Margaret Coons
Hello, I am Margaret Coons, Founder and CEO of Nuts For Cheese.
Food preparation and production has been a long-time passion of mine. Having been a vegetarian since the age of 12, and vegan since the age of 19, creating delicious alternatives to more conventionally available food products was a hobby that turned into a career. I didn’t grow up in a vegetarian family. So, I started to cook for myself at a pretty young age and got really interested in making vegetarian and vegan dishes.
I attended Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario and pursued a degree in English Language and Literature. After completing my undergraduate degree with an Honours Specialization in English Language and Literature (BA’12), I shifted my focus to fromology, preparing plant-based foods, and sharing my passion for vegan cooking with others.
I believe that no one should have to compromise between great food and ethical concerns. Many people believe that they could go vegan if they didn’t have to give up cheese - now you can AND feel good about the cheese you eat!
Company Name: Nuts For Cheese
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Operating since: 2015
Company Website: www.nutsforcheese.com
Instagram & Twitter: @nutsforcheese
Tell us all about your company. What products do you offer?
Nuts For Cheese started as a passion project: a mission to create delicious organic plant-based cheeses that would help make the world a healthier, more sustainable place. Our certified vegan and organic 100% dairy-free plant-based cheeses are spreadable, shreddable, sliceable and meltable. With six unique varieties, there’s something for everyone: Un-Brie-Lievable, Red Rind, Black Garlic, Super Blue, Chipotle Cheddar, & Smoky Artichoke and Herb. Our products are certified vegan and organic – that means: no starches, no gums, and no fillers.
How did you get the idea or concept for your company? Was there anything in particular that inspired you to start at the time you did?
Just a few years ago, there weren’t a ton of products available for vegetarians or vegans in the market, and while the lack of products was obvious, the demand for vegan and dairy-free options has increasingly grown over time. This was when I combined my passion for food and the art of culinary experiences with my commitment to my dietary choices to create Nuts for Cheese.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company?
Never in my wildest dreams! It started out as just a simple hobby - to create a delicious vegan cheese for myself and friends - which eventually grew into what Nuts For Cheese is today.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success?
I would consider myself a success as I am providing a great, healthy, and environmental product to consumers across Canada, while enjoying what I do every day. As everyone has a different idea of what measures success, I believe that success comes from doing something well, and enjoying doing it.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
Stick with it and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The support of those around you is so vital and people are willing to help - just ask!
Describe yourself in ONE word. Driven