Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Justin Cherman, founder of South Shore Snackery LLC., DBA Thank You Popcorn, located in Scituate, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business South Shore Snackery LLC specializes in small-batch popcorn and snacks made with the best artisan ingredients. We love helping our customers say "Thank You" to their friends. Our playful design and marketing approach welcomes customers from kids to grandparents.
Tell us about yourself
I am a father, husband/partner, chef, and artist. My culinary mentorship began when I was 13 years old, working for a local caterer and seafood retailer. Upon graduation, I attended the Culinary Institute of America, where I received my Bachelor's degree. I have since worked in fields ranging from 3 Michelin star restaurants to commercial food R&D all the way to senior living dining.
Our business was started in collaboration with my brother and wife almost four years ago with the only idea from my brother to translate my culinary background into a unique CPG product and brand. Long story short, that is how Thank You Popcorn was born. I am motivated every day by the desire to grow my business and create unique products and food experiences that go beyond the snack bag.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Transitioning from part-time side hustle to full-time entrepreneur and more recently achieving and exceeding our 2021 sales projections!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Not giving up when that is the easiest thing to do. Whether it is low balance sheets, product, production, or supply issues, sometimes keeping things going is hard when there is no guaranteed sales or income. But it always seems to sort itself out in its time, not mine.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a great plan to execute on the "goal."
- Ideas need a sounding board; you will have lots of them; most ideas are financially bad decisions or waste your time when you need to focus on the core business.
- To grow your business, you need to sell, sell, sell, and watch your big expenses like labor and supply costs.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Working for yourself is not all rainbows and unicorns. However, even on the worst day, you still have the opportunity when you work for yourself to make the changes you know need to happen!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thankyoupopcorn.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thankyousnacks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thankyoupopcorn/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.