Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ehime Eigbe, Founder and CEO of Sweetkiwi, located in Washington, D.C., USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sweetkiwi is an award-winning, woman and minority-owned and operated CPG food brand that bridges the gap between good for you, functional nutrition, and great taste by making the best tasting, low-calorie yet nutrient-dense treats.
We make our treats in kinship with real farm families who are focused on a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our products are high in protein, probiotics, fiber, and a proprietary blend of immune-boosting superfoods. Sweetkiwi is great for your belly and a simply healthier dessert!
We are mission-driven, which means we balance profits and purpose, are intentional about supporting local farmers, and also donate 1% of our profits and time to supporting organizations creating easier access to funding for Black Female entrepreneurs. Our customers are health-conscious consumers who are looking to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.
Tell us about yourself
At the age of 22, after a routine doctor's visit, I was told that I had Uterine fibroids and would require surgery, which meant if I didn’t get pregnant within 12 months, I could have issues having children. So I made a complete lifestyle change which, of course, included my nutrition, but even with what was at stake, I still struggled to stick to my new eating lifestyle. I didn’t want to choose between good and good for you. I wanted both, and I learned that there are lots of people that feel the same way. So I got to work to bridge the gap between good for you, functional nutrition, and great taste. And the result... Sweetkiwi!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing Sweetkiwi from an idea to over 1700 stores nationwide.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing has been having access to capital; it has been very hard as a small business to raise funding to grow the business. We have had to be very creative.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure it is a business you are passionate about because that passion is what will carry you through difficult times.
- Be rigid about the vision but flexible with your methods.
- Never underestimate the power of community.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sweetkiwi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetkiwiusa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetkiwiusa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sweetkiwiusa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweetkiwi/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.