Professionally seasoned as a marketing expert and board consultant, Sharon Latour is the founder of Marketing Bee, an international food marketing agency. Sharon started Marketing Bee from her two-bedroom apartment 11 years ago.
Marketing Bee’s reach extends globally, catering to clients not only in Australia but also in France, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mauritius, India, and New Zealand. With a diverse team and directors fluent in French and Italian, Sharon’s entrepreneurial path is tuned for international collaborations.
Her expertise lies in both business operations and FMCG marketing, allowing her to embed strategic initiatives across businesses and spearhead ambitious transformation plans. In this capacity, she extensively engages with diverse foreign brands and decision-makers, assisting them in positioning their products for optimal trade outcomes.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Sharon to get more insight into her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q: What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Sharon: My upbringing in the culturally rich and diverse landscape of Mauritius played a pivotal role in shaping my passion for food and entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up surrounded by a fusion of cultures and flavours, I developed a deep appreciation for diverse cuisines and culinary experiences. This upbringing instilled in me a profound understanding of the significance of food as a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people. Inspired by her roots, Sharon envisioned a platform—a ‘hive,’ if you will—where specialist marketing services tailored specifically for food brands could thrive.
Q: How did you get started?
Sharon: I made a daring move by leaving my corporate job to establish Marketing Bee from my two-bedroom apartment. Transforming my living space in my first office, I initiated the agency with limited resources but abundant passion and vision. Relentless dedication laid the foundation for Marketing Bee’s growth, marking the inception of an agency that would later expand its influence in the digital marketing realm internationally. This bold step away from the conventional paved the way for our agency’s remarkable journey to success.
Q: What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Sharon: In the early days of my start-up journey, I encountered the formidable challenge of limited resources, a hurdle common to many budding entrepreneurs. However, I swiftly recognised the value of being nimble and agile in navigating these constraints. Embracing these limitations as opportunities for creativity and innovation, our team learned to make strategic decisions swiftly and adapt to changing circumstances.
This nimble approach became a cornerstone of our operations, allowing them to pivot quickly, test new ideas, and optimise our strategies efficiently. Over time, this adaptability and agility not only helped overcome initial challenges but also became a driving force behind Marketing Bee’s long-term success. My ability to leverage limited resources by fostering a culture of flexibility and adaptability proved instrumental in propelling the agency toward sustained growth and achievement.
Q: What is the most memorable thing you’ve done since you started your business?
Sharon: I’ve been fortunate enough to hit important milestones in my career but these are not only my achievements but those of my team too. Among these, the experiences of travelling extensively for business across Asia and Europe stand as pivotal moments. Additionally, the honour of receiving accolades as one of the best young entrepreneurs in Australia stands as something I will never forget. As a food marketer, many moments were special when it came to working with large international brands.
Q: What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools or resources and what do you love about them?
Sharon: ASANA, Slack, and Zoom have become essential day-to-day tools. ASANA’s user-friendly task management simplifies project coordination. Slack’s real-time messaging streamlines communication and decision-making, reducing email overload. Meanwhile, Zoom’s seamless video conferencing bridges geographical gaps, enabling effective remote collaboration.
Q: In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Sharon: Driven by a fervent belief in the unifying power of food, I aim to showcase how it serves as a universal language that brings people together. My goal is to illuminate the cultural richness of cuisines worldwide, fostering connections and understanding among diverse communities. By highlighting food’s ability to transcend boundaries and promote unity, I strive to leave a lasting legacy of cultural appreciation and harmony.
Q: In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Sharon: Taste everything, open every door, and welcome change.
To keep up to date with Sharon and her journey, connect with her LinkedIn.
