Hi! I’m Mel!
Welcome to our community! We believe we live in a world of abundance and that there’s more than enough to go around. We also believe that we can be better at ensuring that everyone around actually gets enough. That’s why we’re passionate about eradicating hunger and food wastage.
Over 44 million Americans experienced food insecurity in 2022.* Over 133 billion pounds of produce are wasted every year.** One reason is because the produce is considered blemished or visually unappealing for purchase, yet they are perfectly safe to consume.
Am I the only one that thinks we need to stop body shaming potatoes?
At Life & Ladle, we live to lessen the number of hungry families and let every imperfect potato have a chance to express its true beauty…be it baked, mashed, fried, or roasted at 425. Perhaps with a little garlic, rosemary, and Himalayan salt. Oh, YUM.
At our core, we’re part goofball, part lame humor (see potato reference above), and all heart. If that sounds like you, we’d love to have you become a fellow Ladler! Check out our “Connect” page to sign up for periodic e-Mels and stay in the know (because IYKYK).
-Mel Shipman, Chief Ladle
* Rabbitt, M.P., Hales, L.J., Burke, M.P., & Coleman-Jensen, A. (2023). Household Food Security in the United States in 2022 (Report No. ERR-325), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
** https://www.usda.gov/foodwaste/faqs
My Story
I am a certified life coach who helps women leaders and entrepreneurs all over the world shift their thinking so they can walk into their destiny. I’ve been in practice since 2013 and love to see my clients grow in their courage, confidence and take steps towards the life they want to live! Inspiring others to become the fullest expression of who they are is the signature message in all of my presentations and talks. I am a firm believer that when we learn to love ourselves enough to be our true self in this world, we lead and live rich, vibrant and colorful lives that serve a meaningful purpose.
In addition to my coaching practice, I serve as a faculty member for a large, international leadership development organization. Through my work, I hope to make a difference in this world by shaping leaders who are able to advance the progression of humanity.
Supporting Families
In late 2020, I started Life & Ladle needing something positive to come out of the pandemic. I saw the devastating effects on families who were trying to survive - myself included. Families who once were stable were now struggling to put food on the table every night. It was so hard to think of all of the parents and children that didn’t know when they might eat a solid meal again. I knew I wanted to do something about it so of course, I took the easy route and started a business!
Candles With A Cause
For our first year’s birthday, I launched our signature candle collection and hosted a “Candles for a Cause” campaign. I committed to donating a percentage of our candle sales to feed hungry families right in my community. After the two-week campaign, we were able to donate over 70 pounds of food! It was the best feeling in the world to line my living room up with grocery bags full of food to give to families in need.
2900 Meals and Counting
Since then, Life & Ladle has developed into a for-profit, social impact organization that works to eradicate hunger and food wastage in our country. We proudly donate a percentage of our monthly sales to purchase food staples that help put dinner on the table for hungry families in Phoenix. As of 2023, we have provided over 2,900 meals! While we’re starting off small, we have big plans to expand our impact to other major communities in the United States that are experiencing severe food insecurity. Stay in step with us as we continue to move upwards and outwards.
Thank you for your generous and kind hearts!