Women In Food Melissa Singer DuMars

This episode of Women in Food is a little bit different as I turn the tables, I mean microphone, and sit down to become the guest. I’ve brought in Social Entrepreneurship Coach and Host of the Awarepreneurs podcast, Paul Zelizer to interview ME about food, business and my personal story.
I have to say, as I listen to this conversation, it feels raw and vulnerable to share this behind-the-podcast look at my journey from my childhood growing up in a family business through multiple career chapters to creating what Crown Hill Farm is becoming. During this conversation I share some of my perspectives on intuitive business growth—like the patient tending of a garden—and delve into my strongly held belief in the power of nurturing relationships as the bedrock of success for any business or venture.
Along the way, our conversation organically unfolds between the art of raising chickens, ducks, and geese, the nutritional value of pasture-raised eggs, and my passion for farm-to-table sustainability. Through some of my stories you’ll hear about the resilience I’ve tapped into through life's wild weather, and hear bits of what inspires me to host Women in Food, grow a food-based farm business and of course follow my passion for cooking and food!
I share a recipe for my favorite way to cook eggs — Eggs en Cocotte— as we chat about stewarding the land with grace and my intuitive approach to business coaching. It’s all a part of what weaves through my daily life on the farm. So, join us as we dance within the worlds of business acumen, farming culture, and the reverence for the humble egg in a discussion overflowing with gratitude, interconnectedness, and the celebration of women's influence in the food industry.
The Recipe starts at 51:48
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Business Coaching Website: SpiritBizPeople
My Farm Website: Crown Hill Farm
Missy’s Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Are you looking to elevate your Business in a mindful and aligned way? Get a 1:1 Business Coaching Session with Missy at: WomenInFood.net/workwithmissy
If you enjoyed Paul Zelizer’s interview, please go listen to his podcast, Awarepreneurs
Become a member of the Women In Food Community at: WomenInFood.Net/Community

This episode of Women in Food is unique as one of the rare times I interview a “man in food” — food writer and journalist, Andrew Galarneau. During this conversation we dance between topics like an innovative take on cooking eggs to the complexity of gender inequality in the culinary industry. Andrew lays bare what he sees is the sobering truth of women's underrepresentation in professional kitchens and the obstacles they face, from systemic discrimination to the difficulties in establishing their own ventures.
Along the way, we take a short culinary tour through Buffalo's diverse food scene, as Andrew shines a light on the importance of supporting immigrant-owned eateries. He also shares some super practical advice for those in the food business on making their mark with media professionals and the importance of clear communication with strong business acumen. Andrew tops it off with his story and accompanying recipe for Yiayia’s Tzatziki Sauce.
This was a serious yet enlightening dialogue, providing insight into both the joy of gastronomy and the critical issues that shape the industry. Tune in for this rich blend of flavorful stories and essential conversations on the path forward for women in food
The Recipe starts at 48:36
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Andrew’s Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Andrew’s FourBites Website with reviews and food conversations in the Buffalo, NY region
 
Are you looking to elevate your Business in a mindful and aligned way? Get a 1:1 Business Coaching Session with Missy at: WomenInFood.net/workwithmissy
Become a member of the Women In Food Community at: WomenInFood.Net/Community
Missy’s Farm Website: CrownHillFarm.com
Missy’s Business Coaching Website: SpiritBizPeople.com

Today I talk with CEO of Mother Raw Foods, Kristi Knowles to discuss the triumphs and challenges of running a values-based food business. We hear about Kristi’s first love of food starting with her 6th project about wanting to be a Chef and how that early passion for food led her on a journey through the corporate food world. From the importance of mentorship and networking to the role of feminine leadership, Kristi shares her journey from the corporate food world to leading Mother Raw, an organic, plant-based whole food ingredient brand and taking it from 300 to over 8,000 (and counting!) retail locations. Along the way, we talk about navigating leadership as a woman, leading a values oriented business with heart. We also talk about how we approach bettering recipes and Kristi shares her tricks for 3 sheet-pan dinners.
The Recipe starts at 1:04:22
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Mother Raw’s Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mother Raw Website
 
Are you looking to elevate your Business in a mindful and aligned way? Get a 1:1 Business Coaching Session with Missy at: WomenInFood.net/workwithmissy
Become a member of the Women In Food Community at: WomenInFood.Net/Community
Missy’s Farm Website: CrownHillFarm.com
Missy’s Business Coaching Website: SpiritBizPeople.com
 

Today I talk with farmer, community leader and entrepreneur, Laura Robbins. We talk about the challenges balancing scaling her farm business, Wild Robbins Farm, with maintaining the level of quality she wants to provide. Laura shares her story moving from a city-dweller in Manhattan, NY through the progression to becoming an organic farmer in Massachusettes and we have a lot of fun realizing how similar our career journeys have been.
In this conversation, we explore the importance of building relationships with your customers and the role of food in fostering community. Laura also shares with us her desire, as a businesswoman to build a business aligned with her values that is also profitable and the sometimes difficult decisions she makes.
Together, talk about the desire to serve community through our farm businesses while keeping our personal passion alive, acknowledging the limitations of being a mostly solo farmer and of course our shared LOVE for good food. Then, dive into all things chicken and especially wings as Laura shares her mouthwatering recipe for crispy chicken wings that you won't want to miss!
The Recipe starts at 57:29
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Laura’s Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Wild Robbins Farm Website
 
Are you looking to elevate your Business in a mindful and aligned way? Get a 1:1 Business Coaching Session with Missy at: WomenInFood.net/workwithmissy
Become a member of the Women In Food Community at: WomenInFood.Net/Community
Missy’s Farm Website: CrownHillFarm.com
Missy’s Business Coaching Website: SpiritBizPeople.com

Today I talk with visionary entrepreneur and food advocate, Corina Akner. We talk about how she uses concepts around food waste as a tool for community and business building through her Sustainable Food Lab in Sweden, VÄRT. Corina shares her story from her expertise in Industrial Design to her discovery of food waste in all parts of the food systems. She tells about working with the Swedish National Chef Team and learning how cooking fosters community and connection. In this conversation, we explore the importance of creativity in finding alternative uses for food products and by-products and how food sustainability can give us an understanding of sustainability across different fields and industries. Corina's passion for sustainable understanding and her mission to help people make tangible changes in their daily lives will inspire you to take action. Together, we share some practical tips to engage in sustainable thinking in your kitchen, from utilizing vegetable scraps to repurposing canning liquids including how to use the liquid from a can of chickpeas, known as aquafaba, to make your own mayonnaise!
The Recipe starts at 49:00

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Corina’s Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
VÄRT Sweden Website
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Are you looking to elevate your Business in a mindful and aligned way? Get a 1:1 Business Coaching Session with Missy at: WomenInFood.net/workwithmissy
Become a member of the Women In Food Community at: WomenInFood.Net/Community
Missy’s Farm Website: CrownHillFarm.com
Missy’s Business Coaching Website: SpiritBizPeople.com

Today I talk with filmmaker, cafeteria-lover and foodie, Lisa Hurwitz. We talk about her recent film, “The Automat”, a documentary about the iconic Horn & Hardart restaurant chain of the early twentieth century. Learn about her beginnings in the intersection of food and film to how she’s brought her first feature film to life as a woman in the film industry. We explore the history of Horn & Hardart and how they’re success was based on values-based business decisions and good food. I’ve LOVED this conversation as I have a fascination with the Automats after visiting the very last one in NYC. Along the way, we explore the idea of the ‘Third Place’, business lessons from Horn & Hardart, the mechanics of the Automat and their role in supporting diversity and equality as a restaurant. The Automats were all about American Comfort foods, so of course, we ‘geek’ out on some of the original Horn & Hardart recipes of the 1960’s giving you their Mac & Cheese secrets!
The Recipe starts at 43:00

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Lisa’s Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
The Automat Website: AutomatMovie.com
Watch The Automat Trailer
You can Watch the Automat on Kanopy, Apple TV, Amazon
 
Get Business Coaching from Missy at: WomenInFood.net/workwithmissy
Become a member of the Women In Food Community at: WomenInFood.Net/Community
Missy’s Farm Website: CrownHillFarm.com
Missy’s Business Coaching Website: SpiritBizPeople.com