Photo credit: Barlow's Foods
You’ve created this great idea, you have a name, a business plan and have launched a few products. But, you lack the funding to get your products mass produced. So, what now? This is a common scenario for many entrepreneurs of color. For Tiffani Neal, the owner of Barlow Foods, this was her reality. Her business was full of ideas that would allow them to become a dominant force in the breakfast food industry. However the lack of capital became one of the major hindrances holding the business back from getting to the next level.
Photo credit: Barlow's Foods
There is this prolific quote from an unknown source that applies to every entrepreneur across the globe. “Stay ready so you don't have to get ready.” Always be prepared to speak about your brand and the direction you want to take your business. During the 2021 Sistahs in Business Expo Pitch Competition, Barlow Foods' Founder, Tiffani Neal, did exactly that. After competing against four other finalists Barlow Foods walked away with the grand prize of $10,000.00. Since then, Barlow Foods has participated in multiple other competitions and recently sold out during their premier on the QVC network. We had the opportunity to catch up with the Barlow Foods founder about their growth over the past year. Take a look.
1. Tell us about how your business has grown over the last year.
Barlow's Foods is growing and selling like "hotcakes." Since participating in the SIBEXPO pitch competition, we've gone on to partake in other live pitch competitions. Sistahs in Business was our first "for real" pitch event. SIB provided the confidence to enter and compete for additional opportunities.
Some of our greatest wins since last year's pitch with SIB are our recent launch and sellout with national platform QVC. We debuted our bestselling peach cobbler syrup paired with our newly released pure maple syrup and our 3-in-1 pancake mix to millions of households.
Funds from our winnings of the SIB competition allowed us to get a hold of inventory and increase our staffing needs. We've also managed to increase our retail presence by participating in industry trade events.
Photo credit: Barlow's Food
2. Do you have any advice or tips for the participants in this year's pitch competition? How should they prepare?
My advice to this year's participants is to be INTENTIONAL. One of my favorite quotes is "how you do everything, is how you do anything." You never know who may be watching aside from the judges and other contestants. Yes, there is money on the line, but also note that there are so many other resources that may come from the opportunity outside of monetary benefits. Get serious as to what your needs are and who and how your business serves. No one can communicate this better than the business owner/founder.
Practice your pitch, get over the nerves and go collect your coins because you got this si
We are so proud to see how Barlow Foods has grown over the past year. Click here to see her perfect pitch. Stay tuned to see how this Sistah in Business plans to dominate the breakfast food industry. Our next pitch competition will be held live at on Friday, Oct 21st, 2022 in Passaic, NJ at 6pm. Tickets are available at www.sibexpo.us or you can stream the competition live on YouTube and Facebook.