Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Moyal and Jake Mellman, founders of Troop, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are troop– a name that means a group of mushrooms that grows closely together. We created the world’s most delicious way to take functional mushroom supplements— the daily mushroom gummy.
Our goal is to bring mushrooms to the world in a fun and friendly way that everyone can benefit from and enjoy taking. Our troops are made up of people who care about preventing illnesses, not just curing them. They want to live a lifestyle that doesn’t rely on pharmaceuticals. They believe that nature holds many of the answers to a healthier and happier body and mind.
Troop aims to use the power of mushrooms to bring people together, help one another and grow together. Community is at the heart of our brand and company, and we are so excited to welcome you to our troop!
Tell us about yourself
We cofounded troop during COVID. Along with many other people during the pandemic, we were given the gift of time. We utilized this opportunity to explore our passions, leading us to mushrooms.
Stephanie: I was reading books and watching documentaries. I remember turning to Jake one day and asking if he would grow mushrooms with me- he, of course, said yes. Soon after, we started growing lion's mane and wanted to do something with our new mushrooms. Not a big fan of capsules or coffee, Jake suggested we make gummies.
We then put on our chef hats (actually- you can email us for photos), took a stab at making gummies, and failed miserably. We continued to fail over and over until we called the professionals. We hired a gummy scientist who made us an incredible gummy- and then we knew we had a viable idea.
We then crafted and refined our product to be one we could proudly stand behind. Our goal was to create a product that demystified mushrooms and made them approachable, not to mention absolutely delicious. We want to share the incredible benefits of mushrooms with as many people as possible. For us, there’s no better way than in a gummy.
We are motivated by our mission every day and to help people find natural and preventive ways of taking care of their health without making any sacrifices. It's definitely not easy, but we're under the firm belief that nothing truly worth it is easy.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing the great reviews our customers give us and knowing that our products are tangibly and positively affecting people’s lives is the greatest feeling.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
People don’t see the work and sacrifice behind the scenes. Going months on end without making any money and constantly working through the night can take a toll, but it’s important to trust the process, believe in yourself, and know in the end that it will all be worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you love it so much that it does not feel like work. Be so obsessed with your idea that nothing can take you away from it that you know you have something worth fighting for.
- Work harder than everyone else around you and see where that takes you.
- Be grateful for where you are and where you came from, and enjoy the journey.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Always go for what you want. If you fail, at least you tried.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://trytroop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trytroop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trytroop/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/troop-nutrition/
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.