Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elaine Fosse, owner of Fosse Farms, Inc., located in Raymond, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the producer of a line of salad dressings and shrub vinegars. Fosse Farms products will titillate your taste buds. The possibilities for its use are endless – not just for salads, but doubles as a marinade, a glaze, a dipping sauce – everything from beef, pork, chicken, vegetables, or simply using it with yogurt for a special treat. Even the kids love it! The organic vinegar used in Fosse Farms dressings and shrubs is flavored to perfection from locally grown organic herbs and berries. Unlike mass-produced salad dressings and marinades, Fosse Farms is made in small batches to protect its integrity. In addition to the line of salad dressings, my company also produces a line of shrub vinegars. Shrubs are a healthy tonic that can be used on everything from salad to a thirst-quenching healthy drink or used to create a wonderful cocktail.
My entire line of products is all salt-free, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and low in sugar and calories. Once a person tastes these delectable treats, not only are they "hooked," they are finding new ways to include them in all their recipes.
Tell us about yourself
I began making my dressing in 1987. Because I was unable to find a good-tasting dressing without additives and preservatives, I went to work trying to come up with the best possible sauce for my family. Using the sweetest berries, the least amount of sugar, no additives, no preservatives, no salt, and no added water, I produced a fantastic small batch of brightly-hued raspberry dressing. My family was thrilled, as were my friends that tasted it. Requests began pouring in from friends and family to make more and more! Every time my husband and I were invited to a dinner party, the hosts would say, ". . . and bring that marvelous dressing!"
In November of 2004, I assisted my co-worker with a bake sale to raise funds to benefit the Family Support Group for soldiers at Ft. Lewis in Washington State. Without time to bake anything, on a whim, I brought four bottles of my raspberry dressing to the bake sale in decorated, recycled bottles. That's how it all started. The orders started pouring in. For the next year and a half, all the proceeds were
donated to the Family Support Group. With the amazing number of requests for my raspberry dressing, I expanded the line to include many other flavors like blackberry, cranberry, marionberry, cilantro lime, and garlic herb. What motivates me is the need for my product on the market and my wonderful customers who come back year after year and still love my product.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments is being featured in many magazines and my story being added to Jack Canfield's book - The Success Principles. In addition, I have been in business for many years and still love producing my product.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing for me is the cost factor. For example, the price of my glass bottles has doubled since last year. Having to raise my prices for my loyal customers is extremely painful to me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Customer service should always be the first goal.
- Make sure you are offering something that is needed and wanted - not just a fad.
- Never give up!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fossefarmsinc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FosseFarms/
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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