Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverages but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andia Xouris, Co-Founder of Andia's Ice Cream, located in Cary, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the co-founder and CEO of Andia's Ice Cream, based in Cary, NC. We make small batches of super-premium ice cream and sorbet. Our customers are comprised of everyone from babies to senior citizens! We like to make sure that everyone can have a memorable experience while visiting Andia's, so we offer not only our award-winning ice cream but also vegan/dairy-free options and gluten-free, nut-free, and egg-free choices. We take allergies very seriously here, so please be sure to let your scooper know ahead of time so that they can accommodate your needs.
Tell us about yourself
My husband, George, and I started our business 8 years ago after enjoying ice cream at a local spot in our old NJ home. We loved how ice cream brought people together and wanted to create our own shop that would welcome everyone in to do the same. Andia's has become known for its welcoming environment that keeps guests coming back to share with family and friends. I am honored to run my company and feel blessed to do what I do on a daily basis. It is easy to get motivated every day to work for an incredible team of ice cream makers, managers, scoopers, and my administrative staff, making work a pleasure. Putting smiles on our guests' faces is very heart-warming and rewarding for my husband and me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have been blessed with winning 3 national blue ribbons for our ice cream as well as a Grand Master award. However, the truth is that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been to watch my team grow and thrive. One of the biggest challenges and, therefore, biggest rewards is to make my company a great place to work. Listening to my staff and learning from their words has been the most rewarding and humbling experience for me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things as a business owner is to find time to keep up with all that is demanded of you. As our company grows, so do the responsibilities and needs that I must try to fulfill. I work very hard on myself to keep my promises and meet my deadlines.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I would absolutely encourage anyone who has a dream and an idea to start their own business! My top 3 tips would be:
- Believe in yourself even if nobody around you seems to believe in you.
- Reach out and find a mentor that is willing to help you along. Seeking help from others who have been in your shoes is invaluable.
- Continue to learn and grow and stay humble. Every level of business brings new challenges, and you need to be able to accept those to learn and grow.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://andiasicecream.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andiashomemadeicecream/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andiasicecream/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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