Interview with Michelle, CEO of TCKP
What inspired you to lead TCKP, and how do you envision it impacting Edmonton’s food scene?
TCKP Is the embodiment of the community and environment I wished I had as a neurodiverse entrepreneur. We provide an alternative pathway to success. One that isn’t solely defined by financial metrics and traditional milestones, but with emotional growth, the strength of healthy close relationships, and personal satisfaction and purpose being given the weight it deserves.
As CEO, what are your core goals for TCKP, and how do you measure success?
Lower barriers for newcomers to the food scene and foster a diverse and welcoming environment.
Achieve financial self-sufficiency as an organization while serving as a model for the innovative merging of social enterprise and Non-Profit.
Enhance food security and health by bridging the gap between delicious local food being a luxury and it being attainable and accessible for all.
What unique challenges or opportunities do you see for foodtrepreneurs, and how does TCKP address them?
Foodtrepreneurs often face the challenge of moving from low-risk food production to more diverse and robust businesses without significant capital and access to approved kitchen space. TCKP aims to support them in this transition by offering subsidized resources and a community to support their development.
Can you share a success story that highlights TCKP’s mission?
Veg Head Killer Food exemplifies our mission. After years of struggle, I transitioned from working in front of house roles, to owning a food truck, ultimately building a community through TCKP, which is giving me the opportunity to continue to grow and pivot my passion for plant based eating In a shared space that doesn’t bind me to a traditional brick and mortar restaurant structure. This level isn’t a compromise or stop over for me, this is my ideal position for Veg Head to be.
How does your background influence your leadership style?
My entrepreneurial journey began in childhood and has evolved through diverse experiences, including community theater, direct sales, and brand management. This background shapes my low barrier, high flexibility, family friendly, bottom-up leadership approach, emphasizing mental health and equitable compensation, and shared solutions.
What initiatives are you most excited to bring to TCKP?
I’m particularly excited about implementing robust Mental Health and Wellness programming, emphasizing the importance of personal well-being as the foundation that sustainable professional success needs to be built on.
How do you see TCKP evolving in the next few years?
I envision TCKP developing using permaculture principles, fostering a culture where individual aspirations grow with the organization’s vision.
What role do partnerships play in TCKP’s success?
Our core values are all based on authentic connections. Just as a farmer's crop quality is limited by the surrounding fields it cross pollinates with. We are stronger together and will passionately support our neighbors initiatives by pooling our resources to meet community needs while maintaining a collaborative mindset.
What advice would you offer to new food entrepreneurs considering joining TCKP?
Don’t wait; just start.
Get involved in the community.
Your first idea most likely won't be your final one; your ability to pivot and passion will attract collaborators.
Success comes in many forms—be brave and embrace your uniqueness.
“You can’t fail if you never give up” - Jennifer Keith
