When Melissa L’Heureux-Hache and Edan Wolk launched VEGAIN, they weren’t just filling a gap in the sports nutrition market—they were redefining what plant-based performance could look like.
VEGAIN’s success isn’t just about great products—it’s about a commitment to quality, local sourcing, and a vision that goes beyond traditional investment models. Now, with demand outpacing supply, the company is taking its biggest leap yet: inviting the community to own a piece of its future.
A Unique Approach to Sports Nutrition
Founded a little over two years ago, VEGAIN started as a response to a gap in the market. Founders Melissa, a longtime vegan, and Edan, who is lactose intolerant, saw a lack of high-quality plant-based options to traditional sports nutrition products.
VEGAIN soon changed that by partnering with top food scientists to create a high-performance, plant-based mass gainer. The product quickly gained traction, drawing interest from professional athletes, including those in the UFC. Unlike other vegan protein brands that market their product with yoga pants and green leaves, VEGAIN’s identity appeals broadly to high-performance athletes who prioritize quality nutrition, whether they follow a plant-based diet or not.
VEGAIN’s newest innovation, SURGE™Clear Protein, dissolves completely in water for a light, refreshing drink—no thick shakes, just 25g of clean, Canadian-grown protein. A ready-to-drink can is coming soon, and the industry is taking notice—SURGE is a finalist in the CHFA Launchpad Competition.
Keeping Supply Chains Local
“If an ingredient grows here, we get it here,” explains Melissa, emphasizing VEGAIN’s commitment to sourcing ingredients from Canadian suppliers whenever possible.
This not only ensures the highest quality but also shields VEGAIN from global supply chain disruptions, such as the impact of recent U.S. tariffs. By prioritizing domestic sourcing, VEGAIN supports Canadian farmers and businesses, strengthening the regional economy while maintaining control over production standards.
Why Nanaimo?
Melissa and her partner’s move to Nanaimo marked a shift from the corporate world to building a business on their own terms. After scaling and selling a sports-focused company in Toronto, Melissa and her partner returned to Vancouver Island to launch their next venture.
For Melissa, who grew up in Courtenay, Nanaimo offered the perfect balance—affordability, strong transportation links, and a lifestyle that made growth sustainable.
With lower commercial real estate costs compared to larger urban centers and direct connections to key markets via the port, ferry, and airport, Nanaimo provided the right environment to establish and scale her business.
With demand outpacing supply, VEGAIN is gearing up for expansion. Melissa plans to open a physical storefront in Nanaimo this year, which will serve as a retail space, a fulfillment center, and a community hub for fitness and nutrition events.
Powering Growth Through Community Investment
Instead of relying on large corporate investors, VEGAIN is turning to equity crowdfunding—allowing individuals to buy a stake in the company. This means community members can invest, become partial owners, and share in VEGAIN’s future success.
“We’ve been proudly Vancouver Island-based since day one. It would be incredible to have our community own a part of this brand and be involved in its growth,” Melissa adds.
VEGAIN is opening the door to community investors—this is your chance to own a piece of the future. Learn more and get involved here!