Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hinatea Lai, Founder of Guiltfree Bliss, located in Montréal, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business offers healthy and high in protein bakes made without any refined flour, refined sugar, and butter. All bakes are not only rich in nutrients but also in flavors. If you want to treat yourself healthily, in a delicious way, and maximize your protein intake, Guiltfree Bliss' bakes are 100% made for you.
Tell us about yourself
It all started when I decided to lose weight. I started training and following a diet, but I was always craving sweet bakes. So I looked for healthy and high in protein snacks in health stores. But let's say it, all "healthy snacks" that I found were marketed as "healthy" but full of artificial and non-nutritive ingredients. So I decided to create mine, and here I am!
The client's feedback is my number one motivation. When they tell me they can't start the day without having one of my muffins, or that they are full for hours with only one bake, or how delicious, mental, incredible it was... It pushes me to do more and to create more healthy and protein alternatives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
All that I have created since the beginning - from the products recipes, the website, the ordering process, to the client trust - is my biggest accomplishment. It all started as an idea, and I am so proud that I concretized it. It changed me as a person; it helped me grow, it helped me overcome my fears, and it strengthened me mentally.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You never really stop working even when you think your day is done; there is always something else. But sometimes, you have to let go and take time for yourself, or you will never sleep and end up having a burnout. So, to overcome that, I'm trying to tell myself: "Little step by little step. A little a day is more than nothing a day".
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a plan. Then don't think too much and take action!
- Be consistent. As I said above, even if it's a little a day!
- Invest in formations and/or coaches, and never be afraid to ask for help.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you for taking the time to read my story! The reason I choose to create my bakes without any refined flour, sugar, and butter is that these ingredients are so harmful to our health. The side effects are endless overweight, diabetes, hypertension, chronic cardiovascular, coronary and renal disease, metabolic disturbance, inflammation, digestion problems, dental caries, cholesterol, and even more...
In all sincerity, I hope that one day, healthy bakes/snacks will become a norm, be findable everywhere, and be available to everyone.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://guiltfreebliss.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guiltfreebliss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guiltfreebliss/
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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