Thanksgiving was so wonderful this year. Full of family, friends, food, fun and relaxing. We spent a few days in Chautauqua, then came back and celebrated with Brady’s family here in Cleveland. We are currently having a great time with John and Ashley here visiting. I did an absolutely horrible job taking pictures – not sure what I was thinking. Anna’s baby book will be pretty bare for Thanksgiving 2011. I will have to step it back up this week!
Hope you had a great holiday week!!
Founder Jennifer Broe wanted to feed her babies food that was healthy and tasty, but was disappointed by grocery store options. With a little ingenuity, she started making her own—whipping up baby-friendly batches of tested and much-loved family recipes. The results were so yummy, she enlisted the help of her sister, Jill Vos, and Baby Gourmet was born.
- I love that you followed a dream you had and something you believed in, can you elaborate how what it took to turn your dream into your own company? It’s so inspirational!
- If you believe in something so passionately it is hard not to act on it! But the reality is many people have great ideas, they just don’t know how to make them in to a reality. I started by doing my homework and really understanding the opportunity and market place. I surrounded myself with world class resources and learned everything I could about food, business and how to be successful in the baby food industry. I never gave up on my dream and my passion for helping moms feed their babies the best food! A good idea, the right team of people, perseverance and determination are what got me through the past 6 years.
- How do you find the produce you use and the ingredients that are in Baby Gourmet?
- We have very strict specifications when it comes to our ingredients, so finding the right suppliers was time consuming and difficult. Again with persistence, we managed to source incredible suppliers for all our organic ingredients. We have met with many of our farmers and built great relationships with people who share our vision for good food.
- What gives you inspiration for recipe combos?
- I try to develop not only the tastiest flavors but also combinations that parents may not think to make themselves. I play with what my own children grew up eating and try to add in things that I think can elevate their simple and tasty flavors. Many parents will steam a sweet potato, but when it’s combined with apples, berries and a hint of cinnamon, it makes it in to something a little more exciting!
- How do you balance your life as a mom and your career?
- Balance is something all working moms struggle with and I am no different. I try to be organized and I focus on not taking on too much and delegating tasks when I can. I make sure to take time for myself and look after the well being of my whole family, because when I am my best it makes me a better business owner and mom.
- What is your favorite recipe to cook for adults?
- I am a no mess/fuss kind of cook. I love good, simple, clean food with the best ingredients. My favorite recipes for adults would most likely be suited to my children as well, considering they are always at the table. If I have to say a favorite, it would be fresh foccacia bread with steamed mussels in a nice white wine/coconut/lemongrass broth. Simple and fast, yet sophisticated.
- What 5 foods could you not go without?
- Greek yogurt, spinach, eggs, free range chicken, bananas.
- What would you tell first time moms about being a parent, feeding their baby and getting thought it with a smile?
- Have patience! Find healthy foods they love and keep trying to introduce the ones they are rejecting. Don’t give up and resort to junk foods- it will be a terrible habit to break. That said, there will always be nights when it’s impossible to make a healthy, home-cooked meal, and in these circumstances I always recommend the 80/20 rule: do your best at providing quality meals 80% percent of the time, and for the remaining 20% give yourself a break!
- What have you learned about yourself through starting Baby Gourmet?
- I have learned that I have a relentless persistence that I never knew existed. I have learned to believe in myself, to never give up and keep moving forward.
