This Ramen & Mochi Maker Just Won A $10K Grant (Win!)

Vancouver’s own The Plant Based Workshop, an Asian-inspired, innovative plant-based product line, has just achieved a remarkable milestone by being named one of the winners of the prestigious Visa She’s Next Grant Program. This exciting recognition comes with a $10,000 grant and invaluable access to an accelerated mentorship program through York University’s YSpace, setting the stage for the brand’s continued growth and success. With the Visa She’s Next initiative having awarded over $700,000 CAD to women-owned businesses since its inception, this victory is a powerful testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Canadian female entrepreneurs. We chatted with The Plant-Based Workshop founder Mayumi Bae to learn more. —Vita Daily

Congratulations on being selected as one of the winners of the Visa She’s Next Grant Program! What inspired you to create The Plant Based Workshop, and how has this journey shaped your perspective as an entrepreneur?

The Plant-Based Workshop was born out of a deep-rooted passion, after a painful experience transforming into positive change. Growing up, food was a cornerstone of our family, and I was always drawn to the power it held to nourish and connect people. A pivotal moment came when my father passed, and I faced health challenges. It was then that I realized the transformative potential of plant-based cuisine.

I wanted to challenge the perception of plant-based food as bland or restrictive. The Workshop Vegetarian Café was our first step, a physical space where we could experiment with flavours and textures. It was a place to demonstrate that plant-based food could be incredibly satisfying, culturally diverse and delicious.

This journey has transformed me and continues to shape me into a resilient and purpose-driven woman and entrepreneur. It’s taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, the power of community and the importance of intent. I’m excited to see where this journey takes us next, and I’m committed to using this platform to make a positive impact.

Winning the $10,000 grant and gaining access to mentorship through York University’s YSpace is a significant achievement. How do you plan to use this opportunity to grow your business and make an impact on the plant-based food industry?

Winning the Visa She’s Next Grant is a validation of our mission. I appreciate that Visa Canada has created initiatives like She’s Next, that help uplift women-owned small businesses. I look forward to using this opportunity to expand our reach, innovate further, and inspire more people to embrace a plant-based lifestyle.

As a female entrepreneur, what unique challenges have you faced in building your business, and how do you think programs like Visa She’s Next help in overcoming these hurdles?

Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape as a woman in business has presented a unique set of challenges. From securing funding to gaining credibility, my journey has been marked by resilience, grit and to be honest, my ego as well. The weight of expectation to excel while often facing underrepresentation can be immense.

Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and family, with societal norms and expectations has required constant adaptation and a strong support network. Despite these hurdles, the opportunity to create something from the ground up and empower others is a driving force that fuels my passion for this path.

I have seen first-hand how Visa provides value and supports small businesses throughout the entrepreneurship journey by helping them with how they pay and get paid, finding growth through new tools and simplifying the overall ecosystem. Initiatives like the Visa She’s Next Grant are instrumental in empowering many entrepreneurs like me. They provide not only financial support but also, invaluable resources and mentorship. Cultivating a strong network to overcome obstacles, celebrate successes, and most importantly to inspire the next generation of stronger female leaders, I believe, is essential.

The Plant Based Workshop is known for its Asian-inspired, innovative plant-based products. Can you share some of your favorite creations and what makes them stand out in the market?

At The Plant Based Workshop, we’ve reimagined comfort food with a plant-forward twist. Our products aren’t just substitutes; they’re experiences.

Take our Noods Ramen Kits, for instance. We’ve meticulously crafted these kits to deliver an authentic restaurant-quality ramen experience without compromise. Our secret lies in the way that our noodles are dehydrated, which offers a superior texture and slurp-worthy quality.

Furthermore, to ensure nutritional value is intact, one meal contains 12g of protein and 30-35% of iron. Combined with our rich, umami-packed broths, free from artificial additives, Noods Ramen Kits are a testament to our commitment to both taste and nutrition.

Then there’s our Mochi Cake Mixes. We’ve taken the beloved Japanese dessert, mochi, and transformed it into a versatile baking mix. Imagine the perfect blend of soft, fluffy cake with the delightful chew of mochi. That’s what you get with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, our mixes make it easy to create delicious treats that are both satisfying and unique. It’s a fusion of East meets West, delivering a truly unforgettable taste experience.

What truly sets our products apart is our meticulous attention to detail and our unwavering dedication to using high-quality, plant-based ingredients. We believe that everyone deserves to enjoy delicious, wholesome food, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for The Plant Based Workshop, and how do you see the mentorship and support from Visa She’s Next contributing to your future success?

Our vision for The Plant Based Workshop extends beyond our current offerings. We envision a world where plant-based options are accessible and desirable to everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. To achieve this, we plan to expand our product line, strengthen our brand presence, and explore international markets.

The mentorship and resources provided by Visa Canada’s She’s Next Grant program will help us refine our business strategy, enhance our brand identity, and expand our reach. By empowering women entrepreneurs, Visa She’s Next Grant is fostering a more inclusive and innovative business landscape, and we are honoured to be a part of this movement.

What is your favorite meal to create using products from The Plant Based Workshop, and what makes it special to you?

There’s something so incredibly satisfying about slurping up perfectly cooked noodles at home. Especially if they are better for you than the instant, snack kinds which are traditionally offered. Our Noods Ramen Kits offer that beautiful experience.

Moreover, I really want to shed some light on our Mochi Cake Mixes. They are a unique product that brings a smile to my face. It’s a recipe that I created when my kids were little. Their faces lit up whenever I had whipped up these chewy, gooey treats. Quickly, their friends, my friends and neighbours were asking for the recipe, or more accurately, the entire batch! It was one of the first items to be served at the Flagship Cafe in 2016. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard, “these are the best cakes I’ve ever had!” It’s a product that made me realize how creations can spread joy.

Win! A $131 Ultimate Bundle From The Plant Based Workshop!

Congrats Cindy P. of Edmonton, AB, who will receive a $131 Ultimate Bundle From The Plant Based Workshop! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.