Building a Business in Public: The Highs and Lows of Recipe Development

When you’re building a business in public, it’s really exciting to share the positive moments that propel the business forward. On the flip side, it’s not as easy to share some of the mistakes that hold you back.

Honestly, I don’t want to disappoint you. Of course I want it to seem like everything is going well all the time, that would be ideal. Realistically, that’s not the case.

If I didn’t tell you about the lows along with the highs, I’d be painting a false picture of what entrepreneurship is like.

I’m starting a business in a completely new industry, and learning on the go is part of the journey.

Regardless, I let something slip through the cracks.

I was so happy about the final mini muffins, this latest version is delicious!

Others who’ve tried them have asked for more.

All I wanted to do is celebrate that feat - finally making tasty and healthy muffins.

However, when I was reviewing the nutrition label, I saw one thing I missed.

I was so focused on the added sugars, protein, carbs, and calories that I wasn’t paying attention to something I quite frankly never look at (but should) when reading a food label.

Fats.

While the fat content in my muffins is almost all from coconut oil, it’s a little too high for my liking.

Coconut oil is a healthy fat, but it’s high in saturated fat, which you don’t want to overconsume.

The number isn’t your entire allotment for the day, but for four muffins, it was up there.

Coconut oil is a key ingredient.

Cutting the quantity would change the consistency and shelf life of the mini muffins.

I had to break the news to my recipe developer. She was not pleased to hear that we need to go through another round of samples, but she agreed to help.

I know it’s better to take care of it now rather than having to go back and fix it later.

I’ve been working so hard to create as healthy and tasty of a muffin as I can, why stop short right at the end?

While I’m bummed that we need to make yet another change, in the long run, I know it will be worth it.

Building in public is awesome. I get to share all the exciting moments with you!

But I wouldn’t be doing it justice if I didn’t let you in on the tough times as well.

You hold me accountable.

It’s the motivation I need week after week, especially when I hit a bump.

Thank you for sticking with me through the ups and downs of developing these muffins!