I didn’t really launch Free Range Cookies that was a process that evolved over a couple of years. I never set out to even start a business, it kind of happened by accident. I was always, I always love to bake. And when I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease which is a genetic intolerance to the gluten found in all forms of wheat, rye, and barley, I couldn’t bake anymore because I couldn’t use the ingredients that I was used to. So, I set out to try to find how I could continue my baking without wheat flower.
You should do what you love and what would you do if you weren’t making any money at all?
If you think of something as work, I would say that it should be the business you should be going into because I love every part of this business, every part.
Before you start a business, definitely talk to people who were in a related business like that, who are currently in that business and who are keyed into what’s going on now.
It’s also important to have a plan and have a back up plan for 2 or 3 or 10 because things don’t always workout the way you expect.
So, my next full tip is to put money into things that are really important. And do other things as cheaply as you can or try to get them for free.
I’ve got e-mails from people but I can’t afford a graphic designer to do this, or do it yourself. You don’t need some big fancy logo or letterhead, just do it yourself. It’s really important to keep a focus. A focus on what’s most important whether that’s a product that you’re doing or a process you’re working on. Then when you do that, when you maintain that focus, everything else will fall into place.
I really hope that through the cookies that I've made and the breads that I make that I can help to increase awareness about Celiac Disease. And I want people to know they don’t have to be deprived of any treats at all. So, it’s kind of a two-fold thing. And I think because Celiac Disease has affected my life so profoundly in the lives of a lot of people that I've met, it’s a real motivator.
So, even if you’re tired and frustrated and things aren’t going right, you really need to remember to be very grateful and thankful for being able to do what you love to do.
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