Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jonathan Patarkatsi, founder of Down To Earth and Loyal Sweets, located in New York.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder of two businesses, Down To Earth iced teas and Loyal Sweets. Our customers are consumers who are interested in consuming their favorite food and beverage products in a healthy and functional way. Both Down To Earth and Loyal strive to provide consumers with the cleanest and most transparent products, that allow them to enjoy their favorite flavors while striving for optimal health.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in a very health conscious home, where we made healthier versions of our favorite food and beverage products. We were taught to value our health and to implement healthy lifestyle habits that would allow us to feel and live our best. I was always the go to health guru for my friends and family, and would spend time everyday making my homemade beverages and concoctions for friends and colleagues. I realized that this was my true passion. After graduating from NYU, I decided to take the initial steps towards realizing my dreams of building both Down To Earth and Loyal.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe that launching both Down To Earth and Loyal have been my biggest accomplishments as a business owner. The development and launch process of building a CPG brand in the food and beverage space is so complex, that simply getting to the launch stage is a major accomplishment. Of course we've had many wonderful milestones along the way since we've launched, I still believe that developing and launching both brands has been my greatest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are many challenges that come along with being a business owner. This past year has been especially difficult with supply shortages, logistic challenges, and increased costs of production. In addition, the development process for both brands was challenging as this was my first time building a brand in this space which meant that I had to learn about each and every step firsthand. I do believe that this also ended up being a huge blessing as i've learned so many valuable skills and have a thorough understanding of the industry.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Make sure you are passionate about what you are building,
2. Be persistent: commit to your goal and be relentless on your pursuit,
3. Always look to learn: don't be too set in your ways and be open to insight and advice from those around you.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/eatloyalsweets/
https://www.instagram.com/drinkdte/
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.
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