Yikes! What had I signed up for? I had two minutes to present my story, my vision and my products at the Naturally Boulder Pitch Slam and Awards event recently, followed by three minutes of Q+A from four respected natural food industry panelists. The room at the St. Julien Hotel was filled with almost 250 people. I went on stage at 2:50pm — Lucky #13 of 25 presenters. Ten days of anticipation and preparation were going to end in a few minutes…
The top five winners would go on to present later that evening. The winner of that would win a trip to the Natural Foods Expo in CA in the Spring of 2016 — all expense paid, with cash and lots of support services for marketing, branding, etc. The judges were looking for a company that would best exemplify the Boulder brand and be poised to go national quickly.
It would be an amazing opportunity to share information about my company and have that kind of exposure.
Photo by ArtDirectionLLC.com
That meant getting clear on my COG’s “cost of goods”, ROI “return on investment” and other business terminology. I researched the current market numbers– the natural self care market is $9 billion and is expected to be $16 billion in just five years. I suggested that Blair’s Herbals would be happy with 10%. The judges smiled.
I ran onto the stage singing the song I sing to my plants. Why sing? It is one of the ways I bond with the plants and it helps them to know that I would like to receive the medicinal qualities that they wish to share with me. My frequency and vibration lifts with song and studies show that the plants are more vibrant and happier. Happy plants=happy and deeply nourishing products!
I did not win. There was a moment of disappointment, but not discouragement. The feedback I received was that I had good energy and that my presentation expressed my truth and authentic mission. I am fully aware that I could have been stronger in certain areas. I plan to work on a business plan and get clearer on my numbers and have a more strategic plan.
Having a lean start up business, I feel good about my initial investment in my business. I am growing in a sustainable and steady fashion–66% over the last two years at market. I am not ready to grow too quickly. I love the connections I make at market and really feel good about the venue. If I had a million dollars, I could see expanding a bit into the local retail stores and other farmers markets, but some impact and angel investment dollars would be necessary to do that while also maintaining the integrity and values of truth, transparency and trust that my business is founded on.
Photo by ArtDirectionLLC.com
The overall experience was a good one. I’m pleased for stretching and putting myself and the business out there. Only good things can come from that and as one friend stated “stretch a little (or a lot) and you’ve planted seeds for the future”.
Look for Blair’s Herbals at the BCFM and local holiday faires. Local, intentionally handcrafted, Reiki infused skin (lip balms, bath salts, soaps and salves) and soul care (eye pillows and dream/sleep sachets) products!
