Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Crowther, Co-Founder, and COO of Element Apothec, located in Woodland Hills, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Element Apothec Element Apothec is an award-winning brand at the forefront of the evolution of wellness and beauty. We are focused on positively impacting the quality of life through functional plant-based nutraceutical and neurocosmetics products and wellness education - all while doing good for people and our planet.
Our customers understand that what you put in and on your body truly matters. These conscious consumers are looking to take (better) care of themselves, live better lives, and seek relief from mounting daily stressors. They are looking for an alternative to big pharma in how they treat themselves.
Tell us about yourself
I started my professional life in the film industry, working in the post-production department of feature films such as True Lies and Titanic. I then transitioned into the marketing arena - producing photo and video shoots for brands and delivering branded content, broadcast, and other finished video advertising assets.
Soon after the Farm Bill passed in 2019, I was approached about teaming up to create a new wellness and beauty brand utilizing hemp-derived cannabinoids and plant remedies. I had always been interested in optimizing my health and believed in alternate remedies, and I was excited about the opportunity to create a brand that's focused on helping others live their best lives. That is what motivates me every day: knowing that what we are doing at Element Apothec is helping people live better lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Two years ago, we launched our first set of products. The sense of accomplishment that came from seeing - in real life - the beautifully packaged final products that I had been so intimately involved with in every aspect of bringing to market was huge. HUGE!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a startup, especially in the consumer goods space, you simply don't realize how quickly a company can burn through available funds. As such, managing funds - prioritizing expenses, getting creative to stretch the funds, and finding creative solutions for generating funds, among others - is one of the hardest things that I do as a business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You're going to need a lot more money than you think you're going to need. A lot more.
- Don't expect to see a profit for three years. Don't expect to pay yourself (if you're bootstrapping). Have a survival plan for those three years, or you aren't going to make it.
- Be passionate about what you're doing. There's going to be endless work days, working on weekends, lots of sacrifice, scarcity, blood, sweat, and tears. All of it. You're going to need that passion to get you through the tough times and usher you into the good times.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://elementapothec.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elementapothec/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EApothec
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/element-apothec/
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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