed her into the vegan way of life. 
🎯 [15:29] When medications are not working: be in control of your health and the health of the world.
😷 [18:56] Entrepreneurship during the pandemic was in panic mode: in-person events and meetings moved to Zoom.
🌞 [22:43] Transitions in business: doing things Karen never did before - using the power of social media.
💎 [27:06] Courage to do new things in business: learning new things and being willing to be visible.
📚 [30:17] Karen’s books and websites: focus on children, coaching and coaching certificates.
🔥 [35:27] Your beliefs and passion are the pillars of your business.

-----
Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our two premium paid podcasts, Going Solo and Fix It.

Get ready to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Crystal Bonnet, the mastermind behind Crystal Dawn Culinary. As a raw food chef, instructor, and cookbook author, Crystal embraces her culinary artistry as a potent form of activism, changing skeptics' minds about vegan food. Join us as we explore her captivating foray into entrepreneurship and how she leverages her passion for plant-based cuisine to make a positive impact on the world.

Having honed her culinary skills at Matthew Kenney Culinary Academy and Pure Joy Academy, Crystal's deep knowledge of raw foods led her to establish Crystal Dawn Culinary. Here, she shares her insights with students eager to discover the health benefits of plant-based living.

Beyond creating delectable plant-based menus for new restaurants and catering health retreats across Canada and Europe, Crystal is passionate about using her culinary skills as a form of activism to influence change. She shares her experiences of how she effortlessly showcases the ease and deliciousness of raw desserts, proving that choosing plant-based options doesn't mean compromising on taste or satisfaction.

Moreover, we delve into Crystal's inspiring journey as an entrepreneur. Armed with determination and a vision for a more compassionate world, she ventured into the world of business, founding Crystal Dawn Culinary almost four years ago. Throughout her entrepreneurial voyage, she has encountered failures and mistakes, but she embraces them as invaluable lessons that have contributed to her growth and success.

Join us as Crystal shares her insights on transforming failures into stepping stones and the resilience required to navigate the world of entrepreneurship. Her passion for culinary activism and unwavering dedication to her mission will leave you inspired to make positive changes in your own life and the world around you.

Don't miss this empowering episode, where we celebrate the fusion of culinary artistry, activism, and entrepreneurship with the incredible Crystal Bonnet.

Get to know Crystal Bonnet and Crystal Dawn Culinary more here: https://crystaldawnculinary.com/ 

Quote:

If you are feeling you're feeling stuck, and you're feeling overwhelmed and stressed – it will pass. Just know that this means that you're on the right path, you're growing, you are doing something important. And just keep going – they say that only 4% of business owners don't quit and keep going. So be that 4%. Be that 4% because those 4% are the ones that succeed. So just keep going and don't quit, and it will all work out.

–Crystal Bonnet

Notes:
👩🏻‍🍳 [02:03] Activism intertwined with entrepreneurship: Crystal embraced culinary activism.
🌞 [03:45] From raw food classes to creation of an online academy and raw dessert culinary course. 
👂🏻 [06:15] How Crystal serviced her community: polls, surveys, market searches and finding gaps in the market. 
😇 [08:01] Fun dehydrating series: what is a successful online course?
😎 [10:19] Crystal’s priority is her students: being present and super engaged is her secret sauce.
🤓 [13:59] The biggest risk Crystal takes: when you create a product that is not suitable for business growth.
🙃 [16:23] Managing your emotions and difficult decisions: growing and learning as a person together with your business. 
📸 [19:19] Tech challenges, photography, filming and food preparation Crystal does all by herself.
📕 [21:31] Cookbook The Art of Raw Desserts: it took two years to create this project.
🤹🏻‍♀️ [23:41] Managing multiple projects at the same time: keeping your business sustainable and having multiple revenue streams.
⚡ [26:26]  Only 50% of her students are vegans: other people just enjoy the food.
⚖️ [28:24] Taking breaks and taking time off is hard for Crystal: balancing work and her time.
🎯 [33:23] If you don’t feel like you want to quit - you are not doing it right: be the 4% of the ones who never give up!

-----

Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our two premium paid podcasts, Going Solo and Fix It.