Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mary Tobias, Founder of Glow Superfood, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
GLOW Superfood was founded in August of 2021. GLOW Superfood offers a line of plant-based frozen superfood desserts that nourish the brain, body, and soul. Each ice cream bar is made of the most natural, locally-produced, and responsibly-sourced ingredients, is non-GMO, dairy, and gluten-free, and hand-made without any preservatives, gums, or additives. GLOW aims to provide customers with a dessert option that is not only healthy and enjoyable but also helps to shift the way people think about indulgence and allow them to make conscious eating decisions and feel good while living vibrantly.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Chicago chef and holistic health coach. I received my degree in culinary arts from Kendall College and have worked for an array of Chicago restaurants, including Top Chef Stephanie Izard's Girl & the Goat, Grant Achatz's Michelin-starred Roister, and Matthew Kenney Cuisine at vegan hotspot Althea. Inspired by all aspects of the culinary industry, I enrolled in a nutrition program focusing on integrative and holistic health to further diversify my experience with food and health. As a lifelong ice cream lover on a personal health journey, I was inspired to begin my own entrepreneurial business and create a functional dessert that was not only delicious but good for you and guilt-free. My unique and delicious Vegan Ice Cream Bars became GLOW Superfood. My passion project turned business venture has changed the way people think about dessert, health, indulgence, incorporating superfoods into one's lifestyle, and the beauty of plant-based eating. In March 2023, I continued my passion for offering Chicagoans Vegan-Friendly options as well as a comfortable, inviting place to enjoy them, which led me to open Lincoln Cafe and Market, where I not only makes and sells GLOW superfood but supports and sells many of Chicago's local food entrepreneur's products as well.
As a lifelong ice cream lover on a personal health journey, I was inspired to start my own business and create a functional dessert that was not only delicious but good for your body and your brain.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to provide a nourishing dessert to the novelty market. We created the first functional frozen novelty dessert and received wonderful feedback on the product line, flavor, and branding/packaging.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner is managing the different arms of the business, including finance, marketing, production, staffing, distribution, and sales.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
There will be a ton of hurdles that you must overcome. You have to love what you do. Seek guidance from mentors, accelerator programming, workshops, and all of the resources around you. Be patient with the process because not everything will happen overnight, and you have to have the determination to forgo perfection and take the necessary steps for success.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://glowsuperfood.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glowsuperfoodchi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glow.superfood/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.