Startup Women Podcast E128 - Taking Action and Starting Up with Jess Mantell

When gearing up to launch a venture, worry and perfectionism can prolong the process of opening the doors. Jess Mantell, Co-Founder of Abokichi, thinks the answer is easy - just start! Jess Mantell is the co-founder of Abokichi, Inc., makers of the gold Sofi Award winning OKAZU miso chili oil sauce, and food-waste diverting instant miso soup. Jess grew up in a Toronto suburb, and earned a Bachelor of Design from York University and Sheridan College, and a Masters in Media Design from Keio (Kayo) University in Tokyo. While in Japan, Jess worked as a graphic designer and reported on technology for The Japan Times newspaper; developed a fondness for trying new foods; and ultimately caught the entrepreneurship bug. Abokichi was born out of a desire to share some culinary delight with western consumers, and to create a company with super high standards of quality, customer service, employee satisfaction, and social responsibility. When not sitting at her desk with her Abokichi hat on, Jess enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, hiking, and playing with her toddler. She was also recently recognized as a Changemaker as part of the Inniskillin Changemaker Initiative, in partnership with Startup Canada. “Just starting is critical - but do it lean. You don’t need to put thousands into a website or hire expensive consultants at the beginning.” On this week’s Startup Women Podcast, sponsored by the Business Development Bank of Canada and Scotiabank, Jess discusses the many pivots of Abokichi, her customer education journey, and the importance of taking action to start your entrepreneurial dream.