Glasgow Means Business
Who are you?
My name is Rebecca Bell and I’m the owner and founder of Rebel Coco. I work as a support worker by day and a baller by night. I’m passionate about health foods and believe in promoting self-care for body and mind.
What does your business do?
I make health food products including delicious energy and protein balls that are raw, plant-based, and refined sugar free. They’re also gluten free so great for people with dietary requirements. I supply wholesale to cafés and small businesses in my home town as well as attend vegan and health food events throughout the year.
Where are you based?
I’m based in the West End of Glasgow and I work from home as its cost effective and I want to keep expenses down as much as possible.
I can handle production at home for just now, but I’m looking to expand in the future as the business grows.
How did you get started?
I developed the business idea at home, just because I’m passionate about health foods in general and I started by testing recipes and creating things for my family and friends to taste.
The idea really blossomed from there and I put all my own money into developing the business into what it is today.
What is your background?
I’ve worked in the hospitality industry my whole life, both in the kitchen and as a manager in lots of different places. I’ve worked in Prep Fitness Kitchen, Eusebi Deli and I was in Australia for 2 years.
I’ve always been surrounded by food and I have a natural interest in cooking.
What is your top tip?
My biggest life top tip is to learn to love your body and take time out for self-care.
This sense of wellbeing sets you up in life to tackle challenges and get where you want to be. This ethos is so important to me and at the heart of everything I do in business.
What was your first deal?
My first major ‘deal’ was the Sports, Fitness and Nutrition (SFN) Expo at Glasgow, SEC in 2017. It was my first proper industry event and it was a massive hit, so the business really took off from there.
What was your biggest mistake/or what would you do differently?
Looking back, I would probably seek some professional help from places like Business _ Gateway and make use of all the guidance and expertise on offer.
I did everything myself and I’m still here two years later.
I was lucky enough to have a dear Uncle that came to the rescue when it came to the book-keeping side of things.
Who was/is your mentor/or inspiration?
My mother and I would make health food products at home together to try keep ourselves on track so she definitely played a part in my inspiration. I love Deliciously Ella too – she is educational and makes a plant-based diet more visible.
Where do you plan your business to be in five years-time?
My dream would be to have a health food café or deli with a wellness centre attached providing things like yoga, counselling and meditation.
I have just started studying Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and I would love to tie these two passions together.