Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alyssa Thorstenson, Founder of Shark Tooth Kombucha, located in Jacksonville, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is craft brewed kombucha. We have a wide variety of customers! They range from health-conscious adults to adventurous market go-ers that are willing to try something new.
Tell us about yourself
I am a stay-at-home mom to three young children. I first started home brewing kombucha because my whole family couldn't get enough, and it was getting costly. I fell in love with brewing and the process of crafting a beverage. After sharing with friends and family and receiving such positive feedback, I started thinking this was something I could offer to our community. In the short time that we have been operating as a business, we have created amazing relationships with other local businesses and created a community of our own.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment thus far has been being featured in Edible magazine as a woman-owned beverage business. I had always had the goal of being featured in this magazine that I loved, but I never expected it to happen so quickly.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balance. I think it's impossible to be perfect, but finding some sort of healthy balance in work, business, family, and life have been my biggest struggle so far.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start! Starting is the hardest part; if you can start something, you are capable of anything.
- Done is better than perfect. You will never have the perfect Instagram post or website design etc. Getting whatever it is out there as it is, is better than never getting it out there at all.
- Create a community with your customers/local businesses. We love our customers! They are what makes everything we do possible. We want them to know that we are here for them.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I once thought I could never be a business owner. I envied and looked up to so many people in my community, thinking I could never get there, but once I stopped thinking that way, I did it, and you can too!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sharktoothkombucha.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071956638840
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharktoothkombucha
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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