Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Corey Scholibo, co-founder, President, and COO of WILE, located in Portland, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
WILE, a plant-powered naturopathic wellness brand for perimenopause and midlife, is shifting hormonal stigmas while looking at women and formulations holistically. Demystifying and embracing the hormonal powers and hidden complexities of grown women from the inside, WILE was founded and formulated by women. Using naturopathic and traditional Chinese medicine, WILE's supplement capsules, tinctures, and functional drinks are clinically backed to help grown women 40ish to 60ish feel their best. The products are 100% natural, vegan and gluten-free. To learn more about WILE, please visit wilewomen.com.
Tell us about yourself
I like to create businesses that change the culture to help the environment, create visibility and markets for underserved/excluded demographics, and change human behavior for the better. When my partners Gwen Floyd and Julie Kucinski both came to me talking about a product line for women in the second phase of life, I was intrigued. All the smartest women I knew saw this as the future of healthcare. When I realized this was 50% of the population for 50% of their lives, I realized I could be of service.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is going from starting the company to national distribution within one year. I have always wanted to launch a brand, having pre-sold it and de-risked it. I have never had a product received this well this fast.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Getting the right people in the right places. Finding and retaining talent. When your brand has incredible momentum, the key is getting all the tracks in place for the train to barrel ahead. This usually means people and systems.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you can, vet your idea by a couple of investors and retailers in addition to potential customers. Find out what kind of marketplace you are going into when you need capital and want to expand prior to launch. Then you can build a strategy to get you where you need to go with all the facts.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Never be afraid to start something. I have never regretted pursuing any of my ideas though not all were winners. Also, never be afraid to leave. Don't stay too long at your current job or venture because for good things to come in, you have to create space for them. Take a chance!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://wilewomen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilewomen/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilewomen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wilewomen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyscholibo/
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.