Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amie Kesler, owner of Carolyn's Krisps, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Carolyn's Krisps are 100% plant-based and 100% ridiculously addictive cookie-crackers. They are a third-generation recipe reimagined that blends the texture of a cookie with the Krisp of a cracker. Granny Carolyn was a bona fide snack trailblazer in her own right, for whom the Krisps are named after. Today, we carry on Granny's timeless tradition of creating community and connection through food. Granny Carolyn believed that creating something to share with others is an act of love and that everyone is invited to the table. That's why we create products everyone can enjoy and invite our Krisp Community to "snack as you are." All of our Krisps are vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free. Whether you are vegan, are gluten or dairy intolerant, are plant-curious, or just want a delicious snack, the Krisps check all of the boxes.

Tell us about yourself

Honestly, my background couldn't be further from food, but I, in my own right, have always been a maker, creator, and connector in all capacities of my work. My past lives have revolved around marketing and graphic design with a focus on art direction, fashion, and sustainability. I started making the Krisps on a whim, taking them to sell at an art show. They were instantly a hit and sold out immediately. From there, my mission was clear; I wanted to continue to use my love of creativity, connection, and community to help properly build the Krisp brand. But I had to make it my own, evolving Granny's original recipe, swapping in plant-based ingredients for a lower waste footprint, ushering in a new era of Krisps where both climate and the consumer were taken into consideration.

My daily motivation is really about bringing people together. I love making a snack that all can enjoy together as well as encouraging more people to expand their views on plant-based products and providing a playful offering that is both unexpected and deliciously undefinable.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Really it's just seeing this small idea flourish into something bigger than myself. Building what I like to say is our "Krisp community" or "Krisp crew." The ever-growing supporters and Krisp fans that now stretch all over the country are humbling and beyond exciting. I'm constantly in awe.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

It's always a balancing act, you wear a million hats as a founder, but I think (at least for me) it's being your biggest advocate and cheerleader constantly. And trusting the process. I fully believe in surrounding yourself with an ecosystem of support, but at the end of the day, this is your vision, and you have to keep going back to that guiding light and why you are doing this. Everyone will have an opinion; you have to trust your gut and go with it.

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

  1. Be like Nike - Just do it! I've seen so many businesses that over plan and over prep before launch, and then they don't continue with the company. Sometimes I think the overplanning can be a form of procrastination, but the truth is until you are out in public trying your product, you can have the prettiest logo/website/branding, but there's no telling how it will be received. I truly believe in launching with a solid product or idea. I also think in-market testing and showing up and improving and level up along the way. We are constantly leveling up with the Krisps.
  2. See what you can get away with. And be creative! I've learned that just asking (or applying to be a part of something) opens up so many doors. You may not always feel 100% ready (does anyone? Iol), but if you've gotten to the point of launching, that's the biggest hurdle. Also, creating creative partnerships with brands is a great way to expand your reach in unique, one-of-a-kind ways.
  3. Find a community of entrepreneurs. This is probably my favorite thing in the world, is the community that comes with entrepreneurship, especially in the food and bev industry in Chicago. I feel beyond lucky to have found The Hatchery in Chicago, which is the incubator program and commercial kitchen where we work. Finding a group of like-minded, supportive people has been a game-changer for me. Whether you find an incubator program to be a part of, a co-working space, or something similar, I highly recommend it. Even dm'ing other entrepreneurs you respect to ask them to coffee can be a start to finding that community.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think it's also important to find comfort in the chaos. I heard on a podcast recently (probably NPR's "How I Build This) that in reality, being a founder is being a professional problem solver, and that couldn't be more true. There is always something cropping up. Usually, as much as you think you can plan something, something you didn't even consider needs attention. Kind of like a game of whack-a-mole. And that visual makes me laugh, even on the most stressful days, so finding ways to laugh is also important.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.carolynskrisps.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynskrisps
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynskrisps/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahkesler/

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.

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