Before I begin this blog, I’d like to discuss how the COVID19 pandemic has affected entrepreneurs.
The pandemic presents numerous problems to entrepreneurs, both those who have been in business for a long time and those who have just begun their journey prior to and during the pandemic. It not only has a severe impact on economic growth, but it also has a negative impact on people’s physical health and well-being. The pandemic has a two-fold effect on entrepreneurs. Their health is instantly threatened by the pandemic, and their income is reduced as their start-up businesses close, further affecting their well-being. As a result of COVID-19, entrepreneurs are facing difficulties with product availability, which hinders their capacity to meet the needs of their customers.
As you read this blog, you will learn about the woman who established her business before the pandemic and how she overcame the problems she had during the pandemic.
KARA FREEDMAN
Kara Freedman is the owner and founder of Baked by Nature, which first opened its doors in October in the year 2019. She was destined to be a leader and entrepreneur, which prompted her to begin manufacturing oat bites at home. She bakes hand-baked vegan oat snacks with natural and minimal ingredients, as well as without preservatives or added sugar. By purchasing in New York, she is committed to keeping her sources local. Her goal was to create a healthy snack, breakfast item, or post- or pre-workout choice that didn’t contain GMO oats, cane sugar, or preservatives, and that customers could enjoy.
Walter Freedman, Kara’s grandfather, has always been an inspiration to her. She looked to her grandfather for advice and assistance at all times. Her company, Baked by Nature, was founded in honor of her grandfather, who was a Holocaust survivor and was inspired by him. Walter Freedman is a great hero who emits power and health. He was drafted to fight for the US Army in World War II after surviving the Holocaust and landed on the beaches of Normandy two weeks after D-Day, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He encouraged his granddaughter, Kara, to launch Baked by Nature because he was an entrepreneur himself. Unfortunately, Kara’s grandfather passed away in August of 2019 at the age of 99 before she started her business in October. Kara was also inspired by natural food; she’s making healthy food that people are taking. She is inspired by the fact that her product is simply nature’s best.
In early 2020, she began polishing her oat recipe, and in March, she began selling online when stay-at-home orders became available across much of the country. Staying at home gave her time to think, which was beneficial because she had to pivot a few times. She had a plan a and a plan b, which she merged before pivoting again. Baked by Nature was permitted to sell at farmers’ markets a few months later because they’re outside, in an open space, and have open air. Kara, on the other hand, has had a difficult time selling since she established her business in the thick of the pandemic and had to start from scratch because she didn’t have a loyal team of customers to assist her.
During the pandemic, focusing on her passion became a healthy and constructive approach for her to cope with struggles, and other entrepreneurs and business owners utilized it to rebuild their brands or adjust their offers. She discovered that being an entrepreneur requires flexibility and the ability to roll with the punches. Starting a business should be something about which you are passionate. She stated that life is short and that waiting for the right time to achieve your ambitions is pointless because there is never a perfect time. It’s like, always seize the opportunity if it presents itself. We have no idea what will happen in the next month, much less five months. The competition between the world’s brightest, smartest, and most brilliant people was a barrier she faced during her journey and pandemic. There is always a company or business that is quite similar to hers, but it has helped her become more confident and competitive, and it has pushed her to improve.
Kara recommended starting small by joining entrepreneur Facebook groups, listening to other people’s stories, and get inspired. You will be encouraged to open or start your own business in this manner. Inspiration will always push someone to pursue their dreams or goals, and it will inspire them to succeed on their own.
Kara was able to donate 1000 of her delicious oat snacks for the frontliners or health professionals at NYU Langone and White Plains Hospitals because of the Baked by Nature customers’ generosity. In each bag containing Kara’s meal bites, gratitude and appreciation were inscribed. She said that she doesn’t have any medical background and couldn’t be on the frontline that’s why she thinks a plan that is the best option to help. She made a way where she knows she can do and contribute.
Here are some of the Oat Bites made by Kara:
Chocolate Chip Oat Bites are made with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners and are dairy-free. Besides using gluten-free oats, cinnamon, and almond flour, these bite-sized delights are sweetened with chopped organic dates and vegan dark chocolate chips
The Coconut Honey Oat Bites are covered in unsweetened coconut flakes, honey, gluten-free oats, almond flour, cinnamon, almond, and organic dates.
Hazelnut Coffee Oat Bite. Made with gluten-free oats, almond flour, and organic dates, each bite is rolled in fresh chopped hazelnuts and topped with an organic Stone Street Peruvian coffee bean.
I hope Kara Freedman’s story inspires you, and if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, I wish you the best of luck. Even if we are in the midst of the pandemic, I hope it inspires you to start your own business. It will always be about our passion for our job and inspiration to reach our goals.
If you wish to learn more about Kara’s journey, go to the following link: https://staffstreet.co/2020/11/12/movers-spotlight-on-kara-freedman-and-baked-by-nature/
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