Connecting Kitchens: How Seasoning Solutions Heated Up with Small Business Support
The tumultuous nature of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted everyone, but like many, Laurie Pettigrew found her “why” during it. Her aging mother lived far away in a small town that couldn’t offer curbside, COVID-precautious services, forcing her out into an unpredictable and unsafe world to get the essentials. But thanks to pandemic restrictions, Laurie had the time to create and experiment to find a solution. She developed pre-packaged, ready-to-cook meal kits and shipped them right to her mom’s door. And they were a hit, from her tastebuds to her nervous system.
It was her mom’s recommendation to turn these kits into something more. Laurie will tell you that was the biggest compliment, having grown up watching her mom in the kitchen and on her own cooking show on PBS.
Support at Every Step of the Journey
So Laurie took her kits over to Etsy and within just a few days started making sales. It quickly turned into a full-time job and she knew she couldn’t do it alone. She explored her local network, starting with Taste the Local Difference in Traverse City, who directed her to check out the variety of services available from the Ann Arbor SPARK Small Business Support Program. It was here where Laurie was connected to a business coach from Jewish Family Services (JFS).
Her immediate needs of social media and website assistance were quickly tackled and soon after JFS was proactive in leading her to the next item on her new-business to-do list: a refreshed business plan built off of a deeper understanding of her unique market and that accounted for longer-term goals. All the administrative tasks and cooking demands of starting her business meant it had been nearly 5 years since Laurie independently researched and built her own short-term plan. She now had the guidance and support to slow down and think about where she wanted to be in one year, 5 years, and so on… complete with comprehensive goals and measurable outcomes to aim for in each new era of business. Combined with strong sales, this motion would soon demand qualified staffing support to keep up with Seasoning Solution’s orders, which JFS also helped provide.
“I hope that more business owners can take advantage of it,” Laurie said, after noting that this incredible, custom support is free no matter what stage you are in starting a business.
Cooking Up for the Future
With a more comprehensive business plan established, Seasoning Solutions can continue mixing the perfect ingredients to keep cooking toward a future of more than just product sales, but a connection of cultures. Even during a busy holiday gifting season that pulls Laurie in every direction, she can count on JFS to be there with general check-ins to suggestions and floating new opportunities her way that they feel she’s the right fit for.
And now with clearly identified goals and a partner she can trust no matter what happens next, Laurie is confidently moving forward melding business with her passion for one of the world’s most historically connective experiences–food.
About Small Business Support
Small Business Support from Ann Arbor SPARK provides no-cost coaching, mentorship, workshops, and resources to help entrepreneurs in Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties start and grow their businesses. Through a collaborative network of Business Support Partners, we offer expert guidance, technical assistance, and tools designed to strengthen local entrepreneurship, fuel innovation, and build long-term business success. Meet our partners and explore the organizations working together to make this possible here.