A Ruby Jewel Treat is a delightful concoction of rich, homemade ice cream sandwiched between two tasty cookies. Lisa’s sandwiches quickly became a hit at the Ecotrust market. This gave Lisa the confidence to consider expanding her business, leaving behind her work as a cook. Her challenge was to build a business that could support her. Her break came when she entered and won the OSU Food Innovation Center’s annual Food Fight, a competition among 90 or so local food entrepreneurs for the year’s best new food product. As the winner of that contest, Lisa earned a one-year stay at the Food Innovation Center, with access to its commercial kitchens as well as marketing advice and support.

From there, Lisa’s business grew. Today, her Ruby Jewel treats are found at shops throughout town, including New Seasons Market, Whole Foods, Hot Lips, Market of Choice and two food co-ops. She distributes her product either through Sunshine Dairy, the local company that produces her ice cream base, or on her own. Her company is poised to begin distribution in Northern California, Idaho and Montana this summer.

Lisa says she has many people to thank for her success. Her former employer, Milo’s Café, gave her access to the restaurant’s kitchen during off-hours, a good friend loaned her a commercial ice cream maker, and her parents provide much support. She credits her relationships formed at the Ecotrust Farmers Market as being especially vital to her success. It is here that she connected with local farmers who provide the ingredients for her ice cream sandwiches. Her connections with the market’s shoppers provide her with instant feedback on new flavors and business ideas. For example, Lisa would like to try making a smaller version of her original sandwiches this summer, knowing that she can try them out at the market and find out if it’s the right move. From her fellow vendors, Lisa also receives ongoing support in her mission to make her company as ecologically sustainable as possible.

In order for her business to be worth her time, it has to be rewarding and satisfying to her, Lisa says. These things come in great measure selling at the market. As her employee told her recently, “It’s not work selling here, it’s just fun.” Now that’s rewarding!