Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ariana Puopolo, Founder of Sblended, located in Beverly, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sblended is a community focused on health, happiness, and balance! In addition to serving healthy protein shakes and energizing teas, we are committed to helping everyone reach their health and wellness goals! Whether someone is looking to lose weight, gain muscle, increase their energy or simply incorporate something healthy into their day, we have it all! Sblended is a place for everyone, young, old, men, women, and children! We all need proper nutrition to fuel us through each day, so our goal is to impact and educate as many people in the community and beyond that as we can!
Tell us about yourself
I first got started in this business when I was in college; I fell in love with building relationships and making people feel better! I knew that I always wanted to own my own business one day; I just hadn't quite found my passion yet. I ventured off into the corporate marketing world, where I found myself sitting at a desk five days a week, uninterested in the work I was doing for someone else. I found my passion in health and wellness and decided to create a community surrounded by good vibes and great nutrition on the North Shore! My customers and community motivate me to jump out of bed each morning and do what I love! Knowing that I had made someone's day better or made them feel better leaving than when they walked in was something so fulfilling for me! The world needs more happy places and happy people for people to thrive!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be serving so many people with health and happiness! This community has become more like family and an incredible support system that I will be forever grateful for! I am extremely proud of myself for chasing after my dreams and creating this business not only to change my life but the lives of so many others!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Overcoming the obstacles, trying to do it all, facing negativity, and keeping things together with a smile. Opening a business, I knew there would be many challenges, but I do know now that each challenge has taught me a lesson and helped me grow into a better business owner!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Always be learning from successful people - don't try to reinvent the wheel!
- Listen to your intuition and follow your heart!
- Keep up with the trends, but don't be too hard on yourself when you can't!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If anyone is out there looking to make an impact on this world and contribute to something greater than themselves… This business has allowed me to do just that! If you have a dream, chase it, set goals, make a plan, and crush them! You have the power to do anything you set your mind to - no matter how big or small!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sblendednutrition.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sblendednutrition
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sblendednutrition/
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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