The talented merchants at Harry & David are continually searching for innovative items to add to the brand’s growing product assortment. Over the years, they have discovered not only incredible new specialty products, but the stories of the remarkable entrepreneurs who make them. In honor of Women’s History Month, we wanted to share more about a few of the women-owned businesses that are producing some of the delicious gourmet food items found inside our Harry & David baskets, boxes, and towers. These female leaders were generous in sharing their exceptional stories of courage and perseverance and offered valuable advice for women looking to forge their own path in the food industry.
Joan MacIsaac (left) and Irene Costello (right) – Co-Founders of Effie’s Homemade in Hyde Park, MA
Origin Story
The story of Effie’s Homemade began when Joan MacIsaac and Irene Costello were inspired by Joan’s mother, Effie, who was famous locally for her traditional Nova Scotian oatcakes. “In the early days, we attended a holiday fair in our hometown, serving samples and selling oatcakes to the attendees,” remembers Irene. “Our first fans were a group of older women. After that, whenever one of the women was down to her last bag, she would call to ask when we were going to bake again. That was when we knew we had a hit on our hands.” Joan and Irene became co-founders and entrepreneurs, eventually applying for WBENC certification.
History with Harry & David
“Harry & David is a pioneer brand and had been on our radar for nearly ten years,” remembers Irene. “But we knew it would take time for our brand to build its reputation and fan base. With this in mind, we continued to focus on growth and gaining recognition in the specialty food industry.” Flash forward to 2017 at the Fancy Food Show when the Effie’s booth was hosting a rousing Foodie IQ challenge and someone from Harry & David stopped by to test their epicurean knowledge. “And that’s how our relationship with Harry & David took root,” says Irene. This encounter helped open the lines of communication and kick off the process for submitting products for sampling. Harry & David initially began to offer Effie’s Oatcakes and has since expanded to sell Effie’s Cocoa Biscuits.
Pandemic Pivot and Silver Linings
Maintaining momentum during the pandemic has not been without challenges. “We have become pretty resourceful, turning challenges into learning opportunities,” Irene explains. “Increased demand for our biscuits has forced us to improve our processes and better leverage our internal technologies and support services.” Even during the pandemic, there were silver linings, including leaning into a core strength for the brand. “We see gourmet gifting as a very significant opportunity and area of growth,” says Irene.
Words of Wisdom for Women Entrepreneurs
As seasoned businesswomen, Joan and Irene are big believers in paying it forward. “In the same way we received encouragement and support from mentors in the industry, we enjoy helping newcomers starting their own specialty food businesses,” Irene says. “The food business is highly competitive, but it also is full of wonderfully warm and creative people who are happy to share their insights and give support. Don’t be shy about reaching out to ask for advice. There are a lot of lessons to be learned and best practices that can help you avoid some of the pitfalls.”
Agnes Saghatelian, President of Valley Lahvosh Baking Co. in Fresno, CA
Origin Story
Agnes Saghatelian leads her family’s century-old Valley Lahvosh Baking Co., the third generation to do so, following in the footsteps of her mother, Janet. And one thing she learned from her mom – believe in yourself. When Janet became president in 1982, she wanted to make a heart-shaped cracker. “People discouraged her, saying no one would buy it,” Agnes remembers. Janet followed her instinct, ordered the cutter, and in 1983, the first batch of hearts ran off the production line. They have since become a best-selling, signature item. “I am forever grateful to my mom – and her hearts – as they have contributed to the success of our company and paved the way for the many other shapes we offer today.” In fact, the motto “The Bakery With A Heart” is now incorporated into the company logo.
History with Harry & David
Agnes was first contacted by Harry & David in January of last year when the brand was searching for new holiday and Valentine’s Day products. A buyer at DesignPac®, which helps create the brand’s baskets and towers, referred them. The first products selected to be offered by Harry & David were Lahvosh Hearts and Lahvosh Christmas Trees, and later expanded to include Lahvosh Minis. “It was exciting to experience how successful networking can be – how one business relationship led to another,” remembers Agnes. “It has been a wonderful experience working with the entire team.”
Pandemic Pivot and Silver Linings
While facing pandemic-related supply chain issues, “We had to quickly adapt, both internally and externally,” Agnes explains, citing the increased need for quick decision-making. Because the company produces lahvosh in various shapes and sizes for many different industries, it benefitted from additional opportunities. The pandemic also forged a new way of working that Agnes has embraced. “As a mom working outside of the home, I understand the importance of managing the balance of work and family for myself and my coworkers,” she explains. Agnes took more virtual meetings, traveled less, and spent more time at home with her daughter. Her team also stuck together and rose to the occasion. “We are a stronger company because of it.”
Words of Wisdom for Women Entrepreneurs
With more people looking to support diverse-owned companies, Valley Lahvosh promotes that it is a woman-owned business by registering with various distributor supplier diversity portals. They also tout their WBENC certification on product packaging. Agnes advises other women-owned businesses to do the same – and to leverage industry organizations wherever they can. “Now more than ever, organizations are supporting woman-owned businesses and providing opportunities and programs for guidance.”
Lynn Stray, Jill Basch, and Diana Hagan – sisters and Co-CEOs of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. in Point Reyes, CA.
Origin Story
Lynn Stray, Jill Basch, and Diana Hagan are the third generation to lead the family dairy in Marin County, California, which their grandfather purchased in 1959 and later expanded. When milk prices began to impact business, their father considered selling the farm and retiring. Instead, the family was inspired by a neighboring farm to go into the cheese business. “At that time, my sisters and I had other careers and families but jumped at the chance to start a creamery with our parents because we love cheese and wanted to carry on the legacy of agriculture to the next generation.” They made their first vat of cheese in August of 2000, and their company, Farmstead Cheese Co., is now a WBENC-certified women-owned business co-led by the three sisters.
History with Harry & David
Lynn says a collaboration with Harry & David formed after meeting at the Fancy Food Show over the years. “The stars finally aligned to work together in 2019,” she says, when Harry & David started including Point Reyes Toma in gift baskets. It was a great product to start with, according to Lynn. “Point Reyes Toma is our Italian-inspired table cheese that goes with everything – and it accompanies all the great fruit and chocolate pairings that Harry & David is known for.” Harry & David offerings have since expanded to a wider selection of their other cheeses, including the flagship Point Reyes Original Blue.
Pandemic Pivot and Silver Linings
“As a family business, our employees have always been a top priority, and we have always been flexible,” explains Lynn. “But since COVID, our employees have had new needs. It has brought us closer together and provided a fresh look and passion for what we do and why we do it. We have seen people show up beyond normal expectations, and that is what teamwork is really all about. I think it has strengthened our leadership skills in a time when there are so many different answers, and sometimes no answers at all to new questions. Our management team has done an amazing job embracing change.”
Words of Wisdom for Women Entrepreneurs
“Women are always thinking about new ideas or how to make something better,” says Lynn. “Don’t put off that idea. You can start a company on a shoestring with just passion and the right idea. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with smart people who care about the same things you do.”
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We are proud to showcase these women-led businesses that bring so many quality specialty products to our Harry & David brand – and we thank them for sharing their stories to help us celebrate Women’s History Month. You can learn more about our company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion here.
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