Meet The Makers Mini Interview: Oat Of The Ordinary
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Oat Of The Ordinary Mini Interview
Vancouver-based holistic nutritionist Chara and health focussed entrepreneur Vanessa designed Oat Of The Ordinary to make super healthy, all-natural breakfasts super simple. They’ve ‘levelled up’ instant oatmeal with a set of delicious flavours featuring all-natural, premium ingredients—and all their flavours are packed with protein while staying light on sugar. Oat Of The Ordinary is as awesome for hectic Monday mornings as it is for long lazy Sundays, plus it’s great for travel or hitting the campsite. We connected with the co-founders for our April Meet The Maker Mini Interview so you can learn a little more about what inspired them to launch their independent business, how their idea became a reality, and what their community and city mean to them!
Share your story with us in a 150 words or less.
We like to say Oat of the Ordinary is the GOOAT (Greatest Oats Of All Time). It is a high protein, low sugar, superfood oatmeal that is gluten-free, vegan, and can be enjoyed simply by mixing with boiling water or soaking in the fridge overnight with milk or plant-based milk. Co-created by a holistic nutritionist, the ingredients are methodically thought out to provide a delicious taste with added benefits. Oat of the Ordinary is available in single-serve or multi-serve (360g) pouch sizes and come in 3 mouth-watering flavours: blueberry cinnamon, raspberry, and cacao coconut. At Oat of the Ordinary, we care about our community. As a part of our give-back mission, we provide healthy meals to children in need in our neighbourhoods.
Getting from an idea to a small business is a lot of work! When did it first sink in for you that ‘this is really happening’?
In October 2021, one month before launching, we were accepted into Arlene Dickinson's accelerator program, District Ventures. This was pivotal in going from an 'idea' to an actual business. Having said that, it is the moments such as seeing our product on the shelf, having a customer post a photo enjoying our oats, or someone coming up to us at a trade show saying, “I see your product everywhere!” that are some of the proudest moments for us thus far.
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
Can you choose a favourite child?! Different flavours have their way of becoming staples in different moods and moments. For pre-or post-workout, cacao coconut is amazing. On a cozy cool morning, blueberry cinnamon is perfect, and raspberry is great when we want to get creative and add toppings like fruit, yogurt, or nut butter because the flavour lends to so many different toppings!
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
Our community. Seeing our customers enjoying our product on the go, while their babies sleep, at the office, or on top of a mountain! Knowing we were able to provide them with a delicious, satiating, and health-supporting meal so they could take on the day feeling their best. It doesn't get much better than that!
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
How close we are to so many kinds of nature! From the beach to the forest, and the mountains, we are so lucky to be able to be in and connect with nature in just a few short minutes. We also are so grateful for the support we have received from our community; we are so fortunate to be living in a city with so many great entrepreneurs that are willing to help.
Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
We both love a good coffee and a long walk while listening to podcasts or chatting with friends before we come home and refuel with oats (truly, we aren't just creating a product, we are fans of it as well!). Lately, it's been overnight oats but on colder days, warm instant oatmeal is a go-to!
What are your personal top three tips for feeling awesome?
Walking/nature
Sharing inspiration
Eating nutritious food, especially with good company!
Find Oat Of The Ordinary: On Their Website | On Instagram | On Facebook