From Local Candy Maker to Global Sweet Success. Part 1.

Episode 42. Start Global Insights – podcast for exporters.

A story of inspiration and resilience, demonstrating how a small Ukrainian family business can expand globally with the right idea and perseverance.

This episode features Olena Tokar, CEO of Lol & Pop, a Ukrainian candy company that successfully expanded globally.

Olena shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting the company inspired by Martha Stewart to overcoming the challenges of franchising and exporting sweets.

Learn how she navigated quality control issues, invested in learning about exporting, and ultimately broke into the US market during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discover the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and believing in your idea, even when faced with obstacles.

You may find the second part of the interview here.

Listen to the full episode at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube Music.

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From Local to Global: Candy Export Success. A story of a brave Ukrainian sweets producer.

byDmytro Shvets, Global markets expert

This episode features Olena Tokar, CEO of Lol & Pop, a Ukrainian candy company that successfully expanded globally.

Olena shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting the company inspired by Martha Stewart to overcoming the challenges of franchising and exporting.

Learn how she navigated quality control issues, invested in learning about exporting, and ultimately broke into the US market during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discover the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and believing in your idea, even when faced with obstacles.

Episode Highlights:

• From YouTube Inspiration to Global Expansion: Discover how Olena’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to build a successful international candy business.
• Overcoming Franchise Challenges: Learn how Olena navigated quality control and other obstacles to find global success.
• Breaking into the US Market During a Pandemic: Uncover the unexpected opportunities and strategies that propelled Lol & Pop into the competitive US market.
• The Key Ingredients for Global Expansion: Find out the essential elements of adaptability, perseverance, and self-belief that are crucial for any entrepreneur aiming for international growth.

Sell Lol and Pop in your country: https://rebrand.ly/LolAndPop

Olena emphasizes that entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, and stresses the importance of perseverance, confidence, and continuous learning. With her unique perspective on the candy industry and international trade, she provides valuable tips for businesses looking to expand globally. Join us for an insightful discussion that highlights the resilience of Ukrainian entrepreneurs and their potential in the global market.

Don’t miss the next episode, where Olena will share more about her journey to Japan and additional tips for successful global expansion.

Speakers LinkedIn Profiles:

Dmytro Shvets https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/

Olena Tokar https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonatokar/

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The Spark of Inspiration

Olena’s journey began unexpectedly in 2013. While working in the media industry, she stumbled upon a YouTube video of Martha Stewart creating custom candies. Recognizing a unique opportunity, Olena decided to bring this concept to Ukraine. With the support of her husband and mother, Lol&Pop was born.

Early Success and Challenges

The company quickly found success with its B2B model, focusing on natural candies with customized logos for corporate clients. Olena’s vision for the company was international from the start, given the globally recognized name “Lol&Pop.” In 2014, the company expanded with a franchising model, establishing subsidiaries in Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, and Israel. However, maintaining quality control with franchisees proved challenging, leading to the closure of franchising operations in 2017.

The Pivot to Exporting sweets

Despite the setback, Olena remained determined. She invested time in learning about exporting sweets, participating in trade missions, and seeking guidance from experts. The journey was not without its challenges; the company faced rejections due to its smaller production volumes compared to larger competitors.

Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways

Olena’s entrepreneurial journey offers valuable insights for aspiring business owners:

• Believe in your idea: Olena’s passion and vision for Lol&Pop were crucial to its success.
• Be adaptable: The company’s pivot from franchising to exporting sweets demonstrates the importance of adapting to challenges.
• Focus on quality: Lol&Pop’s commitment to natural ingredients and quality control set it apart in the competitive candy market.
• Perseverance is key: Olena’s story highlights the importance of persistence in the face of setbacks.

Hear the Full Story

Olena’s interview on The Start Global Insights provides a deeper look into her remarkable journey and offers valuable tips for international expansion. Listen to the full episode to learn more about Lol&Pop’s success story and Olena’s insights on building a global brand.

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