Hunt, Gather & make FRIENDS
Who knew Olive Oil is a friend with benefits?
However read to the end, I have more than 1 friend.
Am I still thankful 4 weeks later?
I am alluding to the blog post prior to this.
The answer is, Yes.
And not necessarily thankful because business is booming. It's slower than those first two weeks, but perhaps it's blooming.
And then will grow.
Like a friendship :)
I did a blog post on one of my Olive Oil BFF. The oil is a very special Turkish olive oils, Oleavia.
A couple years ago Umut Kaplan and his Dad, drove to Rochester when I first started the online shop. Umut had heard about the ZZest Market connection and just knew I would be THE ONE to sell his olive oil in Rochester.
I wanted to be.
As it turned out, I did little to help him spread the love of his olive oil. I just wasn't in a setting that would showcase his amazing products.
But now I am.
And if you want to taste it, just stop down and ask.
So, I'm out to do my part. The best part of my job. Sharing the wonderful Kaplan family’s story and their olive oils.
So here's the earlier blog post! And it's really worth a read. And you will learn all the benefits Oleavia has.
But come back when you are done.
I'll hold your spot.
The Kaplan's import their products and have a storefront. Coccinella it is located at 4946 France Ave S, in Edina,
4946 France Ave S, in Edina
It's not just about olive oil, either.
First, let me show you the sweet logo; it is a ladybug,
"Our name comes from the seven-spotted ladybug known as Coccinella in Latin. This fantastic tiny creature helps reduce pesticide use by eating harmful plant-eating insects, contributing to a healthy environment worldwide. The Coccinella merits both respect and praise for its biological contribution to nature. A symbol of good fortune and prosperity, not only did the Coccinella inspire our logo, but it also mirrors our family's sense of responsibility to nature and the world."
The seven spotted ladybug.
Then there are the beautiful textiles they carry.
From the website, "Mediterranean lifestyle is rooted in traditions dating back thousands of years! Coccinella brings you the best of these traditions in products that meet today's needs!
As a family-owned business, Coccinella has a deep respect for small businesses. We work with small family weavers to create our Aegean Breeze textiles."
Towels, blankets and bathrobes!
I've been eyeing their Turkish towels for the beach, bath, and kitchen. They are so beautiful.
And bathrobes. I am seriously getting a bathrobe for JZ and myself. Don't tell him. We are remodeling our bathroom next December [I know that's a story right there!], and I will get each of us a plushy, cozy robe to hang near the shower and NOT just for looks. I am over the decorative hanging towels of the past master bathrooms. Master bathrooms are called what now? Ensuite. Ensuite, box seat, whatever, only usable items will hang in my new master bath.
Anyway,
Honestly, I am super stoked about these Turkish textiles for all sorts of gift-giving.. Check them ALL out. I am going to talk to Umut about Food Union bringing in some of the kitchen textiles. Gifts of good taste.
They also carry these sweet little baby blankets.
Turkish baby blankets.
So a few weeks ago Umut called to see if I would be interested in olive oil in the new space. I happily placed my order, and we chatted a bit more. I mentioned my daughter was having a baby soon.
When my order arrived this came with.
A blooming friendship
A baby blanket!
It is so soft and being 100% Turkish cotton and will get softer after each wash.
Isn't that the best?
I love my job.
PS- Not only is Oleavia full of healthy premiums but it also has a special cap that keeps the air out. The oil stays fresh and maintains its healthy benefits longer. A friend with fringe benefits!
PSS- Here’s another friendship that I’m thankful for. About a week ago, it was cold, remember?
Well, then it got cold again, but there was an 80-degree day in there when I started this post!
One of my good customers, Carole, came down and bought a bunch of olive oil. I didn’t have the Oleavia yet. But she buys Partanna [like me] to use for everyday stuff.
Anyway, she was stocking up, and I told her I would help her with her bags. It was around 5:00. We walked out to her car, got everything in, and I waved goodbye and rushed back to the door because it was cold.
The front door was locked, and I stopped in my tracks, thinking oh no, now what. The whole building is dark, and not only do I not have my coat but no keys and no phone. Carole was watching and called me back to her car and turned on her seat warmers!
She handed me her phone, and I had one lifeline. One phone number I knew off the top of my head. It was JZ, and no answer. I nervously chuckled and wondered out loud now what? Carole said she had nowhere to be, so I asked if she could drive me to my daughters, and she should have a key, if not, I could wait it out there.
On the drive over, I wondered out loud, what if Lindsay wasn’t home? Carole was all in; she would take me home if needed.
As it turned out, Lindsay was home and had a key, and all ended up well, thanks to Carole saving my butt!
And before we all think about how absent-minded I am, that was not the case. I share an entrance with the office on the second floor. My friend up there knows I stay open until 6pm. But he left early that day…
It was an odd feeling had Carole driven off… I’m not sure what my next move would be.
Make friends, I guess!
At least with the other guy on the second floor.