Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carla Blackaller, Founder and CEO of BeCrickets, located in El Grullo, Jalisco, México.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our brand is BeCrickets, and we launched the first cricket-based protein powder in Mexico; we offer it in two flavors: Mexican chocolate and vanilla from Papantla. Our customers are people who are looking to take care of their health but don't have a lot of time, so they need an alternative that allows them to have a healthy lifestyle in a practical way. Our product is also excellent for athletes, and we have been working with top high-performance athletes from different disciplines.
Tell us about yourself
My husband and I wanted to start a business that had a positive impact on the people and on the planet. A few years ago, we read that insects were an excellent protein source and a great alternative to traditional protein sources. In fact, cricket powder has 70% protein. It is a great source of omega 3 and 6, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and magnesium. The awesome part is they require 12 times fewer resources than beef to produce the same amount of protein. So we decided to innovate in the protein powder market with an insect-based protein powder made from crickets and vegetable proteins.
What motivates me to do what I do is to know that through BeCrickets, we promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle and give steps towards a more conscious and healthy world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Last year our brand was awarded the FedEx small business price because of the positive impact that it generates, and this year we were selected to participate in Shark Tank Mexico.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it has been to keep the motivation going to achieve the business goals. There are bad days when I would like to close the business, and I have to look deep within me to recover the motivation and remember why I do what I do, even in difficult times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build a community or search for an entrepreneurship community. For us, it has been very helpful to surround ourselves with other entrepreneurs and learn together and motivate each other.
- Don't fear the numbers and financial part. It is key to making the right decisions.
- Everything is negotiable, don´t fear negotiating with any buyer to have a win-win deal.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Follow your passion, and you'll never regret it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://becrickets.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becrickets/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becrickets/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-blackaller-02936441/
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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