Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lexi Atkins, Owner of Tely Organics, located in Urbana, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an organic wellness company serving food in the future today!
Our customers are from all walks of life!
We are a wellness hub for everyone — no matter where you are in your wellness journey.
Tell us about yourself
For years, I struggled with health issues that took me on a journey worldwide in search of answers. I tried almost every healing modality under the sun, pored over the latest scientific research, and sought the advice of experts to understand better what my body needed to heal itself. Along the way, I created LAapproved — an online hub where I compile product recommendations that meet the most rigorous standards.
I’ve spent countless contact with brand owners worldwide to learn how their products are sourced, request quality control results from third-party testing organizations, and more. Then, an idea struck me: what if I created my own company? One where I could take all my knowledge, passion, love, and years of learning to create a space where everyone could enjoy the highest-quality organic ingredients!
After years of meticulous planning, TELY ORGANICS was born. TELY stands for The Earth Loves You — and we do, too! Here, we care about your health and want to make your wellness journey as fun, lasting, and impactful as possible. To help, we’ve all the research so you can rest assured that you're getting the best of the best — just what your body wants and needs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment thus far has been seeing our products in all Erewhon Marker grocery stores around California. These markets are one of the first places that opened my world to the future of wellness and where a lot of the healing journey began. Every time I walk through the isles, I have forever pinch-me moments accompanied by rosy cheeks and a fluttering heart.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I believe one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is keeping your initial passion and confidence alive. I think many business owners start with high hopes and big dreams, but staying fueled when times get tough can be very difficult.
I opened right when Covid started, which was an exciting time to manage a business for the first time. I believe it takes true tenacity to steer your ship in the right direction and keep that initial love and passion for the company just as strong as when you started!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your "why."
Why are you starting this business, etc. Without a strong "why," your answer won't keep your ship strong enough to handle future storms. - Learn to love adaptation.
The world is constantly changing, and if you don't love adapting, your potential surprises won't be once you want to open. Spoiler alert -- the gifts open automatically whether you unravel the ribbons or not. - It takes a team to grow an empire.
Without your team, you're a one-person/(woman) show... that's not the channel you'll want to subscribe to for long. Your team is only as strong as you are + vice versa.
(PS.) Highly recommend reading the book the E-Myth
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.telyorganics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TELYORGANICS/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/telyorganics/
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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