Activism Through Entrepreneurship

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Estevez, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Consciously Planted, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

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

Consciously Planted is a business advisory firm that supports the growth of conscious, ethical companies from the ground up. We offer a range of services to support entrepreneurs on every step of their journey from concept to exit. Our customers are startups in the food, beverage, hospitality, food tech, agriculture, health, wellness, and CPG spaces.

Tell us about yourself

I am a serial entrepreneur who started my career working in food, beverage, and hospitality on the circuit of fine dining Michelin Star restaurants. I was a sommelier that turned into a hospitality consultant and eventually to marketing and PR. I started my first company OMvino in 2017, and we are still thriving as a full-service marketing and communications agency. I also co-founded a wine club app called Palate Club and had full bootstrap startup experience.

In 2020 I realized as a lifelong vegetarian who had gone vegan in 2017, I was working with companies with which I wasn't aligned. I decided to create Consciously Planted to synchronize my lifestyle, ethos, and work, and it felt great! I now consult on sustainable, ethical companies and strive to help entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality and take them to the next level. I live and breathe food and beverage and love plant-based eating, plant medicine, and healthy living, and I am always thinking about my next business venture.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Shifting to working with companies, people, and products that I am proud of and learning how to live a sustainable, balanced life while doing it.

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

Burnout. It's a real thing. When you love what you do, sometimes it can be easy to push yourself too hard!

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

Just do it and take the leap. Those first steps out the door are the hardest.
Don't be afraid to fail because you will. It's all a lesson showing you how to do better!
Ask for what you are worth. So many new entrepreneurs underprice themselves for "exposure" or "experience," and it leads to clients who disrespect you, your services, and/or your product.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.consciouslyplanted.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciouslyplanted
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyoginitigress/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-estevez-ⓥ-🌱-223b7124/

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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