Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kara Smith, Co-Founder of Colorado Craft Beef, located in Akron, CO, USA.

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

At the core, we remain steadfast in our dedication to providing our customers with the highest quality beef. We will continue to do so by defying expectations to bring them the dinner they deserve. Lastly, our legacy is unwavering, and we strive to fuel our customers every day so they are free to build their own legacy.

Tell us about yourself

Frankly, the ranching way of life and the beef industry chose me. I was the second daughter born to a fourth-generation Colorado rancher. Dad wanted boys; he had two girls. Growing up, I did not realize the ranching world was primarily male-dominated. My sister and I were dad's most trusted ranch hands. We were involved in every aspect of ranch life, from feeding calves in negative temps with snow blowing sideways to gathering cattle horseback over thousands of wide open acres in the summer heat.

When it was time to choose a career path, I chose it. All roads of my education and private industry work led to keeping cattle healthy, allowing them to thrive and ultimately producing a high-quality beef product to sustain lives. Life must end for us to live and thrive. Raising cattle with that end in mind makes me humble in my respect for them and ensures our caretaking practices are always top-notch to honor that sacrifice. Our customers have found solace in knowing who, what, how, and why of the beef they choose. They can be proud of what they bring to the table while we remain honored to provide it to them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Experiencing that pivotal moment when your grassroots start-up becomes a full-fledged brand. In the initial stages of launching and building your own business, it can be easy to get consumed by the day-to-day details and lose sight of the "why" that urged you to start your business. It is an indescribable feeling when that "why" is felt by your customers and the marketplace affording you that social license to operate at a level beyond anything you ever imagined possible.

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

Balance. On second thought, let's call it harmony. There is a fine line between owning a business and having a business that owns you. Particularly when it is a business based around animals that rely on you for all basic needs every day. Implementing daily intentionality is a key piece to finding that harmony.

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

  1. Know your "why." Identify it. Write it down. Keep it in mind with all aspects of your business. This is where all great things are rooted. It is what will keep you going despite the challenges (which will come).
  2. Be intentional. Do not just work IN your business. Set aside time to work ON your business.
  3. Remember, it is a business. Operate it as one. If you prefer a hobby, do that. If you want to build a business, treat it as one.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://coloradocraftbeef.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coloradocraftbeef
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coloradocraftbeef/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/colocraftbeef
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coloradocraftbeef/

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.

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