| When I decided to turn my baby food delivery | | | | day just as I had during my 15 year career in high tech. |
| business idea into a reality I imagined that someday I | | | | While at the same time being a conscious parent |
| would open outlets all over the country. Or perhaps I | | | | involved in every aspect of my children's liveslike the |
| would franchise the business. I thought that one day I | | | | stay-at-home mommies of the past. |
| would be the CEO of a baby food empire. | | | | I now have a new vision. I imagine hundreds of |
| Over time I came to realize that this business is not | | | | communities with baby food business dotted across |
| about empire building. It is about heart. It is about love. | | | | the US. Some are small, some are large. I imagine that |
| And it must be run by individuals that have a true | | | | each one is owned and operated by a mompreneur |
| passion for infant nutrition and believe that a child's | | | | (mom + entrepreneur). And each one is special and |
| taste for food is formed from the very first | | | | unique: with creative names, flavorful recipes, and |
| bite.....mothers. It cannot be run by some "hired gun" | | | | varied business models. But each one is dedicated to |
| store manager. Or a franchisee who cares more | | | | helping babies make a healthy start. I think this kind of |
| about opening a string of sites than changing the lives | | | | business can only be successful when the owner is a |
| of children and their families. | | | | mother (or father) who is committed to infant nutrition, |
| Childhood obesity is an epidemic in our society. Helping | | | | is involved in the daily operation of the business, |
| children form healthy tastes and eating habits is going | | | | communicates directly with customers, and personally |
| to require commitment and training at an individual level. | | | | oversees the creation of the product. |
| No corporation can facilitate change in the same way | | | | It has become clear to me that I must write a series of |
| that a mother supported by her friends can. | | | | "how to" articles that can help other visionary moms |
| I also figured out that I do not want to be the CEO of | | | | embark on their journey to own their own baby food |
| a big company. CEOs don't have time to change | | | | delivery business. |
| diapers and drive kids to soccer practice. CEOs don't | | | | So, I now share my Sprouts Baby Food Inc. |
| have time to get to know their customers on a | | | | experience with you. I hope it is helpful. I don't |
| personal level. CEOs are too bogged down with board | | | | guarantee that you will be successful. But you already |
| meetings, personnel issues, and operational chaos. The | | | | have 99% of what is going to take to successes...your |
| reason I started my baby food delivery business is | | | | own commitment and determination. I can only give |
| because I wanted to stretch myself intellectually every | | | | you a few ideas that may help you along your journey. |