Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alak Vasa, founder of Elements Truffles, located in Jersey City, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We make clean and high-vibe chocolates and snacks at Elements. Our delicious products powered by the ancient science of Ayurveda not only satisfy you but also leave you feeling good about having them. Honor your cravings & Indulge Joyfully with Elements - A wholesome nourishment for the body, mind, and spirits.
Our chocolates are free from dairy, refined sugar, gluten, soy, emulsifiers, or anything artificial. Made with ethically sourced fair-trade cacao from Ecuador, sustainability is woven in our entire process, from sourcing to manufacturing to packaging. Giving back is one of the founding pillars of our company, and we donate 25% of our profits to the education of children in India.
Tell us about yourself
Following my inner voice led us to a sweet spot - Elements! Once upon a time, I was a trader on Wall Street. Everything was going well, but there was only one problem. A sense of purpose was missing. Without much of a plan, I finally gave in to my inner voice and quit my job. Whiteboarding sessions with my husband began over a cup of steaming hot chocolate - our constant. We were passionate about doing something in wellness and food. And one aspect that kept popping up was Ayurveda. Unlike many health trends that had emerged and vanished, Ayurveda had been around for over 5000 years! It stood the test of time. Turmeric, Ayurveda's poster child, was walking the ramps all over, but Ayurveda was still patiently waiting for her moment.
I knew that we had to dress her up in a bar of chocolate and present it to the world. Because who would say no to chocolates! Looking back, Ayurveda was so deeply rooted in my ecosystem growing up. However, I barely valued it. Over the last 16 years, as I grew in my meditation practice, my eating habits started to align with Ayurveda. A somewhat unvalued science that was culturally integrated into our lifestyle growing up was now gently navigating me back to my roots.
I got busy in the kitchen while Kushal- my husband- became the official taste tester. One day, against the resistance from every cell of her body, he signed them up for a local market in Williamsburg. "We were sold out in the first few hours. And we knew we were up to something." Elements Truffles is rooted in our authentic Indian heritage and passion for fine chocolate.
What motivates me - The opportunity to follow my passion. Never take that for granted. The ability to make a positive impact, making a difference - by bringing high-quality products to people and being able to support the education of underprivileged children.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe our biggest accomplishment has been as a South-Asian immigrants to be able to run a small business, provide employment locally, build a thriving wellness community, and share our authentic Indian heritage. Having landed in this country about 20 years ago, this was just a dream that I had never imagined would actually manifest.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Keeping the faith - believing in yourself and your business. A business comes with its own set of challenges. One definitely has to be open to hearing "no" s and critical feedback and not take it personally.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Patience, Perseverance, and Passion. If you can hold on to these three, your business will thrive, and you will enjoy the journey of getting there.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.elementstruffles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elementstruffles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elementstruffles/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elementstruffle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elements-truffles/
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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