Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Molly Ritter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Molly, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Growing up, I was painfully shy, to the point where I couldn’t even function at times. I have one very distinct memory when I was about 7 years old, of my mom telling me to go ask the lifeguard at the neighborhood pool for the time (hello pre-smartphone world), and I crumbled so magnificently that we had to leave the pool. However, my parents were incredibly patient with me, and put me in a Waldorf school, where my creativity, and foundation were really fostered. As the years passed, I progressively came out of my shell, and my personality grew and grew. Fast forward to today, I am a working actress and business owner. I have an unshakable sense of self and resilience and am so proud of who I have become.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In February of this year, I launched my granola company Thyme for Honey. I have built everything myself, the legal work, permitting, funding, recipe development, baking, packaging, marketing. I have grown the company from two farmers markets to five markets, and we now ship as well. This summer I was able to hire two rockstar part time employees who help out with the farmers markets, allowing me more time to bake. It has been the most rewarding, stressful, time-consuming project I have ever worked on. I have three holiday flavors coming soon, and was just accepted into the Jackalope fair in November!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Meditation. Starting up a business is highly stressful and taking care of your mental health is crucial! The first few months of running my company, I was really struggling. I now meditate every day and it has made a massive difference in my wellbeing. 2. Branding. Knowing what you’re selling, who you’re selling to, and why your product will stand out.
3. Do what you know, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. I have been making granola for well over a decade for myself, so when it came time to start my company, I felt like I was already an expert.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My parents have always been my biggest support. Whether I need a phone call to vent frustrations, or business advice (they’re restauranteurs in Colorado), they have never doubted me, but rather ask questions and let me find the answers on my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thymeforhoney.com
- Instagram: @thymeforhoney
Image Credits
Thyme for Honey photos- taken by me! Headshot- Jonny Marlow
