We were lucky to catch up with Yosef Mirakov Cohen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yosef, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for C’est Lä Vé was born out of my lifelong passion for ethical living and a desire to bridge the gap between sustainability and convenience. It started with a personal challenge: finding plant-based snacks that were both nutritious and aligned with my values. I vividly remember scouring stores, feeling frustrated by the lack of options that didn’t compromise on taste, health, or environmental impact. This wasn’t just a gap—it was an opportunity to offer something truly meaningful.

The more I explored, the more I realized I wasn’t alone in this struggle. People everywhere were searching for healthier, more sustainable choices but were limited by what was available. That’s when it hit me—what if I could create a product that not only solved this problem but also inspired others to embrace a more compassionate lifestyle?

The excitement came from the chance to innovate, to offer something unique. By combining my love for plant-based cuisine with my background in marketing and entrepreneurship, I developed the idea for C’est Lä Vé: plant-based charcuterie snacks that are delicious, convenient, and eco-friendly. The journey wasn’t just about creating a product—it was about creating a movement. I knew this would work because it wasn’t just solving a problem; it was connecting with people’s desire for food that aligns with their values and aspirations for a better world.

Yosef, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey began in Israel, where a childhood love for nature and animals shaped my perspective on compassion and sustainability. A pivotal moment came after a car accident at age 11, when I spent months immersed in documentaries about the environment and wildlife, sparking my decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle.

C’est Lä Vé was born from this passion and a desire to create plant-based snacks that align with ethical values without sacrificing flavor. We specialize in sustainable, vegan charcuterie and pre-packaged snacks, crafted with high-quality ingredients to nourish both people and the planet.

What sets us apart is our focus on accessibility, eco-conscious packaging, and delicious products that elevate plant-based living. From our catering services to single-serve charcuterie boxes, we aim to inspire healthier, compassionate choices. I’m most proud of building a brand that reflects my values and helps others make a positive impact with every snack.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes, I manufacture C’est Lä Vé products in a commercial kitchen in downtown Los Angeles, but the journey to get here was anything but straightforward. The process began in my home kitchen with taste tests among close friends (many non-vegans) to ensure the best quality ingredients for our plant-based cheeses, deli, and bruschettas. Once I locked down ingredient suppliers, I started experimenting with flavor combinations, honing a product that was delicious and satisfying.

Packaging was another major focus. I wanted it to be sustainable yet practical. After months of research and design using Illustrator and Photoshop, I initially developed a 100% compostable packaging solution. However, compostable materials didn’t preserve the freshness of the product as I’d hoped, leading me to pivot to a hybrid solution: 100% compostable plant-fiber trays paired with post-consumer recycled (PCR) bags. This required designing custom four-compartment trays, first by repurposing single-compartment trays and later creating my own design, manufactured by a supplier in China.

This process was entirely new to me. I made many mistakes, investing in unsuitable machinery and materials, which was costly but taught me invaluable lessons. The key takeaways? Patience is crucial, and it’s essential to ask the right questions before making big decisions. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve created a sustainable and high-quality product that reflects both my values and vision.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The journey of creating C’est Lä Vé has been full of pivots, but one of the most significant involved our packaging. Initially, I was committed to a 100% compostable solution for both the tray and the lidding film. However, I soon learned that compostable materials, while sustainable, allowed oxygen to pass through, compromising product freshness.

This challenge forced me to pivot. I redesigned the packaging to include a 100% compostable plant-fiber tray paired with a post-consumer recycled (PCR) bag, balancing sustainability with functionality. The transition wasn’t easy—I invested in custom tray designs and endured trial-and-error with machinery and materials. It was a humbling experience that taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of innovative problem-solving. Today, I’m proud of our solution, which embodies our mission of merging sustainability with quality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cestlave.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snackcestlave/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SnackCestLaVe
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80846768/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/pDp94d87NFg
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Cestlave