Episode 15: Jen and Hayley from Plant the Seed

In this episode of HIP Biz, I meet Jennifer McNeil and Hayley Roe, founders of the wonderful Plant the Seed, an exciting new vegan food business based in Hastings.

In this episode we talk about the rise of veganism and how to do it in a balanced way. How Jen became a vegetarian at 16 before going vegan in her twenties and how Hayley converted after they met.

I find out how Plant the Seed was born from a passion to make vegan food more healthy and accessible and how starting their business in lockdown meant that furlough from their old jobs gave them a free hit at an idea they’d had.

Jen and Hayley speak about starting the business in London initially as a vegan sandwich delivery concept, where they hand delivered the sandwiches and later how they developed the concept into toasties and brunch as well as the original sandwiches.

I get to try one of their sandwiches live on the podcast and we discuss their move from Walthamstow to Hastings and how they have integrated into their new life by the sea. Finally we talk about working with your partner and how they’ve invented the vegan fried egg!

It was great to meet Jen and Hayley and hear their story, how they have followed their passion to create a business they love and enjoy.