A Fresh Take on Heart-Healthy Snacks
Maeve Johnson’s love for healthy, delicious snacks led her to create Northwind Nut Boutique, a thriving business that uses wholesome ingredients to produce snacks that are as nourishing as they are tasty.
Located in the heart of Alaska, Northwind Nut Boutique specializes in tree nuts infused with heart-healthy oils like avocado and olive oil, along with house-made seasonings that make every bite irresistible. Maeve’s passion for quality and her attention to health-conscious ingredients has garnered a loyal following across southcentral Alaska.
But Northwind Nut Boutique’s path to success didn’t happen overnight. Maeve knew she needed to approach the business strategically to ensure it would thrive in a competitive market. That’s when she turned to the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance.
Working closely with Kenai Peninsula Center Director Cliff Cochran, Maeve focused on building a strong foundation for her business. Cliff helped her create a realistic budget and fine-tune her business plan, laying the groundwork for Northwind Nut Boutique to grow sustainably.
“Cliff is seriously the best,” Maeve shared. “He has helped and guided me with the most useful tools to help me find success in Northwind Nut Boutique. Very factual and groomed the path with positive yet constructive advice!” With Cliff’s expertise, Maeve navigated the often complex process of starting and running a business. Together, they worked through everything from financial forecasting to market strategies, ensuring Northwind Nut Boutique was built on a solid foundation.
For Cliff Cochran, working with Maeve and Northwind Nut Boutique has been a rewarding experience. “It’s been exciting to work with such a brilliant creator in the food and beverage manufacturing industry,” he said. “I’m very impressed with Maeve’s creativity, taking a traditional snack and adding a modern flare to it. It’s been great to support her in making her vision a reality.”
With a solid plan in place and Maeve’s unwavering dedication to quality, Northwind Nut Boutique quickly gained popularity. The delicious, health-conscious snacks are now sold at 12 locations across southcentral Alaska, from local markets to specialty stores. Maeve’s commitment to producing snacks with integrity—using the best ingredients, free from artificial additives—has resonated with customers looking for healthier alternatives to traditional snacks.
Today, Northwind Nut Boutique is thriving, and Maeve couldn’t be more proud of what her business has accomplished. Her journey from a passionate home cook to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of hard work, creativity, and expert support.
Thanks to her collaboration with the Alaska SBDC and Cliff Cochran, Maeve turned her dream into a reality, providing Alaskans with a delicious and nutritious snack option they can feel good about.
If you are interested in learning more about Northwind Nut Boutique, visit their website at www.northwindnutboutique.com or check them out on Facebook or Instagram.
If you can’t make it to Alaska Mill and Feed, Lucy’s Market, Maggie’s General Store, or Naptowne Brewing to purchase some gourmet nut confections, place an order on Faire today.
