Meet the Makers Mini Interview: Avafina Organics
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MEET THE MAKER OF AVAFINA ORGANICS: LAURA CŨNER DEBOIS
Avafina Organics Mini Interview
Meet Laura, the visionary behind Coquitlam’s own Avafina Organics, a plant-based brand known for creations like Chiaviar, a chia seed spread inspired by traditional caviar, to Queen Cheese, a line of smooth spreadable dairy-free cheeses. Laura shares the inspiration behind the brand, her passion for organic living, and what continues to drive Avafina’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Share your story with us in 150 words or less.
Avafina Organics was born from a simple truth: when we return to nature, the body remembers how to heal. Growing up on a farm, I developed an early appreciation for nourishing food, which sparked a lifelong passion and led to decades of study in plant-based nutrition and holistic health.
I focus on creating foods that honour the intelligence of the body—whole, living, and deeply nourishing. Avafina products are crafted with organic, plant-based ingredients, minimal processing, and techniques like fermentation to support vitality and ease of digestion. From innovative chia-based creations like Chiaviar to cultured, dairy-free Queen Cheeses, each product is designed to bring life back into everyday eating. Avafina Organics is an invitation to reconnect with food in its purest form, supporting balance, energy, and a more conscious way of living.
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’?
It truly sank in for me when I realized this wasn’t just an idea—it was time! Since my early teens, I had been exploring a way of eating that feels deeply aligned with who we are at our core—simple, plant-based, and in harmony with nature. I reached a point where I knew I couldn’t keep that experience to myself. This business became a way to share the best of what I had learned and lived around food—something real, nourishing, something that could genuinely support others.
That’s when it shifted from a concept into something meaningful and alive. It wasn’t just about building a company—it was about offering a path that had already transformed me, and it is the best I had to give.
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
Without a doubt—Chiaviar… with Queen Cheese, they’re simply meant to be together.
Chiaviar is unlike anything else in the market. It has that luxurious, delicate texture—like a plant-based caviar—with a fresh, slightly tangy, umami-rich flavor from seaweeds and lemon. It feels indulgent, but it’s incredibly nourishing at the same time. Chia seeds bring plant-based protein, fiber, and omega-3s, while the seaweeds add micronutrients and minerals that truly support the body.
Paired with Queen Cheese—our cultured, cashew-based cream cheese—you get this perfect balance: creamy, velvety richness with that bright, ocean-kissed pop from Chiaviar. It’s satisfying, elevated, and deeply nourishing without feeling heavy. It’s the kind of food that makes you pause for a second… because it tastes special—but your body feels even better after eating it.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
What motivates me every day is sharing a way of eating that truly empowers people. Nutrition isn’t just about food—it’s about how we feel, how our body receives what we give it, and whether we move toward ease or dis-ease.
The principles of Natural Hygiene ( a holistic wellness philosophy focused on supporting the body’s natural ability to heal) has shown me that when we eat in alignment with our biology, the body naturally finds balance—reducing inflammation and supporting true homeostasis. For many years, I was at war with food. This way of eating changed that. It brought me back into a place of trust, of calm, of deep peace within my own body. That’s what drives me—helping others experience that same shift, where food becomes something that supports you, not something you struggle against.
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
My favourite thing about living in Lions Bay is how naturally life slows down and comes back to what really matters. I spend a lot of time gardening—hands in the soil, pruning, caring for plants, flowers and vegetables, I love watching things grow. I am always hiking the trails here, being surrounded by birds, trees, ocean air, and that quiet, grounding energy that you can only find on the West Coast! And of course, being with my dog Lola🐕—those simple moments are everything to me.
Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
I usually start my morning with a short meditation, then move into something active—either a hike in the forest, a yoga flow, or Pilates. Being surrounded by birds, trees and fresh air is incredibly grounding for me.
After that, I love creating a nourishing breakfast. One of my favourites lately is a simple sourdough waffle with cream cheese—just those two ingredients pressed into a waffle, it’s surprisingly cheesy and delicious. I top it with Chiaviar and enjoy it with a warm cup of yerba mate 🧉… there’s nothing better.
Music is also a big part of my life, so it’s “a must” on a Sunday morning! I love singing and playing guitar 🎸—it brings me a lot of joy and allows me to express myself. 🌿
What are your personal top three tips for feeling amazing?
My top three tips for feeling amazing are simple, but powerful.
First, eat more plants—foods that are alive, vibrant, and deeply nourishing for both the body and the Earth.
Second, move your body daily in a way that feels natural—whether it’s walking, stretching, dancing or being out in nature.
And third, live in gratitude at every moment. Not just once in a while, but as a way of being—fully present, aware, and appreciative of life as it unfolds. For me, that’s where true well-being begins—when you’re aligned with nature, in your body, and grateful for every second in this wonderful planet that needs our protection.
Find Avafina: On Their Website | On Instagram