Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cody Sandone, founder, and CEO of Lucy J Brands, LLC., located in Mesquite, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My company, Lucy J's, is a brand that caters to the casual cannabis user that is looking for amazing, fun products to elevate their life's adventures. We are a bit rebellious and believe that everyone should have access to high-quality CBD and Delta 8 products without breaking the bank. We are on a mission to help normalize the use of cannabis and CBD as a viable alternative to alcohol, so we offer a full line of CBD and Delta 8 edibles and smokeable products for our customers. Whether it's relaxing after a long, hard day at work, joining some friends out on the beach for a surf day, or hiking up your favorite mountain, Lucy J's wants to tag along on the adventure!
Tell us about yourself
Since a young age, I've always had a very strong entrepreneurial spirit, and I've certainly had my fair share of failures and course corrections in different industries to get where I am today. Most recently, I was in the corporate world selling enterprise cybersecurity technology which can be an amazing, lucrative career. Still, I always felt like I wanted to do more. I really thrive in an environment where I can be creative and control every aspect of my business and where I focus my attention each day. When I was introduced to the cannabis industry, I knew there was a large enough opportunity in an emerging market where I could really go push the boundaries of my capabilities and grow a brand that I'm very proud to offer for our customers. I'm motivated each day by my drive to succeed and make my own way in this world. The startup journey is not for the faint of heart, but overcoming daily challenges, seeing a vision come to reality, and hearing positive feedback from our customers are what keep me going each and every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishments are yet to happen, but my favorite part of this journey is taking the leap out of corporate America and deciding to go all in betting on myself. It's difficult to leave the comfort of a salary and lucrative commission package, but I've never felt more alive and determined to succeed.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Dealing with uncertainty and maintaining a positive mental attitude are the most difficult aspects of being a business owner. There will always be challenges and failures along the way. Overcoming these challenges and being able to make quick decisions separates the good from the great in the business world.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you're looking to start a business today, I'll offer a few suggestions that match my past in hopes this will help someone thinking about making the leap out of corporate America.
Tip #1 - Gut-check yourself and be honest with your level of commitment to a new project before you make the leap. You're likely trading a 9-5 job for a 24x7 lifestyle (at least in the startup phase), so be prepared for that.
Tip #2 - Spend extra time planning your vision for 3-5 years and make sure that the type of business you are starting matches with your lifestyle goals. Ex: Do you want to build a large team in a warehouse in your city where you show up for work every day, or would you rather build a website/create content that you can do from a laptop on a beach?
Tip #3 - Stop wasting time trying to find your "passion" in a new business. Too many people get caught up in trying to find the perfect business to create. You're likely going to pivot and change directions multiple times anyways. Make the art of building a business and living life on your terms the passion project, not the widget you choose to sell.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I can't stress this enough. Make sure that you are asking the right people for advice if you're trying to decide if starting a business is for you. If the person you're taking advice from hasn't done what you're trying to do, they are not the right person to consult on your new venture. Just because someone is in your family or your friend, that doesn't mean their advice is worth listening to unless they have walked that path. Look me up on LinkedIn and reach out if I can be a sounding board or help you in any way. I'm always willing to give back to the business community.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lucyjcbd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucyjcbd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyjcbd/
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.
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