Daily Inspiration: Meet Nicole Lowry

Hi Nicole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Berry Business was founded in June 2020. I have always loved chocolate covered strawberries and I make them for myself and my family pretty regularly. My partner actually showed me a meme about how “girls make chocolate covered strawberries one time and start ‘Berries by Karen.’” I thought it was hilarious, but… also a good idea! Since I had lost my job in the financial industry at the end of February, I decided to put some effort into cultivating a small business and putting forth some cool ideas that I wish some bigger companies had for chocolate covered strawberries. I focused on very fresh strawberries, gourmet chocolate, gourmet toppings, reasonable pricing, and the ease of being able to order very customized gifts for someone special, (or to treat yourself!). And that’s how The Berry Business was born!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was definitely not always as smooth as it is now. I would sometimes work 16+ hour days prepping orders, delivering them, and trying out new ideas/requests. Finding the right materials/ingredients/etc. was a learning curve, and also finding a price point where I felt as though I was also being compensated for not only my products, but my time and energy, too. It was difficult, but eventually I worked through all of those challenges with an amazing support system and customer base.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in gourmet chocolate covered strawberries. I offer various types of chocolate but I also offer unique toppings and gift options that really set our product apart from others. There is really nothing quite like opening a box of strawberries to find your favorite toppings, favorite color, or even chocolate lettering with a sweet message. It just makes you happy. I’m so proud of how far my products have come and how much work I have put into expanding my business. At first, I only offered white and milk chocolate. Now I have 6+ chocolate options, so many colors, so many toppings – just so much variety that can really make my products stand out in a crowd!

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Strawberries are definitely more of a seasonal fruit and typically in higher demand throughout the spring and summer. I’m really happy to have found high quality strawberries as we enter different seasons, but it is difficult given the coronavirus to see myself moving into a storefront. I definitely see my business expanding to offer more goodies in order to offer customized gifts and treats that can make anyone happy year-round. I could definitely see myself expanding to offer shipping and possibly even moving into a food truck to cater large events as well!

Pricing:

• 1 dozen $30
• 1/2 dozen $15

Contact Info:

• Email: theberrybizness@gmail.com
• Website: www.theberrybusiness.com
• Instagram: @theberrybizness
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/theberrybizness