Meet the Makers Mini Interview: Big Mountain Foods
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Jasmine byrne and kimberly chamberland
Big Mountain Foods Mini Interview
What a pleasure it is to introduce you to Kimberly and Jasmine, the mother-daughter team behind Big Mountain Foods! This Vancouver company was one of the pioneers in the plant-based protein movement, bringing veggie patties to the market in the 1980s. Continuing to innovate and expand, their recent development of revolutionary soy-free tofu products is ensuring that their mission of “creating food for everyone at the dinner table” is being met. Learn more about this fantastic family business in our mini interview with Jasmine Byrne, who came on board as Chief Operating Officer of Big Mountain Foods in 2013 to join her mom in the business.
Share your story with us in 150 words or less.
Kimberly Chamberland, and I, Jasmine Byrne, are the mother-daughter duo behind Big Mountain Foods. What started out as a tiny operation creating one of the first veggie patties in North America in the ‘80s, has now grown into a recognizable plant-based brand sold in 3500+ stores across the continent, all while still sticking to our roots of creating food for everyone at the dinner table.
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’?
Our move into our 70,000 sq. ft. facility in Delta was our 'pinch-me' moment. It was a strategic move that vastly increased our capability to move and scale. It also solidified our decision to be the first soy-free tofu manufacturer in the world and was a surreal moment for Kim and I.
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
I've had most of our products throughout the years so I wouldn't say I have a favourite because they're all so good in different dishes, but I will say I'm most excited for the Soy-Free Tofu. Even after being in the market for a year now, the momentum is gaining with consumers on how revolutionary the Soy-Free Tofu is. It really is the premium plant-based protein in the market. We've seen it used for just about any dish, for breakfast, dinner, dessert, you name it. Its macros are amazing—we've had many people in the fitness space start picking it up and they’re loving how easy it is to incorporate in meals.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
Above everything, I think Big Mountain Foods is a family business at its core. We've grown a lot and added more team members throughout the years but we've kept that same spirit. We also call our community, the 'Fam' and that's what motivates me the most. We're not just doing this for ourselves, but for the millions who have known us to create food for everyone, loved by everyone and good for everyone.
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
Vancouver, Canada is where I grew up and this is where Big Mountain Foods was also established. Being in the Pacific Northwest, it truly is a hub for health & wellness. We grew our business within the diverse culture of our local community, which inspired us as we created the textures and flavours we loved.
Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
Sunday morning always involves blending up a yummy smoothie, some breakfast bites and hemp heart pancakes and taking my 3 year old son for an early morning adventure. We try to get into the ocean when the tide is out as there is nothing like a morning dip!
What are your personal top three tips for feeling amazing?
As busy as your day gets, make sure you allocate the first part of your morning to yourself. Whether it's stepping outside into the fresh air first thing, having coffee, breakfast, or working out, having that 'me-time' gets your day started at a slower pace. My days are hectic and get really busy, so this is a great start.
Throughout the day, take small breaks. A 5-10 minute break that you take every hour or so, even when you don't need it, is much more helpful than having to take a break because you feel overwhelmed. This allows you to gather your thoughts, rest your mind and get your focus back on.
The last tip would be to not overlook sleep, especially during a busy week, when it seems difficult to get your 8 hours in. Your sleep the night before determines your mood, and energy levels for the day.
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