Creating a Safe Space for Innovation

Coming from an established line of self-starters and entrepreneurs, Healthy Hippo Founder and CEO Ashley Paterson is no stranger to innovating under pressure. She sunk her teeth into family-owned company Big Mountain Foods, beginning with hands-on involvement in the production and packaging of its high-quality vegan products, and then progressing to driving sales. After working her way through Big Mountain’s social media and marketing teams, production innovation and fine tuning its sales pipeline, Ashley took her experiences, entrepreneurial spirit and passion for better-for-you foods and spun it all into Healthy Hippo.

1. Tell us about yourself. When did you first know you were interested in the confectionery industry?

Growing up with an entrepreneurial mother and seeing her hustle really taught me the highs and lows that come with owning your own business - but it didn’t stop me from wanting to follow in her footsteps. I knew I would eventually branch off and start my own business, but it had to be something that felt 100% right. I have always been a super healthy individual, someone who loved creating healthier alternatives to unhealthy foods. To add to that - I have always been a sweet tooth enthusiast! Seeing where this category was going and the demand for consumers looking to reduce their sugar intake, I knew this was the right business idea for me.

2. How do you / your team generate new ideas?

We have weekly executive meetings with the team that are scheduled for an hour, but they typically go longer. Our calls lead to so much more than just updates on the company. Given that most of our team works out of town, we make sure that when everyone travels to one destination, we schedule in-person brainstorming sessions that really help us get the juices flowing on our goals and objectives of the company.

3. Do you have any specific rituals for resetting creativity?

I typically get inspired when I go to new destinations, and I'm always dragging my husband into natural foods stores all across the globe. Aside from that, I get my daily reset at my favorite pilates in the dark spot, Jaybird. Nothing like a little mediation and movement to reset the mind, body and soul.

4. How do you identify trends? What resources do you use to spot trends and consumer insights within your industry?

This industry is obsessed with disruption, so staying on high alert for new innovative things that have huge potential is important. I have certain online and brix stores that I check in with frequently because I know they list products faster than the bigger retailers. I also go down the social media rabbit hole frequently to stay up to date on what's happening in the CPG world. I find this helpful to spot trends before they really blow up!

5. What is the biggest challenge you face when innovating within your field?

Flexibility on ingredients for our specific type of low sugar candy. It took us 3 years to build out our custom formulation, we had very little flexibility on ingredients with our strict parameters. We didn't want to sacrifice on taste, texture or ingredients, so it didn't give us much wiggle room.

6. Has there ever been an instance where another industry has influenced your work?

The Carbon Neutral Industry has influenced us to do better for the environment and become Carbon Neutral certified.

7. What makes an innovative work culture? How do you create a culture of innovation?

I am constantly telling my team that no idea is a bad idea, I am extremely open to any new ideas that are brought to the table, and I think this creates a culture where people feel inclusive and excited to bring any new ideas forward.

8. Looking to the future, how will your brand continue to be a leader in innovation?

Innovation is huge for Healthy Hippo and we are constantly looking at ways that we can fill gaps in the market. We plan to break into other categories in the coming years, while still being known as the brand that is better-for-you and better for the environment.