Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jasmin Castillo, owner of Berry-Simple LLC., located in Colorado Springs, CO, USA.

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

My business is creating jams, jellies, and sweet treats. The main reason for me starting and creating my business was to inspire others on how to use and create amazing recipes with one simple and flavorful jar. Berry Simple and I understand the meaning of flavor, of what you put into your body, and how it may impact your day. For example, your everyday coffee/latte can be improved with our "Sweet Matcha" or "Dirty Vegan Caramel," adding fiber, protein, and focus to your day. Another example is using our Berry Simple product to create meals, treats, and drinks for your friends, family members, and of course yourself! With each purchase, we give you a mini recipe card that we put together so that you can create these fun and rewarding recipes yourself. (Website has these recipes and more online)

Our customers have no limits. We want everyone to feel special! Now hear me out. We at Berry Simple understand that not everyone likes jams and jellies. But everyone does like a simple product that they can use more than one time and makes them feel good.

We at Berry Simple would like to point out that we cannot make actual benefit claims. But just informing you of the thought and helpful perks behind the ingredients used. Other than just fruit and sugars.

Tell us about yourself

If I'm being honest with myself and my readers. COVID wasn't great to most of us. But I wasn't going to let COVID get the best of me. On top of the kitchen lies that I lived for at my 200% when they gave me 50% or less. (No shade to the kitchen) I love the kitchen life, and I learned so much along the way. But hearing you are too strong, not strong enough, your too mean, hold their hands and lead the way after a while just wasn't cutting it. And seeing people, I help move forward before me… Just hurts. So the boss in me decided to build something that I learned to use in my college years and I still use to this day.

My motivation comes from many places. It comes from my flaws, the fear, the growth, the fundamentals, family and friends, my frenemies but most of all, it comes from me and the love that I have for food. Waking up to the cooking channel and go to sleep watching the cooking channel. (Thinking that's going to be me one day) I've always been that curious kid running into the kitchen when my mom or family was cooking and picking at the raw peppers and tomatoes, eating them like apples. Asking questions as they popped into my head and watching the water boil over the rice was breathtaking in my eyes.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

At this moment in time. My biggest accomplishment for my business is being able to be at Farmer's Markets this year (2022). Besides the fact that I have a business that I can call my own and watch it grow. Berry Simple is my biggest accomplishment.

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

For me, one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is the "Wonders." Wondering if I have orders, or enough products, wonder if the excel doc is 100%, wonder if I’ll make it, am I up to date with the paperwork, wonder how I can grow, be in stores, what dish to create. The wonders of do I have the strength to build my business after I finish working my two jobs to support my business and my beliefs. And after all that overwhelming wonders. I take a baby breath, smile, and know that I can do anything I set my mind to. It might not be today or tomorrow, but it will get done.

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

  1. It would be to understand what it is you want to do. Understanding the core of what you want to bring into other lives.
  2. Believe in yourself! I say this because many might forget that along the way. I know I did once or twice. But remember to believe in yourself. There might be 100 bars, 100 boutiques, 100 restaurants, and now there’s 101! Because they’re not like your business, and your business makes you different from the rest. Maybe you have better customer service, prices are affordable, or you bring something different to the table. But believe it, do it, bring it, and live it.
  3. Be open to learning. Learn every day. If you need to remind yourself of all the fundamental values within your business, then do so. There's no shame in relearning. A refresher doesn't make you weak. It just means you haven't done it in a while. I learn this, and I want you to take this to heart. Practice doesn't make perfect! Practice makes improvement! By Ben Lionel

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Berry Simple and I would like you to know...
It's more than a JAR | It's your JAM!
Thank you, and we hope to see you BERRY Soon!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://berry-simple.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BerrySimpleOnline
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berrysimpleonline/

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.