Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bacary Diatta, founder, and owner of Kassumay LLC., located in Warren, RI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is to share my love of natural superfood nutrition. I started this business by introducing the nutrient-dense fruit spread that our family has always enjoyed, showing that good nutrition can be easy and delicious. This recipe has been perfected in my family over generations. It brings the delightful tastes of West Africa in a convenient jar. It's the perfect snack for any time of the day and is a great treat for the whole family. I grew up eating this fruit spread at home in the Casamance (West Africa). It's based on a traditional recipe known throughout our village, using the fruit that grows naturally in our backyards. Now I am bringing the best of the Casamance to you in this jar, offering the same rich taste and simple, organic ingredients prepared in the same way that we grew up enjoying.

My clients are people who love vegan products. These people want to consume superfoods/super fruits. These people love products with strong health benefits and possibly people who like to support small businesses and disadvantaged small business owners.

Tell us about yourself

I 'am a Senegalese immigrant who has newly arrived in the United States in 2018. Born in Thionck-Essyl (Casamance), a village in the southern region of Senegal, I grew up farming rice, wheat, corn, peanuts. Farming is central to Jola's social life in the region and formed the foundation of his training and education. I have worked for more than ten years in the harvest, treatment, and sale of produce, including baobab fruit, Cashew nut, orange, mango, and more in the capital of the Casamance region, Ziguinchor. The Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute (ISRA), or Institute of Agricultural Research of Senegal, reinforced his abilities through workshops and training.

Empowering the groups of women victims of the rebellion conflict is the main motivation, these brave women who do not ask too much but only the change of being able to work and provide for the needs of their children face problems of discrimination and stigmatization, which push them to leave their land to try other often perilous adventures, they are my main motivation. And that's why most of the raw Hibiscus I use I buy from these women and give them 10% of my earnings to motivate them to have more faith and confidence in themselves. And when you are born into a low-income family of 9 children, solidarity, compassion, and mutual aid become essential for everyone's survival. Taking care of my wife is a decisive motivating factor that pushes me to move forward even in difficult times.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have created superfood spreads with the flower of the Hibiscus Sabdariffa. These products have great nutritional value and are very pleasant. In total, I have seven different flavors, all certified Vegan and non-GMO, and today my products are sold on Wholefood's market and in several other grocery stores across the US. Creating simple vegan products that people love and consume is the greatest accomplishment I've ever had.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As an entrepreneur, the most difficult thing is to introduce new products (Hibiscus Sabdariffa Spreads) little known to the general public in the US market, even if they are of superior quality, but the fact that people do not know them is a real challenge because developing strategies and developing messages to promote my products is also a real headache. Access to capital is an obstacle to the expansion of Kassumay. The lack of funds reduces my growth and holds back my business negatively.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be sure that your business will have value in impacting people's lives.
  2. Do training to acquire knowledge specifically for the business you want to do.
  3. Know your business model.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Doing business is the only thing I believe will help me provide help and assistance to my family and help my community in Africa.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kassumayllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KassumayLLC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassumayllc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kassumayllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bacary-diatta-674baa21/

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.