Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Barbalat, co-founder of Boundless Bars, Inc., located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our company is Boundless Bars Inc. We create superfood nutrition bars and like-products that are not only good for you but good for the planet. ​​If you love quick and convenient snacking while you're on the go, Boundless Bars are for you. Health-conscious and environmentally sustainable our nutrition bars will allow you to eat clean, live clean and feel Boundless. Our team of nutrition and culinary experts has carefully curated each ingredient and piece of packaging so you can confidently snack, knowing you're making a difference in the world.
Tell us about yourself
From a young age, I struggled with gut issues that exacerbated into IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). At the time, diet was never spoken about in conjunction with conventional treatment. Fast forward 15 years later, studies show that most chronic diseases stem from a "leaky gut," and its healing process starts with proper nutrition. In the last several years, I have taken a deep dive into food and nutrition, from "Bio-hacking" to self-quantification tools; it always came back to the basics, you are what you eat. The North American food system needs change and what better way to make change than from the inside out. Boundless Bars is tackling the Consumer Packaged Goods system with one product at a time. Suppose we simply focus on going back to the basics of whole foods that are minimally processed without the use of additives, preservatives, binders, and other unnecessary chemical compounds. In that case, we can start healing ourselves and suppress the rise of chronic diseases in North America.
Karen - Co-Founder:
Chef, Certified Nutrition Manager, and Food Entrepreneur. Karen has spent years perfecting her culinary craft and skills. Being involved in multiple food start-ups, Karen has a passion and drive like no other. The mastering of Boundless Bars' Original recipe is the result of Karen's love of food, fitness, and nutrition. She started with some friends and a dream, and together they would form Boundless Bars Inc.
Jenn - Co-Founder:
Director of Operations, Supply Chain Expert, and Full-Time Mom. Jenn has spent many years working in operations management and warehouse management. Being a full-time mom gives Jenn the patience, kindness, and care when dealing with the everyday grind. Jenn's passion for healthy and nutritious wholesome foods for herself and her two kids is what brought her to Boundless Bars.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Like any other authentic company, Boundless Bars was created to solve a pain point for individuals. Creating food that is not only pure, with no refined sugars, no additives, or preservatives. Knowing there weren't many choices out there to snack on without nonsense such as processed powders and 'functional ingredients' in it, we went on a mission to bring something to the consumer packaged goods market that resonates with a new generation of consumers who care about the quality of food they put into their bodies that also considers the environment. We'd say bringing the best quality products directly to you is our biggest accomplishment so far.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Our main challenges, like any other business, include marketing, operations, and finances. There will always be challenges, but making a business plan with a proper risk assessment and solution can help mitigate these challenges as best as possible.
For example, our potential operational challenges include:
- Material and ingredient delays, which can be mitigated with supplier contracts and alternative suppliers.
- Equipment malfunctions, which can be mitigated with smaller batches using food processors and mixers that can be purchased at a local cash and carry.
- System crash mitigation, using cloud technology via Google Workspace, allows our systems to be accessed across all computers and team members, as well as stored securely.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It is important to pace yourself; success doesn't happen overnight, so enjoy the journey and enjoy life during the process. It won't always be easy, so take time to celebrate your wins. Leadership is as important of a skill as any other; keep refining your leadership skills and your relationships.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Ask yourself whether you want to support change in the consumer packaged goods industry, are you looking to support companies that are doing it right, whether that's supporting businesses with an emphasis on compostable packaging, organically sourced ingredients, and charitable programs to support where their food comes from? If those are the types of companies you want to do business with, then we are definitely your type of people! There are a lot of amazing Canadian companies to look out for support local!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.boundlessbars.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoundlessBars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boundlessbars/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boundlessbars/
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.