Every once in awhile a product crosses our desk (or should I say screen… or shopping cart) that catches our eye. It grabs our attention with the promise that it could be a quality powHERfuel product for our clients and the women in our community. That is, it is nutritionally dense, tasty and satisfies our cravings. We recently discovered such a product (and a promise) with The Good Bean.
Now I know most of you would immediately dig into their website to research nutritional values and product testimonials – and yes, so did we. However, because PowHERhouse is ALL about the women behind these amazing products, we really wanted to find out more about the company and specifically about Sarah Wallace, the PowHERhouse behind The Good Bean.
We were recently lucky enough to connect with Sarah for a quick interview. She is veteran marketer in the natural products industry where she has worked with companies such as Clif Bar (where she launched Luna Bar), Kashi, Bear Naked, Think Products, and PopChips. Sarah has a strong passion for making healthy food and vast experience creating strong natural brands. We LOVE innovative female entrepreneurs who bring valuable tools to the market that build strong women!
Describe your Mission.
Our mission at The Good Bean is to make nutritious and delicious bean protein snacks a staple in North American homes. Bean protein is an accessible, affordable, source of tasty protein that’s good for people and the planet.
What is your ultimate dream for your business/Mission and where you’d like to take it.
We would love to see The Good Bean chickpeas (and just beans in general) be a food group that kids reach for and ask for instead of sugar and empty carbs. Personally, I would also like to see The Good Bean made available to people who shop at their regular corner store not just higher-end chains like Whole Foods.
PH: Let’s redefine snack food and elevate its value!
One thing that you feel has been most pivotal or useful thus far in your career?
I certainly feel that in my career I’ve had a unique combination of ambition and drive that is necessary to get ahead, but more importantly, I’ve always ensured that I was personally passionate about whatever I was working on.
I never made choices that prioritized money or security over passion.
How do you balance between eating well and enjoy the pleasures of fine food?
I guess I don’t see those two things as being mutually exclusive. Some of my favorite foods are super-healthy – like cauliflower with a drizzle of truffle oil, or sautéed greens, or sushi!
What do you hope children are taught about fuelling their body, their relationship with food and their overall body image?
I’m not a mother, but I do have strong opinions about how kids are socialized about eating. When I was growing up in India, I didn’t have a special mac and cheese or chicken tenders meal while the grownups ate normal food. I had to eat what everyone else was eating, and if I didn’t like it, there weren’t other options. So I pretty much learned to eat a wide variety of foods – I used to love steamed spinach and rice as a kid as well as plain yogurt. I wish today’s parents and the food industry didn’t treat kids like a whole other population and feed them such modified meals.
What would you say your Top 3 Excellence Habits are (ie. habits that ensure your success).
I’m as much of a procrastinator as everyone else, but I do prioritize exercise, healthy-from-scratch cooking, and downtime even in the busiest of weeks. I find that it allows me to stay sane and deal with daily crises with more equanimity.
Describe a favourite hobby or adventure.
I love traveling to faraway places, the less “Westernized” the better, and learning about the history and foodways of the people from there, and when I can’t physically travel to these places, I love reading books about the same!
Favourite energy meal or snack (healthy).
Greens and beans!!
Favourite indulgence or treat.
A glass of red wine
What does giving back (fulfillment) look like to you?
Starting a fund or organization that empowers disadvantaged women to learn usable skills and become independent.
I never leave home without my……..
Yoga mat!
You can connect with The Good Bean online at @TheGoodBean on Twitter or on Facebook @chickpea.snacks.
PowHERhouse recommends The Good Bean and considers them a valuable PowHERfuel Partner!
