Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Austin Patry, Co-Owner of realsy, located in Dallas, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We created the first line of shelf-stable whole Medjool dates filled with nut butters. They taste like Snickers with only 3-4 real ingredients. We sell to retailers (grocery stores, coffee shops, juice bars, etc., and online channels). Our customers are people who believe food should be how nature really intended - clean with no additives.
Tell us about yourself
I've been an entrepreneur all of my life. I was the kid collecting sea shells in North Carolina and bringing them back to Dallas, TX, to sell to my neighbors door-to-door. I did lemonade stands, worked as a hotel housekeeper to test different app ideas I had in high school, and never looked back.
I really began focusing on entrepreneurship during my senior year in college at Texas Christian University when I met my business partner, Sophia Karbowski. Together, we identified the need for healthier meals on campus and started an açaí bowl food truck called Rollin' n Bowlin. For the next 5 years, we would grow that business to 8 brick-and-mortar cafés on college campuses around the country.
My motivation is a mixed bag of many things. My parents have always been entrepreneurial, so I think there definitely was both nature and nurture to help me be who I am today. I'm also extremely competitive, and I see life as a game, with happiness, family, love, and success being some motivating factors that make me want to do great in this world!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Employing and influencing nearly 500 student workers.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Just one? HA! Time management is tough.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- JUST START! Never know where your idea will take you or how it will change.
- Start with a niche market and focus.
- Have patience. Success takes time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://eatrealsy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatrealsy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatrealsy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinpatry/
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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