Oakville Small Business Spotlight - SupperWorks

I actually can't remember where I first heard about SupperWorks but it has certainly cemented a spot in my family as it reminds me of special times in my life.  The SupperWorks Stork Special was part of my post baby plan with both kids, the cottage pick up special makes our time at the cottage easier and more enjoyable and I've even served SupperWorks meals to friends who were over for dinner to rave reviews.  I love the story (I can totally relate to losing interest in cooking) of how SupperWorks got started so I'll let Joni Lien, the owner, tell it in her own words.

Click the image to watch a video of how SupperWorks works!

Tell us how you came to start your own business.

We first came across the “meal prep” concept in Oprah magazine!  We did some research and discovered that there were none in Canada.  My life at this time was very full.  I was married, had 2 young daughters in lots of activities, had relocated within Canada a few times, had gone back to school, and was always busy, busy, busy. I had long lost any sense of enjoyment in the kitchen. Quality home-cooking had given way to convenience foods, take-out, and restaurants; expensive and not always particularly tasty or nutritious. What really irked me is that when the kids were little, I’d spent lots of time in the kitchen with them, making cookies and teaching them basic cooking skills, but we’d come to a point where all of that was being lost in the piles of take-out containers.

I couldn't get the business idea out of my head - somebody else does the grocery shopping, tests the recipes, does all of the prep work like washing, chopping, grating, and making sauces, washes the dishes, AND cleans up when I spill. In other words, I can get a good, nutritious meal on the table in a fraction of the time, spend some time around the table with my family, AND make it to soccer practice on time!

What do you love about running a small business?

I love being part of something I’m so passionate about – something that has made a difference in my own life and in the lives of so many of our customers, in so many different ways.  I’ve had people tell me that SupperWorks has saved their marriage, has helped them lose weight, has taken the stress out of entertaining, has made cottage life more enjoyable, etc.

Curious to learn more about SupperWorks?  Here are the top 5 things you should know about this great Oakville small business.

• SupperWorks uses only high-quality, restaurant-grade meats in our recipes. Oakville’s own Woodwards Meat Purveyors has been out meat supplier since we first opened our doors.

• SupperWorks has special “bring your child” sessions on Saturdays.  You can bring a child (aged 5 and up) and prepare your family’s meals together. Our customers tell us that kids who have a hand in meal-making are more willing to venture outside of the “nothing but pasta with butter comfort zone” and try more adventurous foods!

• SupperWorks offers complete meal packages for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  They are easy, easy, easy to cook at home (and they’re really good!) so that you get to spend the day with your family, rather than in the kitchen.

• SupperWorks is all about quality food at reasonable prices. 99% of respondents in our customer survey said that they eat healthier and better with SupperWorks, and 88% said that, since using SupperWorks, their monthly food bill has either stayed the same or gone down!

• The great thing about getting to do the assembly yourself is that you can take into account allergies, likes and dislikes (recipe calls for cilantro and you don't like it?  Don't add it!) and still come out with fantastic meals prepped and ready to go!

Feeling hungry?  Go check out their upcoming menu and book your session!  This Oakville small business is definitely worth a look!

In and around Oakville

Our momstown Oakville community provides a lot of resources to our members and friends. One of the things that we can help with is to provide recommendations for all things mom, baby and kid related!  Looking to get a 3D Ultrasound, buy some cupcakes or find organic products for your baby?  We can help!  It's always better to buy something or use a service when it has been recommended by a friend, right?  We agree and that's why we love to help spread the word about great resources in Oakville.

Here are some of our top picks around Oakville.

Chi Chi Laser Studios - It's hard to find time and money to spend on yourself as a parent but it really is important!  I recommend you visit Chi Chi Laser Studio if you have any hair removal you are thinking of having done.  They procedure is painless and their staff is extremely professional.  Their process has been featured on the hit show 'The Doctors'!

Cupid's Cupcakes - whether you want tasty cupcakes for your party, event or just to enjoy at home, this is the place to go!  Their cupcakes are fresh tasting and made with the best ingredients.  They are also nut free which makes them perfect to take into school, camp or work to celebrate.  My favourite flavour is CommitMint - chocolate cake with mint essence and pale green mint frosting.  A close second would be the Chocolate Chip Cuppie - chocolate chips are stirred into Cupid's classic vanilla buttermilk cake, then topped with vanilla frosting and one more chocolate chip!

CAA Oakville - I know, I know...you many be thinking, CAA, really?  Yes, REALLY!  Not only do they provide peace of mind when you are travelling on the road, but did you know that members will enjoy special savings and benefits when you book your Disney Vacation through CAA?  Did you also know that they have special discounts at tons of other family fun places like African Lion Safari, Santa's Village and Hamilton Children's Museum?  And you can get discounted movie tickets as a member too?  I know!  It's time you check out how to become a member!

Simply Green Baby - With an extensive array of organic toys, furniture and bedding they will absolutely have something for everyone whether it's for your family or as a gift.  You can shop in their store or online.  As we get ready to go back to school, make sure you check out all their green lunch containers.

Tiny Hearts 3D Ultrasound - An experience at Tiny Hearts will stay with you forever.  You will be greeted by staff who are excited to be a part of this special experience by having the privilege of introducing you to your baby. They pride themselves on making you and your visit our priority and every detail was given extra special attention to ensure that your experience at their studios would be above and beyond your expectations.

Fitness on the Go - It's hard to fit fitness into your schedule with young kids at home. Fitness on the Go makes things easier by bringing the workouts to you! You can feel ever better about working with them as they donate part of their profits to various sport organizations across Canada to help our Olympic and Olympic hopeful athletes. When you join Fitness on the Go, you are not only helping yourself to become fit but also helping Canadian athletes realize their Olympic dreams.

SupperWorks - I consider SupperWorks a staple in my house to help feed my family nutritious and healthy meals.  I used SupperWorks after both my kids were born to make sure my husband and I were still eating balanced meals but without any of the stress.  We also use SupperWorks when we go up to the cottage to help us relax and feel like we're on vacation!  Delicious meals without any of the work and cheaper than takeout or restaurant meals for sure.  We've developed some family favourites that we pick often but its also great to try out some new options - their monthly menus have lots to choose from.

What are some of your 'go to' places in Oakville?  Let us know and we'll check them out!