Vegan Sushi, NYC, And One Unforgettable Summer

I never dreamed that I could merge my passions for business and veganism. After all, what did a movement to eliminate animal exploitation and the business world have in common? 

I discovered the answer this summer when I interned with Plantbased Solutions (PBS) and Ocean Hugger Foods (OHF). 

Plantbased Solutions is a vegan marketing consulting agency that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their plant based brands and consumer packaged goods.

At PBS I researched the latest trends in consumer demand for plant-based products in databases like Mintel and IBIS World. I then got to see how the insights I gleaned helped real companies make decisions about the best channels and methods to optimize product launches and grow their brand by attending client calls and meetings. I also researched Professional Services Automation software to organize and streamline our client pipeline. Finally I participated in the client acquisition process by researching vegan businesses and identifying their needs.

Interning at PBS showed me that I could have a career helping vegan businesses thrive and change the world. I saw the struggles new businesses faced and learned about all the vegan venture capitalists and angel investors helping launch and grow businesses. I met amazing people and learned all I could about marketing and consulting from the amazing team.

I also interned at Ocean Hugger Foods, a vegan seafood startup that created the world's first plant based alternative to raw tuna. I experienced the need for our flagship product Ahimi firsthand when we worked hard to meet demand from distributors, food service companies and restaurants around the globe.

At OHF, I wore many different hats. In the first few weeks, I became an expert on Customer Relationship Management Systems as I researched the ideal software for our need to manage clients effectively. Next, I used my finance skills as I created a master budget template for the company. Then I pivoted into a social impact role as I researched how OHF could become a B-Corp certified company. I saw the commitment the team had to giving back even with the fast paced nature of the workdays. Despite our rapid growth, everyone on the team wanted to be the best for the world, not just the best in the world.

Finally, I attended one of the largest food trade shows in the world, The Specialty Foods Association Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javitz center. With over 2,600 exhibitors from 54 countries, I worked with OHF to market the product, met people, and tasted food from all over the world.

I finished my internship by researching and compiling a 60+ slide presentation describing the seafood industry in depth; I identified opportunities for product-market fit, threats from climate change to specific types of seafood and international markets that Ocean Hugger Foods could explore.

My experience at Ocean Hugger Foods brought me to the forefront of a fast growing venture capital backed vegan startup. I saw the opportunities and challenges of starting a business. I also saw how the for profit sphere can do so much good for the planet. Working at Ocean Hugger Foods made me believe in a world where businesses do well for themselves and do good for the world.

In between productive work weeks, I made memories I'll never forget. The vegan community in New York surpassed my wildest dreams. Every week I met passionate people changing the world at various vegan meet ups. I explored some of the hundreds of amazing vegan restaurants in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, went to countless vegan potlucks and attended activism events.

Towards the end of July I went to my first Vegan Ladyboss (VLB) meeting. VLB is a global network started by the CEO of Smarties Candy Company, Liz Dee. While the group enables vegan woman to make business connections, it really does so much more. I have never felt more empowered than when I sat in a circle with a group of 50 amazing vegan woman in every sector, from real estate to entrepreneurship and nonprofits, and discussed how we can support each other.

I feel incredibly thankful to my coworkers and all the people I met in New York for making my summer unforgettable.