A conversation about the pressures of building a food business, and how we keep going

Session Description

Running a food business means carrying a lot at once: Long hours, constant uncertainty, rising costs, isolation, and the pressure to make it work… even when you’re exhausted.

For this edition of Friday Food Forum, we’re joined by Stephanie Markakis-Plouffe for an open, honest conversation about the emotional realities of entrepreneurship in the food industry, and the tools, habits, and support systems that help founders stay grounded while building something sustainable.

Together, we’ll talk about burnout, overwhelm, decision fatigue, identity, resilience, and the often invisible weight carried by small food business owners every day.

Whether you’re just starting out or years into the journey, this session is about reminding food entrepreneurs that they are not alone and that building a business shouldn’t come at the cost of yourself.