Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina and Mitch Smith.
Hi Christina and Mitch, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! We are Christina & Mitch Smith, co-owners of Herbivore Bites.
We are a husband-and-wife team with a passion for cooking. Both of us have had multiple health issues (Christina has struggled with endometriosis (horrific periods) for 15+ years; Mitch has struggled with prescription-drug-induced liver damage, sinus problems and acid reflux) and we were both running out of options. We had heard some amazing things about a plant-based lifestyle, so in 2019 we decided to try it. Within months we were already seeing results with Christina having much more manageable periods, more energy, and weight loss; and Mitch had been able to get off ALL of his medications, have fewer sinus issues, much more manageable acid reflux and also lost weight.
When we went into lockdowns in 2020, we took an online plant-based cooking course. It was through this cooking course that we learned we had a true passion for making our own plant-based food products. We created Herbivore Bites to help others transition into a plant-based lifestyle.
Herbivore Bites is a small home-based, veteran-owned business specializing in plant-based food and wellness products to help support a plant-based lifestyle and satisfy your cravings. We create premium seasonings, blends and dry mixes that are PLANT-BASED with LOW SALT and sweetened only with NATURAL SUGARS. We globally source the cleanest ingredients using organic and kosher whenever possible. We operate under the Food Freedom Act of Oklahoma, follow National Barcode guidelines, FDA labeling requirements and we are Food Handler certified through the state.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Because we started this business coming out of the pandemic, we have had to deal with quite a few struggles along the way including supply chain issues, inflation and building a business that is eco-conscious in a day and age of single-use plastics. We have also had to deal with biased media and misinformation about plant-based eating, so we have been trying to educate as we go. But the biggest struggle for us has been the current culture war between vegans and omnivores. We started this business to help ANYONE and EVERYONE who wants to live a healthier lifestyle.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Christina – I am a millennial entrepreneur, plant-based foodie, yoga-lover and dog mom. I have my Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management and a Minor in Professional Writing as well as two additional Associate’s Degrees in Business and Science. I also have 10+ years of experience in public service as a Librarian. I have started multiple small businesses with my husband including our non-profit charity, where we handed out over $16,000 in educational scholarships. Currently, I am Herbivore Bites Social Media Manager/Marketer and I also assist with Product Development. Because of my background in business management, I run a lot of behind the scenes at Herbivore Bites including website development, labels and packaging, supply orders and shop maintenance. I also manage our Product Tester Program.
Mitch – I am an Army Veteran, retired Firefighter/Paramedic (20 years) and business entrepreneur. After 25+ years in public service and running medical calls, I have witnessed the long-term damage our non-nutritive processed food has caused to our bodies. I am Head of Product Development and Research (the idea guy creating seasonings, blends and dry mixes). I handle the packaging of orders and assist the company as needed.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
90% of start-up businesses fail. In order for us to be successful, we have to have 100% perseverance with a bit of flexibility. We are a new business in a new niche market with a culture war going around us (omnivores vs. vegans). We refuse to participate in the said culture war and welcome all who want to live a healthier lifestyle.
Pricing:
- Individual Seasoning Packets – $4
- 2oz Savory Seasoning Pouches – $12
- 2oz Sweet Seasoning Pouches – $15
- 2oz Bundles – $22 to $28
- Flatbread & Pizza Dough Mix – $18
Contact Info:
- Website: www.herbivorebites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbivore.bites/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herbivore.bites
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HerbivoreBites
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/herbivorebites/
Image Credits
Christina Smith
