20 Comments
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Alexis deBoschnek's avatar

Catherine, this was so beautifully written. You really managed to capture all the complicated feelings that are present when a chapter closes. I'll be cheering you on wherever life takes you next!

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Melissa Bermudez's avatar

this was beautiful - thank you for taking the time to share and being so open. I'm so sad for you both as you handle this transition (handle is an insufficient verb but I can't think of a better one?) AND I can tell, even from this outsider perspective, that your resilience will continue to carry you both extremely far

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Catherine Smart's avatar

Thank you!

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Jaju Pierogi's avatar

<3 love. And understanding.

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Joshua Scherz's avatar

Amazing sauces and effort! Thank you for sharing your 30's to make such a wonderful product. Let's go 40s!!

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Catherine Smart's avatar

Thanks for all the support Josh!

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Sophia Wronsky's avatar

Thank you for sharing this! Saying "not anymore" is even harder than saying "no" in the first place. You built an amazing brand and product — and you're going to build something even better on the other side of this!

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Sally Ekus's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

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Sam's avatar

Just stocked up on all the sauces (still distraught about never having the chili lime dressing again) after reading the news. You guys created something incredible in a VERY hard CPG environment, and I loved the behind the scenes peak into running the business that you shared. Cant wait to see what you have in store next <3

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Julian Sheryl's avatar

A beautiful tribute to a project you both gave your heart and soul to. I can only imagine what young entrepreneurs who don’t have your verve and good sense are up against. I’ve read several memoirs from people who felt gutted after closing a business and now they’re doing the can-can (otherwise they wouldn’t be writing their memoirs!). Bon courage to you both. S.J

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Catherine Smart's avatar

Thank you Sheryl!

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Hillary Dixler Canavan's avatar

You built something amazing, and I hope this next chapter brings even more new adventures your way. We'll be here to cheer you on! ♥️♥️

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Maggie Hoffman's avatar

I can’t imagine how hard this is, but am so excited for your next steps!

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Georgia Freedman's avatar

I’m so sorry to hear this! I hope closing this chapter leads to all kinds of new opportunities and adventures.

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Meghan Splawn's avatar

Even though I knew this was on the horizon, I still thought it was an April Fools joke when I saw the announcement yesterday. Ordered two six packs for the pantry. Thank you for bravely sharing the grief of saying goodbye to a dream.

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Vicky's avatar

Ordered two six packs this morning! Can’t wait to try Umami Magic. We appreciate you both, Jackie and Catherine!

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Catherine Smart's avatar

Thank you Vicky❤️ hope you love it.

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Colleen Gregory's avatar

I love you❤️

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Catherine Smart's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

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Karen Graves's avatar

My heart is aching for you and Jackie—but can I just say, BRAVA! You did it. A whole community of foodies is grateful for you and your generosity and genius. On to the next adventure!! ❤️🙏

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