Not Your Granny’s Granola

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lacey Ernandes, co-founder of Elevated Oats, located in Anchorage, AK, USA.

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

What you put into your body affects your mood and health, and we know eating well without making it yourself is a challenge. Elevated Oats' colorful gourmet granola is hand-crafted with fruits, veggies, and other natural sources, to be a nutrient-dense, versatile snack for the outdoor recreational millennial. We believe that choosing foods that lift you up–mind, body, and soul–is the gateway to living not just a good life but an elevated life.

Tell us about yourself

I believe that living elevated begins in the mind. When you practice positive mental habits, anyone can change their life: mind, body, and soul.
And it's a practice I've carried with me from the beginning of my career.
I've held key leadership positions and was directly responsible for the training and management of over 20 personnel during my military service as an air traffic controller. As a leader, I looked out first for the well-being of my team.

But part of mental health is listening, and my mind was telling me it was time for a change. That's when I returned to my roots as a visual artist, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with a focus in graphic design from RMCAD. And one fateful day, I reconnected with an old friend: my business partner, Megan.

This new chapter in my life has allowed me to focus on my mental wellness even more as I help build a company that stands for something. Today, I craft all of Elevated Oats' packaging, branding, and messaging in-house. But our message is more than what's in or on the designed package. It's an invitation to rise up: for yourself and those around you.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

2021 Veteran Owned Start-Up of the Year.

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

Negative thinking patterns. There is a lot of stress that comes with being an entrepreneur, and sometimes self-doubt can creep in. A support group is an essential 🙌

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

Don't try to make everything perfect before putting it out there. Put it out there, get feedback, and refine it.
Find mentors.
Practice self-compassion.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.elevatedoats.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatedoats
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatedoats/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevatedoats/

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.