Meet Val Fishbain: Co-Founder / President of Spread The Love Foods

We had the good fortune of connecting with Val Fishbain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Val, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When my partner, Zach and I gave away homemade peanut butter as wedding favors back in 2013, we weren’t thinking of turning it into a business until people continued to ask us to make more for them to purchase. We figured, there was a need for minimally processed natural organic peanut butter and that it was time to give people what they need and want. It was a new adventure for us as newly weds then so we just jumped in.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Spread The Love is proudly family-owned and operated. We fuel healthy lifestyles with nutrient-dense, mindfully crafted nut butters and jams. What sets us apart from other brands is our passion to provide premium quality food. Our process is not the standard process as we put so much time and energy in sourcing ingredients, materials and creating our products. We won’t put it out there if we’re not willing to give it to our kids everyday. If people want the purest and best tasting butters and jams, they should come to us and join our movement to spread the love. Building a business is never easy. I remember starting out and not having time off on the weekends. Zach (my husband and co-founder) and I had our full time jobs and Spread The Love was a side business for a year or so. We’d make peanut butter on Friday and Saturday. Then sell at the Melrose Place Farmer’s Market all-day on Sunday. I was also pregnant with our first child while doing this. It wasn’t easy but it was fun and exhilarating to put our time and energy into something new. We’ve learned so many lessons along the way. This may sound cliché but staying true to yourself and your brand can take you a long way. Not being afraid to be different from the standard. We stand out from our competitors because of our family values, “drizzleable” nut butters (just the way we love them) and our transparency.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Runyon Canyon Hiking is one of my favorite spots because that’s where Zach and I got engaged. Right at the top. This is a good place for exercise and good views of the city. And for eating, (restaurants are closed for dine-in right now) Petite Peso is the perfect place to get authentic Filipino food for take out. For a chill hang and people watching, it’s a good idea to bring a picnic at Pan Pacific Park or anywhere in Griffith Park at the other side of the city in Los Feliz area.

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?
I’m grateful for the love and support of my mom and sisters. No matter what I do, they will always support me. I’m not saying there won’t be questions and judgment involved at times but I know they got my back. It’s like having a security blanket made up of strong women.

Website: spreadthelovefoods.com

Instagram: instagram.com/spreadthelove

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/spreadthelove

Twitter: twitter.com/spreadthelovepb

Facebook: facebook.com/spreadthelove

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiWfqjBa3HadVCCBqIkr-Xw

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@spreadthelovefoods

Image Credits
Photograph credits go to Tea Drops