Q. D. Foodie Kitchen Tools Come To Life!
Marci Heit, founder, Q. D. Foodie
About a year ago I ‘met’ Marci Heit, founder of Q.D. Foodie, on Twitter @DivaFoodies. Yes, I said Twitter; but that’s a story for another day. Marci was in the process of a Kick Starter campaign to fund an adorable set of kitchen tools – Q. D. Foodies.
I fell in love not only with her playful kitchen tools but with the story of the little, girl character Q. D. aka Quinn Daisy Foodie. Marci told me the backstory in a Diva Foodies Interview. Jump over and read it and come back! I did something I rarely do ~ I contributed to the campaign. In exchange for a contribution I received ~
Q. D. Foodie Tools
Oh my! The Q. D. Foodie Kitchen Tools were even more fun in person. Not only are they too sweet but they work well! I call them my Happy Kitchen Tools. After following Marci’s story I was curious to know about the business/development side of her story. What was it like to launch a first time product? What were the challenges she faced? What was her inspiration and would she do it again?
Diva Foodies: How does it feel to finally have your products become “real?”
Marci Heit, Q.D. Foodie: A friend recently commented to me that it’s like I had a baby. There are definitely some similarities! Being able to finally hold the product is wonderful and adds a new dimension to my life. I’m grateful for the journey and excited for the future.
Happy Q. D. Foodie Kitchen Tools
As a first time product “mom,” this is still all new for me, though, and I can’t believe it sometimes. And when I hear from people who have the tools, reaching out to let me know that they really love them and what they’ve been making with them, I’m overjoyed to have brought them into the world. Surreal!
Diva Foodies: What tips can you give entrepreneurs who have an idea to produce a (non food) product?
Marci Heit, Q.D. Foodie: Without a doubt, the unexpected will come up, whether it’s a design change or something unrelated in your life that will modify your timeline. Accept that as part of the path, and that you will get there. There will be bumps in the road.
But even before getting to the bumps, have a clear vision of what you want your product to be and why.
- Keep pushing through.
- Trust your gut.
- Passion is infectious.
- Be prepared to work your butt off.
- Share your story in a genuine way. Your story is interesting and powerful.
- Resourcefulness is also key.
- Getting to this point was full of hurdles for me, the biggest one being money.
Hang in and let your passion guide you. It’s everything.
Diva Foodies: What was the most challenging aspect of the process?
Marci Heit, Q.D. Foodie: I think the most challenging aspect of the process lays ahead. Having the product in hand is really rewarding, and the response has been extremely positive, but getting the word out to the great big world is a huge task, and without much of an advertising budget, there is a lot of work to be done.
I want to see Q.D. Foodie become a household name in kitchen fun and inclusion, so I’m always looking for more avenues where I can show people the product and tell the story. On a small scale, I’ll have a table at local farmer’s markets, for example.
More globally, I am creating partnerships with those organizations with aligning missions. And social media, social media, social media. I work at it every day and am getting closer to the goal, but it takes time and a village.
Diva Foodies: Will you now go back into animation production for Q. D. Foodie?
The “cast” of Q. D. Foodie with their “Mom” Marcie
Marci Heit, Q.D. Foodie: Yes! Now that the tools are actually on the market, I’ve been able to go back into development, and I love it. I mean, this is how it all started!
Diva Foodies: All the very best Marci! By the way, although Q. D. Foodie Kitchen Tools may look like kid toys they are indeed real. A great gift for anyone who wants extra fun cooking! P.S. There are no affiliate links in this post.
Connect with Q. D. Foodie
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The One & Only Q. D. aka Quinn Daisy Foodie!
