Meet Carolyn Creswell of Carman’s Kitchen

Posted by Sandy Naidu

My guest today is Carolyn Creswell. At 18, Carolyn was working part time for a business that was making muesli and selling it to cafes. It was a very small business. When her employer decided to sell the business, Carolyn bought it from them. She was only 18 then. She named her business Carman’s Kitchen. 16 years on, her muesli bars are sold in all major supermarkets across Australia. They are also exported to over 20 countries across the globe. Carolyn has won numerous business awards. Read and Be Inspired !!!

You started small…Today you have converted it into a multi million dollar business. What do you think is your point of difference ?

Some people thought I was crazy at age 18 to buy a business. But I felt at the time, what others saw as a risk, I saw as an opportunity. I believe it’s that same “can do” attitude that has led to the company’s success today.

The main differentiator is Carman’s commitment to using healthy, good quality Australian ingredients in our products. I think these days more than ever people want to buy Australian grown and made. Carman’s appeals to the ever-growing health conscious market, whilst it’s good for you it’s also delicious!

I also like to travel overseas for ideas for the business, such as new ingredients to test out or ways in which to market the product differently.

If you had your time again, is there anything in business that you would do differently ?

Yes there are a few things I would have done differently, such as trying to take on too much and not hiring staff early enough to help with the growth of the company. However, I believe that mistakes made along the way have made me stronger.

What drives you to succeed ?

Customer satisfaction! My aim is to have the best quality product in the supermarket, yet affordable for our target market.

I constantly seek to improve the business through new and innovative product development.

Based on your experience, can you share with us a couple of tips/advice for mums who are struggling to get their products into super market shelves?

Don’t get overwhelmed by the tasks ahead, just take things step by step. Break things down one by one and you’ll find before you know it you’re halfway there.

What is one business tool you cannot live without?

My hands free car kit, when driving to and from work I use that time to speak to people who are starting out their business and give advice, answer any questions they may have and act as a mentor to them.

What do you believe is your greatest business achievement so far ?

Winning the 2007 Ernst and Young – Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Finally, your five keys to success?

Think of the people you work with as another family, delight your customers constantly and your business will quickly thrive.
Have a crystal clear vision of where your business is heading and refer to it every day when decision making.
Write lists, prioritize and clear your inbox every day. Learn to say ‘no’ to things that are not important, so you can ‘work smarter’ rather than ‘harder’.
‘Drive it like you stole it’ – Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts, dive into the deep end and go for it!
Love what you do! Your passion, drive and enthusiasm will determine your business’ success.

Sites Of Interest

http://www.carmansfinefoods.com.au

This interview was published on 15th March 2009

Visit Carolyn’s website to get more information about her business

To read more stories about women in the food industry click Idea Home Based Service Business