Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anita Tee, Founder of Fact vs Fitness, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a nutritional scientist, and I mainly create courses, cookbooks, and other resources for individuals suffering from food sensitivity, known as histamine intolerance. All of these resources are evidence-based and dig into the science available on this under-recognized disorder in order to help people eat more foods with less stress!
Tell us about yourself
I personally suffered from histamine intolerance, and nobody really talks about it or has even heard of it. I went through hell and back, even trying to figure out what it was in the first place. Once I discovered what was wrong, I began using my Master's Degree studies to implement natural interventions that could help to improve my condition - and it not only helped - it actually reversed the issue entirely. I wanted to spread the word to other people who were suffering, so I gave a free presentation on the topic with no other intention than to let everybody know what worked for me.
Within weeks, I began getting emails from hundreds of people saying it was the most helpful presentation they had heard and asked if I could help them more. With my background as a scientist combined with all of the info I had obtained on the topic of histamine intolerance, I knew that I was qualified and knowledgeable, and it was my calling to help others who were suffering. That's what still motivates me every single day - the emails I get from people telling me how I've helped them and how their whole life is better now, and they don't have to suffer. I couldn't ask for more rewarding work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This question is hard because, although I'm a business owner, my biggest wins still feel like they come from my true love for science and gaining accomplishments in that area. I recently had some of my website work on the gut-brain axis published in Wiley textbooks all over the world. I loved that - to help educate university students on the importance of evidence-based natural health felt bigger to me than any business award I could really think of right now.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The challenges have evolved as I've grown as an entrepreneur. Currently, I'd say it's that you're never not at work. Even when you're 'off,' if there's a huge fire, you still have to be present to some extent. In the earlier days, my answer would have been different. It would have been that it's hard to believe in yourself so consistently. You spend days, weeks, months, and, in my case - years - building something, often for little to no pay, and just hoping it works out. I turned down very lucrative job opportunities with established companies in order to focus fully on what I was building. Of course, there's some second-guessing and self-doubt which comes with that.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in what you do - it sounds cheesy, but it's true - people will know if you're just trying to make a quick buck. Authenticity shines through. It doesn't have to be your biggest life passion - but it has to be something that you really believe the customer will be happy with.
- Potential customers are your best resource for creating products. Entrepreneurs can get very tunnel-visioned. Pitching your idea or product to your target market is the most valuable thing you can do. Also, really note that 'target market' part - if you're selling women's booty shorts, your grandpa's advice won't help you. Think about your potential customer, talk to them, and take the feedback as a valuable resource rather than a personal attack.
- Just GET STARTED - my first product was recorded in my room using a dollar store mic, and I manually sent it to each customer. And it worked! As long as you truly provide value, people will want your solution. You can work on perfecting things later - for now, just begin.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.factvsfitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/factvsfitness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factvsfitness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/factvsfitness
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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