Improving People’s Health - Beyond Microgreens
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephen Cowan, Owner of Beyond Microgreens, located in Boulder, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We make products out of broccoli microgreens. We grow broccoli to 14 days old when it’s about 40x as concentrated in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other good things that were all deficient.
We make garnishes and teas. Our customers are looking to add more health into their diet, from parents looking to sneak good things into their kids' meals to athletes and the elderly.
Tell us about yourself
I’m from Chicago and studied business at Calvin University. I went into a ten-year career in software sales. I took a trip to Peru and discovered the power of plants for their health and vitality and was inspired to share this with others. I came back to Colorado and started growing lots of different plants hydroponically and came across microgreens and started growing those. That lead to drying them and mixing them into other products.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In 2018 we started the first shelf-stable microgreens company in the US. In 2021 we won the social impact startup of the year for Colorado.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Saying “no” and managing self-doubt.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take care of yourself first.
- Create a plan and work that plan.
- Be frugal.
- Continually educate yourself.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Eat more plants. Through the power of photosynthesis, plants eat light. When you eat plants, you are filling yourself with light.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://beyondmicrogreens.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondmicrogreens
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondmicrogreens/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beyondmicrog
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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