- Somia Farid Silber took office as CEO of Edible Brands, her family business.
- She is also a mother at a 2 year old child and has paid help to balance both.
- Her young brothers and sisters are still working in family stores.
This test as told is based on a conversation with Somia Farid SilberCEO of Edible brands. It was published for duration and clarity.
I am the oldest of six brothers and sistersBut sometimes I feel like I have a seventh brother: the family business. My father started edible arrangements when I was about 6 years old, and I have been part from the start.
Even at this young age, I always picked up little Lessons on my father’s business. He told me to answer the phone with a smile because the customer could hear this through telephone lines. He has always entered the store’s front door to see what customers have seen. He had passion and goal, and these two attributes shaped who I became personally and professionally.
That I am the CEO of edible brandsI sometimes still call my father to get advice. It is comforting to know that I am not alone.
My parents stressed remain humble as the company grew
At first, the company was very humble. My father reinvested everythingAnd we lived on a modest raised ranch, where I shared a room with my sister.
The company really started to grow when my father Adopted a franchise mode. Between 2000 and 2005, it went from a handful of stores to more than 500. We moved into a larger house, where I had my own room. My parents were still humble, but they spent money on our education. I went from public school to a private high school and later in college, which my parents paid.
However, my parents taught me that I had to work hard. I worked in retail in our stores. Even today, three of my younger brothers and sisters, who are still in high school, work in stores.
I feel a responsibility towards my family and our franchisees
I always knew that I had other options in addition to joining the family business. But when I took trade at university, I thought about how to apply what I learned from edible brands. It was a sign that my head and my heart were already in the family business.
I briefly worked elsewhere before joining edible at the age of 23. This year, at 31, I was appointed CEO. I am a stronger leader because I really understand the value of this company, not only on paper but also thanks to emotional, financial and time investments that my family made to make it a success.
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, but it is the first time that a company has been handed over to the second generation. I feel this responsibility for my family and the hundreds of owners of small businesses who have edible franchises and their families. It’s really special for me to be able to continue.
My parents taught me to avoid interest and to live below my means
I’m lucky now to be incredibly financial security. My husband and I can provide for our family without worrying about expenses. We have some nannies and baby-sitters who watch our daughter during the work week and on Saturday, so that we can play golf together.
However, I remember the financial lessons that my parents instilled in me. They taught me never to live above my means and to avoid interest, so I pay my credit card statement each month and I am very intentional to take a debt with interest as my mortgage.
I subcontract more at home to take care of myself
While I entered the role of CEO, I realized that I had to focus more on my physical and emotional health and my well-being. I have a massage therapist at home about once a month. I regularly do my nails. It may seem superficial, but because these things help me feel good, they make me a better wife, mother and chef.
I also explore the outsourcing of more things at home, such as cleaning and laundry. As CEO, my time is very precious. When I’m at home, I want to spend quality time with my daughter and my husband. My parents have taught me that it is normal to offer you great things and experiences as long as you do so in a financially responsible manner. This means spending money to prioritize quality time with the people I love.
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