Show notes
Mar 5, 2025
On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we’re joined by Rhian Caffull, the founder of VegLife, a fast-growing plant-based food brand making waves with its signature plant-based scotch eggs. What started as a small idea has now grown into a business that has sold over 70,000 units, with a strong focus on sustainability, education, and community impact.
Rhian’s entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly when she was made redundant from her job as an expedition leader during the pandemic. She turned this challenge into an opportunity, creating a plant-based alternative to the classic scotch egg—first as a hobby and then as a full-fledged business. With bootstrapped growth through catering, events, and independent retailers, she is now preparing for her first round of investment to scale production and expand even further.
In this conversation, Rhian shares the reality of growing a food brand, from tackling the challenges of accessing capital to balancing product development and scaling production. She also talks about the importance of social impact, including community initiatives, education, and sustainability efforts that are embedded in VegLife’s mission.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Turning a crisis
into an opportunity – how redundancy led Rhian to create
and grow VegLife
🔹 Bootstrapping a food
business – the power of starting small, selling at events,
and building demand
🔹 The hidden challenges of
scaling – why capital access, ingredient costs, and
production limitations are key hurdles
🔹 The power of mission-driven
entrepreneurship – how social impact and sustainability
can be business drivers
🔹 Preparing for investment
– what to look for in an investor and why alignment on values is
critical
Beyond business growth, VegLife is about making an impact. Rhian shares how the company is involved in community fridge programs, educational talks, and work placements, with plans to launch a foundation to expand its social mission.
If you’re interested in scaling a food business, impact-driven entrepreneurship, or navigating the challenges of investment, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
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For now, continue listening for the full story from Rhian.
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Rhian can be found here:
https://www.instagram.com/veglifeeats/