WHEN WORD SPREAD that Miyoko Schinner was parting ways with the company she founded—a company that arguably singlehandedly mainstreamed artisan plant-based cheese and butter—legions of fans were devastated. They rallied behind the vegan icon, and supported Schinner as she shared raw, honest Instagram videos about her journey. Eventually, the legal disputes were resolved and both parties wished each other well as they went their separate ways. It was the closing of a chapter during a trying year for the entrepreneur—who was also navigating a divorce—but through it all, Schinner somehow maintained grace, perspective, and a sense of grounded optimism that her fans found nothing short of inspirational.
At 66, Schinner—whose first business,
