Bringing the States to You

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dane Anderson of Celebrate States, located in Orlando, FL, USA.

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

Celebrate States is a subscription box that features a different U.S. State each month. We Celebrate the U.S. by providing unique, useful, and yummy items made by small businesses in each state. Many of our boxes also contain information about the state. We also have a kid's educational pack for free upon request. Our customers range from singles to families and are of all ages!

Tell us about yourself

I love the subscription box model. It is so much fun to receive a monthly surprise package in the mail. Especially one you can eat! I also love to travel and enjoy exploring local outdoor maker's markets. Each state is unique and has unexpected items to offer. I put all of this together, and the idea was born! Both the small business owners and my subscribers keep me motivated each day. I love meeting other small business owners and hearing their stories. My subscriber base is the greatest, and I ask for their opinions and feedback so that the boxes continue to be enjoyed and packed full of items they love.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The number of subscribers I achieved in my first year. People love the box. It is just a matter of more people knowing about it!

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

Not taking negative feedback personally. I put my all into these boxes, and I lose sleep over them! So, when someone doesn't like a box, it can personally hit me hard. But I learn from it to make sure the customer is happy in the end and keep pushing forward.

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

If you want to do it, you just have to dive in! I know people who talk and research and delay, but you just have to dive in and get started. Take it one step at a time, and learn as you go. It's okay to build a plane while you fly it. Otherwise, it may never come to fruition.
Be ready to work hard and put in the time. You get out as much as you put in!
Choose a business that you love, love, love, and have a passion for. It's easy to burn out, so take breaks as you need to. Your love of your business will keep you going, but it's okay to give yourself some grace and rest.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.celebratestates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celebratestates50/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebratestates50/

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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