Founder Spotlight: Sarah Coombs (Plant Shack)
Meet Sarah Coombs:
A 100% plant-based coffee shop/ juice bar offering customers a healthy quick service menu.
Location:
Valencia, Spain
When did you launch the business?
2019
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Startup Stage?
Bootstrapped
What led you to where you are today?
I have always been interested in how food can make you feel - I was the one who brought the green “pond-weed” drinks to the office kitchen back when no one had heard of green juice! I completed my first detox program in Thailand in 2008 and was amazed at the transformation not only to my body but also to my mental health. This led to a passion for understanding how food can heal and a mission to learn more about the power of plants. In 2018 I qualified as a Juice Therapy practitioner and plant-based nutritionist, whilst my partner Lee was running a coffee shop in London. We are both vegan, and we wanted a better quality of life where we could make a difference in our community. After a weekend break in Spain we found the place to make our dreams a reality and 6 months later we opened the first PLANT SHACK in Altea on the Costa Blanca.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
Don’t listen to negativity and follow your heart! We were constantly told that Spain wasn’t ready for vegan food and that it wouldn’t work. I was prepared for the long hours but I wish I had known the amount of joy and satisfaction it would bring – helping people and spreading the word about the power of plants, and so in turn helping the animals and the planet. Living your purpose is very life-affirming, and despite the stresses, I am more content than I have ever been. And Spain was ready!
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
Probably asking for help as we grew, both financially and practically. It is tempting to hold your baby close, but there comes a time when you need to let it fly. Trusting our franchise stores with our brand was also a very big step but they are doing a great job.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
Helping anyone with knowledge about plant-based living and healing through juicing and a plant-based diet OR how to start, run, and grow a successful F&B brand!
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
By spreading the word about the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
Fun fact about you:
I cured my long-term inflammatory arthritis and nerve pain in 2 years by juicing and following a whole-food plant-based diet. Nature really does have the power to heal, and this is why we want to share it with the world! Before PLANT SHACK I had a 20-year career in the Ski Industry. I do miss the mountains, but I love my new life in sunny Spain.
Anything else you would to share?:
You can do anything you put your mind to. Growing a vegan business is so fulfilling on a personal level. We set up in a new country where veganism was in its infancy, with lots of red tape and not speaking the language at first. Just keep moving, and every day you will get closer to your dream. If you have the passion anything is possible!
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