Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cierra Laub, owner of Conscious Eatery, located in Seattle, WA, USA.

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

Conscious Eatery, a philanthropic breakfast and lunch restaurant, and catering service in Seattle that gives a meal to someone in need per meal sold. We prepare condiments in-house, as well as roast all meats in-house. We support locally sourced businesses and have a partnership wall for guests to see exactly where our goods are sourced from.

Tell us about yourself

As a child of poverty, I learned firsthand how important the power of community is. Without the help of my community, my mother and I would have experienced a lot more hurt, pain, and discomfort than we did. My partner's family experienced houselessness as well. Together, we knew we had to do something for the folks in our community who are in need of a healthy home cooked meal.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, I'd say my biggest accomplishment happens every day I open against all odds. For example, today, we couldn't source arugula, spinach, spring mix, red onion, pork, or ham. We opened and explained to EVERY guest the supply chain issues, on top of the labor shortage due to the pandemic and so on.

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner is not getting the proper support from the government as you should. Being a job supplier should come with more support, not only in times of need - like the pandemic.

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

My tips to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today is... find what's missing in your industry and fill that gap, do not listen to the opinions of folks who have not made it to where you'd like to be and never give up. There's a reason you're being called to this start-up, now's the time to remember that and look at how far you've come.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Conscious Eatery is on the pathway to donating 100,000 meals we've donated over 77,000 meals so far.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeEatConscious/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weeatconscious/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/weeatconscious

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.