Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hea Won Chun Harris, founder of eleven TLC, A Wellness Co., located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We create organic, functional teas, lattes, coffee + effervescent beverages that are delicious, crafted in-house from thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and deliver health benefits. Our drinks make you feel better from the inside out and represent an easy and obvious way to both indulge and make healthy choices. (We source organic ingredients, invest in sustainable options, and carefully consider what we're putting in our bodies–so you don't.
In order to maximize the benefits of our beverages, we decided to collaborate with experts in a variety of fields mixologists, functional medicine practitioners, doctors, and recipe developers. With our heads put together, we were able to create drinks that check all the boxes in terms of optimal quality of taste, ingredients, wellness benefits, and aesthetic appeal.
We are creating a product to build a community around. We've seen a shift in values from every generation to GEN Z, a generation that expects personalized experiences and holistically great products. Coffee and alcohol were fuel for the American dream. GEN Z is already reimagining their lives and needs a beverage that falls in line with their new idea of the world.
Tell us about yourself
I have worked as a creative leader, strategist, product development, merchandiser, and marketing for over 20 years, playing a crucial role in launching brands such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, and Aerie Intimates. I developed these projects from the initial conceptual phase to the implantation of final marketing campaigns from the ground up, gaining extensive management experience both in creative and business.
After years of building brands and companies for other organizations, I embarked on a journey of my vision for the future generation (my daughter) of health and wellness being built on a foundational understanding of what you put into your body matters. Everything from sustainable solutions, cutting down on added sugar and offering beverages that prioritize taste and include benefits. With scientific advancements + innovation, from clean labels to healthier animal-free products, alternative sweeteners to ingredients that tackle stress, anxiety, mental focus, + energy. We will continuously evolve to reframe the beverage market is becoming the industry standard and the destination to indulge in delicious drinks with benefits in both cafe settings + expand into the RTD market with the right partnership.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Educating the consumer that healthy can be delicious + fun. That what you put into your body matters; everything from clean labels to sustainable solutions is an eco-system of this earth that we live on. Building this brand on a personal belief that when you build the foundation on a higher purpose of looking out for everyone that the product truly becomes a hero.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
We are leading the pact in functional adaptogenic beverages in a cafe setting. Being the first out of the gate and educating the consumer, our staff, and keeping up with the changes in wellness/health technology is an everyday opportunity to educate and grow.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be clear on your mission.
- Find the white space.
- Stay focused.
- Be flexible and have agility in how you approach things.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Be in love with what you do! Find your purpose and your North Star.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://eleventlc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eleventlc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleventlc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eleven-tlc-a-wellness-co/
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.