Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in supplements but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Linda Van Kessler, co-founder and CEO of Passion 4 Life Liquid Vitamins & Minerals, located in Encinitas, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the co-founder and CEO of Passion 4 Life Vitamins and Minerals, the delicious liquid alternative to hard-to-swallow vitamin pills. Our product is designed for all ages, from 1-101. It is a much more effective and easy liquid delivery system to take your vitamins.
Tell us about yourself
My husband is a Holocaust survivor, being raised in a state-run orphanage after the Nazis stole his family. He suffered malnutrition, survived on eating flower bulbs, and endured daily abuse of every kind. At age 10, he could no longer take it and ran away, "living" on the streets of Amsterdam as a child.
When he came to the U.S. as a young man, he was suicidal and suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally. He took handfuls of vitamin pills that never helped him, so he began studying nutrition. He realized liquid absorbed so much better and set out to create Passion 4 Life Liquid Vitamins & Minerals to improve his own health. If it helped him (which it did), he would market it as his legacy that how you begin your life doesn't have to determine the outcome and inspire people.
Our motivation is to improve people's health as well as to help U.S. children in need through our 501 (c)(3) Passion 4 K.I.D.S., where we work hands-on daily. When you do something good for your own health, you also help a U.S. child in need, as a portion of each purchase goes to our charity. The knowledge that so many are depending on us for a better quality of life is what keeps us going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There is great satisfaction in being a business owner. It is wonderful to create something from the ground up and see it through. But our biggest accomplishment is when people tell us how our product has changed their lives and improved their health. In addition, since we are a "Vitamin with a Mission," with a portion of each purchase being donated to our 501 (c)(3) non-profit, Passion 4 K.I.D.S., we are thrilled to also be helping U.S. children in need.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is the responsibility that comes with owning your own business. There is always something that needs to be done, and it is very easy to get burned out by working long hours. It is easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out, which makes you non-productive. It is also easy to think you have to do everything yourself to keep control instead of delegating to others.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't let people discourage you. The dream was given to you, not to them, so they won't always be able to understand your passion.
- Never stop learning. Take webinars, seminars, etc., to improve yourself and your company.
- Find experts in the areas that are not your strength.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://passion4lifevitamins.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passion4lifevitamins/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LuvPassion4Life
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passion-4-life-vitamins/
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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