Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sara Bergstein, CEO of blk International, located in Calabasas, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a functional beverage company. We manufacture and distribute fulvic & humic mineral water. Our beverage is the only beverage with fulvic and humic minerals (not charcoal) on the market. The fulvic and humic minerals give blk its dark color and aid in removing the toxins from your body while adding electrolytes, antioxidants, and polyphenols which supercharge your health.
Tell us about yourself
I am the CEO of blk and partnered with Jacqueline and Louise Wilkie in 2017. We are proud to be women founded, owned, and operated. In 2011, Jacqueline and Louise Wilkie were researching health aids and products to assist their mother with her breast cancer diagnosis. As they began their search, they found many products that claim "miracle" health aides to relieve pain and boost the immune system. This is when they discovered fulvic acid and began administering it to their mother. After about a week, she noticed an improvement in her energy and that her overall stiffness had eased up. Experimenting with various forms of fulvic acid, they decided to bottle the fulvic mineral formula as a functional beverage, and that was the birth of blk. The intent behind blk was to help others. We take that forward – with our fulvic enriched products that we feel passionate about!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Sharing health and wellness with the world. We will not stop until we make blk accessible to the globe.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Making on-the-spot decisions. There is not always time to analyze every decision that needs to be made. You cannot get down if the "wrong" decision was made, you have to keep pushing through with relentless drive. We are a fast pace company, growing quickly and becoming number one in our category.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Hire the best team for each department. Your "people" are your greatest asset.
- Communication and culture are key. If you have happy employees all pulling in the same direction, you are bound for success.
- Create and nurture relationships within your industry. Networking and relationships are what brings you to the next level.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://shop.getblk.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blkwater/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blk.water/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blkbeverages
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blk-water/
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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