While brainstorming the perfect snack, Lolly and Sumi created Lolly’s Frozen Grapes. Healthy yet indulgent, these bite sized beauties are made with seedless red grapes, premium dark chocolate, and tasty toppings like coconut and almond. If you’re looking for a sweet treat on the go, grab a pint (or two!) for a sharable and mess-free experience.
Recently, we caught up with Lolly to learn more about her and Sumi’s journey and hear her advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start Lolly’s Frozen Grapes?
Lolly’s Frozen Grapes got its start in my kitchen on a hot summer day. I was searching for a sweet treat for my kids and wanted to give them something healthy that tasted good. A friend suggested I freeze grapes and my boys loved them. From there, I got creative and started experimenting with chocolate and a variety of toppings.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
Every new business faces obstacles and Lolly’s Frozen Grapes was no exception. I suddenly found myself in an industry that I knew nothing about and had to quickly learn how to source ingredients, design packaging, and make deliveries between dropping my boys at school and picking them up. Then, once my little business started seeing real traction, I had to figure out how to scale it! However, I learned to find value in all of these obstacles. They force you to slow down and rethink what you are trying to accomplish and come up with a different and better solution—you might learn five new things from one obstacle. Just like a road block, once you figure out how to go around it, you could be on a better path than before.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
There will be good days and there will be very bad days. But if you believe in your product and can remind yourself why you created it, nothing else matters. Just keep going. My advice is to listen to people who have been through it. Take the lessons that apply to heart and let go of the ones that don’t, remembering that your journey is unique to you. Also, finding the right pace for growth is important. Taking the time to work out the kinks on a smaller scale will set you up for growth toward the next level without draining capital. Remember that mistakes aren’t failures—they are lessons to be learned from.
4. What’s on the horizon for Lolly’s Frozen Grapes?
In the next year, we are going to be offering our products nationally and will be adding additional flavors and new products.
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
I have a hard time balancing work and non-work life. I’m a hard worker and am inspired by hard-working individuals who are passionate about what they do—I find their passion and drive contagious. I love hearing stories of those who have done what I do and have risen to the next level. Nothing beats hearing that they too had the same struggles that I have had but didn’t give up. It can be hard to shut things off, especially when the company’s future depends on me. I wear many hats but I’m slowly adding talent to the team which will hopefully give me more of that balance.