Andrea Wasko and Meaghan Gilbert when they received the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2019 Small Business Persons of the Year from Representative Salud Carbajal.
The owners of the Los Osos based Connoisseur Creations, who are known for the creation of the Quick Pickle Kit, are selling their business.
“Last year was a tough year as I lost my mother, Georgianna, who was one of the founders of our company,” Wasko told Estero Bay News. “We utilized her recipes in developing the Quick Pickle Kit as well as our jarred products. We started our plant-based food company in 1996 to celebrate the recipes and memories that have been in my family for over 100 years.”
Developed by Andrea Wasko and Meaghan Gilbert utilizing Andrea’s mother Georgianna’s recipes for dill, bread and butter, and sweet pickles, the kit includes jars, spices, and recipes.
Highlights of the business are listed as turnkey operational on day one, no brick and mortar required, products can be manufactured anywhere, 18 stock keeping units (SKUs) ready to convert to sales, a broad customer base with growth potential, and lean operations and low overhead.
“Our goal has always been to honor the labor that goes into creating delicious, healthy offerings that families and friends can share,” Wasko said. “After spending many years in the medical field, I became passionate about preventative health. I believe that making mindful choices around food can significantly impact our well-being. Our focus has always been on offering great-tasting, sustainable food while honoring the people who grow and prepare it. Healthy eating is, in our view, the best preventative medicine for mindful aging and longevity.”
Over the years, Wasko and Gilbert provided work for developmentally disabled adults, donated their time as guest lecturers at a local middle school to share their experience as leaders and entrepreneurs, financially supported First Responder Children’s Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, partnered with The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County for the month of September to donate 10% of sales toward their conservation work in SLO County, and celebrates diversity and the Gala Pride & Diversity Center that supports and empowers people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions to strengthen and united our Central Coast Community among other community service organizations.
“We would like to keep out business local since we provide local jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Wasko said. “Our profits also support local non-profits.”
Together, the businessowners received the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2019 Small Business Persons of the Year as well as are active with Estero Bay Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and support first responders during emergencies.
For more information, contact Andrea Wasko at 408-981-8263 or email andreacwasko@gmail.com.
