Lindsey Wilson | Founder of OWL
Lindsey Wilson
OWL stands for One Whole Life.
The foundation of their company is founder, Lindsey Erin’s, personal journey to health. When her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, Lindsey committed to living in a way that would minimize the risk of disease. It was this event that began her research on wellness, nutrition, and intuitive eating, and would eventually lead to the creation of OWL Venice.
Initially, Lindsey began experimenting with an organic, plant-based diet that limited meat and processed foods, and found that she was still experiencing constant allergy symptoms, digestive issues, and acne. In an attempt to resolve these issues, Lindsey began a diet geared to treat GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) which incorporated bone broth as a healing agent. After struggling to find pre-made broth that was void of common allergens, Lindsey began making her own bone broth with locally-sourced bones and an array of herbs and veggies. Through months of testing and development, she created a broth recipe that tasted more like a tea than a traditional stock, OWL’s signature flagship product.
OWL currently offers chicken, turkey, beef, bison, and vegan mineral broth elixirs that are sold throughout LA county (see locations here), 4, 6, and 8 day cleanse experiences that work to heal and seal the gut, and an organic, oil-based skincare line. OWL’s other services include meal prep and holistic catering services.
As more people discover the benefits of using OWL products, Lindsey & the OWL family will continue innovating, exploring, and sharing new ways to live better with those looking to transform their health and overall wellness.
Along with OWL’s mission to heal the body, OWL is also committed to healing the environment. This is why they maintain a minimal waste policy that requires the mylkshakes are made-to-order and the broths are pressure canned. All of OWL’s goods are packaged in glass, which is not only 100% recyclable, it is free of chemicals that could negatively impact the flavor and aroma of their products.
We'd love to know your story! How did you get started? How did you get to where you are today? What are you most proud of?
I started making bone broth as a way to heal my own digestive issues. When I really made the decision to start taking better care of myself, everything fell into place and OWL was born. I didn’t intend to start a business, but I’ve been able to sustain myself through sharing my own healing journey, and living it fully in my own life. I started out making the broth in my home kitchen, developed the OWL reset program, and from there the brand has grown it’s online and wholesale business and now we are in over 50 retail locations in California and we ship nationwide. We opened our HQ on Abbot Kinney last year, and we keep growing! I’m most proud of the way I’ve built up a team and company culture that feels like family, while still maintaining the same quality of product with locally sourced herbs and bones like when I first started making it out of my kitchen.
What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a career similar to yours?
Buckle up! Food and beverage and wellness in general is a big industry and I’ve learned so much over the years. I had someone tell me that people usually give up right before they strike gold. I think that stuck with me, and there have been some super challenging moments, times I’ve wanted to give up most definitely, but I’ve always remembered that. Resilience and persistence are paramount when it comes to being a business owner, in my opinion. Keep going, don’t give up, do the best you can and over time, it will pay off.
What are the best resources that have helped you along the way?
Mentors! Always seek out people who know more than you, or better yet, are where you want to be! Ask to set up a quick call or coffee date and pick their brain. I’ve connected with mentors that have advised me for years and helped shape me as an entrepreneur.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge has been scaling, and I think that’s a very common problem. We’ve been self funded, so figuring out how to scale organically, and maintain quality control and a positive customer experience is something that we are constantly working with and refining.
It’s cheesy and true, but when it comes to making decisions - always trust your gut!