When I decided to turn my baby food delivery business idea into a reality I imagined that someday I would open outlets all over the country. Or perhaps I would franchise the business. I thought that one day I would be the CEO of a baby food empire.
Over time I came to realize that this business is not about empire building. It is about heart. It is about love. And it must be run by individuals that have a true passion for infant nutrition and believe that a child’s taste for food is formed from the very first bite…..mothers. It cannot be run by some “hired gun” store manager. Or a franchisee who cares more about opening a string of sites than changing the lives of children and their families.
Childhood obesity is an epidemic in our society. Helping children form healthy tastes and eating habits is going to require commitment and training at an individual level. No corporation can facilitate change in the same way that a mother supported by her friends can.
I also figured out that I do not want to be the CEO of a big company. CEOs don’t have time to change diapers and drive kids to soccer practice. CEOs don’t have time to get to know their customers on a personal level. CEOs are too bogged down with board meetings, personnel issues, and operational chaos. The reason I started my baby food delivery business is because I wanted to stretch myself intellectually every day just as I had during my 15 year career in high tech. While at the same time being a conscious parent involved in every aspect of my children’s liveslike the stay-at-home mommies of the past.
I now have a new vision. I imagine hundreds of communities with baby food business dotted across the US. Some are small, some are large. I imagine that each one is owned and operated by a mompreneur (mom + entrepreneur). And each one is special and unique: with creative names, flavorful recipes, and varied business models. But each one is dedicated to helping babies make a healthy start. I think this kind of business can only be successful when the owner is a mother (or father) who is committed to infant nutrition, is involved in the daily operation of the business, communicates directly with customers, and personally oversees the creation of the product.
It has become clear to me that I must write a series of “how to” articles that can help other visionary moms embark on their journey to own their own baby food delivery business.
So, I now share my Sprouts Baby Food Inc. experience with you. I hope it is helpful. I don’t guarantee that you will be successful. But you already have 99% of what is going to take to successes…your own commitment and determination. I can only give you a few ideas that may help you along your journey.
Mischelle (Schelly) Weedman-Davis left her 15-year high-tech career to become a stay-at-home mom but later became the founder of Sprouts Baby Food, Inc. She now uses her talents to support her husband’s Seattle law firm, the Davis Law Group so she can spend more time with her family. http://www.InjuryTrialLawyer.com. But she remains committed to infant nutrition and helping others that want to start their own baby food business.
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Hi Mischelle
I am thinking of setting up a baby food business targeting the Asian taste because I feel that there is a gap in the market . I am not sure how to go about it and would be grateful if you could advice me
Many Thanks
Pratishtha
Great post. Its very informative to start a baby food business. Nice topic.
Shelly, would you recommend Salsa flavour …. ?
I searched on the internet days and night on how and who to help me set up my baby food industry i saw an angel sent down to me and that is u.i need your total support in this race am from africa i have all my recipies and i want to open my industry in my home country. yor total support will go a long way in my life and a dream come true for me.right now i have a babyfood shop i sell and advice mothers on the best nutrition for there baby.am a mother with two lovely angels.
Dear Schelly, I would appreciate your help and advice on starting a baby food business. I have perfected some receipes, my baby is no 20 months old and his food is delicious and I want to take this delicious to other babies in my community to start with.
I am clueless as to how to go about it and things like how to sterlize and vacuum pack the glass jars etc. Can you please help. Would you be prepared to give me some of your precious time please?
Many thanks and God bless you.