Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Deb Greiner, co-owner of Cape Cod Cranberry Harvest Inc., located in Harwich, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own Cape Cod Cranberry Harvest, which is a homemade jelly business. All of my 33 different flavors are made in small batches by me in my town-approved kitchen. I do not have co-packers or employees. From beginning to end, I create each jar and resource my goods from local businesses to help keep us all going. My customers range from local to all over the USA through my online site.
Tell us about yourself
Over 25 years ago, I met my soon-to-be best friend and business partner at a playgroup. At the time, I had two kids, and she had 3. We started making crafts and did some home shows but moved on to making pepper jelly to sell. I used to make that for family and friends as holiday gifts. It was a hit at a show, so we started to add in the cranberry varieties, coming up with new flavors each year. We were in major grocery chains and over 60 smaller shops. I love what I do, and I love my customers and meeting new people at different events. I have created many tight friendships with my customers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel very proud for being able to get as far as we have over 25 years and raising eight children between our two families. We supported each other and never got into an argument. No one understood how we could be best friends and business partners for so long.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
In order to keep going each day, you really have to love what you do. Being a small business is so much more work but also so much more fulfilling than a basic 9-5. It’s always on your mind, but it should be in a positive way and a creative way.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Always have faith in yourself, your product, your talent, and your idea. If you don’t, then no one will.
- Love what you do or don’t do it. Some days are really hard, and you have to suck it up and keep going with a smile.
- Be kind to everyone and don’t make enemies, everyone has a bad day, and you never know when your paths may meet again. I’m speaking on a positive end, not a negative.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Tina, my bestie and business partner, moved to Texas 3 years ago. I knew I could continue the biz a little differently, but losing my sidekick Lucy/Ethel, was very hard.
Then we got the pandemic, another biggie. No shows, markets, etc., loss of money. Finally did shows last year and kept going store deliveries until inflation hit us hard. As of January, I am no longer selling wholesale. The increase in goods was so high that I was giving it away. It was a tough decision but a smarter move. I am still selling retail from my home and online and the craft shows. I can’t wait to see all of my customers again. I am staying positive that I will continue to keep the jelly going.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cranberryharvest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCCHDT/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodcranberryharvest/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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