Audrey Darrow
President of Earth Source Organics
What inspired you to start your business?
I started my company with a huge vision that I would build a food empire and I was told it was not possible because I lacked business education. For so many years I stifled myself in business because I became what others told me was not possible. I am back to believing that I will build my food empire even bigger than where it is today. I am a visionary who has a dream for the future of food.
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
If you think you can't, think again! Know that any business is a journey and it's not just about the product. It is about each one of us who must learn our own value and self-worth. It is about knowing that obstacles are lessons, problems are here to help us find that "unwavering faith" that lies within. Business brings us walls to climb over to stop us and force us to make decisions that will change us forever, that will challenge us to grow in our own personal faith in ourselves and empower us to want to soar in our business endeavors.
What women inspire you?
Dr. Malka "Marsha" Benoni who was my Gynecologist back when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She had recently been diagnosed with Terminal Lymphoma. I asked her how she gets up every day with her diagnosis and still lives for each day and she answered simply because I know this will not kill me! I was so inspired I created a tea company in her name called Dr. B's Teas back in 2005. I had no business background and knew nothing about tea but knew I wanted to inspire others to get up every day and live, love and enjoy every moment. I got featured in newspapers, blogs, television and made it to the World Tea Expo but didn't have faith within myself to compete with other up and coming tea companies. When I ran out of money and product I had to walk away but I accomplished two things: I inspired my friend Dr. Benoni and thousands of people around San Diego and I learned a lot about my own self-worth.
How do you define success?
I define success by the lessons I have overcome and grown from. I find my success tied to how many people I can inspire from my work creating healthy foods to the inspirational message inside the Rose Bar for all to enjoy. I find success is when my employees are happy and feel supported by me and loyalty towards them. I find success when I can look within and feel love for myself and who I have become in this world. I find success when I accomplish things I never thought I could before. I find success when I lose the identity that others have put on me and create a new me based on who I truly am within.
What three traits define you?
Love, Compassion and Empathy.
What do you see as the coolest trend in your industry?
That the people who buy my products care about who makes it, how we show support to the planet and the workers who grow the ingredients, the energy that is put into our products, how our employees are treated. It is a trend that is expanding every moment!
earth source organics
Earth Source Organics’ is a certified Organic Vegan, Kosher, Gluten Free, Allergen Free chocolate manufacturer and Co-Packer. They make Righteously Raw chocolates.
