FAQs
So...what is the secret ingredient?
Over the years Abbye Williams has fielded many, many questions from clients, prospective clients, vendors, and even journalists.
While she'll never reveal clients' trade secrets, she's happy to answer a few "Dear Abbye" questions here.
Q: How do I know you will not steal my recipe and my ideas?
Q: Can I find companies online that can manufacture my product?
Q: Do you charge by the hour or by the project?
Q: Will you invest in my company with your time so I do not have to pay you?
Q: Abbye Williams, what have you done with Abbbye Freiman?
Q: Do you wear one of those chef's hats when you work?
Q: Who designed your great website?
Q: My family loves my spaghetti sauce, can you help me find a manufacturer to make it for me and sell it?
The short answer is yes, I can. However, I'll have lots of questions for you. For instance, what makes your sauce better and different from existing sauce brands? Are you really ready to go up against "Newman's Own" pasta sauce? TOP
Q: How do I know you will not steal my recipe and my ideas?
While I love developing and launching products, I have no interest in day-to-day, long term management. I discovered this about myself when I ran a lemonade stand the summer after fourth grade. TOP
My business is helping individuals and companies create successful food-related products and ventures. While I am privy to many wonderful ideas, I sign a confidentiality agreement with every client to keep those trade secrets...secret. TOP
Q: Can I find companies online that can manufacture my product?
Yes. Thanks to Google and other search engines, you can find anything online. However, I can save you time and prevent costly mistakes by evaluating vendors from a more objective perspective, and serving as both liaison and advocate with the selected vendors.TOP
Q: Do you charge by the hour or by the project?
It depends on the complexity of the project. If you're a potential client, our first step is discussing your project over coffee. If this complimentary meeting shows that your needs fit my skills, I prepare a written proposal and estimate.TOP
Q: Will you invest your time in my company so I don't have to pay you?
No, sorry! I have this crazy mortgage habit that keeps requiring infusions of cash.
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Q: Do you work alone?
A: It depends on the project. When the assignment requires additional expertise, I frequently call upon members of my "power team" which includes a food technologist, a dietitian, a package designer, and many co-packers. TOP
Q: Abbye Williams, what have you done with Abbye Freiman?
A: Don't worry, they're both me. A few years back, I decided to test the validity of that old saying "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach." It’s true! We got married in 2004. TOP
Q: How much do you weigh?
A: Just the right amount! Many people wonder how I can create irresistible recipes, and work with cafés, bakeries and food manufacturers without sacrificing my waistline. Could it be genes? Nope, it's my jeans--I continue to fit in my petite size 4's by working out at the gym and taking Spike, our chocolate lab, for daily power walks. TOP
Q: Do you wear one of those chef's hats when you work?
A: Yes, but only if I'm having a bad hair day or dressing up as the Pillsbury Doughboy for Halloween.
Here's some culinary trivia: The proper name for the white hat is "toque," and some believe that the 100 pleats in the fabric represent the many ways to cook an egg. TOP
Q. Who designed your great website?
Even consultants need consultants! This site was designed by Paula L. Johnson, who is also known for her outstanding macaroni and cheese recipe.
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