Breaking Down Big Tasks: How We Tackled Packaging and Hired a Food Scientist

Breaking Down Big Tasks: How We Tackled Packaging and Hired a Food Scientist

It feels like we’re really moving things forward now. 
 
But it wasn’t always that way. Don’t you know it. 
 
For weeks I had on my todos: “figure out packaging” and “find a food scientist”. 
 
I had no idea how to tackle either. 
 
Packaging alone felt like a huge task. I still wasn’t 100% clear on what packaging my muffins needed or what my co-manufacturer required. 
 
What type of packaging? What’s it going to look like? How do I know which one will protect the shelf life? Will it transport my muffins without damage? Are there more sustainable options? How much will it all cost?
 
Although there were a lot of unknowns, I knew if I didn’t “figure out packaging” then it could hold me back from launch. 
 
So, I started asking around. 
 
First, I asked my co-manufacturer if there were any packaging companies they liked working with and recommended. 
 
She provided a few options, one of which she knew would allow for low order quantities.
 
That’s a start!
 
Next, I posted a job on Upwork (a website for hiring freelancers), collected resumes, and interviewed packaging designers. 
 
To my surprise, I found someone I liked and started working with her in a matter of days. She has a fun style that I’m excited to infuse into Minky’s brand. 
 
She too had a recommendation for packaging. Now we’re getting somewhere. 
 
Next up: food scientist. 
 
Where does one find a food scientist anyways? 
 
I started asking friends and family, no one knew anyone in my space. So, I started searching.
 
In the depths of Google, I stumbled upon an entire directory of food scientists with contact information and all.
It was exactly what I needed!
 
In one night, I reached out to 20+ food scientists. 
 
The response rates were much higher than I expected. I was able to interview a handful and started working with someone within a week. 
 
Oh, and then that person had another recommendation for a packaging supplier.
 
What originally felt like two monumental tasks were actually manageable once I broke them out into smaller action items. Not only that, I was able to get even farther simply by moving forward. 
 
All I had to do was put one foot in front of the other. From there, the rest came together. 
 
I don’t know about you, but the uncertainty of tackling a big task often overwhelms me. However, breaking it down into manageable pieces is what truly moves the needle. 
 
This approach builds momentum and propels us closer to our milestones.
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