Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Romens, founder of SweetPea, located in Virginia Beach, VA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are the creators of SweetPea, a non-dairy, plant-based ice cream made of chickpea protein. Our unbelievably creamy frozen dessert delivers on the taste of a true ice cream experience with half the calories, half the fat – and a lot less guilt, too. SweetPea is truly for anyone who craves a permissibly indulgent non-dairy ice cream experience!
Tell us about yourself
Prior to developing, branding and launching SweetPea, I was the Business Development Manager for Uncle Harry’s Ice Cream Cakes, the business that my parents first opened as an ice cream shop in Virginia Beach in the late ‘80s. But because of my dairy intolerance, I didn’t get to indulge in my family’s treats, so launching SweetPea has been a personal dream many years in the making. Getting to do that with my family is a bonus. Working in a close-knit family environment with people I look up to has been one of my favorite parts of my career – and ice cream, of course! I love being part of a team that creates something people are always happy to taste, share and talk about. Who doesn’t love ice cream?!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Launching SweetPea! SweetPea is the culmination of a lifelong craving for my family and me and has been years in the making. After many years of planning, experimenting and taste-testing, I’m so proud of what we’ve created, and I love getting to share it with others.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Business owners are always wearing many hats, so balancing them can definitely be challenging! At the end of the day, it’s about prioritizing what needs to be done and surrounding yourself with a team you trust to help make it happen. I feel very lucky to have that team at SweetPea.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be patient; things that are worth waiting for take time. Surround yourself with a great team. And don’t be afraid to have some fun; remembering why you started your business in the first place is really important.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeawow/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/little-bean-llc-sweetpea-brand-non-dairy-ice-cream/
https://twitter.com/sweetpeawow
https://www.facebook.com/sweetpeawow
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.