From Kitchen to Community: How In-Person Connections Are Shaping Minky Snacks

Building a food brand like Minky Snacks isn’t just about perfecting recipes—it’s also about forging connections, learning from experts, and immersing yourself in the food industry. Last week was a perfect example of how in-person interactions are helping me take Minky Muffins to the next level.

A Productive Day in the Kitchen

One of the food scientists I’m working with visited my commercial kitchen space last week. This in-person session was invaluable:

• He reviewed my recipe and baking processes.
• Tasted the new olive oil muffins.
• Provided recommendations for recipe adjustments.
• Guided me on conducting my next shelf life study.

Thanks to his hands-on feedback, I’ve already implemented many of his suggestions and seen improvements in the muffins' texture and flavor.

This collaboration wouldn’t have been possible without The Hatchery, the incubator program I’m a part of. The program has opened doors to local experts and resources I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.

The Power of In-Person Meetings

While remote work and virtual meetings have their place, I’ve found that in-person interactions are often more impactful, especially when you’re just starting out. There’s something about being face-to-face that fosters focus and deeper connections.

This week, I’m attending an in-person event on recipe development and product formulation. Next week, I’ll meet with my mentor to discuss getting retail-ready and a CPG marketing coach to refine my strategy. The following week, I’m excited to join two industry events for women in CPG.

Networking as an Introvert

As an introvert, putting myself out there hasn’t been easy. But the benefits have been undeniable. Networking in person has allowed me to grow my connections in the food and beverage space faster than I ever imagined.

Real-life conversations often lead to unexpected opportunities. You never know who might introduce you to someone who can offer valuable insights or open new doors.

Discovering Your Passion

One thing I’ve learned through this journey is that when you’re working on something meaningful, people want to support you. Whether it’s a friend of 10 years or someone you met 10 minutes ago, people love to rally around a passion project.

For me, that passion is healthy baking. I’ve always loved living an active lifestyle, and creating wholesome treats has become a natural extension of that. It took years to find my “thing,” but once I did, it changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Opportunities

Starting Minky Snacks has taught me the importance of saying yes to opportunities, even if they push you out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s joining an incubator, attending events, or meeting industry experts, every interaction helps move the business forward.

If you’re passionate about something—whether it’s work-related or a hobby—don’t hesitate to share it with the world. You’ll be amazed at the support and connections you’ll make along the way.