Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Franco.
Hi Marie, 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.
It all started with a car ride, an argument, and impulse. My husband and family were in the car to drive an hour away; we are having a nice lunch at his boss’s home. Pregnant me and my 3 other children have been struggling all day to get things ready. I signed up to bring dessert. I’m a stay-at-home mom. After getting pissed and a lot of yelling, which puts my husband in a bad mood, we are all piled in the car and low and behold late again. As my husband asks where he is picking up a dessert, I calmly say Whole foods. Now this might be a good time to note that we are nowhere near said market. And there is not a single freaking bakery or shop available. Because they live an hour away my husband claimed that he will stop at this crazy expensive place to get strawberries because of course someone can’t have gluten. While arguing about who should have thought about this and me becoming more agitated, I said well someone should just offer nice baskets with an assortment so everyone can be happy. We call a truce and have our lunch. After lunch on the way home my husband casually asks why I don’t start a business. He reminds me that his late mother always said I had talent and shouldn’t waste it. After laughing and saying like it’s that easy, I decided to try. I looked up places to buy a nice basket or hostess gift or something that didn’t come with a grocery sticker on it. I came up empty; you couldn’t find a nice fruit basket or assortment and those grazing boards are crazy expensive. I decided after listening to a podcast on taking chances to try. I looked up names till 1 am and came up with ModBaskets. Then I have enlisted friends to help me with my website and try my recipes. We are your Modern Baskets for your Modern Life. It has taken hours of staying up late, working during nap times. And sheer will power to meet deadlines and get licensed as a home-produced business. I would not trade it for anything. I am still learning and will continue to learn and add more to my website, hopefully, a storefront in the next 5 years. The best part is I’m showing my now 4 kids what a dream and determination will do.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I was pregnant when I started, so no it has not been smooth. I have 4 kids and do not want them to feel left out. I try to talk to them and schedule things so we still have simi normal lives. Having the business in my home and dealing with food means I have to keep my little ones away from my inventory 😅 I have left a bar of chocolate once and my 2-year-old ate the whole thing. It’s a Basket business so my busiest month is December, which means long nights, so my kids don’t miss out on our family traditions. ModBaskets is still small, I have to keep telling myself not to give up. To keep making new things and put all my heart in it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have southern roots. So, serving something with a smile and hospitality is everything. Your gifts and food should be Beautiful. No more grocery store pie. I love to make even the most humble bread look beautiful and taste just as good. I love sourdough chocolate chip cookies and cakes. Along with made-from-scratch pies (this includes the butter-laden crust). Bringing a basket with a pie and beautiful flowers surrounding it makes it something more than a pie. Bringing a centerpiece that can be consumed and enjoyed by everyone is something so special.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would say just talking with others, sign up for those Marketing events, even as a guest. Reach out to other small companies. Many small vendors love to share their advice and see others succeed as well. And who knows, you might make a longtime friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ModBaskets.com
- Instagram: modbaskets
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modbaskets?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Lightschetch studio
Jeff Willard
