Finalist 2019 New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards
First Book

Gambling on Granola:
Unexpected Gifts on the Path of Entrepreneurship

Picture
Fiona Maria Simon

Paperback:
Perfect bound, 208 pages
5-1/2" x 8-1/2" 
ISBN 978-1-938288-92-0
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About the Book

In Gambling on Granola: Unexpected Gifts on the Path of Entrepreneurship, Fiona Simon shares a tale that is uplifting and inspiring but also raw and honest. This is a business memoir but also a love story―the love of her daughter, of a journey in uncharted waters, of the products and company she created, and of the continued challenge of following her dream.

We see her growth and healing over fifteen years as mistakes, weaknesses, and naiveté evolve into resilience, resolve, and inspiration. For Simon, it started out as all new businesses do―with an idea. But her world quickly became more complex as she established her company, developed new products, forged personal relationships in a competitive environment, grew her business, and held onto her deepest values―all while raising her daughter, Natalie, as a single mom.

Preview

I had involved my daughter Natalie in my professional life both because I had no choice and because she enjoyed it. We both benefited from the experiences, and I will always feel grateful for them. Admittedly, much of my parenting was unconventional and spontaneous, with few boundaries. Most parents don’t rely on their children as confidants and sounding boards the way I depended on my daughter. Sometimes I feel guilty that her childhood lacked the carefree environment many of her friends enjoyed. Then I see how happy and well-rounded she is, and I realize that along with the hardships, there were also many positive experiences. Occasionally, I think how differently our lives could have turned out. But I don’t ponder that for long. I look at Natalie and am flooded with wonderful memories of her growing-up years. They sustain me, and most of them I wouldn’t trade for the world. . . .

I have often thought about the definition of success. My conclusion: It is infinite. We all have different goals and ideas of achievement. For me, success meant bringing joy to people in the form of food and in doing so, touching peoples’ lives in a positive way. It meant keeping my business personable, approachable, and fun. I floundered, wavered, and let myself get derailed, more than once. But somehow, I managed to stay the course I had originally set. And that trajectory—staying true to myself, my values, and my goals—ultimately led me to a place of peace at the end of a long and adventurous journey.

I learned valuable lessons from my business. Trust needs to be earned. Goodwill is only as good as its outcome. Dollar signs can blur one’s vision. Courage and resilience are options we choose. Others do not have the right to dissuade us from pursuing our dreams. We make mistakes because we have something to learn. Adversity makes us stronger. They are all good lessons, and ones I am extremely grateful to have learned.

About the Author

Fiona Maria Simon grew up in the mountains of southern New Mexico. Before starting her company, she taught Spanish and worked in media and communications. She is happiest exploring the great outdoors, creating in the kitchen, speaking other languages, and traveling the world.

Lured by the adventures of entrepreneurship, she launched an organic granola company and led it to success despite having no business background and simultaneously juggling the demands of single parenthood. Her book is a story of challenges and triumphs, lessons learned, and personal reflections along the way. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Watch an interview with Fiona here

Praise for Gambling on Granola

Gambling on Granola: Unexpected Gifts on the Path of Entrepreneurship by Fiona Maria Simon is an exhaustive yet heartfelt story of the author’s struggles to balance business and motherhood, of choices made, of getting product baked, bagged, and on the shelf, and of the steep learning curve Fiona encountered. . . . Simon tells an interesting and honest story that stands as a heartfelt tribute to a mother’s love for her daughter and willingness to go after her dreams.
—Manhattan Book Review