At the ASBTDC (Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center), we always say that starting a business is not just about having a good idea but about making sure that idea connects with people. With that in mind, on August 28 we organized a focus group for Amore Bites, a healthy dessert venture created by Johanna Diaz.
The session was led by Carolina Mejia, business consultant at the ASBTDC, and brought together a group of participants eager to try Johanna’s desserts and share their honest feedback. For us, it was important that she could listen directly to the voices of her potential customers. That’s why, in addition to the tasting, participants completed anonymous surveys focused on three key aspects: the general perception of healthy desserts, whether participants identified themselves as part of the niche or target segment Amore Bites is trying to reach, and a direct product test rating flavor, texture, and presentation.
The experience was very enriching. Johanna not only discovered which desserts had the greatest acceptance but also gained a clearer understanding of who her brand is speaking to and what details she could improve. For any entrepreneur, this type of insight is pure gold—it helps make decisions with more confidence and less risk.
In the end, this focus group reminded us of something very simple: the businesses that grow are the ones that listen to their customers from the very beginning. Validating an idea with real people doesn’t just improve the product—it also opens the door to building more authentic relationships with the market.
If you’d like to learn more about this project and support Johanna on her entrepreneurial journey, visit Amore Bites on social media. You’re sure to find something delicious that will surprise you.
Author: Carolina Mejia