Meet Carolyn King | Social entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolyn King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolyn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I think I’ve always wanted to start my own business. I just didn’t know how or what. This idea was heavily tied to the fact that I had been working for someone or some organization all of my life. That meant that I would always have someone else controlling my money, my success and my destiny. As a social worker, all of my energy was invested into making someone else’s life outcomes better. Meanwhile my come true or while my dreams were dying on the vine.

What does a burned out social worker do as their second act?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was a social worker for over 20 years. I served in many arenas within social work from domestic violence to HIV/AIDS to substance abuse to corrections. Every one of these areas overlapped so I was able to capitalize on what I learned from one setting to the next.

The biggest take away from all of that was a very well honed level of communication. Reading body language, listening to what is not said and knowing when to push or back off when needed. This has turned me into a great sales person for our products.

Now, I’m a social worker for food. I paid attention to what people wanted and I built a business as a bridge to help them get it in the easiest way possible. I am most proud of that.

My inability to turn away from my social worker roots, meant that if I had a business, it would have to be a social enterprise with a spirit of helping and humanity at its core. I didn’t want to duplicate the transactional model of purchasing food. I wanted the story of the food artisan to lead our mission. Transparency, humanity and commerce can coexist if you choose it.

Working through part of the AIDS crisis necessitated an outlet. For several years, I performer with a comedy troupe and mc’d shows. The pursuit of something creative was a saving grace for me. It allowed me a level of balance so that I could show up the best I could for my clients. I use my sense of humor in my business all of the time. If I can get you to smile, or laugh, then we can have a conversation. And you might feel more inclined to return since you received a quality product and you remember how I made you feel while we were together. It’s my super power.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shout out to my husband, Charles, who has supported every wild idea, and whim to allow me the room to find my passion. I shut out my employer, Burlap and Barrel Spice company who helped my find a place in the food arena, find my voice as an entrepreneur and supports my vision. Also, to Rocky Mountain Micro Finance (RMMFI) and Community Enterprise Development Services (CEDS) who invested in me and my dream in a real and powerful way.

Image Credits
Janey Hawley