I started a stone ground sprouted almond butter business, The Philosopher's Stoneground, in April. Now it is my full time job and I intend to expand to other types of nut and seed butters. I am the Chief Philosopher and Nut Alchemist.
Why did you choose this profession?
I wanted to provide the best quality food available on the market. I was tired of seeing subpar nut butters when I knew the potential of how good nut butters could be based on making them for myself. I also was tired of working for other people, even if I shared the vision and endorsed the mission of the organization. The Cottage Food Act in California made it easy for me to start my business out of my home kitchen with virtually no overhead.
What more do you wish to accomplish in your professional career?
I hope to build a thriving regional business, eventually expanding to include retail stores throughout California and a full mail order business. I hope to make enough money to purchase land and start my own ecological food forests that will grow nuts and seeds to supply my business.
Tell us about a decision or change you made that turned out to be a positive career move.
Choosing to start my own business doing organic food product demonstrations after being fired from an environmental non-profit because it wasn't a good fit was a great idea. I gained the confidence that I could generate money for myself. I then started a holistic health coaching business, which led to me starting the sprouted almond butter business.
How has Haverford influenced your professional career?
I found something relevant to do with my Philosophy major! But seriously, Haverford showed me that I could channel my passions into real-world projects, from my CPGC internships, to my thesis, to my Watson Fellowship after graduation. I am grateful for the fantastic opportunities I received to explore my passions and interests, both curricular and extracurricular.
