Meet the Makers Mini Interview: Hornby Organic
/
Hornby Organic Mini Interview
Hornby Organic Energy Bars and new O-Snack Bars are tremendously popular as healthy, grab-and-go, gluten-free snacks. What you might not know is that this local family business was inspired by another great product we love: Hornby Island Energy Balls. Back in 1993, Trish Vet perfected a recipe of rolled oats, peanut butter and honey, rolled into snack balls in carob, sesame, and chocolate dipped varieties. It was a huge hit at the Hornby Island Co-op and her business—which is still going strong today—was born.
The original recipe was passed down to her son, Irah, who joined forces with his wife, Cayleigh, and transformed it into a new format with new flavours, and launched Hornby Organic Energy Bars. It’s a wonderful story of a cross-generational family working together, entrepreneurial innovation, and the power of simple, wholesome ingredients, made with love. Co-founder, Cayleigh, shares the story with us.
Share Hornby Organic’s story with us in 150 words or less.
Hornby Organic was founded on a simple family recipe. Co-founder, Irah Vet, grew up on beautiful Hornby Island where, as a young boy, he remembers helping his mom, Trish, load up their old station wagon and deliver her much loved Hornby Island Energy Balls to health food stores along Vancouver Island. We truly have Trish to thank for her ever-popular recipe that you have come to enjoy as Hornby Organic.
Fast forward to today and the Hornby Organic founders, Irah and Cayleigh, are on a mission to make delicious and affordable organic foods without their planet or customers paying the price. Located in the Comox Valley, the founders still make all their delicious organic energy bars with a small, dedicated team. Hornby Organic is not here just to feed, but to also foster a community of inspiration and movement towards an organic future.
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’?
I think the “this is really happening moment” came to us at our first industry tradeshow in Vancouver. We had borrowed Irah’s parent’s minivan, built a booth out of wood and galvanized metal, and quickly realized that no one else really did this. In turn, we turned some heads and ended up creating a great deal of attention and buzz. The positive feedback from retailers had us leaving the show brimming with excitement, but also somewhat terrified with what we had just created and how real it all started to feel.
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
It will always be a toss-up between the Chocolate Espresso and Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter. Both flavours keep us coming back for more and we take it as a really good sign that we both still enjoy a bar every single day. Whether it is to get us through the mid-morning production shift, or if we are out on a bike ride, we still can’t seem to get enough.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
Both Irah and myself are very curious people. We find immense satisfaction by overcoming challenges and looking at our business through different lenses to ensure we are making the best possible products for our customers.
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
In the Comox Valley you get the ocean, forest, rivers, mountains, and gulf islands all at your fingertips. Both of us, having grown up in this area, couldn’t imagine living anywhere else, it’s truly special.
Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
Our ideal Sunday morning would start with cooking a delicious and hearty breakfast, with our son, and then afterwards hitting the trails for a family bike ride.
What are your personal top three tips for feeling amazing?
As entrepreneurs, it can often be hard to find balance and make time for self-care. At a minimum we always try to make room for:
Getting enough sleep.
Getting outside into nature, even if just for a few minutes, it sure can work wonders.
Disconnecting from devices and social media whenever possible.
Hornby Organic: On Their Website | On Instagram | On Facebook