Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food & bev, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rajaa El Oualid, founder and co-CEO of Sooo Ketolicious Inc, based in Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
We are an F&B company focusing on keto, low-carb, high-fat and clean, and non-GMO eating methods. We are setting the standard for premium keto food; a holistic keto diet isn't just about counting carbs; it is about the ingredients that make up the product and the fat quality.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
In Morocco, sweets and sweet mint tea are a way of life. Unfortunately, this way of life also comes with diabetes, which is also a family tradition. After giving birth to my first child, I decided to make healthier eating choices, ditched the sugar and carbs, and adopted the keto lifestyle. What I noticed was that there was an extreme lack of products that catered to the keto lifestyle.
At the same time, catering to my holistic way of eating focuses on natural, GMO-free foods high in mono-saturated fats and cholesterol, which have been demonized and blamed for the sins of sugar. There was an opportunity to offer keto-friendly products that embraced high-fat and a holistic way of eating. With that, Sooo Ketolicious was born in the summer of 2018. Allowing people to eat their favorite comfort food without compromising their health and the daily feedback and love we receive for this keeps me motivated day-in, day-out.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We landed national distribution in Canada earlier this year with one of North America's largest distributors, with an opportunity for US expansions in early 2022.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
Growing and managing cash is by far the biggest challenge for any small business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
- Planning and budgeting for growth is the most critical aspect of starting a business. Typically, you have to pick either growth or profitability in the early days. So, if you plan on growing, you need to be thinking about debt and equity financing shortly.
- If you are starting an e-commerce website, a lot of attention needs to select the right developer. It's not easy finding the right one at the right price. This is a challenge that we took for granted, and many other start-ups take it for granted.
- Customer service and retention are essential. Move mountains to satisfy your customers and ensure you have a plan to scale the level of service offered as you grow.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
While being an entrepreneur can be extremely rewarding, it is essential to understand the sacrifices needed to make it. 80h work weeks are the norm. No vacations. No financial stability. Stress and uncertainty. This lifestyle isn't for everyone, especially if you are a parent, so it's essential to understand the sacrifices that will have to be made before starting a business idea.
Where can people find you online?
Website: https://soooketolicious.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soooketolicious
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soooketolicious/
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.