Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Petra Illig, Owner and Founder of Alaska Rhodiola Enterprises LLC., located in Anchorage, AK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We work with Alaskan farmers who cultivate an amazing subarctic medicinal plant called Rhodiola rosea. We then make handcrafted tinctures for our customers and health food and herb stores. Our customers are people who are interested in botanical medicines, as Rhodiola has been used for thousands of years to improve mental and physical endurance, as well as to help alleviate the harmful effects of stress.
Tell us about yourself
As a physician, I am always looking for beneficial products for my patients and clients, but I had never heard of Rhodiola rosea until about 12 years ago. When I learned of its well-researched beneficial health effects, I wanted to learn more about it and discovered that most of the world's supply comes from wild harvest in the mountains of Siberia and northern China.
I also learned that the wild plants are being threatened with extinction from overharvesting, so I wondered if they could be cultivated in Alaskan farms due to the similarity in the environment to its natural subarctic/alpine regions. I started working with Alaskan farmers in 2010, and now we have several acres in production. We hope to become an important source of high-quality, cultivated Rhodiola rosea in order to preserve the species but also to give Alaskan farmers a high-value crop that they can grow, which will actually take advantage of the Alaskan environment.
We are very proud of the quality of our cultivated Rhodiola rosea, and are reaching out to the botanical market to try to convince them to switch to cultivated Rhodiola (Grown in Alaska, Made in the USA) rather than depending on non-sustainable sources from wild harvest from China or Russia.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting an entirely new industry in which I had no experience was a huge learning process. Initially, I felt like an imposter talking to farmers about a crop that had never been grown in Alaska. Now we have interested growers contacting us regularly who want to start farming Rhodiola. I've proven that it is possible to cultivate it in Alaskan farms with the additional advantages of sustainability and ethical production. I feel like I've put Alaska Rhodiola on the botanical world map.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It is hard to maintain a clear long-term perspective when one is really busy with short-term problem-solving. Also, finding the financial support to continue without a clear understanding of whether the idea will come to fruition. Continuing to work a "day job" to support the vision is also challenging!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know what your goals and missions are.
- Be prepared for the long haul - find people who can support and mentor you.
- Don't give up!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.akroseroot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKRoseroot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akrhodiola/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-illig-2205464/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
