Marketing
In 2020, while living on the breathtaking Big Island of Hawai'i, I had the privilege of crossing paths with Monique Vanderstroom, the remarkable owner of the only cow dairy in Hawaii that produces cheese and butter using her cows' milk. During the height of the Covid pandemic, Monique found herself facing numerous challenges in entering the market due to the scarcity of farmers' markets and supply chain disruptions on the islands. Recognizing the need for a fresh approach, she sought assistance in creating a new product line. Equipped with my expertise in social media management, I embarked on a journey to elevate Monique's presence online. Over the course of one year, I curated captivating content that not only attracted new viewers but also solidified her connections with prominent local food hubs and businesses across five of the seven islands. Together, we collaborated closely with government-subsidized food distributors, which proved to be a pivotal move. Our most significant achievement came in the form of 'Da Udder Box,' a play on words for 'The Utter Box.' Each box was carefully curated, featuring one hard cheese, one soft cheese, and a yogurt. With the launch of these boxes, we swiftly initiated shipping to various Farmer's Markets, CSA-style markets, and even Grocery stores. The response surpassed our expectations, showcasing the public's enthusiasm for consuming hyper-local dairy products. Moreover, 'Da Udder Box' fostered a deeper connection between the dairy and the community as well as government organizations across all the islands. This remarkable success not only fulfilled the dairy's mission but also contributed positively to the vision of achieving food sovereignty in the beautiful state of Hawaii.