Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Victoria Ashworth, Founder and Owner of Texas Moon Gourmet Toffee, located in Houston, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Texas Moon Gourmet Toffee is a chocolate covered pecan toffee made from a treasured family recipe and offered in a range of sizes. My mother made this candy each year at Christmas to be shared with friends. They raved about it so much we decided to brand it and sell it for many more to enjoy. We offer our candy for sale during the holiday season until we sell out. We have developed a strong following over the last 23 years, many of who claim it has addictive qualities.
Tell us about yourself
Growing up in a family business, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. My first business was created in high school with my sister. We went to the Dallas market and purchased “twister beads” at wholesale prices and came home to host a few home shows to sell them. We even placed an ad in our small-town high school newspaper. Equipped with a marketing degree from Texas A&M and seeing the response from friends when my parents shared a gift of my mother’s homemade toffee, I suggested we create a business.
My father, close to retirement, quickly indicated I could create one, but they weren’t interested. They did, however, in the early years help me quite a bit, helping me fill orders and attend shows. The amount of joy our candy brings to so many makes it fun to share. People rave about it and share many stories of hoarding and hiding it so they won’t have to share. I love hearing how much they enjoy our treat each year.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating a brand and product with a high percentage of repeat customers. So many are complimentary of our packaging, which I designed, and of our name, Texas Moon. I named it after my grandmother. Her maiden name was Moon, and she was reared in Arkansas with six siblings. She was the only one who moved to Texas, making her the “Texas Moon.” She was always such a positive influence in my life and my inspiration.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being responsible for everything. There are so many details to remember and manage throughout the year, and no one else can manage these for me. Some believe owning your own business means you can work flexible hours, and you can, but usually, it’s a lot more hours than working for someone else.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a business plan so you can think through all that will be needed for your business model and what will be involved to start and manage.
- Get to know colleagues in your industry. Many times they are happy to share tips and advice because someone did that for them.
- Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Do you love it? Does it bring you joy? If so, success is imminent.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.txmoon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/txmoongourmettoffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texasmoontoffee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-moon-gourmet-toffee/
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.