Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food & beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lindan Courtemanche, Founder of The Gorgeous Spice Company, located in Creemore, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The heart of The Gorgeous Spice Company is an eclectic set of custom spice blends. Blends are fun, and they are super versatile, too! You don't have to be an expert to get great results. Our blends are specifically developed to inspire experimentation and encourage everyone to try new things when they cook. More art and less science. More… fun!
Tell us about yourself
I'm Lindan Courtemanche, founder, and CEO of The Gorgeous Spice Company. My path here started in the fashion and entertainment industries before converging on a twenty (plus) year career as a branding and marketing professional. Eventually, though, my passion for good food and the magic spell it casts could no longer be denied, and The Gorgeous was born.
Initially, the business launched as a subscription (The Gorgeous Spice Club) on Indiegogo, and one of the benefits of this was I know many of the first customers. I was able to see firsthand how transformative the blends are for people. Making an extraordinary meal, even with just a few ingredients, is within reach if you have a great spice blend.
And whether for yourself, your family, or for entertaining, finding new ways to add flavors to your favorite foods is one of life's great pleasures.
I get excellent feedback from customers who've discovered their inner chef. People are over-the-moon when they discover how fun it is to cook and bake with great seasonings. This kind of feedback means the world to me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Okay, this might sound super nerdy, but I love this brand's little "universe"! The Gorgeous brand world has an exuberance to it that is as vibrant as the collection of flavours we sell. Each of the blends have a playful attitude, and this transfers to the experience of using the products. They are really fun!
A lot of what we did breaks the basic rules of branding. But the brand is all about trying new things and being creative and bold with flavor, so we got that right!
And it's not just me. I see it firsthand when people discover it in markets and retail.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Work-life-balance. Full stop!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don’t rush the branding process. It’s so important to build this foundation because it ends up impacting every decision you will make.
- Soak up any advice your accountant gives you. And stay close to the inner workings of your business.
- Don't sell something you don't love. People can always tell.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thegorgeousspiceco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGorgeousSpiceCompany/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegorgeousspiceco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindancourtemanche/
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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