We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melanie Francis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.
Because everyone deserves a healthy, happy life, 5 Sparrows donates a portion of our profits to support families in crisis through domestic abuse support groups like Refuge Ministries, providing education, tools and resources to thrive.
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?
Like many, I have a sweet tooth. As a coffee shop owner, I noticed that customers and I both wanted less sugar in our drinks but disliked the artificial substitutes. So, I created healthier, great-tasting drink mixes and coffee creamers naturally sweetened with stevia and erythritol that my customers and I could feel good about. 15 years later, 5 Sparrows continues to empower you to enjoy sweet indulgences that support your health.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
10x Is Easier Than 2x, Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy
The Gap And The Gain, Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy
Good To Great, James C. Collins
Traction, Gino Wickman
Building A Story Brand, Donald Miller
What Do You Do With An Idea? Kobi Yamada
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I am continually pivoting in business. Last year I invested a lot of time, money and energy working with a food broker to get our product into grocery stores. The project didn’t gain traction in the timeline I identified at the onset. I pivoted to direct more efforts to our online marketing and sales. We’re now exploring partnerships within the bodybuilding industry. All “failures” are growth opportunities. Every experience can be framed as a “win.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.5sparrowsbrand.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5sparrowsbrand/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5sparrowsbrand/#
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/5-sparrows-brand/?viewAsMember=true
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/5sparrowsbrandmixes/
