Meet the Makers Mini Interview: Mindful FÜD
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Mini Interview: Mindful FÜD
Co-founders Venessa Stonehouse and Jake Cubric of Mindful FÜD, a BC-based company, are on a mission to make sustainable, plant-based choices the norm—not the exception. Inspired by fallen apples from local orchards, they created Bee-Mindful Hunnie, a certified organic and vegan honey alternative. We sat down with Venessa to learn more about their journey, their mission, and how Bee-Mindful supports pollinators, reduces food waste, and contributes to a healthier planet.
1. Share your story with us in 150 words or less.
Mindful FÜD was born out of both heartbreak and hope. After losing our first food business in an arson fire, we were determined to rebuild with something that mattered even more. Moving to Salmon Arm, we noticed fallen apples in the orchards - fruit that would otherwise go to waste. That moment sparked an idea: what if we could transform these apples into something meaningful? From that, Bee-Mindful Hunnie was created: a certified organic, plant-based honey alternative that rescues fruit, protects bees, and gives people a more sustainable choice. Today, our jars are in over 400 stores across Canada, but the heart of our business remains the same — turning waste into wonder, and creating food with purpose.
2. 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’?
When I saw our first jars on the shelf at a local grocery store. I stood there quietly, watching a shopper pick one up and read the label. That was the instant I realized this wasn’t just my dream anymore - it was becoming part of other people’s lives, their kitchens, their recipes. That feeling gave me the fire to keep going, no matter how tough the road ahead.
3. Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
Bee-Mindful Hunnie Hot has my heart. It started as a playful experiment, combining our Hunnie with chilies, but it quickly became a fan favourite. I love how it surprises people - sweet at first, with a slow warmth that lingers. It embodies what I love about food: connection, conversation, and a little bit of fun.
4. What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
Knowing every jar we sell makes a small difference - reducing food waste, protecting pollinators, and supporting Canadian farmers. But what really keeps me going is the incredible community of other founders in the CPG space. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, but I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by peers who share openly, cheer each other on, and remind me that we’re all building something bigger together. Their encouragement, along with the support of our customers, fuels me to keep pushing forward even on the toughest days.
5. Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
Let’s be honest - Sundays as an entrepreneur aren’t exactly slow and dreamy. My ideal Sunday usually starts with coffee in one hand and my laptop in the other. But breakfast is where I like to get creative. I’ll whip up spicy cauliflower tacos with a drizzle of our Bee-Mindful Hunnie Hot, or pancakes topped with roasted peaches and Hunnie. It’s the one part of the day where work meets play - fueling up with flavours that remind me why I started this in the first place.