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.