Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aaron Gailmor, Founder of Brass Roots, located in New Orleans, LA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a healthy snacks brand making several product lines with the Sacha Inchi Seed, also known as the Incan Peanut. The Sacha Inchi seed is eaten like a nut. However, it is higher in protein, fiber, and omega-three fats versus nearly every other nut free of peanut/tree nut allergens and is grown sustainably.
Our customers are generally focused on their metabolic health (keto dieters and diabetics, for example), have food allergies (especially to peanuts or nuts), or are parents looking to feed their kids healthier, school-safe snacks.
Tell us about yourself
I have always been interested in entrepreneurship, starting when I was a kid and had a landscaping business. In 2010, my Father was diagnosed with heart disease, which runs in my family along with Diabetes. At that point, I became very interested in nutrition and eventually married that with my love of entrepreneurship by starting a healthy snacks brand.
As a company, not only do we provide healthier options to our customers, but we help kids in New Orleans by working with youth organizations here to provide health, wellness, and entrepreneurship education. This youth empowerment mission is extended to Southeast Asia, where all of our Sacha Inchi purchases go towards funding a K-12 and vocational school. The positive impact our business can make drives me and keeps me excited.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My proudest moments have been seeing my two kids eating and enjoying our snacks and then proudly helping me sample our products at events. Nothing better.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As an owner and founder, you can never stop thinking and executing. Every moment is critical. Small business takes an immense amount of work. Nothing comes easy, regardless of the quality of your product. I do not remember the last time I took a "mental vacation." You have to love it so much that you dream about it and can find energy during the toughest of times to forge your head because difficult times are inevitable. And importantly, you have to avoid letting this take away from your commitment to the most important people in your life: family, kids, and friends.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be prepared to fail in order to succeed.
- Try to kill your idea before you scale - prove it is a business by getting loyal, paying customers who want to shout from the rooftops about your product or service.
- Know your weaknesses and hire excellent people with those weaknesses as strengths.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Small businesses, now more than ever, have the ability to positively impact the world. My overarching goal is to positively impact as many people as possible.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://brassrootsfood.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brassrootsfood
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brassrootsfood/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brassrootsfood
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-gailmor-601a5418/
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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