Fuel Your Body Better

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Blake Godlove, Founder and CEO of Etera Foods, located in West Hollywood, CA, USA.

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

The After Bar is the first muscle recovery protein bar made with upcycled CBD, plant-based protein, and antioxidant-rich superfoods. Formulated for both your muscles and taste buds, After Bar supports the weekend warrior and bodybuilder alike with balanced macronutrients and 14 grams of complete protein.

Tell us about yourself

When I began my fitness journey, I knew little about nutrition. I replicated the eating habits of my peers, consumed by the idea that protein content was the only metric of health. For years, I relied on tasteless, artificial, high-protein bars for my recovery — and I always craved something more. Once I began to educate myself on how to fuel my body properly, I quickly learned that there weren't products on the market that aligned with my goals. It was then that I decided the world deserved a better option and set out to create a protein bar that met three criteria:

Delicious, high-quality whole ingredients.
Nutritionals that meet the needs of an Athlete.
High plant-based protein content.

While iterating the recipe, I started taking CBD after workouts for my persistent muscle soreness. I couldn't stand the texture of the oil tinctures, so I thought to add it to the bars - creating the ultimate. That first true After Bar was oily, messy, and tasted like hemp, but through hundreds of iterations and the discovery of Citrus CBD - we were able to create The After Bar as we know and our customers love it today.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There have been many accomplishments that come to mind, both material and emotional, but personally, watching as my product came down the manufacturing line. It was the materialization of years of hard work, sacrifice, and overcoming.

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

Sacrificing so much personally to not see certain business goals come to fruition. It's a hard lesson that not all roads you venture down lead to certain success.

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

Establish healthy boundaries with your employees and peers early on in your career.
Start small, and grow as you gain traction - the alternative can be damning.
Hire slow, fire quickly (with just cause).

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.theafterbar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theafterbar/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_after_bar
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakegodlove/

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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