Beautiful on the outside and in Laura is the Aussi turned Calgarian and shining light behind Little Tucker – a small biz dedicated to healthy, organic and vegan snacks and desserts. When we saw the cheesecake she makes our jaws dropped (3rd photo in). We dare you to not be drooling after this post!
Laura Incognito – LITTLE TUCKER
WHAT DO YOU MAKE/SELL? TELL US ABOUT YO’ SELF.
Little Tucker produces 100% natural, raw, gluten free, dairy free & vegan health snacks and desserts. My most popular product is my superfood energy bites – which are currently being sold at organic grocery stores, cafes and fitness studios across the city.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS?
Just over a year
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
I moved to Canada from Australia about 3 years ago, fell in love straight away with the mountains and people, and knew it would be a place I quickly called home. Without any sort of culinary education, just a pure passion for food (and hours of time in the kitchen with my Italian parents), I decided it was time someone stepped up the ‘healthy snack’ options for all those active, outdoorsy, gym-goers and health-freaks in YYC. I started by selling at Farmers Markets, and after a few months of receiving really positive responses, I decided to take it to the next level. My aim from the beginning was to make a product to introduce superfoods and exotic ingredients into people’s everyday diets, in a non-intimidating, convenient and delicious way.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
I’m constantly inspired by food trends in Australia. There are some raw food geniuses back home who produce the most beautiful looking cakes and desserts. I also travelled to Bali every year when I was back home, and I’m really loving all the raw food cafes that are popping up in Indonesia right now. I love bringing these trends to Calgary, and introducing people to new ideas and ways of using ingredients. There are also so many amazing ladies I’ve met in Calgary who run their own businesses who constantly inspire me. I’ve never be surrounded by such a supportive group than I have here.
WHAT DO YOU DREAM FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?
My dream is to own my own café where I can introduce some amazing and innovative health-food trends that I’m yet to see in Calgary. I want to help make Calgary a true health-food hub in Canada. I also want Little Tucker products to be available throughout Calgary, and eventually nation-wide, at grocery stores in order to make my product something everyone can purchase on a regular day at the store.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
My main social media platform is Instagram because a photo of delicious looking food truly speaks for itself. People definitely eat with their eyes. Plus, we all know people love taking food photos!
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
When I first started Little Tucker I struggled taking criticism, especially because I’ve never put myself out there and let people try something I’ve made with so much love. Now, I’ve learnt to accept that there are hard days and that owning a small business IS hard. There are days when I put hours into trying to make a new recipe work, and leave feeling totally deflated and frustrated. When I’m having a tough day, I’ve learnt to totally write it off – have some me time – usually at the dog park with my puppy or outside somewhere. The next day is a new day and I always make sure to wake up starting fresh, and not letting yesterday’s downfalls affect me.
WHAT’S ONE THING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU? GIVE US AN INTERESTING FACT!
When I was very little, I told my parents that I wanted to grow up to be a babysitter, or fly a helicopter! However, my Dad always joked that he was going to buy me a restaurant. It makes me laugh now, because I never thought that could actually be a possibility and something that has become a real dream of mine.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
To fly. I’d fly myself all over the world, indulging in the most amazing food!
WHAT ARE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES? (Please include links)
FB: littletucker1
Insta: @littletuckeryyc
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STUFF?
I currently stock at;
Amaranth 4th Street Market, Blush Lane at Calgary Farmers Market , Blush Lane Organic Market, Studio Revolution ,The Tea Factory ,Juice & Java, Junction 9 Yoga, Wild & Raw Superfood Juice Bar, Odyssey Coffeehouse, Vitality Tap, Willow Natural Foods, Philosafy Café