Summary:
Lauren Chew, founder of Love+Chew, turned a plant-based cookie side hustle into a $3 million business.
Chew started baking in her kitchen and distributed samples to local stores, eventually securing national distribution in Sprouts, Whole Foods Market, and select Costcos.
She faced challenges like the prioritization of long shelf life over health and fluctuating commodity prices.
Chew is passionate about changing the broken food system and creating healthy, accessible, and delicious plant-based options.
She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to take action, find their 'why,' and commit to their passion, even if it's just an hour a day or week.
From Home Kitchen to Costco Shelves: One Woman's Journey Building a $3 Million Plant-Based Cookie Empire
Lauren Chew, founder and CEO of Love+Chew, started her cookie business as a side hustle while working in the renewable energy space. Driven by her passion for plant-based living and a desire to create healthy and delicious treats, Chew experimented with vegan egg alternatives and discovered the power of chia seeds and dates in baking.
Hitting the Pavement and Scaling Up
Chew started baking in her own kitchen, secured a home cottage license, and then took the bold step of distributing samples to local grocery stores, coffee shops, and even corporate offices. The response was overwhelming, leading to a large order that quickly outgrew her home setup. This pivotal moment marked the start of Chew's journey to scale Love+Chew into a nationally recognized brand.
Overcoming Challenges in the Food Industry
Chew faced numerous challenges in the food distribution system, including the prioritization of longer shelf life over health and the low margins in retail. She also experienced the impact of fluctuating commodity pricing, particularly for cocoa.
Despite these hurdles, Chew's determination and the quality of her products led to Love+Chew's presence in major retailers like Sprouts, Whole Foods Market, and select Costcos. The company achieved $3 million in revenue last year and is on track for even greater success.
A Mission Beyond Profit
Chew is passionate about changing the broken food system. She believes in creating accessible and healthy products without compromising on taste or ingredients. Seeing Love+Chew on shelves nationwide fuels her mission to provide consumers with delicious, plant-based options that are good for both their health and the environment.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Chew emphasizes the importance of taking action and finding your 'why' for starting a business. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to commit just an hour a day or a week to explore their passions and build something meaningful. Ultimately, she believes that success comes from a combination of hard work, dedication, and a genuine belief in the value of what you're creating.
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