I grew up in a family that had physical and financial hardships. My father had six back surgeries, but passed down a great work ethic. He opened his own business and was able to provide for his family after a slow start. In the summers, I would wear a matching work shirt and go on jobs with him. This happened starting when I was seven years old. He was a locksmith and we worked indoors, outdoors, etc. He taught me to work hard, do your best and respect your customers…they provide for your living.
I have been a manager in restaurants and have passed this down to my own child and my fiancée’s three children, by getting them their first jobs where they became star employees.
I started my business just over a year ago and now have a loyal following. I work part-time for an employer and keep up with my business.
My goal is to become financially self-sufficient and to continue giving back to others. I am a current supporter of Kiva and gave a gift card for a contribution to one of the children for Christmas.
I create, package and sell plant-based and gluten-free snacks. We do pop-up sales, have a standing monthly vendor agreement with an outdoor market and our products are in two juice bars, one vegan restaurant and a wellness clinic. I am currently in talks with a juice bar chain (4 locations) and a language academy to carry our products. We have just joined a farmer’s market that will sell the first Saturday of each month.
I was working in a vegan, gluten-free restaurant and frequently heard customers talking about how they wished there were snack foods more readily available for themselves and their children. With the support of my boss, I started Munch On!
I am proud of the fact that I have people passing along our business by word of mouth and we make it a point to donate to a worthy cause each month.
I use my former boss’s commercial kitchen and would love to have my own space to produce our snacks.
This loan will allow me to lease a spot to produce and sell my food. Having a storefront will allow for walk-in traffic to increase revenue. I will no longer have to drive across town, sometimes twice a day, to make our snacks. It would allow me to spend more time producing product, rather than commuting. If I have a facility close to home, I will be able to have assistance from my family and friends.
A loan of $3,000 helps me to lease a physical location for food production