Anya Fernald | Episode 020
The Hidden Truth About Food, Wellness, and Whey Protein: Anya Fernald’s Shakewell Revolution
Redefining Wellness Through Simple, Sustainable, and Nutritious Choices
In an engaging episode of The Dean's List, I converse with Anya Fernald, a renowned entrepreneur and sustainable agriculture expert. Fernald's passion for artisanal, wholesome food is not just a facet of her career but a deeply ingrained lifestyle choice. This episode unravels her journey from a cheesemaker in Europe to the co-founder of Shakewell, a company revolutionizing the way we approach nutrition.
Cheese and Change: The European Influence
Anya Fernald's culinary journey began in the rural landscapes of Europe, where she honed her skills as a cheesemaker. This experience was transformative, immersing her into a world where food was synonymous with purity and simplicity. Her encounters in Sardinia, witnessing age-old cheese-making practices, reshaped her understanding of sustenance. In a time where convenience often trumps quality, Fernald's European sojourn was a portal to rediscovering the health benefits embedded in traditional food systems.
Fernald narrates an eye-opening experience in Sardinia, where she observed a cheese producer utilizing every part of the animal, exemplifying a sustainable and ethical approach to food production. This holistic use of resources not only resonated with her passion for sustainability but also improved her own health, reducing inflammation and enhancing her vitality. Such experiences were not merely professional milestones but pivotal moments that solidified her dedication to promoting real, quality food.
Entrepreneurial Endeavors: Forging a New Path
After spending seven years in Europe, Fernald returned to the U.S. with a mission to transform the food industry. She spearheaded numerous initiatives, from consulting projects to launching food businesses aimed at educating consumers about sustainable food practices.
Perhaps most notable is her venture into Shakewell, a company co-founded with Luke Cook. Shakewell’s mission is unique: to create a line of whey protein drinks emphasizing minimalistic, honest ingredients. By sourcing fresh whey, Fernald adds a natural preservative element to the drinks, challenging conventional protein beverages loaded with additives.
Fernald's previous ventures were informative, teaching her that partnering with like-minded, high-quality suppliers was more effective than attempting to control every aspect of production. This lesson influences Shakewell’s operations, through collaborations with trusted local suppliers for their pure ingredients, ensuring sustainability is at the core.
Challenging Misconceptions: Sustainability and Beyond
Fernald’s journey underscores a critical discourse on the misconceptions surrounding sustainable food practices. Many perceive sustainable goods as overpriced, assuming the industry is profitable, when in reality, small producers often struggle financially against subsidized conventional agriculture. The higher prices reflect the genuine cost of producing food that is both environmentally and ethically sound.
The U.S. could learn much from Europe’s broader support for farmers, and a critical evaluation of food processing. Countries in Europe provide tax incentives to all farmers and maintain stringent controls over food contact materials, helping preserve food purity.
Wellness Philosophy: Simplifying for Success
For Anya Fernald, wellness extends beyond personal health to ethical consumption and sustainable living. Her philosophy revolves around embracing simplicity in both dietary habits and business practices. By focusing on high-quality, whole ingredients, she manifests a lifestyle where simple cooking transforms into a source of vitality.
Home-cooked meals, she emphasizes, are foundational to wellness, an approach she engages with both personally and professionally. Fernald sees Shakewell as an extension of this belief, providing a nutritious, convenient option for those who value transparency in food sourcing and preparation.
Looking Forward: The Future of Food
Anya Fernald’s journey illustrates how personal values can fundamentally reshape an industry. Shakewell stands at the intersection of innovation and tradition, embodying the timeless ethos of sustainable and healthful eating. Looking forward, Fernald envisions expanding Shakewell’s offerings, solidifying its footprint as a leader in clean nutrition.
In a world where food choices impact personal health and global ecosystems, Anya Fernald's Shakewell revolutionizes how we think about nourishment. Her dedication to sharing the pleasures of simple, high-quality food encourages us all to embrace a more mindful approach to what we consume.
Follow Anya on Instagram: @anyafernald
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