These days, there are a lot of things in the works for us. For Created Whole, it has been almost two years since our first production day, production that happened and for only a short while longer will happen at a small tortilleria, one that we don't own. To finally have purchased our own tortilla equipment is a huge and exciting step for us.
We've only just begun the journey, and at this point, our business is undergoing many changes. What we started out thinking, believing, and focusing on, has adapted and changed. We've tested the market and we have a different plan in how and where to market than when we started. It in a sense feels like we are only now launching.
There's interesting balance between feeling like Created Whole is not progressing and then questioning how we are going to be able to keep up. The growth of the company is insignificant in comparison to the growth that has been seen in our individual characters. God has been opening doors and events and situations have happened that only can be attributed to divine appointments.
To give a brief update on some areas we are working on right now is the manufacturing side of things, where a lot of work has to be done in setting up the factory. Working out supply and distribution. And the major area of focus is marketing. We are focusing on creating a better website, one that looks professional, credible, is easy to navigate, and has an awesome store front. We plan on relying heavily on online orders. You can see the website we have right now at www.thebesttortilla.com. We are also putting together press kits and marketing plans to get our name out there. And, we are looking for people with talents and skills that can be utilized in this growth stage of the company and that would be willing to donate their time and strengths on a volunteer basis. If you want to be part of the growth, let us know. Email Tim@thebesttortilla.com.
Showing posts with label Bakersfield. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bakersfield. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Saturday, February 20, 2010
California Dreamin'
A common question you guys ask us is, "How did you come up with the idea of starting a whole wheat tortilla company?" Well, besides tortillas being a 6 billion dollar a year industry, read on, and you will find out.
Brenda started cooking healthy meals long ago. It's a known fact that she made Vegan "hot" and Carob "cool." Obscure health foods that one can now easily find on every grocery store shelf were staples in the Mulder household back in the 80s.
Trendsetter Brenda, whipping up a concotion in some nice duds
Tim was all about having a healthy lifestyle. Fresh air, exercise, water, rest (can we emphasize REST?), and nutrition. He too, helped in the kitchen. Tim and Brenda made a great team!
Jumping for en-JOY-ment:)
When Tim was growing up, he and his older brother, Steve, would have burrito feeds. Tim and Steve love burritos. When they were in high school and college, they would go to Taco Bell and each would order 1 of EVERY item on the menu. (The menu was a lot smaller back in the day, but still...)
Since Tim is a thinker, he figured if he created the MOST amazing, BEST tasting tortilla in the WHOLE world, he could have all the burritos he would want for the rest of his life.
What Tim looks like when he thinks
And that's the shortened version of how the dream was born in the little agricultural farm town of Shafter. Nothing compares to Shafter, and nothing compares to 100 percent whole wheat, Created Whole Tortillas.
California Dreamin' in Shafter Paradise:)Wednesday, February 17, 2010
It's Called Dedication
How do you start a start-up company when you already have full-time lives?
It's Called Dedication...
Tim: Pilot. Aircraft Mechanic. Church Leader. Daddy. Tortilla Maker.
He's finally flying again...A LOT! I think he said he's flown 24 out of 30 days or something ridiculous. When he's not flying, the planes always seem to need some sort of repair. It's normal for him to be in the shop till midnight. Then, there are the church commitments, and people always over at the house. It's something he enjoys, and it's wonderful. So, is there time left for tortillas? Well, funny thing. He not only can create tortillas, he has this uncanny ability to create time.
Brenda: Nutritionist with 3 part time jobs (does that math even add up? I thought part-time is assumed to be a 1/2 deal). Business owner. Flight Attendant. The glue that holds the family together (that's a full-time commitment in itself). She's been in Salt Lake since February 1, in Flight Attendant training. Tim and I feel a little lost without her. She's shining, getting 100 percents on all her tests. She has 10-12 hour days, and she stays up late every night studying. Graduation is next week. Way to go Mom!
Me: Flight Attendant. Figuring out life (does that count as a full-time commitment?) I'm the one out of the team that has time on my hands, stuck in LA. A great place to be stuck: 75 degree days in February, 2 steps from the beach. I have my road bike, my beach cruiser, my books, and my cell phone always by my side, just in case "they" call. That call, to fly, only happens 4 times a month. Pretty nice, huh? Getting paid for hanging out at the beach. My challenge, is deciding when and how I will dedicate more of my time to tortillas.
This is how 100 percent Dad, Mom and I are behind this company...
It's called dedication when Brenda drives 2.5 hours, leaving at 4am, to get to Redondo so she can help me with Farmer's Market, so I don't have to run the booth alone. And, she worked at the hospital the night before till 11p.
It's called dedication when Tim flys all day, wakes up at 2am, drives down to Redondo to help with the market, and LOVES every minute of being there. And, every time, he even makes me a lunch. (Can I here an Ahhhhh?)
It's called dedication when we approach a potential market and we're told, "There's no space." So, we go back. And we go back. We go back until they say yes.
It's called dedication when people say they don't want to sample a tortilla, and we say, "They're really good!!!" They change their mind to a purchase.
It's called dedication when David takes his time to run the production operation.
It's called dedication when Tim has to fly at 4am, but stays up till 1am because he has to set up the recipe, mill the flour, and make sure that David and I will be able to handle production without him.
Seeing my Dad so incredibly enthusiastic about this company, even through hiccups and stress, is inspiring and motivating. Seeing my mom sacrificing her time to help us grow is an affirmation. Our team is crucial to our success. It's about being dedicated together, encouraging, supporting, and making sacrifices. We know it's worth the dedication.
It's Called Dedication...
Tim: Pilot. Aircraft Mechanic. Church Leader. Daddy. Tortilla Maker.
He's finally flying again...A LOT! I think he said he's flown 24 out of 30 days or something ridiculous. When he's not flying, the planes always seem to need some sort of repair. It's normal for him to be in the shop till midnight. Then, there are the church commitments, and people always over at the house. It's something he enjoys, and it's wonderful. So, is there time left for tortillas? Well, funny thing. He not only can create tortillas, he has this uncanny ability to create time.
Brenda: Nutritionist with 3 part time jobs (does that math even add up? I thought part-time is assumed to be a 1/2 deal). Business owner. Flight Attendant. The glue that holds the family together (that's a full-time commitment in itself). She's been in Salt Lake since February 1, in Flight Attendant training. Tim and I feel a little lost without her. She's shining, getting 100 percents on all her tests. She has 10-12 hour days, and she stays up late every night studying. Graduation is next week. Way to go Mom!
Me: Flight Attendant. Figuring out life (does that count as a full-time commitment?) I'm the one out of the team that has time on my hands, stuck in LA. A great place to be stuck: 75 degree days in February, 2 steps from the beach. I have my road bike, my beach cruiser, my books, and my cell phone always by my side, just in case "they" call. That call, to fly, only happens 4 times a month. Pretty nice, huh? Getting paid for hanging out at the beach. My challenge, is deciding when and how I will dedicate more of my time to tortillas.
This is how 100 percent Dad, Mom and I are behind this company...
It's called dedication when Brenda drives 2.5 hours, leaving at 4am, to get to Redondo so she can help me with Farmer's Market, so I don't have to run the booth alone. And, she worked at the hospital the night before till 11p.
It's called dedication when Tim flys all day, wakes up at 2am, drives down to Redondo to help with the market, and LOVES every minute of being there. And, every time, he even makes me a lunch. (Can I here an Ahhhhh?)
It's called dedication when we approach a potential market and we're told, "There's no space." So, we go back. And we go back. We go back until they say yes.
It's called dedication when people say they don't want to sample a tortilla, and we say, "They're really good!!!" They change their mind to a purchase.
It's called dedication when David takes his time to run the production operation.
It's called dedication when Tim has to fly at 4am, but stays up till 1am because he has to set up the recipe, mill the flour, and make sure that David and I will be able to handle production without him.
Seeing my Dad so incredibly enthusiastic about this company, even through hiccups and stress, is inspiring and motivating. Seeing my mom sacrificing her time to help us grow is an affirmation. Our team is crucial to our success. It's about being dedicated together, encouraging, supporting, and making sacrifices. We know it's worth the dedication.
Small Beginnings
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Check Us Out!!!
The New Year has once again inspired us to take Created Whole Tortillas to a whole new level. This week we have been working on a press release that you can read by going to Bakersfield Life Online.
Also, a really exciting development for us is being part of the Redondo Beach Farmer's Market. Starting next week (if we get our LA county health permit by then) we will be a regular fixture.
Kara had talked to the manager of the RB market over a month ago, and at the time, the manager did not have a space available. Just this morning Kara decided to contact her again coming from a bit of a different angle. When people try the tortillas, it's assumed they will love them, so Kara took a pack to the market today to give to the manager. Kara talked briefly to the manager, gave her the tortillas, and Kara said she would be in touch in two weeks. Well, not even 4 hours later, the manager calls and says, "We have a spot for you, and you can start next Thursday. Your tortillas are great by the way..."
OF COURSE THEY ARE GREAT!!!
See you in Redondo Beach:)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Want to Know What's Been Happening?
Many apologies for not keeping the die hard Created Whole Tortilla fans updated. Here, dear friends is the Cliff Notes version of what has been happening with the company:
1. Soquel Campmeeting- Spent 10 days sampling Created Whole Tortillas. Tasters found the tortillas great paired with Soy Curls. Yum!
2. Currently, Created Whole is offering Free Shipping for orders. Go to http://www.ordertortilla.com/.
3. Over the past month of Kara's new job as a flight attendant, she takes sample packs when she flys. The flight attendants and flight crew LOVE em'! She's realized that she always needs to be ready on reserve days with her uniform pressed and her tortillas in hand:)
4. Tim has been perfecting the website, coordinating production, and working on vendor agreements so that you can have Created Whole Tortillas at a store near you!
1. Soquel Campmeeting- Spent 10 days sampling Created Whole Tortillas. Tasters found the tortillas great paired with Soy Curls. Yum!
2. Currently, Created Whole is offering Free Shipping for orders. Go to http://www.ordertortilla.com/.
3. Over the past month of Kara's new job as a flight attendant, she takes sample packs when she flys. The flight attendants and flight crew LOVE em'! She's realized that she always needs to be ready on reserve days with her uniform pressed and her tortillas in hand:)
4. Tim has been perfecting the website, coordinating production, and working on vendor agreements so that you can have Created Whole Tortillas at a store near you!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thumbs Up!
By Kara
Over the past week, more people have had the opportunity to sample Created Whole 100% Whole Wheat Tortillas, and the response has been VERY positive. At the "Mother of all Picnics", (held on Mother's Day), guests enjoyed "Pinwheels" with hummus, avocado, and veggies wrapped up in our tortillas. It was a hit! (Look for the recipe at the end of this post).
I had fun this week sampling tortillas at the Body Xchange Sports Club (on Truxtun and M) in Bakersfield. Some people were hesitant to try a tortilla sample, not expecting a whole wheat tortilla to taste good. Generally, whole wheat tortillas have the reputation of tasting gritty, stale, dry, and cardboardy. Not Created Whole Tortillas! Some people turned into serial samplers, and others responded with, "Wow! These are REALLY good! Where can I buy them?"
Over the past week, more people have had the opportunity to sample Created Whole 100% Whole Wheat Tortillas, and the response has been VERY positive. At the "Mother of all Picnics", (held on Mother's Day), guests enjoyed "Pinwheels" with hummus, avocado, and veggies wrapped up in our tortillas. It was a hit! (Look for the recipe at the end of this post).
I had fun this week sampling tortillas at the Body Xchange Sports Club (on Truxtun and M) in Bakersfield. Some people were hesitant to try a tortilla sample, not expecting a whole wheat tortilla to taste good. Generally, whole wheat tortillas have the reputation of tasting gritty, stale, dry, and cardboardy. Not Created Whole Tortillas! Some people turned into serial samplers, and others responded with, "Wow! These are REALLY good! Where can I buy them?"
T.J. Giving us a thumbs up for great taste!
Now, you can buy Created Whole 100% Whole Wheat Tortillas by the dozen at Nature's Food Market or eat one for lunch at Elaine's Cafe. Hopefully, you will soon see us at other outlets including Lassen's Natural Foods in Bakersfield and Shafter Apple Market. We will also ship to you, so check out our website to place an order.
If you missed our picnic the other day, here is the recipe for the Pinwheels we served. Enjoy!
Pinwheels
1 Created Whole 100% Whole Wheat Tortilla
Trader Joe's Hummus (we like the Jalapeno Cilantro flavor)
Shredded Carrots
Sliced Avocado
Sliced Onions
Sliced Olives
- Spread the hummus evenly over the entire tortilla. Layer the carrots, avocado, onions, and olives in a row on the tortilla. (The row of veggies should be small on placed near to the edge closest to you). Begin to roll the tortilla up like a log (similar to what a sushi roll looks like). Once rolled, cut pieces 1 1/2 to 2 inches with a knife. Enjoy plain or dip in salsa!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Created Whole Tortillas at Elaine's!!!
Elaine's Cafe is now using Created Whole Tortillas for the wraps and burritos!!! Elaine's Cafe is the only vegan restaurant in Bakersfield, California. Owned by Tim and Tracy Thompson, the restaurant serves some of the best soups, salads, sandwiches, burritos, and wraps.
Elaine's Cafe
(on 20th and G in Bakersfield, California)
Elaine's also has the one-of-a-kind Thompson's Old Fashioned Ice Creme. Invented by Tracy, the ice creme is made from MimicCreme, a cashew almond base, and the only of its kind. It's absolutely amazing! For a healthy lunch, stop by Elaine's for a burrito (try our tortillas!!) and some vegan ice creme! You'll be glad you did!
Pattie and Tracy: The Vegan Princess and Vegan Queen Bee
Elaine's Cafe: 1717 20th St. Bakerfield Ca, 93301
869-CAFE
Friday, May 1, 2009
Turning A Dream Into A Tortilla
By Kara Mulder
Today was a huge milestone for our budding tortilla company, now named Created Whole. May 1, 2009 marks the first day of production; 35 dozen tortillas!
This is the bakery where we produce our whole wheat tortillas.
This is Moses, the tortilla master, operating the machine.
We went in at 8 am this morning, and it took about two hours from starting with just the ingredients, to having the finished product in bags. This morning we went into the bakery wondering if this batch was actually going to work, because yesterday, we tried a test run of 2 dozen, and that batch wasn't sellable. Tim and I talked through where we thought the problems were and went in today, hoping we could come out with an amazing tortilla. And we did!!!
Created Whole 100% Whole Wheat Tortillas
We are so blessed and ecstatic to finally be holding what we have been dreaming about for quite awhile. What's even more exciting is that people love it! We sold 10 dozen today! What's even more rewarding is that people are interested in the story, the process, and give us suggestions on where to go and who to market to. We got great ideas and positive feedback!
Tim and Dave S., our first customer! Dave just had lunch, but we got him to try a sample. He said, "Mmm! These are really good!"
Currently, Elaine's Cafe in Bakersfield, California is using our tortillas for wraps and burritos. We have our promotional work cut out for us in getting into other outlets. If you are interested in getting your own dozen or have some great marketing ideas, email us at createdwhole@gmail.com.
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