Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Caroline Pellegrini, who created Ubifood to offer Canadians a sustainable and affordable way to shop for food. We caught up with her to find out what inspired the idea and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
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Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m the co-founder of Ubifood, a Canadian app that helps foodies save on the food they crave, all while protecting the planet!
What was the inspiration for your career route?
Food waste is a huge problem at home, restaurants, and grocery stores – but one solution is just an app away. I wanted to bring retailers and customers together for the common goal of protecting the environment. Ubifood helps local businesses make money while helping consumers save money, creating a sense of community around (and a financial incentive for) this important issue. The app’s social and environmental dimensions remain a top priority for me.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Launching the Ubifood app was the first big milestone. But the process behind it is full of memorable moments! From the very beginning, collaborating with local business owners has been an enriching experience for me. Ubifood is not only a tool in the fight against food waste, but a reflection of the community.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
In the next five to 10 years, I hope to expand Ubifood operations across Canada, and eventually in the U.S. Along the way, I’d like to marry, settle down with a family, and remain a public advocate for the fight against food waste.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Do what you love! Passionate work brings joy on so many levels. While failure is a natural part of innovation, persistence and hard work will help you achieve your goals.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I’m a big fan of Moisson Montreal. They gather surplus food donations all year long and distribute them to community organizations free of charge. I hold environmental initiatives close to my heart.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
We’ve been working hard to change peoples’ habits and mindset about smart consumption. Trailblazing into new territory can be challenging at times, but we encourage people to keep an open mind and embrace positive change.
What does the word notable mean to you?
In my opinion, notable refers to a generation of cutting edge entrepreneurs who are unafraid to take risks and develop new ideas to improve peoples’ lives. They are notable.
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Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Lemeac. Their “After 10” menu is delicious and affordable. I love the restaurant’s ambiance and their creative take on French gastronomy.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
My most visited website is Nightlife.ca. I try to stay connected with local initiatives, festivals, and events at all times.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Local entrepreneur Nicolas Duvernois. I recently had the chance to meet him and was very moved by his life story. His positive attitude and his perseverance are inspiring.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Definitely Italy. It is the capital of fashion, design, and carbs, making each visit a pleasure for the eyes and the stomach.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
As you know, I’m a notorious bargain hunter. The chance of missing out on a great deal – on the Ubifood app or anywhere else – gives me the greatest FOMO.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Straciatella ice cream; especially coffee and chocolate flavours.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Clothing. I continue to spend too much money on clothes (while simultaneously wishing that I could spend more).
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success is finding the freedom to do what you love and developing a career out of it.
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