Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Isa Bako, Founder of Baopowder, located in Bronx, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Baopowder, we harvest, package, and sell Rafiki's fruit from The Lion King. Also known as both the King and Queen of superfruits. The healthiest, most nutrient-dense whole fruit on the planet - Baobab fruit powder.
As for customers, pretty much everyone; being the strongest natural prebiotic on earth, its very ideal for pregnant women, new mothers, and babies. Its anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for the older and aging community, and it is also great for people with diabetes as it helps lower blood sugar levels. But our primary target audience are millennial women interested in healthy living.
Tell us about yourself
The idea for Baopowder came as a fluke. I discovered an African store close to my house selling baobab fruit. I purchased some and offered them to a neighbor who asked me the nutritional value. I went online to look it up and was amazed by the results I saw. Next, I began wondering why it wasn't in every restaurant, coffee shop, or smoothie store. Baopowder was born from that. As for motivation, I don't know where to find it; I just know that I cannot quit.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
With Baopowder, it was when I got accepted into Stop & Shop. It was a big deal for me, a small and unknown brand, to not only get noticed by a big name like Stop & Shop, but they also wanted Baopowder in their stores. That and surviving the first three years trying to sell a powder no one knows.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it's how small your circle becomes because not too many people understand the journey you're about to undertake. That and the burnout.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I am sure most people will give business-related advice for this part, so I'll go with something else.
- Your mental health is PARAMOUNT. Make time for yourself.
- Don't be so serious all the time. Make time for some fun in your life. But never lose focus.
- It's not the end of the world.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://baopowder.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baopowder/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baopowder/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BaoPowder
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baopowder/
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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