Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Scott Burgett, CEO of Evolution Vegan Academy, located in Austin, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Evolution Vegan Academy - we help vegans shed inches and build confidence without obnoxious food rules and restrictions. The vegan movement is growing, and more people are taking an interest in this way of eating. I wanted to make a contribution to the movement itself and show vegans (and aspiring vegans) that you can eat plant-based and create a great body. We typically work with vegans between the ages of 30-50 who want to learn how to make vegan health and fitness a lifestyle.

Tell us about yourself

EVA was founded in April 2019. Two months before that, I was let go (a nice way of saying fired) from my corporate job. I knew I was meant for more than a cubicle and decided to take the leap and start my own business. I've personally been vegan for about five years, so I haven't always abstained from animal products. I know what it's like to make the transition and receive the 'feedback' from everyone around you. So I wanted to create an inclusive community where vegans felt supported in their goals and could relate to like-minded people. My biggest motivator is my clients. I do this for them and want to see them achieve their own personal dreams by taking control of their health and fitness. It's personally changed my own life, and it's only right to share this with others who want it to.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is helping 315+ vegans in over 21 different countries around the world (that's about 10% of total countries). This type of impact was something I never thought I could make early on in my career. But now that it has happened, it's pushing me to help more people and reach for higher goals.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

There are many challenges as a business owner, but if I had to narrow it down to one, it's handling rejection. Not everyone will want what you have, agree with what you say, or care that you want to help people. In fact, some people will adamantly disagree and make it public. At the end of the day, you have to be willing to forgive them and continue moving forward because you know it's right.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find a mentor that you know, like and trust and hire them to help you. This will help collapse the time between you and your business goals.
  2. Learn, then implement right away. Knowledge isn't power. Action is, so as soon as you 'learn' something, apply it right away. You'll fail a lot in business, so get used to experimenting.
  3. Creating connections through the community. Put yourself out there, introduce yourself to other business owners, enroll in masterminds, go to events, etc. It's true when they say it's not what you know; it's who you know. This makes the 'daily grind' more fun when you know others are in your corner.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Do the 'inner' work. Also called mindset work. Business is the most challenging and rewarding experience you'll ever embark on. And just like a business has to grow, so do you. Invest in training that helps you grow your mindset as a leader. You'll start to see parallels in the growth of your business and your own personal growth.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.evolutionveganacademy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.burgett13
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachscottyb_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_coachscottyb
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-burgett-22357158/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.