We recently connected with Heather Lewandowski and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

You may have seen my story a few years ago. Home baker, slaving away making cookies and all the things a baker would bake to make sure you’re happy. But what happened? It just wasn’t sustainable, especially with my prior injuries. I didn’t want to give up because I simply love creating. After losing my sister last year to alcoholism, I did a ton of some soul-searching, got a fab business coaching and just kept trying to find my purpose. I even invested and went to cookie con and was simply blown away. My love for cookies still remains and you can grab them whenever I have a sale happening.

While decorating cookies is absolutely my Zen space, there was still something missing. I needed to find something that fulfilled me and that I can use my experience and education so that i could help others. It took a ton of work, lots of trial runs and, I knew I wanted to offer something that was unique, something that would be worthwhile and that would enhance my customers lives.

God & the universe must have been listening, because I came across this article about shrub mixers, and down the rabbit hole I fell! Hours and hours of research, jotting down ideas, and finally, I took a chance and started creating flavors that would pair well with my cookies.

I started with an idea of just selling the items and hosting cocktail parties but the loss of my sister just weighed heavily on my heart. Last thing I wanted to do was encourage anyone to drink, start drinking or give up their sobriety. Besides, I am not offering alcohol, I am offering unique flavors that can be added to your beverage of choice. These are not syrups, they are shrub mixers that start with fruit, sugar, and vinegar. The flavor profiles I create use a unique blend of herbs & spices and agave to set them apart and give them a depth of flavor that is unique on its own.

Of course, the next thing I noticed, my business just didn’t make any sense. It wasn’t cohesive, and it was confusing. If I was confused, then any prospective client would be confused too! Again, business coaches are worth their weight in gold! All she kept saying was niche down, Heather. What do you want to do?

After a few business name changes (not sure why i did all of that, but when you don’t know, you don’t know!), focusing on what I want to bring to the table!

My background is sales, and c-level support with education in events and business management. Every year, I charge our annual charity golf event for my day job, and I have been part of a few non-profits over the past 11 years. I always participate in events and fundraisers. so it only made sense that I would want to help you have a stress-free hosting event.

And that’s when it hit me! That’s when I decided that would be the focus of Cheers & Crumbles! To help you host effortlessly and entertain without all the stress! I’ve created products that can be used at any party, and my hope is that my flavor profiles are so delicious they keep you coming back for more,

It is truly my happy place knowing that I created something that is not only unique and delicious but also that is so helpful and enjoyed by hosts everywhere.

Heather, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Cheers & Crumbles, offers shrub mixers and party additions loved by hosts for effortless entertaining Savory & Sweet Cocktail Mixers and all the accoutrements for a stress-free cocktail party
Crumble Crunch – a collision of candied nuts & cookie bits
The Queens Nutz “Because we know who’s really in charge!”
Cookie cubes – cubed-shaped cookie bites
Sugar cookies – custom available and be sure to stay tuned for my pop-ups
Easy Party Recipes & Tips

My goal is to help you host effortlessly and entertain without all the stress! I’ve created products that can be used at any party, and my hope is that my flavor profiles are so delicious they keep you coming back for more,

It is truly my happy place knowing that I created something that is not only unique and delicious but also that is so helpful and enjoyed by hosts everywhere.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Life is funny. It seems the harder I try, the harder I fall. but one thing about me is I don’t give up. I get back up, dust off my rear and I pivot! Just like Ross from friends yelled, PIVOT! PIVOT! When I realized my original desire for my home business wasn’t sustainable, I could either throw in the towel and just bake on occasion or I could pivot my business. While I still offer baked goods, they pale in comparison to the other products on my menu.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

And just like that, I was so excited to share my new business with everyone! My first market after my business launch, I made $52 (before fees). It was a sad day. I started second-guessing myself and my decision to create shrub mixers and cookie cubes. I came back to the drawing board and decided my main offerings would be the shrub mixers and easy bites that you could just pour into dish at your party. Don’t get me wrong, the cookie cubes are absolutely fab – for a couture gathering or gift-giving. But when we have a cocktail party, we want to have easy items at our disposal. I am happy to say, sticking with this mindset has helped to increase my revenue and stays true to my brand.

Contact Info:

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