We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly Mackinnon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by change—whether it’s shifts in how people perceive food, health, movement or the American food industry. There’s something exhilarating about witnessing that “aha” moment when someone truly grasps new information and makes empowered decisions that profoundly impact their life and the lives of those around them. You can’t be part of the Small Seed Community without experiencing transformation and learning something new. For me, it began with the belief that a protein bar didn’t have to be like all the rest. Small Seed Bars embody this change. We’re not just different; we’re committed to prioritizing quality over quantity and making a meaningful difference. We hope to be your go-to bar for all occasions of life. We’re “just a protein bar” but these bars have had such a positive impact on people’s lives that it feels we’re much more than that. We are change. So yes, I guess change inspires me.

What should our readers know about your business?
Small Seed Bar was born from the belief that a protein bar should both nourish your body and taste great. After graduating college, my interest in health and wellness led me to take a health coaching course, which opened my eyes to the harsh realities of the food industry. The more I explored, the more I realized how unhealthy the products I was consuming were. My husband and I, working 60+ hours a week, relied heavily on protein shakes and bars, but nothing on the market met my standards for nutrition, ingredients, and protein.

What began as a passion project soon evolved into a business. I identified a need for a simple, real-food protein bar that stood out from the rest. After months of kitchen experiments, I finally developed a nutritionally dense bar that met our needs. Thus, Small Seed Bar was born. We knew we couldn’t be the only ones juggling busy lives while refusing to compromise on health with every bite. We needed a bar that provided sustained energy and supported both body and mind—Small Seed Bar delivers exactly that.

We meticulously select each ingredient for optimal gut health and bioavailability, which is why our customers report feeling no bloating, experiencing sustained energy, and not being hungry shortly after eating. Our bar doesn’t spike blood glucose levels, and once you try Small Seed, it’s hard to go back to anything else!

Building this company has been a rewarding journey for just my husband and I. Without employees, we handle everything—from marketing and manufacturing to R&D and operations. Over the past five years, this venture has allowed us to be independently employed while growing our family from two to four. Our mission is to challenge the corruption in the food industry, educate people on the ease of living a truly healthy lifestyle, and offer a simple solution—Small Seed Bar.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a bit of a gypsy at heart, I’m always moving around I guess I had just never found a place that felt like “home”. But Charleston really has my heart. I absolutely love it here. Just don’t come visit in the summer you will be dripping in sweat the moment you step outside.
Alright an itinerary:
Day 1:
– Walk around Historic District downtown: see the pineapple fountain and rainbow row.
– Walking Meeting St, King St and Trade St. to see old historical buildings, cobble stone streets and beautiful boutiques.
-Sunset at the battery.

Food:
Lunch at Huriyali Gardens
Dinner at Basic Kitchen

Day 2:
Visit one of the many Plantations, I personally love Boone Hall & Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Food:
Treat at Off Track Ice Cream
Dinner at Sorghum and Salt

Day 3:
Day by the sea. Our favorite beaches are Isle of Palms or Sullivans.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The most obvious answer is my husband and business partner, Shane MacKinnon, who is truly the backbone of this business. Without his unwavering support and dedication, none of this would have been possible. Beyond Shane, I must acknowledge our incredible community of customers. Their remarkable support has been crucial to our success. We’ve never invested in advertising; instead, we’ve relied on word-of-mouth recommendations. Thanks to their enthusiasm and advocacy, we’ve been able to grow each year, even doubling our business last year!

Website: https://www.smallseedbar.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallseedbar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallseedbar/

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