With a formal background in the creative arts, Kristen Fields’ unique background has led her to a once seemingly unlikely career in the food industry. Along with her partner in life, love and business, and coupled with a belief in the creative process, Kristen has grown her business, mmmpanadas, from a late-night Austin food truck to a widely distributed frozen Consumer Packaged Good (CPG) product distributed in over 400 stores across the US. Kristen loves collaborating with others and has a passion for creating something bigger than herself. Always valuing preparation and execution as the keys to smart business, Kristen approaches food entrepreneurship with the same vibrancy she tackles life. It’s not always easy, but it sure is an exciting ride. In 2018, mmmpanadas won the grand prize in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best competition and is on track to double their distribution in the frozen food aisle by the end of 2019.Kristen is aTory Burch Fellow for 2020. The fellowship helps empower female entrepreneurs with an education grant as well as access to the Tory Burch Foundation network.