Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Susanna, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
To keep my creativity alive, I prioritize BRAINSTORMING in two distinct ways. Firstly, alone in solitary brainstorming sessions, particularly during long, uninterrupted car rides or hikes, allowing my mind to focus on generating ideas. Secondly, by collaboratively brainstorming with a thought partner, deliberately selecting someone with diverse perspectives and backgrounds to challenge my thinking and expand my comfort zone. This dual approach helps me to continuously innovate and nurture my creative spirit.
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?
My story of becoming the founder and owner of MV Salads, a salad shop located on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, began with my personal recipe for a delicious dressing/marinade/dipping sauce that I created over two decades ago. Despite friends and family urging me to bottle and produce it for years, I waited until my four kids were grown to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur in an unfamiliar field. With no prior experience running a restaurant – my background is in graphic design and consulting – I decided to build my business around my “secret sauce.” My dedication to my vision, paired with my passion for sustainability and spreading kindness, have made MV Salads a staple of Martha’s Vineyard’s food scene. Receiving rave reviews in publications such as Bon Appétit, encouraged me to open a second location and to start selling my super popular MV the Dressing®️ on Amazon. I am currently writing a story-cookbook, which will also be available on Amazon, titled “Made with Kindness.”
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out: performance, persistence, and passion. Firstly, a commitment to performance drove me to deliver results. Secondly, persistence was crucial in navigating challenges and setbacks, allowing me to persevere in the face of obstacles and setbacks. Lastly, my passion and drive were essential in keeping me motivated. For those embarking on their journey, I offer this advice: Remember that success is not just about talent—it’s about pursuit, fueled by passion and perseverance.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
As a business owner who is more often than not surrounded by many people and activity, when getting overwhelmed, my go-to strategy is to send texts and screenshots to myself to capture important thoughts and reminders. Whether it’s a fleeting idea or a crucial task, I quickly dictate a text message or take a screenshot to ensure nothing gets forgotten. This practice helps keep my mind clear and focused throughout the day. In the evening, I quickly organize and sort through these messages and screenshots, ensuring they are properly logged in my calendar, files, emails, or as reminders for phone calls. This proactive approach allows me to tackle overwhelming situations without stress.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mvsalads.com
- Instagram: @mvsalads
- Linkedin: Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson
