“How did you jump from owning a B&B to creating this unique product?”
It’s a story that began ten years ago when my late husband and I moved to my childhood home in Stowe, VT to care for my aged parents. Sadly, they all died within eight months of each other, and I was left with no one to care for.
So, naturally, I opened Hobble Inn as a registered B&B and welcomed guests from around the world for six years. They were always treated to a “maple breakfast”, which often included my signature “French Toast Waffles”. (Recipe available). Many were not familiar with the extensive process to create maple syrup, so it was fun to educate them. Vermont is the highest producer of maple products in the country! It takes 40 gallons of sap to create one gallon of syrup.
One Door Closed While Others Opened
When COVID hit, I was forced to close. Then I got married, New Year’s Eve, 2020! Having moved to my husband’s home, I transitioned the Inn to a vacation rental. I always leave incoming guests a welcome basket that includes a bottle of Hobble Inn’s maple syrup. And when I realized that I never found a bottle left behind, I knew guests were taking them home. That meant more marketing exposure for Hobble Inn!
More and More Maple
Last summer, I suggested to our priests that we offer a bottle of syrup to the visitor who came the farthest to our little church, Blessed Sacrament. I created labels using a photo I had taken. The concept was a huge hit! The first recipient was from Hawaii, which has a special connection to our church.
Last fall, I proposed a fundraiser for the church – maple syrup with custom labels for families to give as Christmas gifts. Folks provided their own photos and I created the custom labels for their syrup. It was a huge success — we easily sold out of 50 cases in no time. It was so much fun that I decided to launch My Own Maple as a small business.
My Own Maple
Launched last December, My Own Maple (myownmaple.com) offers custom labeled syrup to inns and B&Bs as a gift item or for resale. As a 10 year B&B owner, I know that guests love welcome baskets, especially when they include Vermont maple syrup, and guests rave about them! My husband helps with marketing, labeling, and distribution. Now we have repeat clients in real estate, auto dealerships, gift shops, as well as lodging establishments. As a bonus, the bottles make a one-of-a-kind keepsake bud vase when the last drop of syrup has been enjoyed.
I am pleased to offer BNBFinder members a special deal for your first order. You get a case of twelve 8 oz bottles of pure Vermont maple syrup at a 15% discount off the list price of $150, including shipping. To create your unique label, email me (info@myownmaple.com) a photo or two, your logo, and a short message to include on the label. I’ll send you a sample label for your approval. Product delivery is typically three weeks. Your guests will appreciate the effort you made to help them “savor the stay”!
I am happy to parter with bnbfinder, and share my story. At ages 74 and 77, we’re living the dream! Never stop going after yours!
