Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Frankel, founder of Yum Actually LLC., located in New York, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Yum Actually makes a nutrient-dense and delicious ice cream for kids! Each cup contains a full serving of fruit or a vegetable, which has earned us the reputation of "The Yummiest way to eat Fruits & Veggies." The ice cream is perfect for picky eaters and parents looking to get more fruits and veggies into their children's diets.

Tell us about yourself

I am an NYC-based mother of 3 young children. I started Yum Actually because I struggled to get my own young daughter to eat sufficient fruits and vegetables. I got desperate and resorted to turning them into something I knew she wouldn't refuse...that would be ice cream, of course! She took one bite and said, "its yum, actually!". The business and name were subsequently established. My kids continue to motivate and inspire me every day. Also, they make the best taste-testers. :-)

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment would have to be launching in early 2020 (right ahead of COVID19) and not only staying in business during that year but managing to get into close to 50 different retailers during an incredibly challenging year.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I wear so many different hats, many of which, to be honest, I do not care for. I have had to learn accounting, law, marketing, and social media - all of which I had no experience with prior to founding Yum Actually.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

First of all, embrace change. After your first year, your product or service will likely be vastly different than the one you initially launched with. That is not only ok but normal and healthy. Don't do everything yourself, or you will get burned out. Learn to focus on what your strengths are and outsource the rest if possible. Lastly, love it, hate it, social media is an incredibly effective tool for marketing your new business. Invest time and even money on getting strong images and copy. Many customers will discover your brand through social media, so this is a must.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You can't please everyone. You will have your fans, and then you will have people that don't get or maybe even dislike what you are doing. This is also normal. Focus on cultivating your fans instead of changing people's minds. One of my favorite quotes is, "If everybody loves you, then you must be doing something wrong."

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.yumactually.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yumactually/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-frankel-117555165/

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.