Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan Bilton, owner of Nature's CoCo Cups, located in Sylvan Lake, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Providing products with purpose. Offering a wide variety of delicious nutrient-filled products, naturally made dairy free for all to enjoy. Every product is designed to be enjoyed in any season. The purpose is to have every purchase aid in forest restoration fulfilled by our partners Tree Canada.
Tell us about yourself
These past few years just seemed to highlight to me our widening gap from humanity. Wanting to do things differently and on a positive note, I said to myself, "Self, let's make a difference." This, backed by my faith and the fuel of becoming a new father, just gave me the boost I needed to overcome my personal restraints. Living with the following disorders PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and a newly diagnosed Neurological disorder called FND(functional neurological disorder) with such symptoms as seizures, brain fog, tremors, and speech stutters. Taking that all into account, I went to the drawing board to build a company that would employ someone like me. With hope, I wanted to provide products with a purpose that brought people together and had benefits outlasting the servings. The purpose is being fulfilled by having every purchase aid in production donation to locals and organizations in need and forest restoration through our partners Tree Canada. Heading into year two with a full calendar, I am left with the hope that we are making a difference.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Working with alignments such as PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and a newly diagnosed Neurological disorder called FND( Functional Neurological Disorder ) makes for a few extra challenges. These disorders have led me to have short-term thinking, setting micro goals throughout the day. Thus leaving me in a constant state of goal achievement. Meaning I focus solo on the current day. Because my symptoms range from day to day, such as verbal stuttering, mind fog, seizures, and the list continues. So, all in all, I find this to be my largest accomplishment as a business owner.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One challenge in particular as a business owner is, staying current.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in yourself.
- Try everything.
- Always stay learning.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.naturescococups.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturesCoCoCups/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturescococups/
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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