Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food & beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Kohn, founder of PREVAIL Jerky, based in Chicago, IL.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
PREVAIL jerky's motto is: Never settle. Always PREVAIL. We are a 100% grass-fed beef jerky company that is also top 8 allergen free, with unique and delicious flavors. Our customers are anyone looking for clean ingredient, delicious foods that are high in protein, low in sugar but high on flavor.
Tell us about yourself
I have many food allergies and it was so hard to find a high protein, low sugar snack that fit within my special diet~ but also tasted delicious. I was coming up empty and hungry so we decided to make our own. I am a mom on a mission~ I want to make sure that there is a delicious high protein snack offering that is top 8 allergen free available to everyone.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our bigest accomplishment was taking this idea~ a healthy jerky snack that was truly top 8 allergen free and making it a reality. We are in over 600 locations and growing rapidly. Hearing our customers say how much they love our product is so rewarding.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding the balance between being a mother and running a business. There is so much that I want to accomplish with this business~ to be able to give people peace of mind when it comes to snacking healthy. But I also have the real struggle of balance when it comes to spending time with my kids.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do your research first~ make sure that your product fills a void in the market, be open to learning from experts in your field and never be the smartest person in the room.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being someone with food allergies and have had the occasion where I go hungry because I can't find anything I can eat. We were so grateful to have found the Food Equality Initiative that helps get top 8 allergen food to food banks across the country. We donate our jerky to this cause because so many families who use this service can't find allergy free food.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/prevailjerky/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/15794888/
https://twitter.com/prevailjerky
https://www.facebook.com/prevailjerky
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.
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