Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan Fee, Founder of Camel Culture, located in Parker, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are the largest camel milk distributor in the USA. We sell fresh camel milk from our US farm to over 500 halal stores nationwide. We also sell dry camel milk powder. We sell wholesale to grocery stores and also direct to consumers through our website.
Tell us about yourself
I was born in America but learned about camel milk while working in refugee resettlement. I learned about the health benefits of camel milk from my Arab and African friends who resettled in the US from desert cultures. They inspired me to bring camel milk to the US market.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing the look on a person's face when they realize that fresh camel milk is available in the US. In many cultures, camel milk is an important food in their diet and culture. Giving these people access to a product they love is what motivates me. And also, educating American consumers about the health benefits of camel milk is important to our company.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Sourcing camel milk in the US is very difficult and expensive! Not to mention the logistics of shipping an unstable product like fresh dairy directly to a customer's home or store. Milk has a very short shelf life and needs to be kept cold at all times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My advice would be to find a quality product to sell, surround yourself with a team that complements your weaknesses, and realize that it's going to be a long-grind. There's no easy road to starting a successful business. It's going to take at least 10 years to grow your business, but don't give up.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://camelculture.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecamelculture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camel.culture/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Camel_Culture
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/camel-culture/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.