Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eric Freeman, founder of Mindset Meals, located in Grand Rapids, MI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Our vision is to make well-being accessible to underserved communities. We believe access to affordable, healthy food is the foundation. We have developed a B2B product offering to help employers connect their team with convenient, healthy, ready-to-eat lunches. The businesses we partner with will participate in a 1 for 1 model for every meal they purchase. The employer/employee will purchase a meal for communities in need. This is my personal favorite aspect of our business model, serving the communities I came from. Our target customers are businesses with 500+ employees who truly care about their employees and have a social lens.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up with no access to healthy food proximity or education. Raised by a single mother, whatever she made, we ate most times it wasn't the healthiest. That, mixed with a very unfortunate situation that transpired when I was 19, placed me in a very negative/victimized space for the majority of my 20's. Around the age of 26, I had the opportunity to help a friend start a meal delivery service in South FL. This was when I began to pay attention to what I was consuming, from what I watched/listened to, to what I was eating. Healthier food options were the foundation of this journey to a healthier, more productive Mindset. I'm obligated to help others live healthier, more productive lives. #MindsetMeals I was forced into social entrepreneurship.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was told by society, the 'system,' people in my family that I wasn't shit. From report cards, not having a father, to that very unfortunate situation that transpired four days after turning 19. -A couple of my friends got into a fight with a couple of other guys, the person who started the fight, unfortunately, passed away. One of my friends got six months in Boot Camp, my other friend received six months of work release, I went to prison for 2.5 years. 2 of us were white, 1 of us is a person of color. This is dense, but it's my true lived experience. My biggest accomplishment of being a business owner is simply STARTING a business with a massive positive impact to get people into a healthier, more productive Mindset. If I can do it...…

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Juggling genuine positive impact and profit.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Practice 1. Self-awareness, 2. Gratitude, 3. Continue to learn and develop yourself personally and professionally.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Adversity will either crumble you or be the foundation for your success.
Choose wisely.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mindsetmeals.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindsetMeals/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetmeals/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-freeman-594896167/

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.