Sue Adams
Founder, Blossom Foods
What inspired you to start your business?
As a Speech Pathologist for 19 years I knew that those with swallowing difficulties had major challenges when preparing meals in puree textures. These people loved eating as much as anyone and the inability to eat great food, regardless of texture, was a need I knew had to happen.
What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?
I have found a challenge in not having the education particularly in business to understand all the nuances of running a growing company. Men dominate the financial arenas and it was a bit intimidating. I just kept going..
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
If your heart is in it and you believe you can do it, you can. Try and determine as you go along what you need at the time, not what you may need in the future. Also, you are going to make mistakes, just keep moving forward. The rewards are amazing.
What three traits define you?
Fair, open, optimistic.
What women inspire you?
Shonda Rhimes, Barbara Walters, Melinda Gates
How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business?
Many of the institutions we supply meals for respect the certification. It’s also a constant reminder to me that this is my company. I earned it.
What do you see as the coolest or most important trend in your industry?
People are being less negative when it comes to the concept of great tasting, nutritious textured meals. People actually want to talk to me about our company and meals.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
All the commitments I’m responsible for and if I can get it all done.
What are the biggest obstacles you see for young female entrepreneurs?
Securing financing in a prominently male businessman environment.
What do you love about being a business owner?
I’m proud that I started this and all the good work we do.
What’s the hardest part about being a business owner?
Wearing so many hats at a time, letting go of some of the day to day dealings.
How do you define success?
Being happy and proud of what you’ve achieved. If you can pass on positive information and knowledge to someone else because you’ve been there, awesome.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
“Puree food is a crazy concept..”
What’s your favorite career moment?
Sitting right here in this seat answering questions because someone believes in us.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I’d find a hobby.
What are you reading or listening to now?
I try and catch Oprah’s SuperSoul podcasts.
What’s the best way to start your day?
Black coffee and a dessert.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Anything but a shipyard worker.
How do you unwind after a long workday?
SoulCycle
What do you like about your workspace?
The light coming in lets me leave the lights off.
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, I... dive right in.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself ... you will be great.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is… my children.
By this time next year, I will be… sitting here in a company still growing.
The best thing that happened to me last week was… I balanced work and exercise.
To get my creative juices flowing, I…lay down and watch an episode of Grey’s Anatomy.
Blossom foods
We are a food company dedicated to providing delicious and nutritious meals in pureed and ground textures. Our mission is to provide delicious and nutritious meals to those with swallowing difficulties. Dining with dignity is our top priority. Blossom Foods understands the need to remain independent when it comes to where, when and what to eat at mealtime,
