Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ben Beason, founder of Munchlist, located in Richmond, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Munchlist streamlines the overall ordering process while creating a bigger brand for home cooks. No more word of mouth; the app will provide direct access for home cooks that local customers can easily locate and place an order. Sellers are currently relying on Facebook, Instagram, and word of mouth to sell food. We will provide customers (foodies) local cooks nearby, browse cuisines of home-cooked meals, incoming orders for sellers, estimated food prep time, and more!
Tell us about yourself
I thought about this idea due to real-world events. The pandemic crippled the restaurant business, especially small business owners. I realized a lot of people resorted to selling food from home. I was shocked that we did not have a platform to cater to these cooks. They were trying to make money but didn't have a dedicated platform to overcome these troubling times. I thought about what can I do to help? I personally love food and was raised eating from great home cooks in New Orleans, LA. I came up with an idea to create a platform for the everyday cooks selling from home. What keeps me motivated is the potential to change the way we eat out and provide more authentic choices.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is bringing life to my app. I personally used my own funds to bootstrap the project investing over $7K into the company. It started as a pure idea, but after months of development and designing, Munchlist was launched in the app store.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is multi-tasking. You will wear many hats especially early-stage startups. You will not have the funds to hire, so learning different roles is extremely important.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Mentally prepare yourself: You will hit roadblocks along the way but having the right mind-frame will help you prevail.
- Write down your business idea: Write down everything you are looking to get out of your business and a general direction you are looking to go in.
- Consistency: Be willing to work solo, building your business. If you are not willing to work on your business, then who will?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://munchlist.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Munchlist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munchlist_corporation/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MunchlistCorp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/munchlist/
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.