Today we’d like to introduce you to Talia Shipman.
Hi Talia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, my family hosted gatherings often. Neighborhood kids making arts and crafts, and adults barbequing, filled our yard in the summers. Everyone felt welcome and there was never a dull moment or any discerning of class or social ranking.
As an adult, I am passionate about creating beautiful and meaningful experiences in everything I do! I identify with being a visual artist, designer, photographer, entrepreneur, and creative innovator. A few years back, while actively exhibiting my work in galleries, working on public art commissions and creative directing for clients, I had one of those “what am I doing with my life?” moments (we all have those every few years, right?!)…like, what really lights me up? And it became clear that food, art, and bringing people together, is authentically at the core of who I am. Nature, travel, growth, collaboration, connection, and social advocacy excite me. This has, and continues to manifest in various magical forms.
In 2019, I conceived HAFO SAFO, a curated dining experience pairing artists & chefs. Mostly taking place from my backyard in Silverlake, anyone involved or who got to experience it, can attest to how special it was. I truly can’t wait to bring it back when people can gather safely again!
The birth of SOCIAL HUMMUS: cooking and gifting has been a huge creative and therapeutic outlet for me, especially during the first jarring months of 2020 quarantine. Since we couldn’t safely physically interact, I was leaving wildflowers and food on friend’s doorsteps. One hot night in June, amidst pandemic and intense civil unrest, I was making hummus in my kitchen at 2am (normal?). I felt helpless and defeated about how I could actually make a difference or raise funds for BLM. Then I thought: “I wonder if I throw this up on Instagram if people will buy it?” They did! SOCIAL HUMMUS organically became the vehicle through which I was able to nourish, spread joy (pun intended!), and raise some charity money in a fun, and safe way. We all need a little bit of pleasure and excitement in our lives – always, but especially these days!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What is a smooth road? Haha. Roads are bumpy and curvy and that’s part of what makes them beautiful and worth travelling. As an artist and entrepreneur, I’m well versed in ebbs and flows – creatively, financially, and emotionally; but the pandemic has been a totally unprecedented paradigm. Just before COVID hit, I had just landed my dream client and job for HAFO SAFO. The whole model was built on social connections around a dinner table, pairing art and food. Gatherings were suddenly halted. My initial instinct was to pivot as a delivery experience, but I kept hitting walls. When SOCIAL HUMMUS was spawned, it aligned with all the similar values – except in a pandemic-friendly, delicious package. Now, as I am scaling up, my challenges are maintaining quality and sustainability, and building my dream team. Oh, and spreadsheets, following actual recipes, and refraining from eating all of my own products (SOS!).
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Social Hummus?
SOCIAL HUMMUS is thoughtful, not overthought. It is ethically made food, cultivating compassion, and community. Featuring new chef collaborations keeps things fresh and fun, while 100% of net proceeds go to a relevant social cause or charity. It connects people through food and pleasure, both in-person and virtually, while raising money for and building sustainable relationships with communities in need.
SOCIAL HUMMUS is luxurious and creamy, uniquely mousse-like, and silky. Or as Kristen Bell described it: “so creamy, it’s like she blends it with a weed-wacker.” LOL. Unlike any hummus you’ve ever tasted or bought from a store, SOCIAL HUMMUS is preservative-free, uses high quality, local, organic heirloom beans (from Rancho Gordo farm in Napa), and is delivered conveniently to your doorstep.
The introduction of reputable chef collaborations allows for infinite, elevated, and exciting flavor possibilities…we are taking a simple, universally loved food item to new realms! It is currently available only locally in LA (due to using fresh ingredients). The best way to stay up to date with the latest featured chefs, charities, and delivery dates is the Instagram page @social_hummus or subscribing to our mailing list for exclusive releases.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Art, food, and experiences are in constant evolution, transformation, and adaptation – which makes them so exciting. I do see SOCIAL HUMMUS expanding, becoming a household staple, a subscription model, and even more environmentally conscious. For now, I am taking things month-by-month, and making lemonade out of lemons (or hummus out of chickpeas). The silver lining is that I am seeing more collaborations, crossovers, creativity, and community/industry support vs. competition happening, especially with small businesses. It’s a time we truly need to come together (safely apart!).
Pricing:
- $30 for the monthly Hummus Trio, including Za’atar Lavash Crackers
Contact Info:
- Website: eatsocialhummus.com &
taliashipmancreative.com - Instagram: @social_hummus & @taliashipman
