Meet The Makers Mini Interview: Alkeme
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Alkeme Mini Interview
One of the many things we admire about our fabulous local vendors is their deep commitment to not just tastiness, but to overall health—and Melinda and Todd of Alkeme definitely exemplify this! After leaving the corporate world behind, they dove wholeheartedly into the world of creating truly nutritious food. Alkeme is a line of of artisan gluten-free breads that are patiently crafted with ancient grains and wild sourdough fermentations. Using simple, clean, and totally natural ingredients, their products retain what so many of us love most about bread—a soft fluffy interior and a satisfyingly chewy crust. We’re thrilled to carry them at Pomme Nanaimo! Melinda and Todd's Mini Interview answers share loads of beautiful insight into their small business values and into their approach to living a well-balanced life connected to their community, family and nature.
Share your story with us in a 150 words or less.
It started with not being content. Not in a negative way, but in a positive and powerful way. We decided to use our energy to make ourselves content in the moment, and live with no regrets. After spending a short time in our past lives within the corporate world, we launched into the world of food manufacturing. We were fortunate to be able to give ourselves time and space for this. The breadcrumbs emerged and we followed them. And they continue to emerge and we do our best to stay on the path. We started by going to a farmers market with some hope and no expectations. We wanted to dedicate our energy to serving those in need of delicious and nourishing food. We are grateful to have been able to continue forward to where we are now.
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’?
It still is sinking in! There are many milestones, which we often unfortunately move on from too quickly instead of truly recognizing and appreciating them. Selling out at our first farmers market was exciting. Landing our first wholesale account was exciting. Signing our first lease was exciting. Then signing our second lease was exciting. We still constantly look at each other in disbelief of where Alkeme has taken us.
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
I love our Ancient Grains bread! We use teff flour which is traditionally used in Ethiopia to create fermented flatbread, known as injera. The flavour of our mix of ancient grains is so unique, and after our fermentation process it tastes smooth, earthy, nutty and slightly sweet. It’s fantastic.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
People and their journey to true health through food! Over the years we have met so many individuals, like us, looking to food as the catalyst to realizing their best health. The current food system is imperfect and needs change. We knew that to see change we need more people to step up to the plate, and take on the challenge. And for us, this was the call we decided to answer and dedicate ourselves too.
After hearing from so many Functional Medicine physicians, Naturopaths & Holistic Nutritionists or members of the Celiac community that either themselves needed a product like this, or had dozens of patients that needed it, we knew that we had to bring it to life.
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
We live in a magical place, Rossland BC. Our town truly was the launching point for our creativity into Alkeme. It was our town that provided the rest and solitude we needed to determine our next adventure. It’s a beautiful small town tucked in the Kootenay Mountains with all of the outdoor recreation you could dream up and the most wonderful community of inspiring people!
Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
An ideal Sunday would begin with awakening due to the sunrise rather than an alarm clock. On a baker's schedule, we consider this a luxury as most mornings begin around 3am (Beautiful in its own right as the morning walk in the moonlight and starlit sky to our production facility is stunning). The day would continue with an oat milk cappuccino and a good book, followed by some rejuvenating yoga. After a while, the rest of our house awakens (2 kiddos, a dog and a cat). We always enjoy cooking breakfast and it is generally centered around Alkeme bread. Our kids love French Toast made from our Gluten Free Country Loaf with a fresh fruit compote, and for us, a green smoothie with a simple avocado toast on Alkeme Ancient Grains topped with sprouts and hemp seeds will put us on the right track for a wonderful Sunday. Into nature we go.
What are your personal top three tips for feeling awesome?
Living a balanced life! Enjoying time with family, friends and community, working towards giving back to the world, and setting aside needed downtime for replenishment.
Nature…lots and lots of time in Nature. From backcountry skiing, hiking with our kids, or a day to soak in the ocean waves and salty air…the more time the better.
Taking care of our personal well being. My top ways are eating nourishing plant based foods, creating space for a self care routine (such as yoga, acupuncture, meditation), and limiting screen time (my favorite is to put my phone in the drawer when I get home). It can be hard at times, life is busy as an Entrepreneurs and parents of two. However, making this a priority truly fuels us and helps us to be fully present in our day-to-day live.
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