VBE Spotlight: Maraq Gourmet Soup Shop

MGSS offers 18 different varieties of vegetable broth based soups. They are a combination of wholesome vegetables, seasonings, fresh herbs and broth made to bring comfort and fill the greatest of appetites.

What makes Maraq Gourmet Soups different is not only the flavor, but the amount of fresh vegetables that are put in them. Unlike traditional soups or canned soups there are no preservatives, GMOs or additives. These soups are FULL of vegetables and fresh herbs perfectly blended together for a smooth unique taste.

Our primary customers are vegetarians, vegans, women with children, Veteran men and those ranging from ages 45–65.

My inspiration and the reason I started this business, came from a crisis in the life of my wife that impacted our marriage. In 2012 she was a 22 year flight attendant at the time. While operating a flight on her way home, the aircraft ran into severe turbulence. After being tossed around in the aircraft, the result was a severe coccyx bone fracture. This kept her bedridden for over two years. Her lack of movement created weight gain and resulted in many other symptoms. After making a personal appointment with her PCP, I found out that the “root” of her condition was a result of extremely low iron. But with every crisis comes an opportunity. As a result, our first soup (Siobhan’s Spinach Soup), was created to assist my wife back to health. To see her do so much better, is my “daily” inspiration.

As with other businesses I am sure, the biggest challenge was financial. Because of my wife’s encouragement and 40 years as a home cook, I pursued every challenge as an inspiration and a journey to success. Now I am faced with getting my product known and growing a consistent customer base.

The key to my success is integral consistency. Mistakes are going to be made. Being honest with myself and learning from every mistake, keeps me and those working with me in pursuit of an integral product. As an Air Force Veteran, that training has given me a daily goal of excellence.

I would share with others, to keep God’s principles (Biblical Torah) first. Don’t compromise yourself and you will never compromise your product!

Avoid people that don’t believe in you. It is okay to receive criticism from customers but make sure they are customers who actually are buying your product or service. They will usually come back if you make the adjustment that is beneficial to your business.

If I have an idea, I write it down. I know that even though I am unable to do it at the current moment, the idea itself is for my future. I have enough confidence to believe in myself. I want my business to be profitable so I can help others and teach the next generation of business owners.