There are so many interesting and exciting people and places in the Bradenton area, yet many don’t receive the attention they truly deserve. Over the next several months, Discover Bradenton will be uncovering Manatee County’s best “hidden gems” – the locals making waves and must-visit places that are some of the area’s best-kept secrets.
This week, we were thrilled to connect with Paula Tromp, owner of Happy Soul. Here’s what she had to say…
It’s so great to connect with you today, Paula! You truly are one of the area’s best Hidden Gems. Can you share a bit about your business and how you got here?
Happy Soul was started to make after Yoga snacks for a good friend’s yoga sessions.
We later started working at a neighborhood roadside market. Then in 2019, I retired from veterinary medicine and began to work at Happy Soul full-time.
We started out making lemonades and cookies. Once I retired, we found a spot in Bradenton (a shared space inside Sugar Cubed bakery). We then expanded our menu to include vegan lunches, cakes, catering, cooking classes, and soo much more!
Is your business a family affair, a partnership, or a solo venture?
Happy Soul is kind of a solo adventure. My business partner (husband) helps out occasionally when we have to set up at catered events and markets, and my son sometimes works markets with me. It’s always nice to have the extra support when things get busy.
What do you love most about your business?
I get to introduce vegan, gluten-free food to people who don’t have access to it, and to people who are making the change from traditional to vegan eating, or those who just don’t think they’ll like it. I love hearing how much they enjoy the food and showing them how good it can be.
Why did you choose Manatee County for your business location?
Manatee County is home to me. I was born in Manatee Memorial Hospital (and so were all three of my children), and raised in Palmetto.
Oh wow. And you give quite a bit back to the community too, right?
Yes, each year, we take part in three charity events. For two of them, we provide food free of charge, and money raised from ticket sales goes toward helping local children. For the other, we supply food for an organization that helps to feed the local community.
I love to hear that! And before we wrap up, is there anything else you want us to know about your business?
Our menu is COMPLETELY gluten-free, including the house-made gluten-free bread we use to make our sandwiches. Happy Soul was also voted Bradenton’s Best Vegan/ Vegetarian spot for 2023 and 2024.
Happy Soul is located at:
323 10th Avenue West, Unit 104
Palmetto, FL 34221
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 10a-5p
Friday 10a-6p | Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
