A Spoonful of Comfort: Marti Wymer on Turning Grief into a Purpose-Driven Business

Jan 8

Turning heartbreak into hope is a journey not everyone can navigate, but Marti Wymer, founder and CEO of Spoonful of Comfort, has done just that. Born from the devastating loss of her mother, Spoonful of Comfort began as a way for Marti to express care when words weren’t enough. Today, it’s a thriving company delivering handcrafted soups, sweets, and thoughtful packages nationwide.

This isn’t your typical startup story. It’s one of resilience, intuition, and finding purpose in the most unexpected places.

A Mother’s Love, A Daughter’s Mission

In 2007, Marti received the life-shattering news that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer. Thousands of miles away and unable to be by her mother’s side, Marti wanted to send something meaningful to show her love and support. But what do you send to someone in such a vulnerable moment? After scanning the internet and finding no meaningful options, Marti had a simple idea: chicken soup, the quintessential comfort food.

Tragically, her mother passed away just six weeks later, but the seed of an idea had been planted. “What better way to honor her than to create a business that could bring comfort to others?” Marti said.

And so, Spoonful of Comfort was born. From a garage-based operation to a full-scale business, Marti poured her grief into creating a brand that stands for care, love, and connection.

When the Sharks Smell Blood

If you’ve ever watched Shark Tank, you know it can be a brutal environment for entrepreneurs. Marti and her husband, Steven, were hesitant when the show reached out to feature Spoonful of Comfort. Ultimately, they took the plunge, hoping the exposure would help their business grow.

The experience was tough. The Sharks didn’t hold back, questioning the business model and margins. Marti describes the moment as devastating but also transformative. “We got chewed up and spit out on national TV,” she admitted.

But the public response? Unbelievable. Customers rallied around her business, placing orders out of empathy for her experience on the show. The exposure became a turning point for Spoonful of Comfort, proving that even rejection can lead to growth.

Core Values in Action

One thing that sets Spoonful of Comfort apart is its culture. With an 80% women and minority workforce, Marti has built a company that walks its talk. At its core are values like “We Work With Love,” which guide everything from customer interactions to team dynamics.

This isn’t just lip service. The team’s dedication is palpable. Employees have driven orders to airports to ensure timely delivery and gone above and beyond to support customers in meaningful ways. Marti believes this is the result of empowering her team and staying rooted in the company’s mission.

What’s Next for Spoonful of Comfort?

As a true entrepreneur, Marti’s mind is always buzzing with ideas. Her latest venture, Spoonful of Sugar, expands the comfort theme into desserts like ice cream. While logistics are tricky (ever tried shipping ice cream across the country?), Marti’s commitment to bringing comfort through food keeps her motivated.

“I have a million ideas and want to do them all tomorrow,” she laughs, acknowledging the challenge of balancing creativity with focus.

Lessons for Women Entrepreneurs

Marti’s journey is packed with lessons for anyone building a business, especially women:

Ask for Help: “Early on, I thought asking for help made me look weak,” she says. “But it’s the opposite. People love to share their knowledge.”
Stay Customer-Centric: Every decision at Spoonful of Comfort is driven by the desire to serve others. This focus has been key to the company’s growth.
Own Your Identity: Despite occasional imposter syndrome, Marti’s proud to lead a women-owned business and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

Closing Thoughts

Marti Wymer is living proof that businesses can be built on love, care, and purpose. Spoonful of Comfort isn’t just about delivering soup—it’s about delivering human connection in a world that desperately needs it.

Whether you’re starting a business, navigating a tough season, or simply looking for inspiration, Marti’s story reminds us that even in our hardest moments, there’s room to create something beautiful.

Let’s all take a page from her book and work with love, lead with care, and stay true to our mission. That’s the recipe for comfort—and success.

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Connect with Marti and Spoonful of Comfort:

Badass Women in BusinessBusiness OwnershipWomen Business OwnersWomen ChangemakersWomen FoundersWomen in HospitalityWomen in FoodFood

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Aggie Chydzinski and Cristy O'Connor

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