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:)

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.

Small Beginnings

Another First

Today we introduced Created Whole Tortillas at Redondo Beach Farmer's Market. It was a wonderful day to start, sunny, clear, and a beautiful 75 degrees (last week was pouring rain). The market is every Thursday morning from 8am-1pm.

We feel so blessed to be part of the Redondo market. Our spot is next to the "Empenada Maker" and "The Crepe Lady." Across the way, Chris sells mango salsa and the best guacomole, which goes so well with tortillas. Jim, the meat maker from Pasadena, shared the dozen tortillas he bought with some of the other vendors, who said, "Those are great tortillas!"

It was a great learning experience for us. We have been wanting to get Created Whole tortillas into farmer's markets, and this is an ideal market to begin in. It's ideal because the requirements for this market are easier for us to meet than compared to some other markets. We believe that the Redondo Market will open up many other opportunities for us, as well as give us a great knowledge base. Recently, so much has been happening with our business, and we truly believe God is behind us. Not only behind us and our business, but in front of us, guiding our steps, our faltering faith, and showing us that He has more in store than we could ever hope to imagine. That He can do "the impossible" with this company.

But that, I will save for another blog...

Till, next time...eat tortillas:)

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:)

Seasons of Change

Hey Friend,

Wow! Has it really been since July that we have posted some news on the blog? We are still excited about our vision with Created Whole. Right now we are in a season of decision making on how to proceed to build a successful company. Changes are happening at the bakery which may change production for us. We remain unworried and unfazed. Change can bring so many blessings. One must just be willing to adapt and accept the changes. I've been thinking a lot recently about where to take our baby company in 2010 and beyond. There are multiple answers to that question, and we will need to take some time to more thoroughly explore the options.

Tonight I read Jeremiah 29:11-14: "For I know the plans....plans to prosper...plans to give a hope...plans to give a future." For 2010, I'd like to claim the prosperous promises and apply to my life as well as the life of the company.

Happy Holidays,

-K