We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Allison Vaughan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Allison below.
Allison , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The journey of SoulFully Vegan didn’t just begin with a single idea; it was a culmination of my lifelong passion for food, coupled with a pivotal moment in my personal journey. Transitioning to a plant-based diet in 2019 opened my eyes to the potential in the vegan food space. It wasn’t just about what I was eating; it was about the growing demand for vegan options that resonated with people’s lifestyles and values but food that actually tastes good!
In 2020, when the world shut down, I made the bold decision to leave behind my corporate career and venture into entrepreneurship with my husband Calvin by my side. We envisioned more than just a food truck; we saw an opportunity to redefine the dining experience, offering mouthwatering flavors without compromise.
What truly excited me about this was the opportunity to solve a problem that I had personally experienced. The lack of satisfying vegan options in the market was a gap waiting to be filled. As we went into the planning process, it became clear that we weren’t just offering food; we were creating an experience. From the ambiance to the customer service, every detail was hand crafted to leave a lasting impression.
The logic behind our venture was simple yet compelling. We weren’t just catering to vegans; we were catering to everyone. With over 80% of our clientele being non-vegans, we knew we were onto something special. And with studies indicating a growing demand for customizable food options, we were perfectly positioned to cater to this underserved segment of the market.
As we went on this journey, our focus remained solid: to provide a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience that began and ended with great food. And the response has been overwhelming. With many satisfied customers and a consistent stream of 5-star ratings, we’ve proven that good food knows no bounds.
SoulFully Vegan isn’t just a business venture for me; it’s a mission to redefine perceptions about vegan food and set a new standard for excellence in the industry. And as we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to serving good food, first and foremost, remains at the heart of everything we do.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As we hit the road with the new food truck, we found themselves engaging in conversations with customers from all walks of life. One group that particularly stood out were individuals with dietary restrictions, who showed an enthusiastic interest in vegan options. We realized that there was a gap in that market.
Armed with this , we tailored our menu to cater to high demand preferences, offering healthier and cruelty-free options that resonated many lifestyles. Despite facing competition from both new and established players in the already thriving food truck industry, our food trucks quickly gained popularity in New England.
Truth be told, our meals are ones that I would proudly serve to my own friends and family. With that, our commitment to customer service, set us apart from the rest. Today, our food trucks and brick and mortar are among the most sought-after plant-based food services in the state, a testament to my husband and I’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to our craft.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Without a doubt, the journey of SoulFully Vegan has been guided by a source of wisdom and strength beyond our own capabilities. For me, that source is my faith and connection with God. At every step of this entrepreneurial journey, spiritual discernment has played an significant role. It’s the guiding light that has provided clarity amidst uncertainty. In moments of doubt or indecision, turning to prayer and seeking God’s guidance has been life changing. From the initial spark of inspiration to the daily challenges of managing and growing our business, knowing that we are not alone in this endeavor has been a source of comfort. Without God’s presence and guidance, this journey would have come to a halt long ago.
In particular, Myles Munroe’s teachings on purpose and leadership have deeply resonated with me, shaping my understanding of entrepreneurship as a divine calling. His emphasis on the importance of vision, character, and service has influenced my approach to building SoulFully Vegan as not just a business, but a mission-driven endeavor.
“Success God’s Way” by Charles F. Stanley has also been a guiding light in navigating the intersection of faith and business. This book taught me how to align my goals and ambitions with God’s will, this way of thinking has truly been invaluable in shaping my entrepreneurial philosophy. His emphasis on integrity, humility, and stewardship has served as a compass, guiding us towards success that is rooted in principles.
Ultimately, SoulFully Vegan is not just a business venture; it’s a manifestation of faith in action. It’s a testament to the power of spiritual discernment and the impact of aligning our actions with God’s will.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Funding our business was definitely one of the most challenging parts of starting SoulFully Vegan. Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, we faced the very tall task of raising the initial capital needed to turn our vision into reality. Our journey began with a bold decision to invest our COVID stimulus check, recognizing it as an opportunity to seed our entrepreneurial dreams. It was a leap of faith, but we knew it was necessary to pursue the business. In addition to throwing all our savings into SoulFully Vegan, we were fortunate to have the support of our family. Through a grassroots effort, our family rallied the support of our inner circle of about 20 ppl who believed in our vision. Their contributions, both financial and moral, provided us with the necessary boost to take the next step forward.
The most significant investment though came from our own savings. We poured every available dollar into the business, fully aware that our future hinged on success. It was a risk we were willing to take, knowing that failure was not an option. Every decision, every sacrifice, was made with the understanding that this venture had to work, or else we would find ourselves in big trouble.
The journey to funding SoulFully Vegan was anything but easy. It required creativity, perseverance, and a willingness to take calculated risks. But through sheer determination and faith, we were able to piece together the initial capital of about $35k needed to launch our business. And as we continue on this journey, we do so with gratitude for the support of our community and the opportunity to turn our dreams into reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: soulfullyvegan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soul_fully_vegan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulfullyvegan/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/soulfully-vegan-berlin