#MYMARSOLIVING with Sibylle Jenni, founder of TheTinyFactory

Under the roof of The Tiny Factory, a ‘Tiny Team’ is at work. What unites them all is the joy of creating, high standards of quality, an eye for detail and a feel for aesthetics. All of this shows in every single step. Their work is done with great dedication. While the production team heats the oven, many other helpers in the background take care of the countless steps that follow. Good quality, sustainable production and the use of organically grown ingredients and environmentally friendly materials matter a great deal to Sibylle Jenni (founder of The Tiny Factory).

Find out more about Sibylle Jenni, her success story and the products of The Tiny Factory in our blog post.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I suppose I’m a very active person who likes turning ideas into action – and I probably always set the bar for myself and the result quite high :). Good quality in everything is important to me, and that usually includes the story behind it. I like dancing, spending time with the people close to my heart, and enjoying life. I also try not to take everything so seriously.

What is life like in Zurich?

Free and cheerful. I think I’m good at ignoring the so-called hustle and bustle :). I love having lots of choice, and yet the city is small enough that I can get everywhere by bike – even in winter.

Your favourite place, restaurant, Badi or insider tip?

The places I keep going back to (perhaps simply out of habit): in and around the Museum Rietberg, the spinach Krapfen at the Bäckeranlage, the Frauenbadi, Rosso and up to Rigiblick.

We heard that you spent some time in San Francisco. What did you do there and when did you come back to Switzerland?

Yes, I was often “going to San Francisco”, filled my heart with longing, made friends and learned to love granola. My longest stay was six months, which I financed by babysitting and working as a barista. Then reality – or rather my real foundation – brought me back to Switzerland.

You founded The Tiny Factory in 2015. What was your inspiration and your recipe for success?

In Switzerland I missed attractive product packaging that was both ecological and pleasing to the eye. I felt the urge to create something and bring it to market, and my well-practised granola roasting was a good fit. I think my inspiration for the packaging comes from good old English style, and the quality of the contents from body-conscious California :-)

As we know from our own experience, becoming self-employed takes a lot of courage and involves risks. What were the biggest difficulties for you and your team, and what tips do you have for other founders to overcome them?

I didn’t go all in straight away, so I built up the ‘Tiny’ on the side. That was financially safer, but it called for a good deal of multitasking, flexibility and little time for my private life. Now that I can focus entirely on the ‘Tiny’, I enjoy more calm and professionalism. The team benefits from that too.

I wouldn’t do it differently; I would simply advise being aware that a company of your own that is meant to grow needs a great deal of attention and care.

What makes The Tiny Factory’s granola unique?

The “tiny secret” we add ;). With this product, you can clearly taste the handwork. It is very rich in nuts, only mildly sweetened with plant-based sweeteners, and all raw ingredients are organic and fairly traded.

What does the production process for your granola look like?

Mixing all the ingredients, filling the baking trays, roasting in the oven, letting it cool, filling. One production run takes us about five hours.

What is your personal favourite granola, and which one do your customers like best?

The classic. The same goes for our customers. Demand for the other two varieties depends on the season: in winter many more people want the one with dark chocolate pieces, and from spring onwards it’s the one with sour cherries again.

Which breakfast granola would you recommend to our readers for an energising start to the day?

This combination: quark, apple purée, granola and a few pieces of seasonal fruit. At the moment, for example, with dates.

Where are your products available?

Besides our online shop, in more than 40 selected delicatessens and design shops across Switzerland, such as John Baker, einzigart, Globus and the L’Ultimo Bacio shops.

What are The Tiny Factory’s next steps?

A few more collaborations with other Swiss producers are planned, and a 100% Swiss granola is currently in the making. And in general we want to refine and improve everything we can, every day.

Your version of “counting sheep”?

Well, for a while now I’ve been lucky enough to fall asleep warm under my Marso Living down duvet. But if my mind still wants to stay active, I imagine the most beautiful version of my current dream and off I go..

When does your day begin and how do you start it?

At 6.45 (I wish I could write 6.00). With a cup of green tea and a few stretches before my shower.

What must never be missing from your bedroom?

My alarm clock.

How many pillows do you use?

Three.

Bedside tables say a lot about a person. What is on yours?

My current book, my alarm clock and the lunar calendar

Enjoy your morning with the different granolas from TheTinyFactory. Click here.