Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicolas Estrella, Co-Founder and CMO of Waku, located in Boston, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Waku is a ready-to-drink tea brand. We make delicious prebiotic herbal teas with 0g of sugar and prebiotic fiber to maximize the gut-health benefits. We source our herbs directly from independent farmers in Ecuador, helping to support and uplift their communities. Our customers are mainly women, around 35-40 years old, that like to drink sweet drinks but are trying to cut on sugar. They have some type of digestive issue, so they are very interested in gut health products.
Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador. I've always been a very driven and motivated person. I played soccer professionally for a couple of years and then went to college to study business. I'm passionate about entrepreneurship and its power to generate a positive impact.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Coming to the USA with no contacts or money and building Waku from the ground up. We launched to market the first prebiotic herbal tea ever, building a huge online community of fans and getting our products into Whole Foods and other natural product stores in NYC.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Facing hardships and low points as an entrepreneur can be really daunting. Learning how to build grit and endurance is the most important skill.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with a clear problem you know you can solve for a specific audience.
- Expect to face really hard things and problems. Learn how to build grit and perseverance.
- Enjoy the ride. Entrepreneurship is not a sprint, it is a marathon, so you have to learn how to enjoy the process.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://livewaku.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinkwaku/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkwaku/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinkwaku
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waku-inc/
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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