Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in breastmilk storage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Myers, the founder of Ceres Chill, a breastmilk storage company in the US.

Tell us all about your business...

Ceres Chill replaces the 1970's technology coolers that have been holding women back and weighing moms down for decades. It’s a dual chamber, sustainable and versatile insulated bottle that connects directly to breast pumps and can safely store breastmilk for over 20 hours. It doubles as a baby bottle warmer and then converts to provide moms years of use as a regular thermos for the best coffee, coldest water, or an entire bottle of wine chilled to perfection without dilution! Our customers are ER nurses, fighter jet pilots, moms returning to school, frontline workers and more. We help to make breastmilk storage easier for moms that are returning to their busy lives out in the world.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?

As a partner at my law firm, I returned to work following my short maternity leave for my second child. I struggled with breastfeeding my daughter, and I was committed to successfully breastfeeding my son in whatever way that looked like for me - but I work in an office with mostly male colleagues and quickly realized I was out-of-luck as far as safe, discreet, and longterm breastmilk storage that would fit my lifestyle.

Staring at the bottles of breastmilk lined up on my desk while planning my next work trip to settle a big case, I realized I needed something much, much better. I began looking and found absolutely nothing that would work. There were only unacceptable options that would make life as a working, pumping mom that much more difficult.

I had the idea for Ceres Chill that day.

What motivates me now is the amazing hardworking moms who reach out to me to let me know how this product has helped them get through the long days, weeks and months. Knowing that we are giving moms across the world some peace of mind during the most challenging years of their lives is what keeps us going.

As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?

I think my biggest accomplishment is knowing that I created something amazing, despite the pushback from the people around me. I had the idea for this product that could change lives, and I saw it through while juggling my day job and caring for my family while my husband was deployed. Seeing this company grow and hearing from moms from South America, Asia, Europe and North America just makes it all the more amazing.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?

It can be lonely. I have no co-founder. I’ve fought hard with people I love to justify my decision to create Ceres Chill. I’ve sacrificed relationships, quality time with my children, and my own sanity at times. But if it is the right idea, you cannot help yourself. I know how it feels to have no other option aside from the one thing that will make this already challenging journey seem so much more daunting, so it’s all worth it in the end.

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

1. Make relationships with talented people who are just as passionate about your idea as you are.

2. Be prepared for the stress that comes with starting a business. It can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling a day job and/or a family. In the end, you’ll make progress and build on that progress until you’re still exhausted, but you don’t feel like you’re risking it all.

3. Trust your gut, and be willing to sacrifice many things (including sleep) for the greater good. Give your all to secure the end result.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Pursuing your entrepreneurial passion is never easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. Give it your all.

Where can people find you online?

https://www.cereschill.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cereschill/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/cereschill/
https://www.tiktok.com/@cereschillofficial?

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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