Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christopher Loney, Founder and CEO of Honey Guru, located in North York, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Honey Guru is an e-commerce business that specializes in distributing handcrafted Honey Bar-B Jerk Sauce, Pepper Sauce, pure honey, flavoured/herbs-infused honey, and honey-infused products to Canadians and the international market. My love for cooking has allowed me to discover countless ways to use this natural sweetener. From grilling to roasting, honey can be used in any hot or cold recipe. Our customers are people who want to enjoy gourmet sauces made from Jamaican flavours inspired by my Canadian story.
Tell us about yourself
I am a social entrepreneur who is on a mission to inspire positive change and achievement in people and communities across Canada and the world by improving mental wellness and creating memories while building a legacy through education, training, motivating, social engagement, and entertaining people while making the world a sweeter place one jar at a time.
My business idea came about when I visited Jamaica in 2019. I met with my brother; he wanted to start an apiary and make it a family business. We decided to partner and bring our Jamaican Honey to the Canadian Market. I did further research to understand the market and the type of honey that was available, and I also learned that infused honey was one that was not popular, and I could make my own flavours, I also looked at the other ways I could use honey, so I add my Honey Bar-B Jerk Sauce and my KetchFyah Pepper Sauce that is infused with honey and pineapple.
It motivates me to know that I am a divine being having a human experience. It has allowed me to see the world with a new lens, knowing that all I need is within me, and once I go within, I am able to tap into my greatness.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Discovering myself before starting the company, I never knew I had talents or gifts; I never knew I could make food this delicious and manufacture, design, and market products.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Doing it alone, I had to allow myself to understand that this is my business and no one could carry out my vision as it should, no family, no friends, no partner, only me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
What is your why? Why do you want to start a business? Is this the right business idea for you? Will this business idea solve a problem? Understand your purpose, and I say this because if your purpose fuels your business idea, then for sure, you are on the right path.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://honey-guru.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honeyguruinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyguruinc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honey-guru-inc/
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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