The Craic and Blonde
Two food-based companies and a personal ID startup benefit from Mass Innovation Nights
The Craic & Blonde was founded by Haitian-American Bostonian, Blonde Beauchamp. She created an artisanal food business audaciously declaring that we are all multicultural! Their food products include authentic Haitian flavors and fusion cuisine.
Author: Photo courtesy the Craic & BlondeA hot dog topped with Haitian relish from The Craic & Blonde.
Tell us your origin story – what was the spark that took you from concept to startup?
I like to say that my business, The Craic & Blonde, is Haitian flavor made in Boston but ignited in Ireland. I had moved to Ireland for MBA studies and work. During my time there I shared my Haitian culture and food with friends and their response was very encouraging. Not only that, I found out that Ireland in general has a heart for Haiti — evidenced in nonprofit work in Haiti, even prior to the earthquake. So when I left Ireland, I was determined to keep that inspiration as part of my brand. “The craic” (crack) is an Irish expression that generally denotes fun — it’s probably the best summary of my experience in Ireland.
Did you use any source of crowdfunding and if so which one and was it successful?
No, but I also haven’t ruled out crowdfunding for future projects that I’d like to launch through my business.
How did participating in Mass Innovation Nights help you?
Firstly, MIN’s founder Bobby is a star! I love her energy and commitment to the startup and innovation economy and I’m very grateful for having her as a connection. I’m confident that I can reach out to her at any time for help, especially in terms of connections.
Also, while I was promoting my business at MIN Foodie #7 I met Rachel Greenberger of Food Sol at Babson, which led to me meeting celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern at Babson’s Food Day event. Zimmern later featured my product on his 2014 holiday gift guide online. So MIN has been incredibly valuable for me. It is outrageous! I love it!
What are the significant milestones you have achieved or need to achieve in the growth of your company?
I want this to be a multi-product offering business so that my current and future customers will grow increasingly comfortable with the Haitian culture. I’m aiming to roll out a few more products this year, hopefully before the business’s 1-year anniversary in July. I currently have 2 heat levels of pikliz (PICK-lese) — a traditional Haitian condiment that we use like hot sauce as its ingredients include habanero peppers. Offering a robust view of the Haitian culture is one of my main objectives.
Author: Photo courtesy of The Craic and BlondeA jar of Haitian relish.
Is this the first company you’ve formed and if so – has the experience been what you anticipated? Please give an example of one major eye opening experience that was unexpected (if you’ve had one!)
Yes, this is my first company. I’m naturally creative and enjoy abstract forms, so I used to think I love marketing for that reason and hated anything to do with accounting because it’s so rigid. Interestingly, marketing my business (esp. simplifying communication messages) has been such a frustrating task, meanwhile I’ve become a great lover of my Excel spreadsheet and accounting activities. Go figure. I still enjoy marketing — I just need to find a way to overcome the frustrations or embrace them.
Do you think as a woman you face any different challenges as an entrepreneur? Did you tap into any women networks for funding (angel investors) or for general support?
I have not linked into any women networks for funding. However, I’m getting ready to launch a Christian-based businesswomen’s breakfast via my church, which has a great network of successful businesswomen representing various industries and countries. I’m really looking forward to those breakfasts — the logistics of the group will make it suitable to C-level leaders, budding businesswomen, and of course new entrepreneurs like myself. I expect this network will be extremely valuable as I learn to overcome the occasional, yet too frequent, inner battle of underestimating my abilities. That plays a huge role in how I advance in business. For more information visit her website at thecraicandblonde.com
This article appears in our May issue of Banner Biz. You can view it here.
