Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Moji Okuyemi, Founder of Pearl Honey Spreads, located in Fort Worth, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Pearl Honey Spread is a company that offers alternatives to "sugar spreads." All our products are made with clean ingredients such as real fruits, real spices, raw creamed honey, lemon juice for the tangy zing, and fruit pectin de-void of coloring while not compromising on quality and taste.
Our customers are mostly moms that are looking for healthy choices for their kids and family, sweet treats with a limited allergen, transparent ingredients including soy and dairy free. So if you are looking for a product that the whole family can enjoy, with or without a specialized diet, then Pearl Honey Spreads got YOU!
Tell us about yourself
Have you ever been curious why there are different names for sugar (sucrose, fructose, corn syrup, etc.) amongst the lists of ingredients on a jar of jam or jelly? In addition to this list of ingredients that you cannot even pronounce, the fruit, which is meant to be the main nourishment, has the least number of grams; why is that? These were some of the questions I could not get answers to when my daughter Pearl asked me for PB&J. As a mother who is very particular about what I feed her, I could not bring myself to give that to my child. So, Pearl Honey Spreads came into existence out of a need to eliminate processed sugar from my daughter's diet.
As a single mom, my daughter PEARL motivates me every day. The brand started because of her, but now it is more than a mother and child. We both have created something that other families can enjoy and relate with. It also helps to show Pearl that she can do and be anything that she wants in life if she sets her mind to it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is starting this company. I am a seasoned IT Professional with 15+ years and no knowledge of what it takes to start, run, and grow a food CPG brand. I would say we are not doing bad for where the brand is right now.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a business, we have many challenges, but one of the main ones is partnering with a co-packer that would be willing to work with our recipes as they are without additional unhealthy ingredients. We pride ourselves on using clean ingredients for all our products and intend to continue doing so.
As the business grows, you will need to scale to a co-packer or manufacturer. It is important to partner with one who sees you as a partner and believes in your WHY so that things can go well.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know the "why" you started and stick to it.
- Be willing to listen and be teachable. Note: but make sure you are selective.
- Ask for help when needed, and also don't be afraid to delegate tasks because you can't do it all by yourself.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Some days would be tough, and you ask yourself, why am I still doing this? Trust me; those days would come. My advice:
- Take a step back.
- Breathe.
- Do things that make you happy.
- Try again.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://pearlhoneyspreads.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pearlhoneyspreads
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3BiXgY2
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OC5kpJ
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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