The change-up: Fresh start

July 12, 2021

UVic psychology grad Alyssa Talley runs a meal-kit business. — UVic psychology grad Alyssa Talley founded the meal-kit service, Local Urban Bites to help busy people put healthy, locally sourced meals on the table.

As part of UVic's alumni magazine, the Torch, we profile UVic alumni who recently made a bold life change. Below, Alyssa Talley (BSc ’11) discusses her decision to found the meal-kit service, Local Urban Bites, to help busy people put healthy, locally sourced meals on the table.

Hometown

I was born in Mississauga, On, but was raised and currently live in Victoria.

UVic degree and year

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, 2011.

What I used to be

In 2013, I accepted a position as the Executive Team Leader of Human Resources for Target Canada’s Hillside location before being recruited by Walmart Canada to co-manage their Uptown location.

Then I had the idea to...

Make dinner and meal planning much easier! My business partner and I were always eating out, or just didn’t have the energy to figure out what we wanted to eat after a long day at the office. We had noticed meal-kit companies popping up in the US and Europe and thought, why not here? In 2016, I started Local Urban Bites with my business partner, Corey McPherson.

Why I did it

We knew that we could create a meal-kit experience that was more sustainably and locally driven for Vancouver Island-based residents. Through our business network in Victoria, we are able to focus on local Island products for our meal kits in addition to providing a more environmentally-friendly alternative to other meal-kit offerings.

How I did it

Entrepreneurship in general takes a tremendous amount of tenacity, hard work and determination. What they don’t tell you about is the hours you’ll spend thinking of a company name, logo, where you’re going to source your packaging, how you’re going to find a Vancouver Island Health Authority-approved kitchen, etc. There was a lot of planning involved before we launched, but there has been a lot of trial-and-error, too!

What I love about my new life

The flexibility and satisfaction that come along with answering to yourself and making decisions that will have a positive impact on the community and place where I live. I’ve learnt so much about myself and how to be an effective business woman, as well as had the chance to contribute to some amazing social and environmental causes along the way.

What I miss about my old life

Entrepreneurship, while rewarding, can be isolating and lonely at times even though you’re continuously talking with employees, suppliers, customers, etc. The team aspect and comradery you experience when working with colleagues is something that I miss.

One lesson learned

It’s important to try new things even though they may seem scary or out of your comfort zone initially. Often, once you’ve made the decision to do something differently or try something new, the results are way better than you could have ever imagined.

One person who helped me

I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one person because starting a business is a team effort. I’d definitely have to say my business partner has been an indispensable part of my journey with Local Urban Bites and my family, who are all entrepreneurs themselves, have been a huge support and my biggest fans.

One trade secret

It’s the little things that count! Every customer is important and their feedback when you’re first starting and beyond is so crucial to the growth and vitality of your business.