In conversation with sisters Natalie & Karen Keane, sisters and founders of Bean and Goose, an artisan and sustainable Irish chocolate brand. Discover how they grew their business from making chocolate in Karen’s kitchen, to creating a values-driven business known for sustainability, customer experience, and unique Irish flavors. They speak of their commitment to “win-win” supply chains, good business and memorable customer experiences. Hear their insights on sustainability, conscious choices and navigating business challenges. Don’t miss this great episode,where you can learn how to build and scale a business that adds to the world. #goodchocolatedoesgood
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Key Takeaways:
Bean and Goose was founded by sisters Natalie and Karen with the intention of creating good things in the world and prioritising sustainability.
They built a customer base by selling their hand-made chocolate at farmers markets before scaling up.
Their customers are values-driven and believe in supporting local businesses and making conscious choices.
Bean and Goose focuses on bringing joy back to chocolate and infusing it with Irish flavors and designs inspired by the landscape. Intentionality and thoughtfulness in every aspect of a business can create a memorable customer experience.
Authenticity and sustainability are important values to embody in business.
Having a shared vision and supporting and questioning each other can help navigate leaps of faith.
Support from organizations and networks can be invaluable in building a successful business.
Opening up premises as a destination can enhance the customer experience and create new opportunities.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recipes for Success
00:59 The Origin Story of Bean and Goose
09:25 The Joy and Experience of Chocolate
14:31 Challenging Capitalist Business Models
23:49 Creating Products with the Customer in Mind
28:12 Listening to Customer Feedback and Innovating
32:42 Ambitious Plans for the Future
39:43 Supportive Network and Good Eggs
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If you have enjoyed this episode of Recipes for Success, please feel free to support me by buying me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hthompson
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Follow the host, Heather Thompson, on social media where she is known as "The Success Coach", a strategic career coach and business mentor for women.
https://www.instagram.com/successcoachheather
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathersthompson/
Check out my website: www.thesuccesscoach.ie
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Connect with Bean + Goose
Website: www.beanandgoose.ie
Instagram: www.instagram.com/beanandgoose/
Link to workshops: https://beanandgoose.ie/collections/workshop
Sharing Slab: https://beanandgoose.ie/collections/chocolate-sharing-slab-gifts
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Useful links from this conversation
Benoit Lorge Chocolatier: https://lorge.ie/
Taste Wexford: www.tastewexford.ie
Enterprise Ireland: www.enterprise-ireland.com
Anthony O’Toole: www.instagram.com/anthonyotoole_
Original Beans: www.originalbeans.com
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