There's nothing we love more than coming across a great food product that's not only healthy but also easy to prepare, which is why we've been loving trying all the flavours of the Hart & Soul soups!
Made with clean ingredients and with plenty of dietary choices on offer these amazing pouches can be used as a base to create your own recipe
or you can eat it straight from the packet, after you've heated it up of course ;)
After constant debates in the office over what our favourite flavour is we sat down with Charli Walters, the general manager of Hart & Soul, to hear all about the family business.
Tell us a bit about the people behind Hart & Soul
Hart & Soul is a family business. We have always been involved in the food industry and Hart & Soul is run by father daughter team with the support of the greater family and loyal employees. My father David Molloy is the Managing Director of the company with a background in Sales whilst I bring a passion for brands, strategy and consumer behaviour. Together we have grown the company to where it is today.
What was the inspiration behind Hart & Soul?
The opportunity for accessible health options that would not break the bank.
What would an ‘average day in the life of’ look like for you?
Routine is strong. Wake up by toddler about 6.30am. Alongside an earl grey tea. At work by 8am. I try to follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle and only eat when actually hungry. Dinner is a family event about 7pm, depending on the night one of us gets out of the house to exercise for me it is generally a late Yin class. I have enough yang in my today so rely on exercise as a form of relaxation.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My 2yr old son :)
How do you make your products?
We spend time looking at on trend flavours and ingredients and make them accessible to everyday occasions.
What is your favourite product in your range?
The Supergrain Dahl ready to eat meal, so nourishing.
What is your favourite way to enjoy your products?
Unfortunately time is not on my side most days, so when I have days where I cannot leave my desk our products are a saviour.
What is an interesting way of using your products that not many people would know about?
The beautiful thing about soup is that it is more than just a soup it is recipe base. Our soups can be used to make bread, pie, pasta, lasagne, fritters and everything in between :)
What have been the biggest trials so far in starting and running your company?
The forecasting, as a new brand there is so many unknowns. Historical data only shows what existed but does not predict the future. That alongside with managing relationships from suppliers and retailers - a lot of different personalities to account for.
What experiences lead to the values you have instilled in your company?
Ease, as a mum running a company I am like most, time poor. These days products need to deliver across multiple values of flavour, health, price, convenience. It is not acceptable to have one but completely compromise on another.
If you weren’t running your company, what would you be doing?
Studying Ayurveda.
What is your favourite way of winding down and taking time out?
Painting, I am terrible but enjoy the process.
Here at Retreat Yourself, we LOVE dreaming BIG - what is your vision for your company?
I love the idea that we are in mainstream categories challenging stagnant spaces. I’d like to think that we can continue to drive positive change with the customers values at heart.
For anyone out there wanting to start their own business, what would your biggest piece of advice be?
Be passionate, maintain passion.
And lastly, what does a fulfilled life look like to you?
Good food, good friends & family.
To check out the full range of Hart & Soul or get some recipe ideas, check out their website: http://www.hartandsoul.com/