Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Ekola
Hi Heather, 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?
This apple biz started many moons ago as I made caramel apples for my piano students for our holiday recital. Before apples, I taught piano for 20 years, and would gift my students an apple. One fall, money was tight, and my three young children planned to make their Halloween costumers; my kids are very creative! Without a lot of extra cash to buy materials, I took my plea to FB. With a single FB post, we sold well over $1,000 in caramel apples. It wasn’t until several years later I got intentional with apples.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I opened my brick and mortar store five weeks before the 2020 shutdown. Challenging is an understatement, but there were invaluable lessons to be learned that year that have carried us forward to what we are now. We write our plans in pencil, and know how to pivot, and pivot quickly.
As you know, we’re big fans of Heather’s Gourmet Caramel Apples. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Having no formal business educational background, I have learned a good business is two things: Offering something people want, and creating an environment where people want to work. When you have those two things and don’t lose sight of them, you can work through everything else. Heather’s Gourmet Caramel Apples is a brick and mortar store in Springboro, OH. We are open 68 hours a week Sunday-Saturday. We offer 20+ varieties of caramel apples in our shop, as well as a locally curated selection of gifts. We have an event venue to host birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers, grad parties, etc. We also offer classes such as charcuterie, calligraphy, apple dipping and classes from local artisans. We ship nationwide, you can find us on DoorDash, and we set up at vendor events in the tri-state area. What sets us apart from other shops or online stores is the personal experience and customer service you receive while you’re here. We want you to try our samples, we’d love to help you select the perfect gift, and we let you know how much we appreciate you being here.
What matters most to you? Why?
Cultivating a work environment with high standards & a warm atmosphere is extremely important to me. I want a space where I’m happy to send my teenage daughter to work where I know she will feel valued.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HeathersCaramelApples.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersgourmetapples/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathersgourmetapples
