"Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana." - Anthony G. Oettinger
Ok, I'm a few days late to blog about this, but here we go...
It has been a year! (erm, well, as of April 1st) A whole year (and 5 days) of ups and downs and excitement and frustration.
I firmly believe that it is important to look back and reflect to really put into perspective growth and change. Now, I don't usually take my own advice, but I suppose I can make an exception here.
In 2016, I had an idea. It was a challenge, and if you know me, or have read a few of these blogs, by now you'll see a pattern: I like challenges. I will deny that if asked directly.
In 2018, my idea evolved into a possibility of something more. Another challenge: how to move to the next level with an idea.
In 2019, I made some important connections in the form of other small business owners, FDA regulator, and even a bottling company (who turned into more of a counselor in a lot of cases).
In 2020,... nope, we don't talk about 2020. Who wants to reflect on that? However, many good things did come from a very, very scary and traumatic time in the world's history.
In 2021, I made decisions and launched my idea/possibility into the world in the form of a Kickstarter! If you haven't heard of it, don't be too sad, it didn't exactly pan out. But it was inspiring. Kickstarter is not known for many success stories in food, but No-MaTer did pretty darn well...though still not a success.
Then in 2022, despite all my ups and downs, reservations, frustrations, and darn near crippling fear, No-MaTer launched with our first batch of inventory!
So many plans and ideas and visions for the future. Reality hits like a sledgehammer though.
But, as they say, try, try again. Or... "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'" - Mary Anne Radmacher
No-MaTer was going to be in radio ads, in newsletters, on social media, at farmer's markets, and in stores!
Well, we were in a podcast, in the community paper, have a Facebook and Instagram presence, went to one parking lot outdoor market, and even in a small local mercantile shop for a few months. The dream and vision may have been bigger, but the goals were met to some degree!
Ya gotta start somewhere to be able to grow.
Overall, it has been you and the many others who have taken a chance on this very obscure, strange-sounding new brand that have made this last year the success it was. Thank you. You telling your friends to tell their friends has made the difference.
The year-to-date evaluation:
72 sales across the United States
218 jars sold - averaging 18 jars per month!
What an amazing year!
2023...
Marketing is the name of the game. I've been doing some searching for marketing options. How to further my reach.
I've made resolutions to spend 30 min a day on social media (so far I'm not doing so good at that, but better each week).
I have purchased this gem (hoodie) to at least get No-MaTer's name out there more casually. Well, and because I'm naturally cold-blooded and figured that I might as well do some free advertising while trying not to freeze.
I've even made connections with a group of wonderfully goofy gals who participate in parades! No-MaTer was represented in the Denver Colorado St. Patrick's Day parade this year.
Yes, I am admittedly one of the goofy gals (that's me in the pink wig riding an inflatable blue unicorn).
I plan on doing more of this in hopes of spurring traffic to the site.
A few final thoughts.
As you're making your path through the hurdles that life throws at us, it is easy to neglect stopping and appreciating how far you've come. Take a moment to reflect, it helps it come into focus a bit better.
Be brave, be spontaneous, be goofy, and try to have fun along the way.
If you are interested in seeing more of the silliness 2023 will be bringing, be sure to check out my Instagram page for reels and Instagram and Facebook for pictures and little updates. (Instagram, (1) No Mater Sauce Company | Facebook)
As always, tell your friends to tell their friends! Happy Easter!
~Gena