Life is busy for Mary Wilmer and Terry Bradford as they pursue their creative passions. Not only have they spent the last 10 years working together in the music industry but they own and run a vegan business as well. In 2008, they started Bountiful Vegan, a vegan food manufacturing company and home of the Intention Cookie. Part vegan snack and part affirmation, it is the law of attraction in a cookie.
Mary recently spoke with Vegan Mainstream about her experiences as a vegan business owner, and about her hopes for the future:
Vegan Mainstream: How long have you been vegan and what motivated you to make the change?
Mary Wilmer: Terry has been vegan for 16 years and I’ve been vegan for 10 years. We love all living creatures and we both wanted to be as healthy as possible so eating a vegan diet made the best all around sense to us.
VM: Why did you decide to make cookies and what is the philosophy behind the Intention Cookie?
MW: Food is one of the ways we choose to help change the world. We like cookies. They have always been our choice for an easy “on the go” dessert. So, cookies are our way to do for others what we do for ourselves. Our mission is to create a healthy, cruelty-free world through great taste and positive thought.
VM: What has been the most significant factor in the growth of Bountiful Vegan so far and how do you plan to grow the business from here?
MW: The most significant factor in our growth so far has been being accepted into Whole Foods Markets in the Northern California region. Our future growth will initially involve adding more flavors to our cookie line. Over time, we plan on offering a wide range of delicious vegan food products.
VM: What sets Bountiful Vegan apart from non-vegan companies who are creating vegan products solely as a marketing strategy?
MW: The sentiments behind veganism are part of a global 21st Century shift in consciousness. Of course, marketing people are going to capitalize on it, but as a vegan company with vegan owners promoting vegan ideals, we are part of the movement to a cruelty-free world.
VM: Do you have any advice for business owners who are just starting out?
MW: Come up with a business that you’re passionate about. This passion will sustain you during the rough times. It also will feed your soul during the wonderful times.
VM: Which cookie flavor is your favorite?
MW: We both chose flavors for our cookie line that we love, so it’s difficult to choose a favorite. Having said that, I will say that I am a lemon fanatic!
Mary and Terry are currently trying to raise $10,000 in order to meet increased Intention Cookie production needs. If you would like to show your support please visit: http://www.bountifulvegan.com/donate.htm and make a donation.
