THRIVE 63
Chanterelle
Maranda Pleasant: I would love to know more
about your story, creating a company as a
woman, as a gay woman, if you’re comfortable
with that. I love the inspiration you provide
for many women starting and running their
own companies in a conscious way, creating a
conscious product.Heidi Lovig: Starting a business is a hell of a
challenge, but I am not one to shy away from
adversity. I started Heidi Ho to be a part of
change. To defy the status quo. A gaping hole
in the non-dairy cheese category was begging
for a clean ingredient deck and delicious
innovation. I got to work and created a line of
legit plant-based cheezes that are healthier for
people and the planet. I recognized early onI met Heidi two years ago in Miami at Seed Food and Wine. Her spirit and enthusiasm
are infectious. It takes a lot of passion, love and tears to be a successful entrepreneur
and creating a quality ethical product adds extra challenges. Thank you, Heidi, for
leading with heart and kicking ass at what you do! —Marandahl: One of the things that makes me a very
strong entrepreneur is that I know what I am
good at and I know where my skill sets lack.
The ability to identify my weaknesses and
surround myself with brilliant people in those
areas is my most valuable asset as a leader.
Our co-founder, Lyssa Story, has the exact
opposite attributes than I do, so we make a
phenomenal team. I have created an advisory
board of industry gurus. Curiosity has also
proven to be beneficial in building Heidi Ho.
I ask a lot of questions. I remain flexible and
continue to learn, grow, change and evolve.
As a leader. As a woman. As a lesbian. As an
entrepreneur. As a badass.that while things have gotten better over the
years for LgbTQ business owners, we still face
disapproval and rejection. Raising capital is
very difficult for women-owned businesses. I
remember reading a babson College report a
few years back that noted only 3% of venture-
capital-funded companies have female CEOs.
As I began the adventures of fundraising for
Heidi Ho, I quickly realized that I had to stop
worrying if people would treat me differently
because of my gender or my sexuality. Sheer
determination and tenacity have attracted
the right financial partners for Heidi Ho. I
am proud to say we are 100% female-owned,
operated and funded.mp: What can budding entrepreneurs learn
from how you grew your biz?Our SHER O!
She Emits Light. And Joy. And Possibility.
our Inspiration, LGBTQ advocate, 100% Boss
heidi lovig, Heidi Ho Organics, CEO & Co-Founder
instagram: @heidihoorganics | heidiho.com
food photography: Derek Sarno | instagram: @wickedhealthy
ONLY 3% OF
VENTURE-CAPITAL-
funded companies
have female ceos#boss
Inspiring Entrepreneur Series