🎄Happy Holidays!❄

As this year comes to an end, it is tradition to look back and reflect.

I must say, I did not expect to be where I am today when this year started. I am blessed that I have been able to take on this challenge of starting a business and by all the wonderful support sent my way by friends, family, and even strangers.

This year started with frustration of the unknown and hiccups at the starting line. As we've all experienced, inflation this year hit hard. It made most, if not all, of us a lot more aware of daily expenses and budget. In some cases, we or someone we know lost jobs or struggled due to the surprise of the lack of decent pay increases. All around, we tightened our belts and had to focus more on necessities. No-MaTer was not an exception, and this only made things more interesting getting out of the gate as I struggled to make sure the price point stayed reasonable.

When we launched in April this year, it was a relief but also daunting as this was the first big step in the journey and one that set the ball rolling whether I believed I was ready or not. Seeing the inventory come off the production line was very emotional, but months later when my husband and I spent the time to store it all away securely in our basement was when it really hit home of how much work was still needing to be done. Because of the decision to go through a bottling company vs manufacturing all on my own in a rented kitchen, it meant that starting inventory was high. This is not a bad thing, but the best-by date on the jars ensured there was a firmer timetable on distribution. I had to step up my game so to speak, giving more attention to pushing No-MaTer at every opportunity. This, in addition to my normal full-time job, has monopolized a lot of my time, brain, and energy. As the song goes "You are always on my mind", and it is very true.

Over the last 8 months, there have been highs and lows. Excitement at opportunities and concern as those opportunities seemed less obtainable. But, through it all, I have seen so much support. Friends have been helping so much by spreading the news by word of mouth. You, my subscribers, have bolstered my spirits as well, thank you. Social media, which is definitely not my strong suit, has helped grow the following for No-MaTer. Even the short stint with Google Ads has brought more attention to this brand-new product. It takes time to build brand awareness, but we are really making headway!

Now, as we move into the next year, I'm still planning and dreaming and doing my best to broadcast that with No-MaTer, there IS an option for a red sauce for those avoiding tomatoes, nightshades, citrus, and even additives/preservatives.

This coming year, I am working to get on vendor lists for a few different Farmer's Markets in the area. In addition, I am still trying to work with Whole Foods to get in their store(s). I am also reaching out to local markets to see about putting No-MaTer on local shelves there too.

I am also going to be more active on social media, namely Instagram and Facebook. I will be posting quotes and fun facts at least monthly in addition to the more random posts I have done in 2022. So, keep a lookout for more in 2023!

https://www.instagram.com/nomatersaucecompany/

https://www.facebook.com/nomatersaucecompany

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all-around Joy to you and your families,

Gena