Sleep is Overrated…Right?
Sleep is overrated. At least that’s what I keep telling myself after another few 2:30am nights. Another roller coaster of a week filled with creative energy and more midnight brainstorming.
As you read about last week, I’m thrilled to have been selected to host a hands-on cooking class at the Birth & Baby Fair at Fort Mason on November 21st. Instead of the two workshops I agreed to hold originally, I’ve decided to only do one. With 1500-2000 attendees expected, I want to make sure I have ample time to interact (read: impress) all the people who come by the booth.
Which got me thinking… What’s the best way to showcase my baby food at this venue? The wheels in my head started turning that night and didn’t stop well until after 2:30am.
Came up with some really cool ideas (hint: think baby hors d’oeuvres on a platter, complete with a little spoon and a garnish). Add to the mix a great brainstorming session with a friend – thanks Alex! – where I decided to create a “Baby Food of the Month Club” among other things to sell at the show . Black tradeshow tablecloth with my logo is on its way, my embroidered aprons arrived, things are moving right along…
Coming soon to a market near you
When can we buy the baby food? That’s a common question for me these days. I’ve decided to launch two baby food lines (one seasonal and one International) at farmers markets in January 2011. Originally I was going to start off at the local Emeryville farmers market located ½ mile from my kitchen. You know…start small, work out all the kinks, move up to a larger market after that…those who know me know that’s kinda my M.O.
And then I realized – that’s stupid!! If someone asked me for advice in this situation, I’d tell them to find the best damn farmers market they could get into and just learn fast. So that’s what I’ve decided to do. I’m not really a “throw caution to the wind” sorta gal, but I think in this case I’d be foolish not to aim as high as I can.
So I’m “shopping” for the best farmers markets now…and if you’re in the Bay area, I’m open to your ideas. Which farmers market do you think is the best one for me??
The Baby Taster Corner
I cannot believe that this is my fourth and final week of the Baby Taster meetings! The Jewish-inspired potato latkes and the Cuban black beans with plantains were winners last week. Score! (I must confess, the black bean dish with some sour cream and lime in a tortilla was my dinner for two nights in a row).
These guys were such troopers…they took an hour every week to meet as a group and to discuss everything from my recipes, consistency, packaging, pricing, you name it. I will forever be grateful for the time and support they have given me. Thanks guys!
Next week: health permits and lots of marketing. And definitely some sleep.
[...] so here it is. I have mostly Baby Food classes scheduled for the rest of this year since the Birth & Baby Fair is around the corner. Shout out to my new subscribers that found me through the B&B Fair [...]
When you start to Branch out the Reading Terminal in Philly is a great Farmenrs market and gets local plus vistors from the Phila convention and visitors Center. Can’t wait to hear how your class goes in November!
Love the Baby food of the month club, I have a new niece or nephew expected in May so will be a great gift idea!
Your Mother already told you what I was going to say–get some blow-up pictures of your baby tasters even if you have one who made a face which I think would attract people to your booth,grandparents would get a kick out of that. If you can afford to have small bibs made with your icon on it to give to people who sign up or buy it would be a good advertising gimmick. Love you,Jill,and so proud!
No sleep just more Peet’s coffee. Thanks for continuing to find time to update all of us. It’s like we are on the adventure with you but without the stress and sleep deprivation. You’re such a giver
. Congratulations on flying past the hurdles Jill. Selfish Will still misses our talks.
Where are photos of baby taster’s kids devouring your delicious food? Come on baby tasters, send Jill pictures of your cute kids eating!
Noe Valley market – agreed! It’s small enough (in terms of vendors) that you’ll definitely be noticed but also draws a large crowd (and tons of families w/ kids!).
Noe Valley Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings….ground zero for babies and soon to be’s …
Mill Valley farmers market. Those are your people up there, Jill. Affluent families who are health conscious.
It sounds like you are really loving this – sleep or no sleep
So happy for you!