Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Parker Shorey, Co-Founder of Lemonfair, LLC, located in Ferrisburgh, VT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lemonfair Saffron Co. is a partnership of family farms committed to sustainable farming and the finest quality products. We ship single-origin, Vermont-grown saffron to flavor lovers all over the United States. We recently launched our newest product - Spanish Roja Garlic Powder - in partnership with an incredible garlic grower in Vermont.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up working on small farms in Vermont and Massachusetts. Eventually, I got into business consulting and started splitting time between Vermont and NYC. Back in 2016, the University of Vermont published the saffron yield in Vermont soil. They were trying to help small farmers generate supplemental income in the late fall. I was intrigued and took a leave from my job to start growing saffron and learn all I could from UVM professors and growers overseas. My partner and co-owner (Hannah Marks) and I are motivated by helping small family farms thrive and by shipping delightful, exceptional products.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think going from zero to one is a big accomplishment that takes a lot of dogged determination. When you first talk about your new idea out loud, it sounds unreal...
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You have to solve one problem after another. You are in the business of problem-solving.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Flawless execution is more important than big ideas. Big ideas are easy. Someone else probably has the same idea. But the execution is hard, which separates the enduring businesses from the flameouts.
- Stay religiously organized. The natural pull of small businesses is toward chaos. Create systems, periodically simplify, and use technologies to your advantage.
- Think cooperation, not competition. Partner with other small businesses, promote other products you love and give out free advice. Competing in the early stages is a destructive game. Far better to cooperate and help each other out -- if you believe in your products and create value for customers, things tend to work out.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lemonfairsaffron.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lemonfairsaffron
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemonfairsaffron/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shorey-saffron-co/
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.
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