The Vreamery Vegan Cheese Shop & Melt Bar - Jennifer Golden

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Golden, owner of The Vreamery Vegan Cheese Shop and Melt Bar, located in Paso Robles, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

In August 2020, The Vreamery opened its first storefront at the Paso Market Walk Public Market located in Paso Robles, California, becoming the third Vegan Cheese Shop in the United States [the first west of Texas] to showcase a variety of small-batch, plant-based artisan vegan cheesemakers from all over the country. In addition to curating dozens of vegan cheeses, The Vreamery offers a small, seasonal, made-to-order menu featuring signature Panini, Weekend Specials, Custom Curated Grazing Boxes, and a selection of locally sourced Vegan Grab and Go. Our clientele is diverse, ranging from kids to elders, foodies to junk food lovers... everyone loves cheese!

Tell us about yourself

I own and operate The Vreamery Vegan Cheese Shop and Melt Bar in Paso Robles, California. I have always loved being in the kitchen and entertaining. I am passionate about cooking and Science-Based Nutrition. I am deeply inspired by industry leaders in the Plant-Based Foods Movement like Chef Matthew Kenney [an American celebrity chef, entrepreneur, author, and educator specializing in plant-based cuisine], Dr. Michael Greger [NutritionFacts.org], and Dr. Colin Campbell [who coined the term “Whole-Food Plant-Based” and who sits on the board of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine].

The Vreamery was started in 2018 and quickly expanded into multiple San Luis Obispo Area Farmers Markets and Health Food Stores with their signature cashew cream line. In late 2018, I had the opportunity to attend PLANTLAB, an international Raw Vegan Culinary Academy, where I further expanded my education with culturing, vegan cheese making, and raw food preparation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The Vreamery has attracted awesome employees, and together we have created a fabulous work environment with terrific synergy and support. Having created a happy, fun, and successful team is perhaps one of the most meaningful aspects of what growing The Vreamery has brought to my life.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Having to wear multiple hats... everything from R&D of new products to taking out the trash, handling staffing the shop to responding to every review. There are more things to do than time in the day!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Always seek education and seek to improve skills and aptitudes always, all ways.
  2. Commit to excellence with regard to customer service and responsiveness.
  3. Treat others as you would want them to treat you- be kind and patient.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thevreamery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVreamery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevreamery/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.