Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Breanna Atkinson, CEO and co-founder of Kokada, located in Durham. NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We love to call Kokada the original coconut spread. We are the first better-for-you, refined sugar-free, coconut-based dessert spread! We started Kokada because we believe that food should be good for you and good for the community. Our customers are people who believe the same. They're busy people, active people, people who care about what they put in their body, people who like snacks that taste good!
Tell us about yourself
Long story short, I came from a background both as a national team-level athlete and a full-time consultant. I was always busy and always on the road. I needed food that would fuel my body but also food that tasted good. As someone with a self-diagnosed terrible sweet tooth, I just couldn't find a sweet, quick snack that was also good for me. So, I started making Kokada in my kitchen, and it took off from there!
There are two things that really keep me going. The first is making a tiny difference in people's lives. It's the customers who say they haven't been able to have anything sweet for a long time because of a dietary restriction. It's the parents who are beaming because they're able to share a nut butter with their child who is allergic to peanuts. That customer feedback really keeps me going.
The second is just building something, anything that makes a difference. I have always wanted a career where I can really see the impact that I'm having. Kokada allows me to do that, and it's the most rewarding career ever!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Winning NOSH Pitch Slam! Just a few weeks ago, we were selected to compete against ten other incredible early-stage food brands and ended up winning! Since then, we have been working really hard to scale and connect with others who were there.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Surviving the emotional rollercoaster!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just do it! Just launch! You're never going to be 100% ready to launch, but if you're 80% there. You're good. Just go for it, ask for customer feedback, and iterate until you do get to 100%
- Document your accomplishments and tasks for the week so you can look back and see how far you've come. Small, incremental change is hard to see over time, but if you're diligent about documenting, you can look back a few months later and see a huge change!
- No question is a dumb question. Don't be afraid to reach out to others in your industry who are both in the same stage as you and further along than you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.eatkokada.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EatKokada/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatkokada/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanna-atkinson-588136b7/
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.