Thursday May 22, 2025

EP 15 - From Personal Shopper to Vegan CEO Transforming Plant-Based Eating – Madelyn Hadley

Madelyn Hadley is the founder of Madly Hadley, a San Diego-based innovative plant-based food brand. With a background as a private chef focused on plant-based cooking, she worked closely with naturopathic doctors and their patients to create delicious, health-conscious meals. Motivated by a passion to make her chef-quality, vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free recipes accessible to a wider audience, she launched Madly Hadley in 2021. The brand is known for its popular products like coconut bacon bits and cashew Parmesan, which are available nationally in Sprouts and nationally in Whole Foods Market and other natural grocers. Madelyn's mission is to transform familiar foods into healthier, environmentally friendly versions that delight consumers while supporting wellness and sustainability.

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In this inspiring episode, Liesl Bernard sits down with Madelyn Hadley, the dynamic CEO of a thriving vegan snack brand, to explore her path from personal shopper at Whole Foods to trailblazing entrepreneur. Madelyn opens up about the leap of faith that took her from grocery aisles to launching her own line of plant-based products—driven by passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to wellness.

She shares the challenges and lessons she’s faced breaking into the competitive food industry, offering honest insights on everything from sourcing ingredients to scaling a startup. She also dives into her creative process—how she approaches product development, packaging design, and building a brand that truly resonates with today’s conscious consumer.

Madelyn discusses the strategies she’s used to connect with customers, build a loyal following, and spread the message that healthy, flavorful food can be for everyone—no matter your dietary choices. This episode is full of practical advice, authentic stories, and empowering takeaways for anyone looking to turn their vision into reality.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Personal Shopper to CEO

03:05 Creating Vegan Alternatives: The Inspiration Behind the Products

05:57 Overcoming Challenges: Lessons from the Food Industry

09:01 Vision for the Future: Expanding Offerings and Market Reach

11:55 Mindset and Personal Practices: Staying Grounded as an Entrepreneur

15:05 Creative Expression: The Art Behind the Brand

18:06 Building a Team: From Solo Entrepreneur to Collaborative Efforts

21:01 Marketing Strategies: Spreading the Word About Vegan Products

24:06 The Broader Impact: Making Plant-Based Eating Accessible to All

26:51 Connecting with the Community: Engaging Customers and Investors

Connect with Madelyn Hadley: