Hi Tina. So let’s start with where you are originally from & how long have you lived in town? Please tell us about your family.
I was born in Detroit, MI and lived there for a few years before moving to Ohio. Since moving to Ohio Iโve lived in Lakewood, Westlake & Bay Village. Our children are Amelia, 4, Fady, 2, and we are preparing for our third child due in February.ย ย
What are some of your favorite things to do with your kids?
I love reading to our kids. Itโs my favorite time of the day when we all wind down with a few books. I also love taking them to Lebanon to see our family there. Amelia has gone with us twice and Fady for the first time last summer.ย
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Probably my taste in music!ย
I have to know – what kind of music do you enjoy?!
House music!!
What are some of your favorite things about NE Ohio?ย
I love Northeast Ohio. There are so many family activities here and programs for children. There is something different to do every weekend.
Please tell us about Terranean Herbs! Why did you start it and how did you know this is what you wanted to do?ย
I am very passionate about my Lebanese background, culture, heritage, and food. Iโve also learned a lot about food and the food business through my role as the former marketing director for Aladdinโs Eatery restaurants and my website YourLebanon.com and instagram community @YourLebanon. These experiences and passion for our cuisine and food led me to launch my Zaโatar company Terranean Herbs and Spices in December 2019.
I wanted to fill a void in the American marketplace for this traditional Middle Eastern spice. My product line does this by creating an authentic product that is attractive to consumers. I wanted to provide a high quality, authentic product, similar to what I grew up enjoying.ย
I launched my online store in December of 2019, and my products are currently being carried for sale at all Ohio Heinenโs Grocery Stores, all of The Olive Scene shops, Chuppaโs Market Place, all NE Ohio Aladdinโs Eatery, Taza Lebanese Grill, Sittooโs and Boaz Cafe restaurants, Daveโs Fresh Pasta, Astoria, Vita Urbana, Cockyโs bagel, with more locations in line for 2021.ย As I grow the company, I hope to expand my zaโatar sourcing to women from my Lebanese village.ย
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?ย ย
The Cleveland community is incredible. Always willing to try new things and spread the word when they do, especially if itโs for a small business. Zaโatar is an herb and blend that most are not familiar with and we have had many people try it for the first time and share it with their family and friends. Early support from local businesses like Chuppaโs Marketplace and The Olive Scene has also helped spread our reach to more people.ย ย ย
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start their own business?
My advice for hopeful entrepreneurs and business owners is to seek out mentorship. Find someone who has accomplished what you are attempting and consult with them. I am especially thankful for the mentors I turned to for guidance while launching my business.ย ย
If you are a woman entrepreneur and qualify, I would recommend applying for certification as a women owned business. The Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a great resource to be a part of and opens doors to networking opportunities and special business opportunities.ย
Whatโs your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment as a new small business owner is getting my products into Heinenโs. My zaโatar twice baked pita chips and spicy zaโatar twice baked pita chips are available at all 19 Ohio Heinenโs locations!ย
What was your biggest failure?ย
My business is fairly new. It has been just shy of one year since I launched the online shop TerraneanHerbs.com. Since launching, the biggest issue Iโve encountered is COVID-19. The pandemic resulted in significant delays and backorders on materials I need to package my products. In hindsight, I could have ordered materials in larger quantities at the start of the pandemic so I wouldnโt run into backorder and fulfillment delays. Iโm learning!ย
How do you juggle being a working mom?
I have to prioritize. Every morning after I get the kids ready, I fit in 10 minutes to write out my to-do list for the day. This includes everything from what needs to be done for the kids, the household, and work. On Sunday I do the same for the entire week, everything from planning for activities for the week, to meal-prep, and scheduling the bigger work tasks I need to accomplish. I only have help part of the week to run out to the office and the facility, so I make the most of that time by planning efficiently. It is of course a huge help to have such a supportive husband, family and friends!ย
Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
I hope that in 10 years from now everyone has zaโatar in their homes, as they do with other kitchen and pantry staples.ย
Anyone special youโd like to thank for helping you through parenthood?ย
My husband, parents and sister of course, but I am thankful for everyone who ever helped with my kids, especially in the first few months after birth. Whether it was watching them for an hour so I could run out to an appointment, bringing food, visiting, offering adviceโฆthe list goes on. I am appreciative of my family and friends who stepped in every chance they could.
For more info on Terranean Herbs, visitย http://terraneanherbs.com
For more info on Your Lebanon, visit https://yourlebanon.com
