Meet Clare Mabin | Founder of ClaroBar and outdoor bod

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

Hi Clare, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After years working for large corporates in the tech industry, I decided I needed a change. I wanted to be happy and do something that was meaningful to me, to create a business that truly represented my values and passions – and not just work for a pay cheque. In order for this to happen I needed my business to focus on health and sustainability.

As a sporty vegetarian who spent a lot of time outdoors, nutrition for recovery was always important to me. Experimenting in the kitchen has developed into something of a passion over time. Some experiments worked out beautifully and others…. needed improvement… I knew that working in the kitchen and outdoors was the way forward for me.

With a bit of experimentation and a lot of support from some very enthusiastic taste testers, Claro was created.

Claro is my organic, vegan and gluten free protein snack, I managed to build a business that focusing on whole and healthy organic ingredients, sourced as locally as possible, not packaged in plastics or non biodegradable packaging. We are constantly refining our supply chain to further reduce our footprint and we collaborate with other local businesses to become a part and support the local economy and community.

What should our readers know about your business?
Claro is an organic, vegan and gluten free protein snack – in the form of bars and bites. We pride ourselves in creating a product that has no added sugars, preservatives and is not packaged in plastic.

My product isn’t original, there are many protein products out there. However, what does set me apart is the lengths we’ve gone through to make our products as low impact as possible and cruelty free. We have agonised over supply chains, packaging designs and business strategy. Making hard the decisions to stay local, refuse the convenience of plastic packaging and preservatives, prioritising local organic producers over cheaper international producers. Its not been easy, but it has been extremely rewarding.

I think the biggest lesson that has come out of all of this is best captured by the quote from Winston Churchill: “Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress”. We are aware that not everything we do is perfect, however we don’t let our failings bring us down. We continue to learn and make improvements. Thankfully we have an incredible network of sustainable entrepreneurs who also believe that creating a successful business is not enough these days. It has to be as sustainable and responsible as possible, if not regenerative.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Barcelona is famous for many tourist destinations, from the Sagrada Familia to the boutiques in the gothic quarter. But what you don’t realise about Barcelona is how vegetarian/vegan friendly it is. The quality of the restaurants here is incredible! So Id suggest that you spend as much time possible exploring the local restaurants… Green Spot, Sesamo, Green&Burger, Blu Bar, Gallo Santo Veg Mex, Moaz Falafel…. and so many more (pack your eatin pants).

The other best thing about Barcelona is that it has so many beautiful green zones, like Montjuic, the bunkers, Park Guell and even Park Ciutadella, or you can be out of the city and in the mountains within 30 minutes. Close by you’ve got hikes around the incredible spires of Montserrat and a little further afield you have the cliffs of Siurana, Margalef or Rodella (and sunsets you’ll never forget).

Catalonia is beautiful and it is well worth the exploration. If you’re visiting and don’t have a friend to tour you around, then I highly recommend taking a look at Yepalo Adventures. Moshe is a fantastic and extremely well organised and qualified guide who has taken me on some really memorable trips. Since travel has been so tricky the last two years, its great to know that you can still go on some real adventures on your own doorstep.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout has to go to my partner, Thomas Danthony.

No one could ask for a more supportive partner – in life and in crime. He is the person who cheers me on when I’m tired and doubting myself. Picks me up, dusts me off, gives me that really serious pep talk and sends me out on my way.
He has spent countless evenings refining my brand image, helping me develop my packaging and promotional materials and being the critical eye when its needed. And of course being a very willing guinea-pig, taste testing all my products. He has made me feel safe and confident to accomplish anything.

Additional credit has to also go to my friend Adelie Magne, a kick ass female climber who has been the biggest advocate of my product and helped me gain traction in gyms around Barcelona. There have been so many times when people have said, “Oh hey, you’re the Claro lady! Adelie told me all about you. She gave me one of your bars, they are so delicious”. She has made me feel like a local celebrity. Her support has been overwhelming and provided me with the confidence to be as kick ass as her.

Website: www.clarobar.com

Instagram: @claro_bar

Image Credits
Thomas Danthony Studio