After immigrating to Canada from Nigeria to continue her education at University, Lola established herself in the IT consulting world before identifying a gap in the retail market with a lack of authentic, ready to eat African foods.
Lola and I cover the full spectrum of the It’s Souper startup story, including the challenge of selling what is typically considered a seasonal product, selling into her first retail locations and how she approaches competing against established brands.
Other key takeaways include the value of in store demos (now that they are back in play) and how she focused on brand building and marketing exercises when they weren’t an option.
Lola provides great insight into the grants that have been available to her and leveraged to assist in scaling her business - and what she considered the most critical components to focus on when working through the application process.
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Launched in 2018 and located in Toronto, Ontario Lola’s Afro-Fusion gourmet soup and sauce line was inspired by the fusion of cultures that exists in Canada, a yearning for authentic flavours from Africa, and a desire to share it with her community.
Their mission is to produce delicious tasting soups, meals, and sauces made with high quality ingredients and exotic flavours that meet the demands of today's diverse world, and ultimately to inspire a new found love for food.
Lola’s soups can be found in over 50+ retailers in and around the GTA and Quebec and online at itssouper.com
For 10% off online orders use the promo code: PackH10
https://itssouper.com/
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Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
Leave a review, rate the show and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
30. The rollercoaster of being a solo founder and driving direct to consumer sales through social media with Erica Rankin, founder & CEO at Bro Dough
29. Print press technology & the current state of the North American market with Natalie Schneck, Sales Manager for Ontario & BC at Canflexographics
28. How to get listed with an online retailer, reduce your shipping costs and drive your digital marketing strategy with Neha Charnalia founder and CEO of Switch Grocery
27. Leveraging industry experts and your trusted network of advisors with Lanna Lucas, founder and owner of Hunter Browns
26. Social media and content management, the world of TikTok and the importance of tracking your analytics with Jenni Shaw - Founder of Social Wellness Co.
25. Packing Heavy on the design process and your brands aesthetic with Ben Didier of Pretty / Ugly Design
24. Solo entrepreneurship, finding your unique value proposition and the power of custom printed packaging with Sarah Davies, founder and owner of More Granola
23. Aaron Chin - CEO at Organika on building and instilling a culture of innovation, establishing consumer trust and driving growth of an established brand.
22. The strength in brand & community with Jordan Hocking, founder and owner of Sriracha Revolver Hot Sauce Inc.
21. Taking your food based CPG business to the next level with Andrea Gray-Grant, founder & CEO at Good To Grow & BC Local Root
20. Balancing entrepreneurship and parenting, consciously innovating in the early years and choosing a positive mindset with Jackie Thomas, CEO & Co Founder of Lita’s Mexican Foods
19. A patient and focused approach to startup success with Eve Laird, founder & CEO of Eve’s Crackers
18. The ins and outs of food service distribution with Kristina Reeve, Customer Marketing Manager at GFS
17. Businesses that make an impact, investment readiness & business resilience with Keith Ippel, co founder & CEO at Spring Activator
16. A new era for the restaurant industry, market research tips and COVID support with Curtis Wong, Recovery Programs Manager for Covid-19 Support Services at Small Business BC.
15. The art of building a network, recruiting for your business & a lifelong commitment to education with Trevor Baker, senior consultant & partner at MacDonald Search Group
14. Business leadership, mindset, mentors & supply chain logistics with William McKinnon, president at Canadian Alliance Terminals
13. How to get onto the retail grocery shelf with Kenny Vannucci of CarDan Marketing and consulting services
12. Time management, building relationships and the evolution of a startup with Neil Thomson from Laid Back Snacks
11. The ins and outs of CPG retail distribution with Rick Zaboysky of Dovre Specialty Foods
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