BEING made redundant is often the event which sparks people’s creativity and drive to try something new in their lives. This was certainly the case for former American Express executive Cathryn Zielinski.

If you wander down to Droitwich farmers’ market today, you will find Cathryn standing behind her Seedz stall, selling delicious varieties of healthy toasted seeds – a far cry from the corporate world of international credit which used to fill her days.

Why healthy seeds? Cathryn said: “I was making this for our family to encourage everyone to eat healthier snacks instead of crisps. Then, after being made redundant by American Express, someone suggested I should give up the corporate life and try something else. So the idea of Seedz began and I have been working on it since September 2009.

“I am also working full-time but I have been working on this project getting ready to launch.

“Last month was my first farmers’ market at Droitwich.

It’s a new product for a lot of people so I have plenty of samples for everyone to try.

Once they try it, they love it.

“The first market went really well and I’m looking forward to my second. I’m hoping to attend two markets a month soon.

“The seed mixes are great as a healthy snack or they are delicious to sprinkle on food.

They go really well sprinkled on to soups, salads, mashed potato, jacket potatoes, fish and cheese on toast. They add a great crunchiness and just give meals something a little different.”

Cathryn offers a toasted mix of seeds. There’s pumpkin, sunflower and pine nut with various flavours, including original – which is celery salt, rosemary and garlic – spicy and Worcestershire Sauce.

Today’s farmers’ market is in Victoria Square, Droitwich, from 9am until 2pm.

Tomorrow’s market is in Angel Place, Worcester, from 9am until 3pm. Next weekend’s market is in High Street, Bromsgrove, from 9am until 5pm, on Saturday, April 9