We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Barbara Marynowski. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Barbara below.

Barbara, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the questions I get asked most often is, “why pickles?” and my response is usually a simple, “why not?!” Delicious food makes people happy and I have found that pickles are universally loved. When people find out that I make gourmet pickles, so many of them literally light up with joy and exclaim, “I love pickles!”

I started making pickles as a gift for family and friends and when I realized how popular they were in my inner circle, I knew it was time to take the risk of turning my beloved kitchen creation in to a real business opportunity. I knew I would rather try and have it not work out than to wake up one day and regret standing still. The risk of giving in to my fears and not going for it outweighed the risk of failure. And if I had a way to bring more happiness to the world through delicious creations, even better!

Starting a business is always a risk, so I knew I wanted to start small and go step-by-step. I launched Basia’s Pickles with only about $500 and one product that I was making by hand in small (tiny, really) batches and seeing what would happen. No risk, no reward, but I didn’t want to lose a massive investment either, so I chose to approach this like gambling – only play with what you can afford to lose.

Of course, the slow-and-steady approach can take much longer, but with the SBA statistic that half of all small businesses fail after five years, five years later I am so proud to be able to say that this calculated risk and don’t-quit-your-day job-yet strategy so far has been working. Basia’s Pickles has grown from a specialty gift for a handful of recipients to working with retailers including Whole Foods, Central Market and our latest mega-milestone – HEB! And the adventure has been exceptional. Creating and owning a business is such an incredible way to learn more about yourself, the world, face your fears, set new goals and tackle new risks and rewards!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a first-generation American and named my brand as a way to honor my Polish family’s roots. Basia (pronounced BAH-shuh) is my name, Barbara, in Polish, and one of my favorite, affectionate nicknames. Since my pickles started out as a gift for those closest to me, I wanted that connection with my customers as well.

My parents and grandparents immigrated to America with literally almost nothing and worked hard to create a life for themselves. I am greatly motivated to honor their sacrifices so that I could have this amazing life and opportunities.

The intention of my brand is to bring joy to others through delicious, gourmet creations. Food unites us and is such a beautiful way to express love, community and happiness. Love is even an official ingredient on our product labels!

One of the ways Basia’s shows love for others is through the various local and national organizations that we donate to, including the Central Texas Food Bank. We believe delicious food is a blessing to be shared. We also support our US veterans and first responders and are proudly manufactured in Texas.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Some of the best ways for individuals to show support are simple and free – like, share, follow and spread the word! If you are in a position of influence, use your power for good. I believe in raising each other up and that there is plenty of success available in the universe for all – good vibes only!

Women supporting women is a positive force that’s only growing and I love being a part of that. True leadership and mark of success, to me, is when you are able to extend a hand and help others on their way up, work together, celebrate together – competition can be healthy, but so can being part of a stronger whole.

Companies and retailers who highlight local, small, independent and/or woman/minority owned businesses are such a gift to be aligned with and exemplify using their platform to support a stronger community. I’m so grateful to have been a finalist in the HEB Quest for Texas’ Best Contest as well. Opportunities like that are amazing for learning, networking and overall supporting up-and-coming brands.

And interviews with publications such as yours! Huge thank you!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

My number one game-changing approach is something I integrated years ago not only for my business, but for myself, and have seen and felt the results – have an attitude of gratitude. There are many spiritual mantras, meditations and approaches to this concept, but I have found that starting and ending my day with a list of things I am grateful for is a powerful way to stay focused on all that is going right and well. Just like there is always a list of things to complain about, there is always something to be grateful for. There are countless articles and studies on the science of affirmations and why they work, physics explanations of how like vibrations attract like vibrations, but really, it just feels good. I see it as a choice of what energy you want to keep yourself in. And remember that everyone wants to be appreciated and part of a winning team, so show those who work with you, help you, cheer you on, all of it – show them gratitude as well. “Thank you! I appreciate you,” goes a long way!

Having a personal Board of Directors is a concept from the book “The Cilantro Diaries” that was recommended to me by the leadership at HEB during my participation in the Quest for Texas’ Best Contest and changed how I approach challenges in my business. The idea is that you reach out to a specific person or group of individuals when it really matters – the outside sources that you trust as being able to tell you when you’re wrong and offer unfiltered feedback.

Similarly, one of my greatest resources that has influenced my entrepreneurial thinking is observing people who show me how not to be; we all have that former boss who we couldn’t stand. Reach in there and take notes on the kind of leader you don’t want to copy so that you can build being the leader you do want to be.

Lastly, surround yourself with people who are smarter and more successful than you. Seek out situations where you are the least experienced person in the room and listen. Never stop learning.

One of the most successful, fearless (and favorite) people I know recently recommended the book called “Designing Your Life” so you’d better believe I am checking it out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://basiaspickles.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basiaspickles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/basiaspickles