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The Crunchy Granola

Creator

Name

Sibylle

Profession

Founder of The Tiny Factory

Website

  • noun_website_1939503

Living in

Zurich

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For some years now we've been seeing The Tiny Factory's pretty Granola Packages all over Social Media, Zurich & at the famous John Baker Bakery. But it was only just recently, that we've actually tried it and fell in love with it. So we googled and approached founder Sibylle for an interview. We are yet to meet her. Enjoy reading her inspiring story. It's one to get you daydreaming about your own little business.

Tell us a little bit about yourself? Where did you grow up, what have been some milestones along the way and what are you currently doing? 

 

After a few years of working in companies where I felt out of place, I was drawn to a more meaningful field, and I began to fundraise for the environmental organization Greenpeace from Major Donors and Foundations. The fact that I got an 80% position there came in very handy, because it allowed me to implement my long-held idea to build my own company in the remaining time: I baked granola for a Christmas market, and when this sale hit like lightning, I recognised its potential. That was five years ago, and today, I can live almost entirely from it. 

We are now a team of five women handcrafting under the roof of 'The Tiny Factory'. Every time I go deliver packages with my bicycle to the stores in Zurich, it fills my heart and I finally feel like I'm in the right place. 

 

How did you come up with the name The Tiny Factory? When did you first start putting the wheels into motion for your business?

 

The few months before the foundation in 2015 I saw myself in a small (tiny) manufactory: how I bake, pack and package there. It was important to me to have a neutral name so that I could launch any other products under it. 

 

Covid-19 hit really hard, how did it affect your business?

 

We are extremely privileged to offer a locally produced nutritional product. The demand for it even seemed to increase. But the size of the distribution channels has shifted. All of a sudden we had to get fit in online sales, whereas larger stores experienced an enormous downturn. All in all, we have been able to hold our ground and remain confident.

What is something about your work that people don't know or that surprises them?

 

I think how small the company actually still is and how many decisions still have to be taken almost daily. If you don't know the work of a production plant behind it, you generally tend quickly to underestimate how many challenges need to be overcome. Everything rarely takes its easy course doesn’t it? ;)

What’s one thing you’ve done in your career that helped you succeed, and that very few other people do?

 

Perhaps that I have ignored the inconveniences.

What do you find is the biggest challenge in life?

 

Not to doubt oneself, thus to believe in oneself.


Quick Questions
 

Zodiac sign: Lion

Currently listening to: Blue Dress by Magdalena Solo Project 

How to unwind after a long day at work: Having dinner and a laugh with my people or painting by myself (when too tired for talks)

Can’t live without: My morning espresso from my little perfect Pavoni machine

Most used emojis: 👩🏼‍🍳

The best food day; where and what would you eat? 

Breakfast: At home, our granola (seriously every single day!) with fruits and apple mousse

Lunch: In a park, anything vegetarian and light 

Dinner: At a friends place, baked vegetables with Feta cheese and for dessert something sweet including dark chocolate and cream.

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