Bring On Lemons

Thank you WOW! Women on Writing for bringing us and including us in this fabulous book blog tour for this insightful business memoir! In Gambling on Granola: Unexpected Gifts on the Path of Entrepreneurship , Simon shares a tale that is uplifting and inspiring but also raw and honest. This is a business memoir but also a love story―the love for her daughter, of a journey in uncharted waters, of the products and company she created, and of the continued challenge to follow her dream. We see her growth and healing over fifteen years, as mistakes, weaknesses, and naiveté evolve into resilience, resolve, and inspiration. For Fiona, it started out as all new businesses do―with an idea. But her world quickly became more complex as she established her company, developed new product lines, forged personal relationships in a competitive environment, grew her business, and held onto her deepest values―all while raising her daughter, Natalie, as a single mom. Praise: "Fiona’s story...

It was overcast and cool on the Lakeshore today, but at the intersection of 8th Street and York Street in Manitowoc, Wisconsin it was anything but dreary. It didn't take me long to find a parking spot. I eased my SUV in, locked up, and headed excitedly to the historic building that recently became one of Manitowoc's busiest restaurants. The building is anything but new though, the historic building started as Bank First National in 1927 and was recently renovated and is now an expertly decorated restaurant called 8th & York Restaurant and Lounge. I've been excitedly awaiting an opportunity to check it out for myself. At 11:02am I pulled open the heavy doors and my senses were awakened by the smell of fresh basil, lemon, and jasmine. The shiny marble floors and high ceilings were very impressive and each piece of furniture seemed expertly chosen and arranged. I was greeted warmly and seated immediately with a glass of ice water. The menu had plenty to choose from but I...