I’ve never done a Snapshot Sunday or a Sunday scenes, but I thought I might start today. Why? Because sometimes Snapshots speak more than words. Yes?
Work, Play, Eat, Rest, Enjoy, Repeat. There are snapshots of each below, from working for Attunes at Whole Foods to Enjoying new wine and goodies from great Blends (thanks Jess and Jo).
So scroll down and ENJOY this 3 second post. Then if you don’t mind, help me answer a few survey questions at the end.
What’s the survey? Oh just a little bit of my own thinking. I need advice. Advice on Healthy Bites.
Do we take a chance and invest in more? Do I stop? Do I wait it out in hopes that we will find someone who will invest in us?
If you’ve sampled or ordered Healthy Bites before, are you interested in them being available in stores? Or would you rather just use the recipes?
Do you think Healthy Bites are unique or are there similar bars/bites out there?
Any other feedback is appreciated.
I realize this is not really a survey but just a list of questions. But survey sounded better.
Cheers and happy Slow Sunday!
LC
My love of healthy bites is undeniable. I think 4 dozen lasted me 3 days. Tops. I would love to move in and do your work for payment in healthy bites. 😉
But really, is mass production a goal of yours for healthy bites? You obviously have a lot of followers and patrons to HB so I think you should figure out what the end goal is you seek and create a plan from there.
If you’re looking for more sales in general, promote them more through social media sites. Go to the Farmer’s Market like others suggested. What about doing samples/tastings at you local gyms and/or health food stores? Sell them at race events – 5ks, marathons, triathlons, etc. Start a referral and/or rewards program. Everything will take time and money (your time is money too) but ultimately you can do whatever you want with your HB, as long as you’re willing to put forth the effort.
i am trying to do all that as well, just can’t keep up! I want to keep going but am spread so thin with other things. thank you for your input. I am soaking it up all!
I LOVE your HBs!! I don’t think you should share all your recipes – and definitely think you should find someone to invest. Have you thought about doing something on kickstarter to get some funding from all of us??
I think they should be in stores btw…without a doubt.
i did think of that. You are so right! I need to do kickstarter but to be honest, I’m a bit overwhelmed.
Although I haven’t ordered any (yet) I think they are fabulous. They’re healthy, you’re passionate about them, and they suit you. Does that make sense?! I mean that it works that you created and sell them since you are both so fit and one of your missions is to fuel James.
I do plan on ordering some once we’re in training again.
Although I loved making the halloween bites, I also feel that it’s your thing and you shouldn’t just post all your recipes. Maybe just the odd one to entice people!
Did this make any sense?
Oh, and if I lived anywhere near you, or even in the states, I’d love to buy them from a store.
thank YOU for such great feedback. Totally makes sense.
I think at this point there will always be others out there that are selling similar things, so don’t let that stop you. I mean c’mon there are 87 varieties of oatmeal at the store now and 25 different kinds of things being milked, it’s just how we roll these days! Go for it
thanks MO. love your honesty
I suggest that you take Healthy Bites to shark tank. 🙂 If it is your passion I say the sky is the limit. There are lots of people on your side and I think that you have what it takes to make healthy bites successful.
i am terrified of shark tank. LOL! I know, i should though!
I’ve yet to try your Healthy Bites but here is my advice: Let go and allow. Listen to what God is speaking to you. Listen to your inner guidance system. <3 Try practicing a meditation and breathe deeply into your heart. Bring passion to everything that you do and your passion will be manifested! I love you so much.
you are so wise! and yes, i need to send you some of these bites! They are my passion and i am taking time to pray about it. <3 you!
Alright, as long as you sell those delicious bites in Canada!! I JUST got my order on Friday, WOOHOO!! The package came to work while I was sick at home. I went an entire weekend without them, boo!
I think those little bites are amazing, so much thought goes into what they contain and for what purpose. They are as others have mentioned, incredibly unique, I haven’t seen anything gluten free/vegan and protein based here up north in that form. You have a gift, and it comes right from the heart with how you are fueling James, that sets you apart from many others.
Wherever you go, I’ll be right there with you to support you! And now that I have some to munch on, I may need to order more because you have come up with some very tasty flavors!! (I’m being very impatient right now as they freeze, haha… my tummy knows they are there!)
Oh, I was in touch with Annelies at Attune Foods and sadly the new cereal won’t be in Canada at least until next year… SO SAD!! We also won’t be getting the So Delicious Coconut Milk holiday drinks. It takes forever to get the good stuff here!
Love the snapshot Sunday by the way… 🙂
Aww, I love all of the snapshots!!
Have a great Thanksgiving 🙂
you too friend. Love the sister snapshot from today!
I have yet to try Healthy Bites, so I don’t have much input. I rarely shop online, but I’d buy the heck out of ’em if they appeared in my grocery store. 😀
i’m working on it. Just for YOU!
lets talk!!
maybe after thanksgiving?
or are you here for the holiday?
oh you are too good to me Miz. I know you are busy. We’re here. Not going anywhere for holidays.
It would be awesome if they were available in stores. AWESOME. But…. maybe just a cookbook would be easier and less stressful? I do think your Healthy Bites are different. Better. 🙂
I say take a chance and follow your heart. If you have a gut feeling to invest more, then do it. God will provide.
Has it really been a year since NZ??????? That is CRAZY!!!!
thank you! i am praying about this. Advice is appreciated! I love making them, so it’s hard to know what to do. Pray pray pray.
and maybe wine? jk.
xxoo
what a fun post! love the pics 🙂 i think that even if there is a recipe for something like healthy bites, a lot of people would rather enjoy the convenience of someone else making it, at least i know i do! i haven’t tried healthy bites (want to, though) and would most definitely buy them if i ever saw them in a store!!!
thank you friend. Love the honesty!
Oh, Lindsay!! I love you for so many reasons! SO many! And those reasons are resonating throughout this post. First, the message from God passage really speaks to me–especially right now. Reassurance that there is a plan written that is bigger and better than our rational minds can even imagine is truth. Why is it so hard to follow that intuition that God places in our hearts?!
Second, my eyes jumped straight to that Moon Pie coffee. Where did you find that gem?! I used to love Moon Pies when I was little, but haven’t had one in years!
Third, please don’t give up on Healthy Bites! You are so passionate about what you do–about sharing your love of healthy food with others–and these are your signature contribution to the healthy eating community! I’ve actually never tried Healthy Bites, but would love to order a batch. Which flavor do you recommend? I completely trust your taste preferences…you’ve led me to some pretty amazing foods over the past two years!
Have you tried pitching your product to Whole Foods? Or selling them at farmer’s markets? Maybe you could do a few free tastings and see if they catch on? Follow your heart…Whatever you decide will be the right decision! xoxo <3
the moonpie coffee was from a friend. I’ll ask her where she got it, it’s good! and thank you for your feedback, i trust your advice so much! And third… praying for you now. I know youre stressed. Find joy in the little things and let God direct your plans. He has them!
This won’t really be anything that others haven’t said, but I think it really depends on what you want to do. I think the idea of selling them locally, in packs of two would be a great “hook”. You could also make a variety pack and sell that online, going along with the suggestion to have just 4-5 everyday flavors and a flavor of the month. Your variety pack could have just the norms.
An etsy site would really be the easiest way to do it. I sold some stuff on an etsy site when I was in school and it is super easy to set up a shop and get orders, etc.
Good luck!!
love this! thank you for these ideas!
Girl, you know i love me some healthy bites. I love that you are passionate about them and the possibilities are endless. I think you have to decide what you want to do and to what degree you are going to take it……I love that I have the recipes to use as a guideline and make different variations from those wonderful recipes.
Pray!
yes, praying! thank you for that reminder. He will show us!
looks like u’re having a great sunday!!
okay, so i’m sort of playing with similar questions but with a different project (shirts). i’ve not ordered ur tasty bites (i’m sorry!! they look delish, i’m really just THAT poor!! lol) i really DO believe you are onto something that is worth pursuing. it’s the marketing that is horrendously hard, but u just have to get it out there enough and eventually the right people will see it and it’ll take off.
i’ve used etsy before and they are a really good hub; it is a little difficult in u still have to market the store a lot. i’m not sure wat else u’ve tried/done but going into small markets or local shops, showing them, and asking if you could start offering them to their customers could be a good way to start.
my favorite flavor would totally be the cookie dough ball!! i think u’ve got a great knack with the baking skills, the niche market is there u just have to keep getting them out there! 🙂
Oh I love healthy bites! They are unique and it would be wonderful if they were in stores. However I would also like them to be on mail order like I pay 50 a month and I get a shipment each month with the new and old flavors. Also I really think someone (a company ) is going to buy the concept and recipes from you soon and you will be a very wealthy and happy lady 🙂
oh i like this idea! maybe i could do that option on etsy!? I say quite your job and help me. bahahaha. I know, i can dream, right? I like your dream for me though.
I feel like you need to follow your heart. Not your exhausted heart, but the part that holds your passion. Is the passion still there for HB? If it is, you’ll always regret leaving them behind. Maybe I’m being selfish, but I feel like you need to write a healthy cookbook with your recipes (not just the basic ones) and go big time, explaining when each one should be eaten or when they’re most effective. I feel like you could be the only cookbook sold in GNC! Women love getting creative with their healthy lifestyles and this is perfect. I’m afraid if you had them sold in stores then the quality and freshness would be compromised? But that’s just fear and why you need to find the best investors and advisors if that’s the route you go.
Just follow your heart. Love you. And I love your HBs 🙂
ahh yes, i totally get that! and my passion is still strong, even after 3 years! Love your ideas! can i hire you to come help me.
hehe.
Love ya!
I would be there in a heartbeat 🙂
I was VERY surprised (pleasantly!) at the taste of the Healthy Bites. I mean, I’ve made and had energy/protein balls and bites before, but these taste so different – and freaking delicious. I need to try some more flavors.
wow paige, that means a lot! thank YOU!
Don’t stop! Definitely don’t stop – not unless you’re losing your passion for it. Things oftentimes get the hardest right before a breakthrough, and you have to grit your teeth and push forward if you want to be successful. Investing more is always a risk, but you’ll never know unless you try, and if you don’t then you might spend the rest of your life wondering… ‘what if…?’
i know, that’s what i’m thinking. Passion is still there! even after 3 years of doing this! it’s just a matter of money. ugh.
I still need to try out heathy bites!! However, I think that you are so passionate about nutrition and healthy fueling that I think you should def continue them in some form. I agree with Ashley above that it would be hard to turn production over to someone else. I will be praying for you that God will make it clear what he wants you to do and that He will open or close doors as necessary!
Your weekend looks so relaxing by the way! 🙂
your prayers are felt! thank YOU!
I absolutely think there is an untapped market for healthy bites, seriously. I would hang on to the plan/hope/dream to seek investment so you can continue to drive Healthy Bites forward. I think the meaning behind where Healthy Bites started is awesome and your recipes are incredible. I think there is a TON of potential and will send prayer that you’ll see ‘around the bend’ soon in terms of what He has in store for you, the Cotters and Healthy Bites. Ok?? PS I’m SO GLAD you guys loved the wine this weekend!!
i adore you, your advice, your friendship, your support!
DON’T STOP making Healthy Bites! As I was eating mine yesterday before yoga, I’m always amazed at how much flavor those little guys have. They are truly delicious and unique. I think ordering them through you makes it unique, more personable, and allows more variety. As you get bigger and if someone picks you up, could you still or would you want to do it all through mail? I think Farmer’s Markets is a great idea as well. And honestly I’ve found myself having no desire to pay for “bars” when I can get such great fresh, fuel, healthy snacks, that are affordable from YOU. PS: not sure if this comment helps you out in anyway. HA! Sorry!
of course it helps! i love sending goodies in the mail, i think its fun too! thank you for always supporting!!
Yes Keep going!!! Absolutely!! I think an etsy shop would be AWESOME and I think the right path re: investing or going to stores will come to you in time. I also love Kristina’s farmers market idea. That is awesome. And of course, continued word of mouth and perhaps some pro bono PR by yours truly 😉 Seriously. XOXO!
i think that’s smart too! Okay, so etsy. I need to work on this. HELP!
I love your snapshots! Love seeing snippets of your days. You know that I love Healthy Bites. Your flavors are absolutely unique and I haven’t seen anything like this in the stores. While in theory I would love to have the recipe, I know that I wouldn’t make them and frankly, I think that it would dilute some of the value of your bits because they are that yummy. I think others have mentioned but I know some small business food producers here in NYC started off at these foodie markets in the city (i.e. Brooklyn Flea, Smorgasbord) and actually have been able to use that to introduce and test the market and have built wholesale and online businesses/etsy stores from there. Regardless of what you do, totally believe in you!!
maybe i just need to move to NYC?
😉
I haven’t tried your healthy bites. I need to order some! I definitely would buy them if they were located in stores, because I appreciate that they are made with love and care and that they are truly HEALTHY! Not heavily processed and are made by someone who I can trust!I guess it’s a tough decision with should you invest more, I’m not good with those types of answers ha. I love that you have a passion for this, so I say keep going!
oh thank you lisa! i value your opinion and support!
Your HB are so good and I know every ingredient was carefully selected! If they were in stores, I’d buy them too! Looks like a lovely weekend of unplugging, sharing & training!
you are always so good to me jess, thank YOU!
I’ve never tried your healthy bites, mostly because of cost and that I could just buy a Lara bar here instead of ordering them. If I could buy them in stores I would because they certainly seem unique to me and I’ve always wanted to try them. Haha I was actually thinking the other day how I’ll order them when I have an income, so you better keep it up!!
I love lara bars too, but these taste so different. I should give you a student discount. hehe. Thanks for wise words katie. Hugs!
i haven’t had your healthy bites but from what i can tell they are similar in the methodology of other raw macaroons etc BUT your flavor profiles set you apart from the traditional competition. 🙂
yes, definitely! and making the flavors is what gets me excited too. I’m a dork!
do you have farmers markets with open spaces (our farmers markets here are fairly low overhead) where you could gain more exposure? these bites have amazing flavor – you could sell small packages (two pieces) alongside larger packages at a farmers market – once people try them they will come back for the larger packages.
this next opinion may be an unpopular one, but for ease and low confusion, maybe pick a few flavors as your “always on hand” inventory, then have one “monthly flavor” ? when you announced you were scaling back your flavors recently, there were still many ingredient options, even within each flavor. I’m thinking of you here, your time and ability to make large batches of flavors at once.
the farmers market would give you more exposure (forgive me if I am off base here, for all I know you could already be well known locally?), then you could approach local stores that you could point local fans to. small local stores lead to bigger national stores 🙂 starting small gets you used to increased production.
I agree with a way to easily order – an etsy store with what is available would be ideal (and where a simple list of flavors + one monthly special are available).
I vote for Keep Going! XXO
ahh thank you thank you! i think etsy store might be next. I don’t have time or money to go into town each day for deliveries, etc. That’s my dilemma here. I don’t even advertise locally anymore because i can’t keep up. I have a few locals that i always make bites for but that’s it. I will take your advice to heart! i appreciate you so much!
LC- your healthy bites, in my opinion, are absolutely unique and are pretty amazeballs. You are really onto something so goodness gracious, do not stop! I would love to see them in stores. I am too lazy to make them on my own so i would just keep ordering from you.
100% agree with this comment:)
thanks kim! i appreciate your support!
I vote don’t stop, but that is because I really enjoy them. If they were available in stores I would totally buy them there and I have never seem any other bites available, but if not I’ll keep ordering fro you. In truth I’d probably never make them myself as I am a bit lazy about stuff like that.
ohhh thanks abby! i love your honesty!
Love the recap in pictures! And I believe in you and what you’re doing. I think you should keep going if that’s what you want. I think you have a great idea and your reasons behind the brand are very special.
i am always thankful for your encouragement and support! <3
I love your healthy bites!! If I didn’t live in Canada, I would be ordering them online. They are actually my favourite kind of bars/bites. I love all of your creative flavours!
I think the farmers market is a great idea!
i’m shipping to canada now!! yea!
Really?! That’s amazing news!! 😀
I just received my first order of healthy bites and they are phenomenal. I was on a recovery week so haven’t had a chance to use them for workout fuel, but regardless, they taste so delicious as to be a terrific healthy snack!
I don’t mind ordering them online, but would also love to see a recipe or two so they can be made in a pinch.
Definitely keep it up though!
oh thank you becca! i appreciate your feedback and glad you like the bites.
PURE. AWESOMENESS. I always look so forward to your instagram pictures–it’s just so fabulous how family, God, and nature-oriented you are! So much beauty in the small things in life 🙂 <3
amen amen! xxoo
Crazy how parallel our lives are sometimes! 🙂 Well, you know that I love HB’s— the idea above about the farmer’s market would be awesome to start there. I think that HB’s are unique-the flavours etc are all unique combos and seasonal. I’m not sure I have any good advice but if you want to talk, skype me!
just knowing you are there is awesome bre! and same goes to you!
As you know I LOVE Healthy Bites…I think I go through them like water 🙂 I actually need to get more soon, guess I should order more than 3 dozen at a time.
I would love love love to see them in stores!!! I think you should invest more, I KNOW these have a HUGE future. Unique flavors, delicious, and healthy!!!!!
I would love to help spread the word about tHem….you just let me know what I can do:)
Can you sell them at a farmer’s market or craft show just to start out? How is your website going for them? I think that would help a lot to get the word out there.
Much love!!! Xoxo
girl, i might just take you up on that offer! stay tuned. and thank you A TON for supporting!
I love healthy bites! These pumpkin ones are awesome too – I’m placing another order (totally worth it $$)
Vendors here in nyc usually approach small cafes or stores to sell products in/ or booths at markets and street fairs.
In stores would be awesome but for you as long as you don’t mind giving up some of the production at some point – I think that would be hard for me because it would be letting someone else take over raising part of my child. ahaha sounds weird. Unless you expand enough you want to hire me! (not joking <3)
Same thing with giving recipes – while I would love to make them. I feel like it is giving up something you created. Its nice to share the wealth/love, but it is also something you've created and worked hard on. I actually got a bit emotional when you posted the pb and j bite recipe. I wanted you to keep your secret/achievement. It might sound self-fish, but you post so many other recipes and this is something completely original, an amazing you've created. It has value and should provide you sort of income/comfortable life if it can.
Does that makes sense??
love love love your advice! I would hire you in a heart beat if i could! i need you! Pray for it! hehe.
love you.
I hope it helped! I feel like I owe you so much advice 🙂
And you let me know as soon as you hit it big – as you know there is nothing holding me back here.
I LOVED the Healthy Bites I ordered! I wouldn’t even necessarily need them in stores to order more but I would love a better way of ordering them. Have you looked into creating an Etsy store? It would be nice to be able to know exactly what flavors I can order and have an easy system for seeing what’s available right now. ALSO I definitely think they are completely unique. Honestly I love them more than ANY of the protein bars out on the market right now.
thank you thank you!
I’m thinking a recap of our weekend via pictures is gonna happen on LAB today too, no shame, I think some people rather less talk and more pictures 😛 And I LOVED HB’s and need to re-order… Holiday flavas?! I think y’all do a great job and think the story behind them is personal, as well as their purpose is awesome! I’m always one to say go with your gut, do what you want, and follow your dreams… I took at chance and switched careers last year and could not have been more scared but now I could not be happier!
thank you friend. I’m hear to support my husbands career and my passion and yes, it’s risky. thanks for the encouragement as always!
I love your healthy bites. I have thought about this, maybe a trailer by town lake, or trying to get your name out at a farmers market? It would be so awesome for you to take the next step with your business! BTW, I think I’m going to place another order for those pumpkin ones and the gingerbread ones you talked about. And of course the mocha ones!
we thought about a trailer too! just cost $$ for the licenses. I’m still thinking about it though, for sure!
I’ve never had a moon pie but that could sounds awesome!
loved it! wasn’t too heavy of a flavor either!
I have not tried your healthy bites, but I have noticed that you offer some very unique flavors. That’s what makes them stand apart from others. I think the answer to your first question lies more within what YOU want to do. What are you being pulled to do? What are your goals with healthy bites? I’m a true believer in sticking to your passions–somehow. Because I also know that what that ends up being might not perfectly align with what we first envisioned.
thank you michelle. I know you are passionate about what you do and what you are striving for, so this means a lot!
I loved my order of Healthy Bites, and I would love to see them in stores! I haven’t really seen anything similar that is gluten free around here. The muddy buddy ones were the BEST!! YUMMY!!
oh jan, that makes me happy! so thankful for your support!