#WIB - Q&A With Maya Zaken Co-Founder Of Philafeed -

1. Can you please tell us more about your business?

Philafeed is a small-scale black soldier fly farm in the heart of Knysna. By bioengineering the natural life cycle of a black soldier fly, we are able to collect organic waste from numerous waste sources, and feed it to fly larvae, converting it into sustainable and nutrient dense insect protein and fertiliser. By doing so we divert tonnes of waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions at landfills, mitigating climate change and increasing the supply of organic feed and fertilizer. Our goal is to close multiple community food loops, by creating a replicable model, low tech model, and ultimately contributing to a circular food system.

2. When, how and why did you start your business?

When a colleague of mine called me in April 2022 to find out if I knew about black soldier flies, well there was no turning back. At the time I was an assistant social consultant and deeply engaged in social-economical projects but in my heart I knew agriculture was my means of development. Jason Fine, Philafeed’s co-founder, had just left his job and was looking into waste management as his next venture. The stars aligned and black soldiers flies were both of our answers.

In July, we conducted market research and called chicken farmers to gauge their interest and to see how open the market was. One farmer in Knysna was particularly excited to hear what we were thinking of doing and suggested we come check out his farm and the area. In September 2022, a year to the day that I am writing this, we packed our bags and moved cross-country to set up our first greenhouse. We were immediately met with a challenge as the greenhouse we ordered did not arrive. Undeterred, we quickly started planning and building our own greenhouse, the rest is history!

3. What is your role in the business?

As the CEO, I wear multiple hats, overseeing business administration, fundraising, finance, marketing, social media, stakeholder engagement, and business development.

4. Where did you study and what did you study?

I attended the University of the Witwatersrand from 2016 to 2019. My undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Commerce with a focus on Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, and my postgraduate degree was a Bachelor of Economic Science with Honors.

5. How did you finance your business?

Initially, bootstrapping was our primary approach. We transitioned from idea to MVP using our personal savings. Subsequently, we secured funding from accelerator programs, including the Ford Fund Fellowship and the Indalopreneur South African Green and Inclusive Enterprise Awards & Support Programme. Additionally, I represented Philafeed in a CrowdSolve pitch competition and received a grant from 1000Gretas.

6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.

No two days are alike. I begin my workday by checking emails and addressing immediate tasks. One of the remarkable aspects of participating in accelerator programs is the opportunity to connect with people worldwide. I dedicated a lot of time to connecting with people who share my passions, overcome similar challenges, as well as mentors who believe in our project and want to see us succeed.

If I don’t have coursework or deliverables, I focus on social media management. Interestingly, I used to be averse to being online, but I’ve grown to enjoy it. At the end of each week, I ensure our financial records are in order.

Sometimes, I get involved in hands-on activities, such as working with the grubs in the greenhouse and assisting Jason with various tasks on the ground. Being in the greenhouse is a powerful reminder of why I’m passionate about our work, and it also highlights my gratitude for Jason’s dedication. Black soldier fly farming demands significant physical effort and he does it so effortlessly.

7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?

The cool thing about living a rural life is home and work life becomes blurred. On really hot days, we take quick 30-minute breaks by dipping in the waterfall nearby. When I feel stagnant, I put on my shoes and run to the forest or find a serene spot to meditate. Household chores can be tackled in the morning or during work breaks.

And if I want to eat, well there are no takeaways or nearby restaurants, I have to make myself a meal. So when it comes to balance I would say we got it down. I’ve always been quite headstrong not to become entangled in the rat race. While I’m a passionate and hardworking individual, I equally cherish life, nature, socializing, and have never compromised one for the other. Of course, there are times when I need to make adjustments, but overall, I strive to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

8. What drives you and inspires you?

That’s simple: nature! I’ve always been captivated by the sheer beauty of nature, from majestic mountains to the intricate details of small and colorful insects, and everything in between. Nature holds the answers for me. It demonstrates that being on this planet means having the will to create something beautiful, shareable, and beneficial to the planet and all its inhabitants. The interconnectedness and complexity of nature remind us that we are part of a broader web of life, and our actions should contribute to the well-being of entire systems rather than solely benefiting our own lives.

9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

I love this question. I would say I have my best ideas in nature. There’s something about being outside, free from the constraints of a boxed room, under an expansive sky that broadens my mind.

10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?

In general, we find that reaching out directly to potential customers or making phone calls is the most effective approach. Living in a small town, word of mouth also works in our favor. In addition to these methods, we maintain an active presence on Instagram and LinkedIn, which have proven to be effective channels for us.

11. What is next for your business?

Our goal is to establish a replicable model that can be easily implemented in multiple communities, closing numerous community food loops. Currently, our focus is on expanding our capacity to increase revenue and grow our business. We are nearly there; we just need to ensure we can collect and receive the desired amount of waste to maximize production in our greenhouse. We are also exploring the possibility of starting household waste collections, which I’m incredibly excited about. This initiative will not only empower individuals to take responsibility for their waste and reduce their carbon footprint but also contribute to a cleaner environment.

In the same light, we are also working on a new and exciting project with GenBioSol, a black solider fly research facility. Our hope is to grow the impact of the industry and empower more black soldier fly farmers with knowledge to grow there business.

12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?

I firmly believe that the more you give, the more you receive. So, give relentlessly. Reach out to people, join communities, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences, knowledge, and connections. However, don’t forget to give to yourself. Take time to do the things that fuel your soul. If you don’t fill your own cup, how are you meant to fill others’?