Meet the Makers Mini Interview: Blume
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Blume Mini Interview
We have the pleasure of sharing the story of Vancouver-based company Blume for May’s Meet the Maker Mini Interview. Choosing wellness while also taking time for pleasurable indulgences are daily practices in a life well lived. Blume fulfills those desires with an array of superfood latte options filled with good-for-you ingredients free from the sugars and caffeine you might want to avoid. Add in some genius flavour combinations, and the power of natural ingredients for targeted benefits like energy, focus, unwinding, digestion and getting that glow . . . what more could you ask for?
Let’s get to know Blume’s founder Karen, and learn how it all began.
Share your story with us in 150 words or less.
Hi, I’m Karen, the founder and CEO of Blume. When I was 27, I was working in commercial real estate, a very relationship-focused business and that meant a lot of coffee meetings. Over time, I developed a sensitivity to caffeine, which led to digestion and sleep issues, anxiety, and always feeling like I needed a nap by 3pm. Needing to cut the caffeine, I looked at the menu board and I didn’t find many options that fit my wellness goals. I started creating recipes for healthier versions of my favourite coffee shop drinks for people like me.
Getting from an idea to a small business is a lot of work! When did it first sink in for you that ‘this is really happening’?
The biggest pivot for me was when I decided to leave my full-time job and go all-in on Blume. While it was nice to make a steady paycheque, my heart just wasn’t in it. I was working on Blume in the evenings and on weekends and found the most happiness during those times. It was scary—and still is sometimes—but I’m so proud to see what Blume has become.
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
I love a good matcha—it’s energizing for the focus needed for all the things I need to do. I love our matcha coconut superfood latte—it’s boosted with moringa which is high in iron and matcha has some caffeine but without all the jitters. I also really love the reishi hot cacao. It’s a great choice for first-timers looking to jump into the world of superfood lattes. It’s like a grown-up hot chocolate, lightly sweet and boosted with reishi mushroom.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
My goal with Blume was to build something special. Despite women typically running profitable businesses, very few pass a certain threshold due to a number of factors: reduced access to capital, societal and family barriers, lack of role models and mentorship. I want to be a part of that shift. Fewer than 5% of businesses make it to over $1M; only 2% of women-led businesses get to that level. Fewer than 1% of all businesses make it to over $10M. I want to build a team and a community of women who are proud of the work we do and the value we create in the world. It’s a big dream but I’m so excited that Blume is on pace to hit a milestone that very few businesses reach and even fewer women-led businesses have the opportunity to hit.
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
I love how easy it is to access the outdoors in Vancouver. I live in North Vancouver where mountain trails and oceanfront walks are only a few minutes away. I grew up in Ontario so Vancouver feels pretty magical at times—even in the rain.
Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
I start with a superfood boosted coffee, of course. I love a slow Sunday morning with crosswords or maybe some time with a book in my garden. My breakfast faves are sweet over savory. I'm proudly a pancake girl!
What are your personal top three tips for feeling amazing?
Getting enough sleep. Nobody messes with my 8 hours.
Finding healthy recipes that you love and don't feel like a compromise.
Spending time off your phone and connecting with the outdoors.