Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Krik Angacian, Co-Founder, and CEO of CandyCan, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
CandyCan is the world's first snackable functional candy company. Low sugar, keto, super delicious gummies that provide real tangible benefits. Our customers are folks who love healthy living but also don't want to sacrifice the sweet things in life... like candy!
Tell us about yourself
In my past life, I was an investment banker, and I specialized in the merger and acquisition of food companies. After several years on that career path, I decided to strike out on my own and start my first food company, Protes protein snacks, about ten years ago. I built that business up, and we exited it about two years ago. During that time, we started seeing the growth of the better-for-you candy space with sugar-free options, but we wanted to take it a step further and provide real tangible benefits to our customers with functionality by marrying sugar-free candy and vitamin gummies.
I love what I do and have for a long time. Building a community of healthy snackers and improving the food chain with value-added products is something that truly drives me every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is constantly troubleshooting. Whether a marketing channel isn't performing or a production run doesn't go our way, it's our ability to consistently look for solutions instead of focusing on the problem.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Not knowing what the day will bring. Every day is different, and every day brings a new unique challenge that needs to be addressed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The number one reason you should launch a brand or company is that it's something you are passionate about instead of just focusing on the money. Create both short and long-term goals for both your business and product offerings, and ensure that you are solving a real-world issue with your products so that you create something there is a gap in the market for. By following these tips, you'll set yourself up for success. Lastly, find yourself mentors and try and surround yourself with folks who have been there before and can help guide you in your journey.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://eatcandycan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatcandycan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krik-d-angacian-aa31771a/
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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