Here’s what it’s actually like to work with your mom (and start a protein-bar empire)

So you want to start a business. First step is finding the right person to partner with—someone who’s supportive, accepting of your faults when you have a stress freak out, and a fountain of wisdom. Someone like… your mom.

Okay, to be real, we all don’t have mother figures in our lives, or necessarily want to start a family business. But what would it look like if you tried?

For the mother-daughter team that founded GoMacro, a sustainability-focused, plant-based protein bar brand, their relationship is actually the secret ingredient to their booming business. That’s why they’re dishing about how their Lorelai-and-Rory-Gilmore-esque closeness has helped them surmount challenges to become a player in the protein-bar aisle. (Score one for girl power.)

Amelia Kirchoff and her daughter Jola Sonkin had a vision to create a healthy, plant-based bar (made entirely with gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO ingredients) and build a company that embraced sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. “We found that there wasn’t a healthy dessert alternative that fit our nutritional needs and satisfied our sweet tooth,” Sonkin says. And (after a few turns in the road) GoMacro was born.

Keep reading for their real-talk learnings on how they worked together to build a booming protein bar biz—and advice on how to start your own family business.

1. Look for inspiration in your real life

When Kirchoff was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, she decided to “pursue a natural approach” to healing, which involved eating a primarily macrobiotic diet using ingredients grown on the family farm in Wisconsin. Joining her mom, Sonkin also adopted the diet (because everything is better with a support system).

Once they were both on board, Kirchoff began experimenting in the kitchen, creating macrobiotic cookies and bars. One of the first iterations of those bars was made from nuts, nut butters, dried fruits, and a touch of brown-rice syrup for sweetness. Soon after,  they began adding plant-based protein into some of their flavors such as Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.

In the kitchen, the mother-daughter duo is dedicated to sourcing organic, sustainably grown ingredients. “It’s non-negotiable for us,” Sonkin says. “It’s why we sometimes found ourselves stepping away from particular flavors or projects over the years. Our high level of ingredients and certifications is truly the backbone of our business.”

2. Play to your strengths (even if they’re not obvious)

From the start, Kirchoff (formerly in architecture) focused on recipe innovation, while Sonkin (formerly a Latin teacher) led the sales and marketing side of the biz. “One of my favorite memories was doing a sales trip with my mom,” Sonkin says. “I was pregnant with my first child and we drove up the coast of California from San Diego to San Francisco hitting every health food store on the way.” 

The hustle paid off. Out of 100 stores visited on that trip, 60 placed orders. “Having that time with my mom not only brought us closer, but was a continual reminder of why we started GoMacro,” says Sonkin, reflecting on the importance of those initial face-to-face meetings.

Besides growing food for GoMacro’s employee farm share program, Kirchoff also plays a huge role in growing GoMacro with Sonkin. “We talk every day, and when it comes to hard decisions, I always trust the advice that she gives,” Sonkin says. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

3. Build on a foundation of mutual respect

But come on, even Lorelai and Rory had their spats. Add in the stresses of any typical work day and there’s got to be tension, right?

Not so for Kirchoff and Sonkin, who have long considered each other best friends. And though that might not be the case for every mother-daughter team, there’s valuable intel to be gleaned from how they approach their relationship.

Step one: Respect each other. “Every day I am impressed by my mom’s intuition and skills as a business woman,” Sonkin says. “To share that journey, the hardships and the victories, alongside my mother is something I express gratitude for each and every day.”

Shop Organic Protein Bars

Coconut + Almond Butter + Chocolate Chips MacroBars $35, for 12-bar tray

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip MacroBars $35, for 12-bar tray

Blueberry + Cashew Butter MacroBars $35, for 12-bar tray

In partnership with GoMacro

Top photo: Getty Images/ Caiaimage/Sam Edwards