Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bob Florence, co-founder of Moromi, located in North Stonington, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Moromi, we are dedicated to developing unique and flavorful food ingredients that help home and professional cooks create distinctive meals for their families and guests. Our handcrafted seasonings are based on traditional fermentation techniques using koji and our natural microbiome to transform our select ingredients into unique sauces, seasonings, and condiments. We specialize in craft shoyu, seasonal soy sauces, fermented hot sauces, and miso.
Tell us about yourself
As a chemist, I've always had a life-long passion for creating. I started my career at GE's Research Center developing innovative products for GE's materials businesses and went on to travel and work throughout Asia building businesses for GE, Apple, and renewable chemistry start-up companies. I left the corporate world in 2018 to found Moromi and focus on developing unique, handcrafted seasonings, including soy sauce, miso, and fermented hot sauces based on traditional fermentation techniques using locally sourced agricultural products. I study the art of shoyu making under the guidance of my mentors at Chiba Shoyu in Japan.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have to say that making products that excite and inspire my customers to create great meals or guest experiences is my proudest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think balancing growth and cash flow is always a challenge in a business. I don't take on debt, so I run the business and reinvest as we grow. I like the balancing act, but it's something that one needs to manage and be mindful of. By keeping my eye on the product and my interest in creating something special, I find a balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start something now, don't wait until you have a perfect plan. That doesn't exist.
- Learn from customers, suppliers, and associates every day to adjust your plan.
- Keep your vision in mind to guide decisions at every turn. Is the decision you're about to make true to your vision for the company and product?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://moromishoyu.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Moromishoyu/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.