Meet the Producer: Erin Meagher, Founder, Beneficial Blends

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Erin Meagher taught high-school students how to become entrepreneurs before she took the leap herself in 2010 and introduced to the market Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil and Kelapo Vegetarian Coconut Oil Softgel, the first and only all-vegetarian coconut oil softgel product available today. While teaching remains one of her passions, Meagher has combined it with her enthusiasm for the highest-quality virgin coconut oil as a replacement for butter and oils in cooking. “I’m just educating others now about the health benefits of coconut oil,” she says.

To stand apart from the competition, Meagher found certified-organic farmers to harvest and extract high food-grade virgin coconut oil, which is shipped to the U.S. in eco-friendly shipping containers, packaged and sold through Beneficial Blends.

Meagher’s teaching experience plays an important role in running her business. “You know how they say that everyone should be a waiter once in their life to know how it feels?” she says. “I think everyone should be a teacher once in their life to grasp what a demanding, intensive job it is. You need patience, understanding, negotiation skills, enthusiasm and more.” These are the essential elements that have helped her enter a competitive market and become a quick success.

Meagher shared more of her story with us below:

What is your favorite way to use your coconut oil?

I love the way coconut oil adds a subtle sweet taste to starchy dishes. I make my boyfriend a delicious grilled cheese, or a “toasty cheese,” as they call it in his native Scotland. But I more often use coconut oil as a healthy alternative to hydrogenated oils and saute my vegetables and bake salmon with it.

Who is your culinary idol and why?

Paula Deen cracks me up. She is funny, enthusiastic about her meals, and she is who she is. Even though I eat a lot healthier than most dishes she prepares, I would love to be a guest at her table any night.

What’s your guilty food pleasure?

Pizza. Definitely pizza. When I’m in a mood to just eat, I’m drawn to greasy, cheesy pizza. My favorite place is a hole-in-the-wall joint in [Tampa neighborhood] Ybor City, close to my house.

Best meal ever?

I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. A real crab feast with brown paper on the tables, steamed crabs, Old Bay seasoning, and corn on the cob will always have a place in my heart.

If you weren’t selling coconut oil, what would you be doing instead?

I don’t know—I’d be lost. Selling Kelapo Coconut Oil is my world. If I weren’t, I’d end up somewhere back in business or teaching.

Aside from your products, what three items can you always find in your kitchen?

This is funny because all my friends know that without fail there will always be blueberries and chickpeas in my kitchen. As for a third? Maybe red wine.