Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with M.J. Yap, co-founder of Chibundle, located in New York City, NY, USA.

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

Chibundle offers specialty foods and gift bundles, all made in the Philippines, primarily by what we call MSMEs (micro, small, medium enterprises). It's Chibundle's goal to bridge Filipino experiences in the motherland to the Filipino diaspora by introducing the new wave of products emerging from the Philippines. By shining a light on the craft and capabilities of Filipinos in the motherland, it could hopefully stir better economic opportunities and progress. Chibundle's products include single-origin chocolates, unique ingredients, healthy tropical snacks, and savory snacks, among many things.

Tell us about yourself

I am a recent immigrant, and I missed a lot of the products I consumed back in the Philippines. That also made me realize that the limitation of products coming to the US from the Philippines could also mean limitations on the diversity of stories and viewpoints about the Philippines. There are also so many more great products that deserve a bigger audience and wider recognition.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Bringing into the US a lot of emerging brands from the Philippines for the first time. The delight of Chibundle's customers to know that such high-quality products exist and are made in the Philippines is unmatched. Some of them also feel so proud if they or their family are from a particular place where a product is made. It's also invigorating to see MSMEs in the Philippines be very excited to see their products enter the US market and reach more people. Moreover, every opportunity that I get to talk about experiences and details about a certain aspect of the Philippines is very fulfilling because contexts are important and key to having a more nuanced understanding of a culture. Getting features and mentions in major publications like Philippine Daily Inquirer and Forbes.com are also quite exciting because it opens more opportunities to serve customers and vendors alike.

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

Trying and doing new things without a clear path. You never know if it's gonna work out or how to get to your goal, so you have to be consistently motivated and resourceful to get to it. I didn't have any actual practice in starting or running a business, so every day is a learning experience.

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

Know how to use your network. Be clear in what you want to accomplish and be able to communicate it with your stakeholders and your network who can help you. Keep learning.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Know and be grateful for your support system because being an entrepreneur can be very draining. And every interaction can be an opportunity, so try always to be present and certainly be authentic.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://chibundle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chibundlefoods/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chibundlefoods/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chibundlefoods/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjyap/

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.