The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Foodies enjoy Lebanese cooking from the heart
SIMPLY FLO: Auchterarder firm run by Florence Gebara specialises in Lebanese cuisine
Q. How and why did you start in business?
I started the business after I was introduced to a delicatessen owner in Auchterarder in late 2015.
The owner wanted authentic, locally produced with local ingredients, homemade and healthy food to sell in their deli. At the same time, I wanted to continue my passion for cooking authentic Lebanese food for my family, and friends, but was finding it hard to find all the ingredients in Scotland.
Lebanese food is tasty, healthy and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Lebanese people are known to be extremely hospitable and loving people, and this is often demonstrated with food.
Q. How did you get to where you are today?
In mid-2018, the deli owner informed me that she was closing the business. My husband suggested we try selling food at farmers’ markets.
Our first market was in Perth. Introducing Lebanese vegetarian and vegan food to the market was well received, although with some scepticism as we were a new stall.
The business only started growing in 2019. We started to receive requests to participate in other markets, we put a social media strategy in place, and word of mouth recommendations all helped the business to slowly gain momentum and grow organically.
The business is now a regular at farmers’ markets across the central belt.
Q. Who has helped you along the way? My husband, my family, friends and neighbours. Community-based rural enterprise support organisation Growbiz offered advice, support and feedback.
Q. What was your biggest mistake? Rather than mistakes, there has been a lot of trial and error. Finding the right local supplier who can ensure consistent and continuously high-quality products was, and is still at times, very challenging.
Finding recyclable and environmentally friendly containers that do not leak is still challenging and I continue to search for them.
Q. What is your greatest achievement to date?
Having customers comparing the taste, standard and quality of my food to the best places to eat and best Lebanese restaurants.
Q. What do you hope to achieve in the future?
Expanding the business organically, with outside catering and events, and combining it with my other passion, which is balloon decorations for events such as graduations, birthday parties, christenings and weddings.
Q. What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
Finding a local supplier that can give consistently high quality and good prices. The nature of the farmers’ markets – being outdoors – so the weather can play a part in running the business. Cash flow is another challenge.
Q. Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
Farmers’ markets are great for building relationships with other traders, and this helps minimise the number of mistakes you make. It also helps to build and increase the number of regular customers.