Marni Wasserman: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is culinary nutritionist and health strategist Marni Wasserman, who also owns Toronto’s first plant-based food studio and lifestyle shop. What was the inspiration behind her career route? Find out in today’s profile…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a culinary nutritionist and health strategist and Owner of Toronto’s first plant-based food studio and lifestyle shop. I teach people how everyday eating can be simple and delicious through consultations, cooking classes, retreats and workshops.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I created my own company out of passion. I have always had a desire to work with food, health and people. I loved taking cooking classes myself for years and having a background in both nutrition and culinary training prompted me to want to create my own food studio to inspire others to take their health to the next level.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is that I get to work with food! Who doesn’t love to eat, especially when it is healthy and delicious. Not only that, but watching others get excited about good food after they learn a new recipe or ingredient makes my day! I love sharing my passion for wholesome eating with people and getting them excited about being in the kitchen.

The most challenging part is keeping up with all the trends, diets and different ways of eating that people think are the best. I am constantly trying to steer people back to the most simple way of eating with whole, plant-based foods. Another challenge is explaining to people that changing their eating and health patterns is a lifestyle and not a diet. 

What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
The main sign I’ve noticed is that the weekdays and weekends seem to flow together. I am hoping that as the years progress there will be more of a distinction between work time and personal time. Even just finding a half hour at the end of the day, to read a book or do things for myself, has become more and more challenging.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself having a family (at least one kid by then), a dog and a home, my cookbook and a TV show. At this point I also know that more and more people in Toronto and all over the world will be coming to the food studio for cooking classes. There could even be another location!

What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
The major challenge that I have overcome is opening up the food studio. I ran my cooking classes out of my parents’ home for five years and I needed to find a way to get my own place and come up with a strategy to do so. I gathered my resources, mapped out a plan, hit the pavement and found an amazing place at 510 Eglinton Ave West, which is now the home of my classes.

What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success is feeling abundant in all areas of life. This means having my health, relationships, friendships and teams all in place. This will give me the support that I need to feel good. From there, money will come and in fact flourish. It may take a bit longer, but it will be more rewarding!

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Opening up the food studio and lifestyle shop, hands down.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be true to your passion and you will get what you desire and what you deserve!

Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Pizzeria Libretto. The best pizza in the city. Not only do they have spelt crust (for the wheat-free individuals), but they also use local, fresh vegetables that make every bite so delicious!

When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I love watching movies, bike riding, running, reading, hiking and, of course, making meals from scratch!

Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Costa Rica. It is exotic, tropical, lush and has all the wonderful fresh fruits and superfoods that I crave. It is also the perfect blend of ocean and mountain, which means lots of outdoor activities that I love!

If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Viva La Vida by Coldplay.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Saving wildlife and endangered species in the world.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I am a supporter of Organics for Orphans, which is an organization that contributes to helping enrich the lives of Africans by implementing resources and knowledge to farm organically and productively.

This helps to not only provide food for the impoverished, but also creates jobs and disease prevention.

What to you is notable?
Something remarkable, memorable and special.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone for sure.

#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)

Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.