Happy Hemp is our Blog of the Month

Happy Hemp is a hemp seed company founded by Tara Miko.
Tara’s life brought her from fashion in LA to hemp in Austin. A fantastic journey towards a radical change, that started when she got sick, economy hit and she lost her job and healthy insurance. Listening to her body and starting to make her research on healthy food, she discovered the benefits of hemp seeds, which proved to be a surprising superfood and also Tara’s life-changing habit. Visit her website Happy Hemp and see more on her Facebook page.
We had a chat with Tara and we selected Happy Hemp as our blog of the month.

Can you tell our readers about yourself and Happy Hemp?
I went from fashion in LA to hemp in Austin. After a decade in fashion, the travel and long hours were starting to catch up. I began having issues with my digestions. Knowing that food is medicine, I started looking into what I was putting into my body and educating myself about what foods could help with digestion. Hemp is great for digestion… who knew? I was intrigued and started researching this fascinating super seed. Happy Hemp was born out of a complete life change. Job, diet, city… I was in need of change and hemp was the catalyst to get me there.

What inspired you to start Happy Hemp?
I was shocked that one of the most nutritious food sources on earth, was also one of the most unknown sources of food. It started small. Sharing and telling friends and family at first and eventually I realized I was on to something!

What are the main benefits of adding hemp seeds to your daily diet?
Hemp has more protein than meat, fish, tofu or chicken, the perfect ration of omegas, essential fatty acids and minerals and vitamins. It IS the perfect food! Plus it is vegan, raw, a complete protein source, gluten free, dairy free and soy free… Win Win!!

Happy Hemp has a distinctive style. Does this come from your past experience in the fashion industry?
Yes. I wanted to give hemp a much needed green lift. My goal is to be the gourmet hemp seed company. I show how you can make pesto or bake a beautiful nutty crust on a piece of salmon. I have been fortunate enough to work with amazing chefs all over.

Is Happy Hemp your profession or an hobby?
It is my profession and my hobby. I love what I do and it is also my job. I am one of the lucky ones… I get to do what I love.

What is for you the most challenging aspect of this project?
Education. I spend a lot of time telling people I am not a drug dealer. There is a misconception of what hemp is and what it does!! I spend a ton of time telling people what I am not vs what I am.

What was the best achievement since you started?
The best achievement was being able to keep the doors open. Running your own business is hardcore. I have come close to shutting down many many times. I am grateful each day that I get to keep going!

What are the next steps?
I just became a new mum… and I thought running my own company was hard! I have already started experimenting in the kitchen with baby food. Who knows?!

For more information regarding Happy Hemp, visit hTara’s website Happy Hemp.