Eco-preneurs 2015
Co-Owners, Hip Chick Farms
Serafina Palandech and Jennifer Johnson are the hip chicks behind Hip Chick Farms, a company that produces all-natural, free-range, organic chicken meals sold at Whole Foods, Safeway and grocery stores across the country. The idea came about as a result of Johnson′s other job, working for a family in San Francisco as a private chef. (She has also cooked at Chez Panisse, the famed California restaurant founded by Alice Waters.) “Jen′s passion for food was combined with our belief in creating sustainable food systems,“ says Palandech. “The field chose us—natural foods are our way of life.“ The couple, who will be in Food & Wine this month, credit many mentors for their success, including folks at Amy′s Kitchen, Cowgirl Creamery and Three Twins Ice Cream. (“Everyone has been so generous with their time,“ notes Palandech.) But Palandech and Johnson are generous, too, giving back some of the money from their sales to non-profits and participating in their community whenever possible. And while they admit being a lesbian-owned business has exposed them to some discrimination, they don′t let it get in their way: “No matter what happens, we believe in our vision and our family and know that we will succeed.“ Their advice to others? “Always say yes, but never take no for an answer!“
These out entrepreneurs embrace a greener business model.
Genny LaMorgan
Owner, GreenWomanStore.com
The first thing you′re likely to notice about GreenWomanStore.com is the sheer variety. The site sells everything from raw mascara to menstrual cups to a women′s history coloring book (because it′s never too soon for the young ones to learn). More impressively, though, the site offers shopping with a conscience via products that are fair trade, green and made by women, not to mention that owner Genny LaMorgan gives back between 50 and 80 percent of each sale to manufacturers. “As a consumer, I wanted better access to safe and woman-identified products that are female-sourced,“ she explains. “As an entrepreneur, I wanted our products to be mainstreamed and inspire other women to follow their passions.“ A big boost to her business was being chosen by StartOut′s Lesbian Entrepreneur Mentor Program. (“It was wonderful working with another lesbian who shared and understood the woman-identified focus, branding and online marketing strategies of my business,“ she says.) Ultimately, she sees her business and others like it as having a lasting effect on both the economy and the environment: “Shopping woman-made and increasing women′s share of world trade reduces poverty among women. Women spending their income according to their own priorities is how we move toward a cleaner, greener world for future generations.“
