In this episode of Her CEO Journey, we sit down with Venessa Stonehouse, the founder of Mindful FÜD. Venessa’s journey from running a food truck to creating a successful plant-based brand is nothing short of inspiring. Mindful FÜD isn’t just about tasty vegan products—it’s about making a positive impact with every bite, including their unique honey alternative made from upcycled apples. Join us as Venessa shares her insights on scaling a business in the CPG industry, building a brand that’s both sustainable and innovative, and securing crucial partnerships with major retailers. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, Venessa’s tips and stories are packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Discover the story behind Mindful FÜD, the challenges Venessa has overcome, and her vision for the future of plant-based food.Key TakeawaysEntrepreneurial Journey: Venessa Stonehouse's entrepreneurial journey started at a young age with a food truck business and has evolved into her current venture, Mindful FÜD.Challenges in the Food Industry: Venessa faced various challenges, including finding a co-packer, scaling the business, and navigating the complexities of the food industry.Financial Planning: Financial planning is essential for CPG businesses. Venessa discusses bootstrapping and using financial modeling tools.Co-packing Partner: Finding the right co-packing partner is crucial. Venessa's experience highlights the importance of careful selection and negotiation.Margins: Understanding margins is essential in the low-margin CPG industry. Venessa emphasizes factoring in all costs before setting prices.Retail Relationships: Building relationships with retailers can lead to significant growth. Venessa's experience with Save-On-Foods demonstrates this.Rejecting Deals: Saying no to deals that don't align with your business goals is important. Venessa turned down offers from Costco and IGA.Marketing Strategy: A strong marketing strategy is essential for CPG brands. Venessa uses Amazon as a marketing tool and reinvests profits into marketing.Investor Alignment: Finding an investor who aligns with your vision is crucial. Venessa focuses on partnering with investors who offer more than just funding—they bring valuable expertise and connections to the table.Financial Discipline: Strong financial discipline is essential for entrepreneurs. Venessa learned this from a young age.Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing data and financial tools is crucial for making informed business decisions.ResourcesMindful FÜD website: mindfulfud.comMindful FÜD on Instagram: @mindful_fudFollow Venessa Stonehouse on LinkedInInvestment platform FrontFundrConnect with Christina Sjahli on LinkedIn Enjoyed This Podcast?If you enjoyed this episode and found it inspiring, we'd love for you to share it with your community and leave a review. Your support helps us keep bringing you the stories and insights that matter to women in business.
