Meet Talia Shipman Englander | Artist & Founder, Social Hummus

We had the good fortune of connecting with Talia Shipman Englander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Talia, how do you think about risk?                                                               I see risk and growth as intertwined. A lot of people think it’s brave to risk failure, but to me, it’s not about failure and mistakes, it’s about learning and growing. It’s taken A LOT of risks to get where I am, but none of it feels like I’m a martyr (even though times often felt hard)…it’s just my path. Some paths are more linear, and some are a bit more…zig-zaggy. I’m a curious person, so I like to look behind every door. As I learn to grow my trust-muscle, I can now intuitively feel into what risks feel good (even if a bit scary) vs. the ones I used to take just to get a rush.

My cousin once said, there are two kinds of entrepreneurs: the ones who study all of the data and do all of the market research before they launch, and the ones who just put it out in the world, and figure out the rest later. Neither way is right or wrong, simply different paths. I’m definitely more the latter and wouldn’t have it any other way!

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a visual artist turned entrepreneur. I am the founder of Social Hummus: the best hummus in LA! It is ultra-creamy, whipped hummus, ethically made in small batches. What is special about our brand is the amazing chef collaborations and donations to social-justice-related charities (it was first started out of doing a fundraiser). I treat every flavor like art – with care and creativity. It is a constant work in progress, and the magic has happened in creating a community of support and accountability. You couldn’t pay me enough to tell you this is what I’d be doing for my career…and I love it! Life is so wild and cool! Social Hummus has been operating like a pop-up model, and I’m excited to announce that it will be in select fine foods stores summer 2022.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m originally from Canada, so I LOVE to show off LA. Especially to people who think LA is just fake tits and Hollywood. I’m a big nature gal, so definitely some hikes at Griffith Park and my Eastside fave, Elysian Park. We would walk from my house, around Silverlake to local shops and restaurants (shoutout: Forage, Bar Restaurant, Botanica, Bowery Bungalow, newly opened Pijja Palace). A trip to Courage Bagels is mandatory. We would head DTLA to Hauser-Wirth Gallery to see art and sit at Manuela for a glass of wine. Perhaps a night at the secret speakeasy, F&Bar. Then probably end the trip with a drive down the PCH to El Matador Beach for sunset in Malibu, with some fresh seaside eat oysters. Mmm…now I want oysters.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Success truly takes a community! I get my artistic and food sensibility from my mother! My critical thinking and business skills from my father and brother! My joy and happiness from my new husband and two loving pups and amazing friend fam! My mental sanity from my incredible life coach, therapist, friends, and mentors. I have completed and continue to engage in spiritual, educational, and leadership courses (feel free to reach out and I will share). Oh, and shoutout to all of the life-changing hikes and podcasts!!

Website: eatsocialhummus.com

Instagram: @social_hummus

Image Credits
Opening photo (Video screencap) by Josh Allen