Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melinda Williamson, Founder of Morning Light Kombucha, located in Hoyt, KS, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a proudly indigenous and women-owned kombucha company in Hoyt, KS. Our customers are men and women who are interested in taking charge of their health.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Melinda, and I am a Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation member. I began my business 6 years ago with the intention of bringing this healing drink into my community to help others in the way that it had helped me. I discovered kombucha shortly after an autoimmune disease diagnosis. It was one of the food items that were instrumental in my healing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This is such a hard question. There are so many accomplishments that I am so proud of. But if I had to choose one, this would be it. When I started my business, I was brewing out of the 120 sq. ft. commercial kitchen I had built in my basement. About a year after I started, the local grocery store went up for sale. It was my dream space, but I couldn't afford it at the time. Last year it went up for sale again, and I purchased it! The space is nearly 5000 sq. ft., and it's allowing me to expand operations while creating more jobs in our community!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding time for myself. When running a business, there are no days off, and you have to work hard to ensure you're taking care of yourself. It's something you have to work at.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Resources are all around you, don't be afraid to ask for help at anytime or stage of your business. Do your homework when starting your business; what are you bringing to the area that isn't already there? How are you going to stand out? There is funding out there, especially for women and minority-owned businesses. Don't be afraid to apply to as many as you can!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.morninglightkombucha.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morninglightkombucha
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morninglightkombucha/
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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