9th April 2026

When Lana Blackmore launched Norty Nom Noms in 2020, her focus was simple: create delicious treats and get them into customers’ hands. Like many small business owners starting out, she kept her setup lean, purchasing a low-cost impulse heat sealer to package her products.

At first, it did the job. But as demand began to grow, so did the cracks in her process.

The impulse sealer lacked a cutter, and worse, it was inconsistent, often overheating and melting the PP bags rather than sealing them cleanly.

The result? Packaging that didn’t reflect the quality of the product inside, and a process that became increasingly frustrating and time-consuming.

As Lana puts it:
“I originally had a cheap impulse sealer from Ebay that didn't have a cutter and constantly melted the bags.”

The Turning Point
By late 2020, Norty Nom Noms was heading into its first busy Christmas season, an exciting milestone, but also a pressure test for operations. Lana knew she couldn’t afford unreliable equipment during her peak period.

That’s when she made the decision to upgrade.

“I remember upgrading prior to Christmas in 2020, my first year of business as I definitely needed something more reliable for the busy season.”

Having already heard of Venus heat sealers through her industry network, Lana chose to invest in a VHIB impulse heat sealer with cutter.

A Small Upgrade, A Big Impact
The difference was immediate.

What had once been a frustrating bottleneck became a smooth, efficient process.

Clean, consistent seals. Neatly trimmed packaging. A professional finish that matched the quality of her products.

But beyond appearance, the real value was in time saved and stress reduced, especially during high-volume periods.

“It's been one of the best investments in my business to date!”

Investing in Growth
For Lana, the upgrade wasn’t just about equipment, it was about backing her business for growth. What initially felt like an added expense quickly proved to be a smart, long-term investment.

With the VHIB, she gained:
• Consistent, high-quality seals
• Faster packing times
• A more professional presentation
• Confidence during peak production periods

Reflecting on the decision, it’s clear the upgrade delivered far more than expected.

“When I was forced to upgrade my heat sealer to a VHIB with cutter, I realised that it was a very small investment for hours and hours of quality sealing.”

The Takeaway
Lana’s story is one many growing food businesses can relate to. Starting small is often necessary, but knowing when to upgrade is critical.

For Norty Nom Noms, moving from a basic, unreliable sealer to a professional solution wasn’t just an operational improvement, it was a turning point that supported the brand’s growth, efficiency, and presentation.