Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Fletch Moffett, owner of Freshies Acai, located in North Conway, NH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Freshies is a food truck that specializes in handcrafted acai bowls and smoothies. Acai is a berry that grows in Central & South America that is very rich in antioxidants and is considered a superfood. We blend this together with a few other fruits to get our acai base blend and then top it with gluten-free granola, fresh fruit, and other healthy foods like almond butter, bee pollen, chia seeds, and goji berries. We have an assortment of 18 different toppings you and put on a bowl. Our customers are a variety of people looking for a healthy breakfast/lunch alternative. We are heavily involved in the active outdoors community, and many athletes enjoy our bowls and smoothies.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in the Mount Washington Valley. After high school, I did a fair bit of traveling. I’ve lived in Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, and many places in the USA. I really learned to appreciate new and unique foods from this. While living in Portland, Oregon, I discovered a traditional Brazilian acai bar called Carioca Bowls. I had never had acai before and was amazed at how good I felt after eating it. I started to frequent this restaurant and fell in love with the bowls. After moving back to New Hampshire and starting a painting company, I wasn’t feeling satisfied with my day-to-day work. I wanted to be doing something that I was more passionate about.
I had always thought about starting a food truck and serving something that promoted health. What better off option than acai bowls! I found my truck on auction out in Jackson, WY, flew out, and drove it back. I then spent the next year and a half building it out with a friend while I worked bartending. It took a ton of time and effort to get all my licenses and everything up to code, but I finally opened my business once that was complete. I really take pride in being able to serve a product that’s healthy and delicious. The joy I see in customers' faces when they first dive into a bowl is something that motivates me every day. When I first opened, a lot of people didn’t know what acai was, so educating the community was also fun.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think just getting the business up and running has been my biggest accomplishment. Being a food truck, there are a ton of hoops you have to jump through when it comes to zoning and permits. I was accepted to have the first long-term location spot as a food truck in my hometown, but that took tons of work. Making sure everything is going the right way and flowing smoothly is the key, and it feels so great when that’s happening.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I’d say one of the hardest things is the back end of the business. Even after I shut the truck down for the day, I am not finished. As they say, you are married to your business, and this is something I really learned fast. So much time does go into the business that it is sometimes hard to find some time to take for yourself. That’s one thing I try to always remember is finding just a little time to take for myself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Prepare yourself for a lot more work than you think. Running a business is so much more than having a 9-5. It’s a 24/7 job. It will be hard and frustrating, especially at the startup, but it will all get easier after doing it for a bit, and things will fall into place.
- Set some realistic goals you’d like to achieve with the business. Not everything is going to go as planned. Be ok with pivoting and trying new ideas and ways to achieve those goals. In the end, it’s what works best for your business.
- Definitely try and find time for yourself. Even if it’s just 10/15 minutes a day that you can separate yourself, maybe meditate or go for a walk. That’s something that has helped a lot for me. I feel having a healthy, clear mind will set you up for success!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.freshiesacai.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Freshiesacai
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshiesacai/
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.
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