Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robert Griffiths, founder of Chitta Latte, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I created a Collagen + Mushroom espresso powder that is designed to be mixed with coffee to enhance the experience of consuming caffeine. Chitta Latte extends the release of caffeine for balanced yet noticeable energy that lasts throughout the whole day instead of the rush and crash that we've become accustomed to. The ingredients are also a vehicle for valuable health benefits with routine consumption.
Tell us about yourself
I used to work in NYC for a direct-to-consumer beverage brand called Dirty Lemon. They did a ton of volume online but needed someone to help with wholesale in order to have the product lives in the real world. I would go to great cafes' restaurants, and hotels around the city and sell this drink, and I loved it. Unfortunately, soon into COVID, I was without a job and looking for a way to get back to doing that which I loved. I wanted to gamble on myself rather than work for someone else. I had been exposed to these ingredients and the potential of mushrooms mixed with coffee through a close friend. After about a year of research and development, the product was created.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating a product that actually works and truly improves people's lives, or at least their day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to do an insane amount of things that you have no knowledge of / experience in / or preference for. (taxes, regulatory work, supply chain, web development, etc.)
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You have to believe in the vision even when you doubt yourself.
- Do not try to change what you cannot control.
- Tell everybody about what you're up to without any expectation- it helps refine the sales pitch and makes you more interesting to talk to. You never know who knows someone who can help.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://chittalatte.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chittalatte/
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.