Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenn Bonine, co-founder and CMO of COYABLU, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

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

Our motto is: Wowk Hard•Play Hard•Drink Clean. We are four female Bad Ass Business Women who want to change the face of the alcohol industry to help the consumer drink clean on the go! We are defining a category maker in the high-end alcohol space. We only use four ingredients, no preservatives, under 100 calories, and less than 1 g of carbs. We are for people who like to enjoy life but care about what they put in their bodies! Support a new “clean” beverage for the discerning consumer built by four female founders!

Tell us about yourself

I have been a ceiling breaker since I started my first business at 5. I am motivated to solve problems in the world and engage a powerful team of people to build companies and brands that also honor the core values and beliefs of humans first and profit second. I believe you CAN do well while doing good. I was drawn to entrepreneurship as a kid and loved solving issues such as a “toy redistribution system” in my neighborhood for toys kids didn’t want anymore, but other kids would love to “trade for.” I was the first female AI testing platform tech CEO and founder and exited a company to a large tech portfolio company. I want to be the example of what is possible and show people you can achieve anything!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Multiple successful fundraising, being part of a top 10 incubator and selling a company at the beginning of a pandemic. Most of all now is being able to teach other entrepreneurs about all the lessons I learned along the way and my upcoming children’s book series built with my 11-year-old daughter.

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

Support and sometimes feeling you are going it alone. True visionaries don’t always have people see the value of a new category-defining idea and will put it down or tell you it isn’t possible.

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

  1. Understand VC math for fundraising.
  2. Get a support network or personal board of directors.
  3. Make sure to build in time to take care of your mental health and body and carve out time for what feeds you personally.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

One of my favorite sayings or proverbs to help before we say things unintentionally is: Is it kind. Is it true? Is it necessary?

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.coyablu.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBTequilaCocktails/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coyablucocktails/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coyablucocktai1

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.