Celebrating Mom-Owned Businesses
Meet Catherine McCord, Founder of One Potato, NAPPA 2018 Winner
What inspired you to start One Potato?
We started One Potato in direct response to parental demand. For years I heard from
Weelicious families who all said, “Thank you for the recipes on the website, and the cookbooks, but now just please sent the food!” Families want to eat nutritious meals together, but have less and less time to do it. We started One Potato to empower even the busiest of parents to prepare nutritious food in a half hour or less and have quality family time all in one. It’s been a formula that works.
Tell us a little about you as a child. Did you think about having a business of your own as a kid? Did you always love food and cooking?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From an early age, I did everything from making crafts which I then sold door to door, to babysitting as
many hours as possible to earn as much as I could. At 13, I started modeling and traveling around the world, and was exposed to incredible cuisine. And, that’s where my true passion for food was born.
My grandparents had a lush garden, where they grew and picked much of the food they made. Within the kitchen, they would give me jobs – like stringing peas. I also remember watching in awe as my grandmother cooked. It was something I loved sharing with them and couldn’t wait to do on my own.
What or who is the inspiration behind your delicious recipes?
I’m inspired by a lot of things, but would have to say my two biggest inspirations have come from the Hollywood farmers market and my kids.
What message do you want to give your kids who have watched their mom start and grow this company and Weelicious?
I want my kids to grow up to have a good work ethic and be proud of what they achieve. Instead of making excuses that “mommy has to work,” I will regularly say, “mommy gets to work today.” I want to make sure they know how much I love and appreciate what I get to do every day.
What would you like to tell other moms who are thinking about launching a business?
Launching a business is not easy! In fact, some days it feels like I’m being asked to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I tell everyone that is contemplating starting their own thing that there will be sacrifice (less time with your kids, friends, exercise, and your loved ones,) but if you’re passionate about what you do, it can be the greatest ride.
How does family and work life look for you? Share a typical day with us.
A typical day starts early and ends late. I’m up at 6am to catch up on work, make smoothies and toast or oatmeal, finish snacks, lunches and send the kids out the door. I then work another hour until my baby wakes. We play a bit, I get her ready for her day and then I’m off to work – whether it’s at the office, shooting or taking meetings. We’ve designed our day so that we’re all back together by 4 or 5pm to do homework, cook and have dinner as a family. After we clean up and get the kids ready for bed, I will then go back to work until 11pm or so.
What’s the best way for working parents to make time for family dinners and healthy meals?
The best advice I have is to lock your phone and computer away. These days it’s truly that simple. Make meal time fun by including kids in the cooking process. Invite them to taste different foods and ask questions. It’s also the easiest way to inspire kids to be great eaters.
What’s your mom mantra?
Create the life you can’t wait to wake up to.
What’s your business mantra?
Your greatest gift is your passion for what you’ve created.
Best hashtag to describe you.
#justdoit
What is your favorite day off spot?
I love having an adventure day in LA with my kids.
What’s your favorite meal to make for your family?
Hands down – Stir Fried Chicken in Lettuce Cups with Scallion Pancakes from One Potato.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Strachiatella Gelato.
What’s the best part of owning your own business?
I’m my own boss.
What’s the best worst decision of your life?
Moving to Los Angeles with almost no friends, nowhere to live and only hope on my side.
What are your favorite things to do with your family?
I love spending Sunday’s at the Hollywood Farmers market, walking around downtown & finding fun restaurants to try or driving to Mountain High to sled for the day.
What sets your heart on fire?
Date nights with my husband.
What would you tell your high school self?
Slow down, you’ll be an adult soon enough.
For more information on One Potato and Wheelcious: