Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alex Pearson, Founder of Kombucha Hound, located in Wyoming, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is selling Kombucha and other fermented products (Kombucha Vinegar, Sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, and fermented hot sauces)! Our customers range from infants all the way to seniors. Everyone can enjoy our fermented products and help their digestion.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business just over 5 years after I was drinking a lot of Kombucha myself to better my gut health. I noticed that drinking it regularly helped me with bloating and my acid reflux. I started sharing my homebrews, and people encouraged me to sell them! There wasn't a local Kombucha brand in our area, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to introduce it to our community.
Five years later, we have our own production kitchen on our property where we distribute our product locally. Working from home every day with our growing family is the greatest thing! We are never too far away, and we make our own operating hours.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is making my business a profitable business where I was able to leave my other job and focus on Kombucha Hound full time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I do everything when it comes to Kombucha Hound. I brew the product, product check/log, can and seam it into cans, label, distribute, answer emails and phone calls, and do our social media, all while trying to keep a sane family life. It can be exhausting, but it's great to see it grow and hear from people how much they love my products!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Always look to see if anyone is doing your idea/business in the town/city/township. If not great, you have the upper hand and be the first of your kind. If there is, become friendly and reach out for advice. There is always room for multiple businesses of the same, as everyone will have their own spin on the product/idea.
- Second how big do you want to have your business, local or Province-wide.
- Third, take the time and do your research on your product, bylaws, or licensing needed to start up and write up a Business Plan! Having a Business Plan is great as this will allow you to apply for Grants/Loans, and this will show them you are serious and have done your research!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Always stay true to your vision and product. If you have a great idea, go with it! Don't get discouraged if you get a negative comment. Try to learn from the mistake and make it better.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kombuchahound.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kombuchahound
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kombuchahound/
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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