Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Neil Thomson, Founder, and CEO of Laid Back Snacks, from Vancouver, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
We use whole ingredients in a fun and delicious ways. This makes it easy to ditch the chips and chocolate we often reach for and choose wholesome treats instead. All our delicious snacks can be hand-selected online and delivered to your door at a schedule of your choosing. This means that your pantry is always full of healthy and delicious snacks. We ship to hungry customers throughout North America. Anyone looking for an easy way to enjoy wholesome and delicious food will love our service. Beyond the snacks, for every box shipped, we donate a snack to Breakfast Club to feed hungry kids. Food scarcity still exists in our communities, and when kids are hungry, it's hard to learn.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
I started working on the company because my girlfriend (now wife) pointed out not so subtly that I ate way too much junk food. This motivated me to clean up my diet which, combined with a lifelong drive to start my own business, was just the push I needed to launch Laid Back Snacks. I'm motivated by our mission to provide people with the best tasting healthy snacks on the market. This is the easiest way for people to clean up their diet without feeling like they're missing out on the alternative. I'm also motivated by my wonderful team. They work hard each day to show up and be awesome at what they do. I'm driven to support them on their journeys and help in any way I can.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We recently started working with the national retail chain Sport Chek. They're the most significant customer we've ever worked with by some margin. It felt great to be noticed by them and then deliver on the operational promises we made. In-store, we're one of the best selling food products they carry. Outside of our core business, we'll soon be achieving B Corporation status. We're incredibly proud to be recognized as a socially responsible company doing good business in the world.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
Learning to roll with the highs and lows of the business owner experience. The rollercoaster that comes with building a business can be exhausting and all-consuming. I've made many mistakes and had to work hard to find balance and keep moving forward.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Look to industry and domain experts where appropriate so you don't need to reinvent the wheel. Know what you're good at and what you're not, and then work with people who complement your skill set. Persevere - keep going. Rome wasn't built in a day.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Yes, try our snacks! You'll love them :-)
Where can people find you?
Website: https://laidbacksnacks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laidbacksnacks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laidbacksnacks/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/laidbacksnacks/
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.