Heather Pace owns a raw vegan dessert company in Victoria, British Columbia called Sweetly Raw Desserts. Pace also teaches raw food classes and yoga, and writes a blog. Notable loves Heather Pace for how she applies her business sense to holistic nutrition and wellness, and for her Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (recipe below!).
Describe the professional path that led you to Sweetly Raw Desserts:
A passion for food led me down a culinary path from a young age. When I was 18 I took a raw food course in California and from there I went on to graduate from a traditional culinary program at Fanshawe College. I had been a vegan since I turned 14 and I really delved into the world of raw food — it was my true calling.
I created a food blog, started writing raw dessert e-books, taught raw food classes, worked as a personal chef, and created my business all in my hometown of Sioux Lookout. Several years later my dream of publishing a book came true when Quarry Books approached me to write a raw dessert book. Sweetly Raw Desserts hit bookshelves on January 1, 2015.
What challenges did you face on your path as a new entrepreneur?
When I was 26, I had a terrible health crash that forced me to leave a vegan diet. This really turned my life upside down for a while as I had created an identity and business around veganism. I was scared of losing my readers but at the same time I wanted to be completely honest so I shared my story on my blog. I told everyone exactly what I was going through and said I was eating meat again. Most people were supportive and many people said they’d gone through the same thing or were currently experiencing the same issues.
What type of decisions do you make DIFFERENTLY than your peers?
I go to the beat of my own drum in life and in business. I don’t do something just for the money or because everyone else is doing it. I always base my decisions on my heart and intuition.
How do you prefer to market your company?
My favourite way to market my company is through social media. I’m a visual person and I like to share through beautiful images on my brand social channels.
Follow Sweetly Raw on Instagram for delicious raw vegan dessert inspiration and recipes.
What are your growth plans for 2017?
I will be travelling and speaking again, focusing more on teaching people all over the world how to make delicious plant based food. I would also like to start writing another book this year, which will focus on cooked vegan recipes.
Is there an entrepreneur or professional leader you look to for inspiration or advice?
Both Lori Harder and Chalene Johnson inspire me on a regular basis through their podcasts. They’re fitness experts and motivational speakers who are living their dream and sharing their knowledge for free. I always feel so uplifted after listening to them.
What do you like to read or listen to for inspiration?
I like to listen to Oprah. She is the perfect example of a person who came from nothing and created an empire. She’s always on point.
What is your favourite way to live a #Notablelife?
My favourite way to live a #notablelife is to share my passion with the world by teaching people how to make amazing healthy food.
Recipe: Sweetly Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Makes 10-12
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons coconut nectar, or to taste
1 tablespoon coconut flour
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
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2 cups chopped chocolate or chocolate chips of choice
1/2 tablespoon melted coconut oil
Stir together the first set of ingredients in a bowl or food processor. Set into the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up slightly and then roll into 10 – 12 balls and place back into the fridge. Melt the chocolate. Add the coconut oil and stir together. Place a peanut butter ball into the chocolate to coat and then place it on a parchment paper lined tray. Optional, sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Place back into the fridge until the chocolate hardens. Store in the fridge.