My to-be broth empire is making positive steps. The grant is sign, sealed and delivered. I received the counter signed copies back earlier this week. The blast chiller and fridge I had quoted for has since sold, so I have two new quotes to go to the powers that be. Once they have been approved, I can buy the kit I need. Real equipment, that I own. When they arrive, I will be onto the next stage. All the setbacks so far have made me so much more resilient. I can feel it. I get giddy thinking about running my own business.
This week I have been thinking about how I am going to offer my broth. Subscriptions, discounts, delivery options, memberships, marketing, pricing, new flavours. I have been working late most evenings as a medical secretary. A job that serves one purpose only, to pay the bills. It is an invaluable job though. Remote and flexible, perfect to bolster me whilst building up Asthi. There are a lot of expenses coming up. Business insurance is costly. Microbiology testing and a new shelf-life test to hopefully reach three months. New bottle labels. Up front ingredient costs. My car insurance and MOT. Holiday in Wales and Exmoor. Plus, I am sure, some hidden gems.
Bottles, boxes and pans fill up Fatima (my home). Next to my bed are the 30+ boxes that were supposed to be delivered with bottles of broth back in December. That was a tough time. I had 40 litres on pre-order for my first week. The kitchen just wasn’t up to that capacity. I tried two weeks to get it right. The pressure was unreal. I offered everyone to keep their investment in Asthi or get a full refund. One person asked for a refund. It was Christmas. The others have been waiting patiently and I really appreciate that, if you are reading. It will be worth it.
The ‘right’ moment to start was never going to come. I have dusted off some old skills and learnt new ones. The re-launch will be so much better for it.
