Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Natalie Meneses, CEO of Naturacentric, located in Modesto, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Naturacentric is a woman-owned, eco-friendly apothecary that specializes in herbal-infused local raw honeys, bee pollen, loose leaf teas that target specific ailments, elderberry wellness elixirs, herbal-infused apple cider vinegars, target-specific tinctures, holistic bath products, beeswax candles and salves, gift sets, and more all brought to you in sustainable packaging. We take everyday items and create healthier, sustainable alternatives. We work with local beekeepers and farmers to source fresh, natural organic ingredients. We have such a wide assortment of products that there is something for everyone at Naturacentric. Our customers are anyone and everyone that is looking for high-quality products with all-natural ingredients while focusing on leaving the smallest carbon footprint possible.
Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in the Central Valley of California. I started researching herbal medicine to heal some things that I was dealing with and absolutely fell in love with all the properties plant medicine offered. While working in the school system, I witnessed so much single-use plastic and waste that it made me so sick to my stomach. Although I tried numerous ways to make a positive impact at the job I was in, like starting a recycling program and sourcing biodegradable everyday items, I realized there was very little I could do due to the constraints within the system. I wanted to make a bigger impact, and I knew I could do so by opening my own wholesome eco-friendly business. I'm very passionate about herbal medicine and the environment. Helping others find herbal solutions to their issues is what motivates me each day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
For every online sale, a percentage goes towards planting trees. To date, we are responsible for planting over 2,755 trees in areas of California that have been affected by forest fires.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding the right staff for my team has been a challenge. I wear many hats. I'm not just the product creator; I am also the social media manager, event manager, the face, the sales gal, the delivery gal, the shipping department, the bookkeeper, and the admin. I look forward to the day when I have a capable team and staff that can take some of the load off. Good honest workers are truly hard to find. If you fit this profile, feel free to email me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Hard work pays off. When it gets tough, don't give up. Focus on the positives. Would you rather just wonder if you could have done it?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://natceninc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natceninc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturacentric/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/naturacentric
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natceninc/
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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