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.
Stephenie Harris
Founder and CEO, Maven Cocktails
Stephenie Harris′ love affair with the wine and spirits industry began after college when she landed a sales gig with distributor Monsieur Touton Selection Ltd. “I didn′t have much in the way of wine knowledge,“ she remembers, “but I had a persistence and desire to learn.“ Today, she still has those qualities, plus her own brand, Maven Cocktails, which offers premium, gluten-free, low-calorie vodka cocktails that are ready to drink and eco-friendly. “We start with only the highest quality, all-natural ingredients that are sourced from sustainable or renewable plant-based origins,“ she says. “We use recycled materials and natural inks in creating our packaging. Our bottles and packaging are fully recyclable and do not negatively impact the ecosystems from which they are sourced. We also operate our business with green practices in mind, from allowing our employees to work remotely to encouraging the team to share documents digitally to cut down on needless printing.“ The cocktails are currently available in New Jersey, New York and Texas, and Harris will be actively expanding into new markets throughout 2015. “Creating something new is difficult and you will face continual challenges,“ she says, “but you can′t let them slow you down. You have to face them head on and learn from those hurdles. …No one ever said that making your dreams come true was going to be easy.“
