A Conversation on Community, Creativity, and Plant-Based Business

As part of this year’s “Compassion in Action: Eat Plants! Save the Planet!” theme, we’re proud to feature the Rochester Vegan Entrepreneurs Panel—a conversation with local founders who are building businesses rooted in ethics, sustainability, and bold creativity.

These inspiring entrepreneurs are proof that plant-based innovation can drive not only delicious food but meaningful change. From reimagined comfort foods to guilt-free indulgences and small-batch vegan cheese, each panelist brings a unique voice to the growing movement for conscious business and compassionate living.

Moderated by Chef Ryan Jennings, host of Shelling Peas: A Plant-Powered Podcast, the panel features:

• 🍰 Natasha Siplin – Founder of Soulistic Sweets, a beloved vegan bakery offering cruelty-free desserts made with love from the soul
• 🥪 Rob Nipe – Co-Founder & Vegan Butcher at Grass Fed, Rochester’s kosher vegan butcher shop
• 🧀 Janessa Steenberg – Founder & CEO of Panacheeza, a plant-based Parmesan-style cheese company with deep local roots

Panel Details

🕞 3:30–4:30 PM
📍 Speaker Tent at Parcel 5 – Downtown Rochester

Come hear what drives these entrepreneurs, what they’ve learned along the way, and how they’re using their platforms to make plant-based living more accessible, joyful, and impactful.

Founder & CEO of Panacheeza

Janessa Steenberg is the founder of Panacheeza, a plant-based Parmesan-style cheese company based in Rochester, New York. Inspired by her Italian-Maltese roots and a love for clean, wholesome food, she set out to recreate the flavor of traditional Parmesan using just five simple ingredients.

After going plant-based in 2009, Janessa began experimenting in her kitchen, eventually developing the Panacheeza recipe that’s now gaining traction for its authentic taste and minimal ingredients. Since launching in 2023, the company has grown rapidly—expanding into local dining facilities like those at RIT and reporting a 500% increase in sales.

Janessa was also the first recipient of RIT’s Venture Creations’ Ignite initiative, which provided mentorship and funding to support Panacheeza’s growth. Through her work, she continues to champion sustainable, health-conscious food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Catch Janessa Steenberg at Rochester VegFest 2025

🎤 3:30–4:30 PM – Rochester Vegan Entrepreneurs Panel
📍 Speaker Tent, Parcel 5 – Downtown Rochester

Learn more at panacheeza.com, or follow @panacheeza on Instagram and Panacheeza on Facebook.

Co-Founder & Vegan Butcher at Grass Fed

Rob Nipe is the co-founder and head vegan butcher at Grass Fed, a certified kosher vegan butcher shop located in Rochester, New York. Originally from New Jersey, Rob transitioned from his previous role as an analyst at the American Red Cross to pursue his passion for creating plant-based alternatives to traditional meats.

His culinary journey began with experimenting to replicate the flavors of his favorite comfort foods—like Philly cheesesteaks and breakfast sandwiches—which led to the development of a diverse range of vegan meats, including pastrami, bacon, and brisket.

Together with his wife, Nora Rubel—a Jewish studies professor at the University of Rochester—Rob established Grass Fed to offer delicious, cruelty-free versions of classic deli favorites. Their commitment to quality and authenticity has made Grass Fed a staple in Rochester’s culinary scene, appealing to both vegan and non-vegan customers alike.

Catch Rob Nipe at Rochester VegFest 2025

🎤 3:30–4:30 PM – Rochester Vegan Entrepreneurs Panel
📍 Speaker Tent, Parcel 5 – Downtown Rochester

For more information and to explore the menu, visit grassfedrochester.com, or follow @grass_fed_rochester on Instagram and Grass Fed on Facebook.

Founder of Soulistic Sweets

Natasha Siplin is the founder of Soulistic Sweets, a vegan bakery rooted in love, community, and a deep commitment to plant-based living. Her journey began over eight years ago alongside her family, and during the pandemic, she turned her growing passion for vegan baking into a full-time business.

Now celebrating five years in business, Soulistic Sweets offers delicious, nourishing, and cruelty-free desserts that prove indulgence can be kind. Every treat is crafted with love from the soul.

Catch Natasha Siplin at Rochester VegFest 2025

🎤 3:30–4:30 PM – Rochester Vegan Entrepreneurs Panel
📍 Speaker Tent, Parcel 5 – Downtown Rochester

For more information and to view her latest creations, visit soulisticsweets.com or follow @soulisticsweets on Instagram.