Time Flies When You Are Having Fun
- Meg Hull
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Who has felt that before? OGEEZ, it's already July 1, and it totally snuck up on me. This month was one of those months where it felt like nothing happened. But once I started looking back, I realized just how much had actually taken place.
One of my favorite moments this month was partnering with Fleet Feet at Fairhope Brewery's Beer Runners anniversary celebration. We sampled Shredder Cheddar, met an incredible group of runners, and connected with people who immediately started thinking of ways to bring Shredder Cheddar into their own communities—from run clubs to schools to local events. Those conversations remind me why I love building this company.
If you'd like to support Hull-some Foods, check out the Shredder Cheddar merchandise on my website. A chill koozie for your post-adventure drink, a trucker hat to keep the sun off your face, and a Shredder Cheddar towel to wipe away that summer sweat are just a few of the ways you can show your support. www.shreddercheddar.com
In May, I applied for my Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. I actually tried to apply two years ago, but without a website or a product for sale, I was told to come back once I had both. The application was lengthy and time-consuming, but I was thrilled to receive my WBE certification.
During the process, I discovered that I had missed a registration deadline for my business. Thankfully, I caught it before it became a much bigger problem. It was another reminder that entrepreneurship isn't just about building products—it's also about staying on top of the hundreds of little details that keep a business running.
This month I also spent a lot of time on the less glamorous side of Hull-some Foods—the administrative work. To be honest, it had been a while since I'd dedicated that much time to sitting behind a computer. Catching up on accounting and bookkeeping reminded me just how much I appreciate everyone's support, especially those who have donated to my GoFundMe to help with manufacturing costs.
While I was in "business mode," I also applied for grants, pitch contests...and even Shark Tank.
And yes...I finally did it.
People have been asking me for years, "When are you going on Shark Tank?"
My answer has always been, "Not yet."
Well...this month I decided maybe the timing is finally right.
So I submitted my application.
Fingers crossed!
Speaking of manufacturing, it has certainly come with its share of unexpected challenges. Like many small businesses, I've had to navigate some expensive lessons along the way. While those moments can be stressful, they've also reinforced how important it is to find the right partners and keep moving forward. Every challenge has taught me something that will make Hull-some Foods stronger.
I'll admit, bootstrapping a food startup can be stressful at times, but I refuse to let one obstacle keep Shredder Cheddar from reaching its full potential.
The good news is that I found a new co-packer just 60 miles from home, and it honestly feels like hitting the jackpot. I never imagined I'd find the right fit so close by. After posting in the CPG Startup Slack community, I connected with a manufacturer that checked all the boxes. We begin trial production this month, and I'm incredibly excited about what lies ahead. Fingers crossed this is the partnership that helps take Shredder Cheddar to the next level.
On a more personal note, my best friend married her favorite adventure partner this month at Camp Wamp in Tahoe. Camp Wamp is owned by Steve Wampler and his wife Elizabeth. Steve became the first person with cerebral palsy to climb El Capitan. It's a reminder that limits are often meant to be challenged—exactly the kind of spirit Shredder Cheddar is all about.
Even while I was in Tahoe celebrating, I couldn't help but think about Shredder Cheddar. I spoke with a couple of outdoor shop owners about carrying the product, and the response was incredibly positive. I love introducing people to Shredder Cheddar—a savory cheese snack made for athletes and adventurers. Watching people's ears perk up as they hear about it never gets old, and it makes me smile every single time.
Before heading home, we spent some time in San Francisco watching the sea lions bark at the wharf, driving the coastline through Marin County, stopping in a small town for fresh local oysters, and eating as much seafood and as many dumplings as we could. My heart was full after seeing the mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and sharing the beauty of the West Coast with someone experiencing it for the very first time. Moments like that are a great reminder not to take life's adventures for granted.
One thing I've learned this year is that building a business isn't a straight path. It's full of unexpected detours, exciting opportunities, incredible people, and moments that test your determination.
Thankfully, this journey isn't one I'm taking alone. Every purchase, every share, every encouraging message, every introduction, and every person who believes in this crazy dream helps move Shredder Cheddar one step closer to where I know it can go.
Thank you to my partners, my customers, and everyone who continues to cheer me on. Hull-some Foods isn't giving up, and neither am I. We'll keep pushing Shredder Cheddar beyond the limits—one squeeze at a time.
Have a safe and adventurous Independence Day weekend!
Be safe!
Meg
CEO and Founder
Hull-some Foods
HQ Portland, OR
IG: @hullsomefoods
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