Hey, I'm Anita Rae, and I'm the founder and CEO at Crave Drinks in Manchester/Ibiza.
Tell us all about your business...
Crave is natural functional energy drink developed for the modern health-conscious consumer. For us being both healthy and energised should be a fun combination, not a boring compromise!
What's your background and motivation to get into the solopreneur life?
I have been involved in both the sports nutrition and the music industry for many years working with some of the biggest fitness and electronic music profiles.
My job has often meant lots of late nights and early mornings and while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle I never found a perfect source of energy for those times. I noticed that many people were looking for a similar product and the idea for Crave was born.
I want to keep challenging and disrupting the energy/functional drink market by showcasing that customers can make healthy choices while still enjoying themselves.
As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?
Success for me means that I'm able live the life I've chosen and share my passion with others.
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a business today?
⚡ Make sure you are solving a problem
It is very important to create a business that solves a problem. The problem you solve does not need to be very complicated, but you have to know what you are trying to achieve and accomplish with your business. When you and your team know the problem inside out, it will become much easier to market your idea to your potential customers.
⚡ Take advantage of your network
Utilising your network may result in finding your first investor, a new customer or a key supplier. It is also a great source for support, inspiration and new ideas. Attending start-up and industry events will both widen your contact network and also create awareness for your business among relevant business leaders.
⚡ Put your customer first
Customers are your most important assets. They offer key insight to your business that can only be observed from the outside. Observe, listen and adapt your offering based on this valuable feedback.
If there was one thing you could do repeatedly day in day out to help grow your business then what would it be?
Sampling our products in exciting locations around the world to acquire new customers!
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?
By going to the gym, meditating at nights and eating at least one meal a day without my phone in my hand to check emails.
Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs and best business resources/books?
Sophia Amoruso, Founder of Nasty Gal and Melanie Perkins, Co-founder of Canva are strong female entrepreneurs who have built empires from the scratch. Their journeys are fascinating and inspiring!
I also love a podcast "How I Built This" with Guy Raz.
For anyone looking to start a business today, what would be the number one bit of advice you'd give them?
Believe in yourself and just do it! You will be the biggest enemy of your success by overthinking, doubting and questioning your decision-making. You will make mistakes, things will get tough and there will be a lot of sleepless nights – but guess what — it’s all worth it!
Where can people find you online?
You can find us at Crave Drinks, on Twitter and on Instagram. I'm also on LinkedIn so give me a shout on there!
If you like what you've read here and have your own #GoSoloStories that you'd like to share then hit Jonny up on Twitter, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.