Today we’d like to introduce you to Timothy Donald.
Timothy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began Char and Oak Spices in January of 2020. The company is named after my two daughters, Charlotte and Oakley. Like so many other stories, it began with friends and family enjoying what I was cooking so I experimented with a local farmers market. I was only planning on doing the markets for a few months unless I had a customer come up and say they enjoyed the flavors. If I did not get this validation, I was planning to keep it as a hobby for myself as I know I like the flavors I make. As it turned out, I began getting compliments and further orders. This expanded enough over the first few months where I could make it a full-time gig. I started with four flavors and have since expanded to nine retail flavors as well as several custom flavors for a few restaurants and food trucks. I make each every jar every week so I can give my customers the freshest spices available. Everything is made in a small batch with all-natural ingredients and no fillers of any kind. Quality and flavor are the most important factors in my blends. I set up shop at the Winter Garden and Celebration Farmers Markets every Saturday and Sunday respectively. My goal is to expand as much as possible so I can build a company that my daughters will be proud of.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been some bumps in the road, of course. I had never attempted this sort of venture previously and had no idea what to expect. The uncertainty of the small business market in the covid and post covid world could not be predicted. I had to learn what markets worked and what my clientele would look like. I had to overcome shipping and distribution delays from around the country to make sure I had a quality product for my customers. It is always a challenge, but I am a believer that every challenge is nothing more than a future memory.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I make unique spice blends that are designed to enhance whatever you are creating. I believe in bold profiles and an even balance of flavors. I grind all my blends to a fine powder to make sure there is always even distribution of flavor.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Maine and went to school in New York City. I moved to Florida shortly after my college graduation and worked for 15 years in the fitness industry. Growing up I was an outdoor kid that loved sports and getting lost in the woods with my friends. I was probably more introverted growing up and had a small group of friends. This is still the same today although I get excited talking about my spices.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charandoak.com
- Instagram: charandoakllc
- Facebook: char and oak
