This month NOW talks to Renée Elliott, the organic pioneer who opened the first organic supermarket Planet Organic, writes brilliant cookbooks and works with women through her new business, Beluga Bean.

One word that describes you?

Thoughtful.

In your own words, what do you do?

Support budding entrepreneurs to follow their dream.

Which is your favourite part of your job?

Making a difference.

Which is the part that you enjoy the least?

Admin.

Who is your greatest influence?

My mother.

Best advice you’ve been given?

‘When you are tired, take rest’ – Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

What was your Plan B?

Now that I’m not running Planet Organic anymore, my plan B is Beluga Bean, life skills and business skills for women.

Your personal indulgence?

A matcha in the afternoon with one of my Match Cupcakes, a recipe I wrote for my newest book, What to Eat & How to Eat it.

How do you like to travel?

With a book.

Favourite sustainable hotel or other place to stay?

Herdade da Matinha, half-way down the west coast of Portugal, between Lisbon and the Algarve, a simple and beautiful experience based around organic meals and living lightly.

What steps do you take to make your life more sustainable?

Everything I can think of! I support organic, sustainable agriculture through my work at the Soil Association, our work at Planet Organic and through the food choices I make every week by buying organic food, which is the simple, regular change people can make for the environment and for themselves.

What must happen NOW to help make our planet more sustainable?

Everyone needs to care.

Any regrets so far?

I usually avoid them by following my gut.