Greetings! My name is Hend, and I'm launching "OneRootFoods", my own food-product line along with my debuts for Toum, Toum + Harissa, Toum + Herb . Passed down by my father, Toum is a unique Middle-Eastern condiment that enhances the flavor of some of our favorite dishes by giving a rich, creamy, naturally garlic taste. By creating OneRootFoods, Toum will become a beloved spread in households across America and OneRootFoods will expand into various home recipes for dressings, sauces and spreads.
What is Toum?
"Toum" literally means garlic in Arabic. It is also referred to as a popular garlic condiment used in the Middle-East for delicious foods such a shish-kabobs and shawerma sandwiches. It is naturally vegan and gluten free.
Toum was introduced to me by my father, a Jordanian immigrant, who has perfected the challenging technique in making this.Through him I have gained much of my culinary passion and have decided to begin my food line "OneRootFoods" by using his recipe as my flagship product, to honor the father who has sacrificed so much to see me realize my dream.
OneRootFoods will eventually include various self-made and family recipes, and a portion of each future sale will go to food justice charities in the Pacific Northwest.
Along with the original, I have also created 2 variations. For anyone who loves a little spice and heat, Toum+Harissa is a perfect blend of garlic and homemade Harissa (a North African chili paste). Or maybe something more refreshing, Toum+Herb is made with a refreshing blend of fresh basil, tarragon and mint.
As you might guess, starting a business is neither easy or cheap but your contribution will help cover the start-up costs, everything from license fees to production to shipping and gives an alternative to bank loans where the interest rates would become a debilitating obstacle.
OneRootFoods will introduce the amazing product Toum to various household kitchens in the Pacific NorthWest and beyond! People will discover the many delicious ways it can be applied to their favorite foods!
What is in Toum and what can it be used for?
- The classic Toum only consists of 4 ingredients: fresh organic garlic, oil, lemon juice and salt
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Toum is completely vegan, gluten free, all natural and free of major food allergens
- Along with common Middle Eastern dishes, it's a great addition to sandwiches, burgers, dipping sauces, grilled fish, fried chicken, tacos, pasta, BBQ's....
- Almost anything you are willing to try it with! Be deliciously creative!
- Consider it a substitute or enhancer for mayo to start
- Sample recipe: Soy Sauce and Chili Marinated Tofu Tacos; cabbage, lettuce, mint leaves and of course Toum!
What We Need & What You Get
Here is where you contribution goes:
- $15,000 is a modest cost to starting a local business. In the budget I have included as many imminent costs as I could I think of, the last thing I want is to underestimate the feat of this dream and give up half way through due to lack of funding.
- Shipping, cost of damaged/lost items, ingredients, packaging, kitchen rental, license fees, certification fees, insurance, market introduction, equipment, office supplies and donations are included.
- For certain contributions, awesome perks will be given! For example:
- "It's got your name on it, literally!" A lucky few will have their very own jars of Toum with their name front and center along with a thank you on the label.
- "Trip to Portland!" One contributor plus a friend will get a trip to my hometown, with me as their guide!
- The jars will be glass, carefully wash it out and you have a personalized and reusable souvenir!
The Impact
Here is what your contribution means:
- I have been fortunate in life to realize many of my dreams, one of them being able to go to a top culinary school and get myself on the path of one day owning my own business.
- Now is my time, and you are the wonderful people that can help me get there.
- This is not just a project for me, this is my life, my dream, what I have been training many years to do: make delicious food and getting people connected.
- Growing up in Portland, I have seen many unfortunate and hungry people on the streets and I have been a lifelong volunteer.
- That is why I am committed to help by donating a portion of future sales to alleviate that hunger and build a sustainable food system in our communities.
Risk Takers
- I do not give up. There very well may be unforeseen challenges ahead but I am blessed with an amazing supportive family who will constantly and happily berate me to find my way if I am to hit a roadblock.
- I come from a family of self made, successful business people and entrepreneurs who hold a wealth of experience and advice and is where I develop much of my business knowledge and drive.
- In a business that is still dominated by men and non-minorities, their are innate challenges for a female-minority businesswoman. However I have found plenty of small business resources that are available to such individuals and I intend to use them.
Other Ways You Can Help
Whether you are able to donate $$$ or not even $1:
- Please pass my campaign around! If this is something you want to see happen.
- There are easy ways to share through Indiegogo.
- Look into food justice projects in your community, see how it impacts it and see what you can do to help!
