To wrap up our series of interviews for National Women's Month, we are interviewing our very own founder- Lauren Chew. From creating recipes in her kitchen, to growing a small business, Lauren shares her journey and how being an entrepreneur has changed her life. For more profiles like Lauren's, click here. 

CE: If you were stuck on a deserted island (and had all the food, water and shelter you needed) what 3 personal items would you bring?

Lauren: Does my dog Star count? I’m kidding, but not really.  She is great company and loves the beach. I would also bring my yoga mat because I assume I’ll have lots of time on this deserted island and a girl needs to exercise.  

Finally I would bring my spray bottle of agua de florida (Flower Water), which is a necessary tool I use before and after meditation. I would use my time on the deserted island to slow down and reflect.

CE: What advice would you give your high school self?

Lauren: When I was in high school, I was really convinced that I would grow up to be a lawyer.  We all see how well that turned out. I would tell my younger self that although you have a preconceived notion of what the future holds, be open to opportunities you never thought you would love.  If I told my high school self I’d be running a plant-based snack company in the future, I would’ve said you were crazy. Yet at the same time, now I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. 

CE: What are some of the most challenging and rewarding moments you’ve had as a CEO? 

Lauren: When I first started my brand, I spent time calling bakeries as well as ingredient, packaging and other types of suppliers.  They never took me seriously because they didn’t think I had a real company, which was true at the time. However, instead of feeling discouraged and beaten down, I decided to continue trying until they did take my calls and offer me pricing.  As my business grew, for some of them, I became one of their largest customers.

" When you’re first starting out, you’re just a person with a dream, and it’s really up to you to make that dream your reality."

When you’re first starting out, you’re just a person with a dream, and it’s really up to you to make that dream your reality. You’ll face roadblocks on the way and as your business grows, those roadblocks will become more and more complex.  What you can do is make informed decisions based off of the information that you have and believe so deeply in your mission that it keeps you going.

CE: What is your favorite way to eat a Love + Chew cookie?

Lauren: Plain Jane, of course! Although the other day I made an amazing vegan lemon tart using my cherry almond cookies as the crust.  And don’t ask me what my favorite flavor is, because that’s like asking me which child is my favorite!