Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Schaeffer.
Hi Josh, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My family has always been around food. My grandparents had a restaurant that I would hear stories about and see photos of. My parents eventually opened up a couple of food trailers, and they wanted something for their burgers to taste good, so our Master Mix was born. The trailers are no more, but people loved the flavors, so I thought, why not bottle it and try to sell it? Turns out people liked it. We started under a different brand back in 2017, before COVID. It did okay for a while, but running that first brand taught me a lot, and we eventually had to shut it down. Fast forward to today, and we’ve relaunched with a new brand called “A Troll’s Kitchen.” We’ve taken those lessons learned and are applying them to build something that lasts this time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh goodness, no. It has not been smooth at all. We learned lessons from back before the rebrand that set us up, but if you think you are ever prepared, think again. We do multiple farmers’ markets a week, and so we have to constantly adapt to different locations, rules, weather patterns, and demographics. We have gotten all the way to a market and realized we forgot half our product because we were in a rush to get there. One event this year actually ruined our tent and caused us to invest in a new one. Space and time are a struggle for us that we are trying to figure out currently. We operate out of a small 2 bed apartment along with me and my both working full time.
One other struggle we deal with is people. 99% of customers and even lookers love our products, but we do get a few that love them so much they try to steal them. Some people may say hurtful things that can ruin a whole market day vibe. We have learned to get some thick skin (and an even thicker tent).
We’ve been impressed with A Troll’s Kitchen, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business has been around for a few years, so we’re still a baby. We’re still growing and tweaking things as we go along. One thing everyone should know, and we take great pride in, is transparency. Our labels will always show exactly what is in the package. This allows you to shop, read, and make the best decision for your diet and health plans yourself. No surprises. We’re a brand that produces a line of seasonings, a line of finishing salts, and now a Mac and Cheese too. We have aspirations to be a brand that is all over your kitchen. We don’t want to be known for just one thing; we want to be a part of your home, your family, your holidays.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
To just get out there into forums or find a networking event through small business development centers.
Pricing:
- Standard Jar – $10
- Large container – $30
- Troll Mac small – $10
- Troll Mac large – $15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Atrollskitchen.com
- Instagram: @atrollskitchen
- Facebook: @atrollskitchen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATrollsKitchen
- Other: https://share.google/FinIOErf8y2M2sFaO
