Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Simone Moran, founder and CEO of Plant Botanical, located in Pacific Palisades, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Better for you and sustainable spirits brand vapor infused with functional botanicals and adaptogens - cocktails with benefits! Our audience cares about health and wellness and the environment.
Tell us about yourself
I found myself in a terrible situation after a pressure cooker exploded on me and gave me 3rd-degree burns. After being on opioids for a year, as I had to wear a burn garment for a year, I was hoping I could find a better way, so I turned to holistic medicine, which helped me get off the opioids and feel better in general. I studied herbal medicine and, after 20-year practice, realized there wasn't an alternative spirit that was better for you. I launched Plant last summer, and people have responded positively, which keeps me going every day. This is my baby, and I love to watch it grow!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting our product into national retailers like Target without anyone on my team that has ever worked in alcohol. With four people, we were able to distribute nationally.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
At the end of the day, you are responsible for everything. Even if you don't do everything, you must ensure everything gets done with the standards and quality you aim for. So every night, you have to think, did everyone, including myself, do everything that needed to be done!?
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something you love and care about because you'll spend most of your days trying to make it survive. If you don't love or believe in it, it will be harder to fight for it, in my opinion.
- Surround yourself with people you like to spend time with. If you are building a team with people you don't like, you really won't like them once you start working with them!
- If you're really looking to start your own business, I think you should ask yourself if you're willing to sacrifice your time and energy every day even if you don't get paid, get a yes, or know if it will succeed. Do you have enough faith in yourself and this business to fight every day for success?!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There are so many resources now that I don't think anyone should be afraid to start or work on a business idea that they're passionate about. I kept telling myself that I would be the CEO of a multimillion-dollar alcohol brand even before I raised $1, and a year later, that is what happened!!! Is it easy? NO. Is it worth it? YES. I refuse to give up, and I always hope for the best, and whenever I'm totally exhausted, I remember to stay grateful for the problems I have because they are usually growing pains, and at least we are growing!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.plantlovesyou.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plantlovesyou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantlovesyou/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plant-botanical/
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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