Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cara Nelson, co-founder of Blonde Beard's, a craft buffalo sauce made in Denver, Colorado.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We make craft buffalo sauce that will put a smile on your face. Our one-of-a-kind flavors are made with real butter, aged cayenne peppers and use all-natural ingredients like pure Vermont maple syrup and craft IPA beer.
Our mission is to create happiness with our products, whether you are throwing a wing party or just enjoying a plate of fries dipped in buffalo sauce. If you like sauce, if you like spice, if you like good food...you will love Blonde Beard's.
Tell us about yourself
My husband and I own this company together, and we wanted to start a business with our sacred wing sauce recipes. We had lots of ideas and landed on the idea that people everywhere needed this sauce in their life. We decided to bottle them up and test them out at some local farmer's markets. I'll never forget our very first farmer's market in downtown Arvada. It was like our 2nd customer ever - he bought a bottle and came back an hour later telling us he almost used the whole thing at lunch and wanted three more. I remember that moment vividly and thinking, 'okay, I think we have something here.'
Watching our customers' eyes light up when they try our products motivates me every day. The smiles, the laughter, the conversations it creates are all reasons why we love this brand. Our sauces are made to cook with, and cooking (and eating) is a fun, enjoyable experience! So every time you buy a bottle of Blonde Beard's, we want you to create some happiness in your world by eating it on your wings, giving it to a co-worker, or bringing it to a party and saying, 'hey, you have to check this stuff out!'
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating a brand that people seek out. And never giving up.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to be the one to make the major decisions. It's so sweet, but it also can be so hard.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You need to bleed passion and determination. If you don't, then the hard work will become painful, and you'll give up.
- Give it time. It's a marathon, not a race.
- Don't worry about making mistakes; it's the only way to learn!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://blondebeards.com/
Instagram: @blondebeardsbuffalo
Facebook: @blondebeardsbuffalo
Twitter: @BBeardBuffalo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-beard-s-buffalo-sauce/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.