Meet John Cowan

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Cowan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.

John, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Growing up in Michigan, I was surrounded by the wonders of the natural world—rolling fields, deep forests, and the kind of quiet that lets you hear your own thoughts. My parents instilled in me an appreciation for simplicity, balance, and the idea that the best things in life are often the most grounded: fresh produce from a local farm stand, the aroma of something homemade, and the satisfaction of doing work that you can see and touch.

These early experiences planted the seeds for a lifelong fascination with how we grow, make, and share food. I was drawn to science early on—not in the abstract, but the kind of applied science that solves real problems. Soil health, sustainable farming, and the chemistry behind flavor became my playground.

As I matured, I came across the concept of “Small is Beautiful” by E.F. Schumacher, which crystallized my thinking. The book introduced me to the economic philosophy of valuing human-scaled enterprises—businesses that respect people, communities, and the environment. It affirmed something I already felt: the way forward wasn’t bigger and faster, but smaller, better, and more thoughtful.

This philosophy guided me to see business as a way to be the change I wanted to see in the world. I became captivated by the challenge of creating food products that were not only delicious but deeply intentional—plastic-free, organic, and produced with mindful supply chains that respect people and the planet.

Starting Mylk and Hummus was the culmination of all these threads—an expression of my love for flavorful food, the natural world, and the belief that small actions, done well, can make a big difference. It’s not just a business; it’s a reflection of my personal values and the habits I’ve nurtured along the way: staying curious, working hard, and never losing sight of the joy that brought me to this work in the first place.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At Mylk and Hummus, our mission is to create plant-based, sustainable foods and beverages that energize busy lives and promote health. Based in St. Louis, we’ve been growing for over four years with a primary focus on convenient, nutritious, and delicious options. Our flagship products include a line of vibrant hummus flavors and functional beverages like our Vanilla Mylk Latte, designed for those who want a clean energy boost without sacrificing health or taste.

What excites me most is how our brand bridges the gap between sustainability and accessibility. A cornerstone of our business is the chickpea—an incredible ingredient that’s as versatile as it is nutritious. We focus on sourcing organic, high-quality chickpeas grown in Montana, supporting sustainable farming practices and ensuring exceptional taste and texture in our products. Chickpeas are packed with protein, fiber, and key nutrients, making them the perfect foundation for the hummus and beverages we create.

Personally, I’ve found that there’s nothing better than clearing my head during a long, multi-hour jog or swim. It’s a time where thoughts flow freely, creativity flourishes, and priorities come into focus. Capping off these moments with flavorful hummus has been a life- and spirit-sustaining formula for me. As a pre-workout, the Vanilla Mylk Latte has been game-changing—providing clean energy with Fair Trade coffee, MCT oil, and L-theanine to fuel endurance and focus.

I’m particularly excited about our podcast, Tangled Taproot, where we amplify the voices of people driving change in agriculture, sustainability, and food entrepreneurship. The podcast reflects my passion for connecting people to the stories and innovations behind the food they eat. Recent episodes have featured thought leaders in regenerative agriculture and local food systems, and I’m eager to continue exploring how small-scale farming and sustainable practices can shape a more resilient future.

We also aim to highlight the incredible farmers behind the scenes. By sourcing from small-scale, organic producers, we’re able to tell a deeper story of how food connects us to the land and to one another. This ethos is woven into everything we do, from the ingredients we choose to the way we share our products with the community.

There’s a lot happening right now for Mylk and Hummus! We’ve recently expanded into new retail locations, including Fresh Thyme stores in the St. Louis area, with growing interest from KC and Chicago retailers. On the product front, we just completed a run of compostable, custom-branded packaging to make our offerings even more eye-catching while reinforcing our ethos of reducing waste..

At its core, Mylk and Hummus is about innovation with heart—whether through our products, collaborations, or our commitment to sustainability. I’m excited to keep building connections and bringing healthier, planet-friendly options to more people.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on the most impactful aspects of my journey, resilience and adaptability stand out as foundational qualities. Every path is riddled with challenges and unexpected turns, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks while adjusting to new circumstances is invaluable. Developing resilience starts with self-awareness—understanding how you respond to adversity and consciously approaching obstacles as opportunities for growth. Regularly stepping outside your comfort zone helps build the mental toughness needed to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Failure, when reframed, becomes one of the best teachers, offering lessons that pave the way for future successes.

Equally important has been a commitment to creativity and the willingness to take risks. Creativity drives innovation, allowing you to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and uncover opportunities others might overlook. It requires giving yourself the freedom to experiment, explore unconventional ideas, and embrace a bit of discomfort. Taking risks goes hand-in-hand with creativity—it’s about being bold enough to act on your vision even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Some risks will inevitably lead to failure, but those failures are often the best opportunities to learn, refine your approach, and come back stronger. For anyone looking to cultivate this quality, I’d recommend fostering curiosity and allowing yourself time for creative pursuits, no matter how small or experimental they may feel.

Strategic thinking and vision have also played a critical role in shaping my journey. The ability to see the bigger picture, set priorities, and align actions with long-term goals has consistently driven impactful decisions. Strategic thinking can be developed by setting clear goals and breaking them into actionable steps, but it also requires a willingness to adapt as circumstances evolve. Studying how successful leaders think and plan can provide inspiration, and regularly engaging in exercises like mapping out strategies for your own projects sharpens this mindset. Strategic thinking, coupled with creativity, allows for bold yet thoughtful moves that can transform setbacks into stepping stones.

Lastly, the power of relationship-building and effective communication cannot be overstated. Much of what I’ve achieved stems from the ability to connect with people, foster trust, and articulate ideas in a compelling way. Building this skill requires genuine effort in cultivating relationships—whether through networking, collaboration, or simply showing interest in others. Active listening is a critical part of this process, as it helps you understand and respond to people in meaningful ways. Improving communication also means seeking feedback from trusted peers or mentors to refine how you convey your ideas or inspire those around you.

For anyone early in their journey, I would offer this advice: don’t be afraid to fail or take creative risks. Find mentors who can guide you and provide insights from their experiences. Commit to lifelong learning, staying curious and open to growth as you face new challenges. Most importantly, stay grounded in your purpose—your “why.” Reconnecting with the reasons behind your goals will keep you motivated and ensure your efforts remain aligned with your values.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I am actively looking for one or two exceptional partners to join me as we scale Mylk and Hummus into an expanding regional and, eventually, national brand. Our customers are among the most passionate out there, and we want to continue building something meaningful for them and those who will soon discover.

I’m seeking partners who can not only provide financial contributions but also bring complementary skills to the table so we can focus on different strengths. Specifically, I’m looking for expertise in:

Business Development: Someone with a talent for forging relationships, expanding sales channels, and driving growth.
Finance: A partner who can navigate the complexities of scaling a business, ensuring financial health, and managing investments strategically.
Fundraising: A partner experienced in securing capital through various channels, whether venture capital, private equity, or alternative funding sources, to fuel our expansion.
In addition, I’m excited to collaborate with brand ambassadors who align with our mission. If you’re an adventurer, photographer, videographer, or storyteller who loves sharing authentic experiences—and you value sustainable, flavorful nutrition—we’d love to hear from you too!

Interested?
Let’s talk! You can connect with me directly via email, [email protected]. Let’s grow something amazing together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mylkandhummus.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylkandhummus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mylkandhummus