Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danielle Bucki, Owner and Co-Founder of FIt Butters, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

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

We are a healthy nut butter infused with coconut oil and either a whey-based or plant-based protein powder. They are flavored like your favorite desserts to help curb your sweet tooth while adhering to your diet. Instead of grabbing a tub of ice cream or a cookie, you can have this delicious nut butter. Our customers are anyone who wants a healthier alternative that still tastes great and helps keep them away from sweets.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Danielle Bucki. I was formerly a cardiac nurse. When 2020 rolled around, my husband and I were working for his other business called Fitness Informant making healthy recipes. We made a healthy nut butter with protein-infused, and my husband's food marketing brain went to work. We were up and running as a business within ten days. My husband has an MBA from the U of M in digital marketing with an extensive background in business, including being a project manager at Generals Mills for Cascadian Farms. I have learned so much working with him. I worked full-time as a nurse while working for the business on the side until March 2022. Now I work full-time for FIt Butters. What motivates me is seeing our product on the shelves when we walk into major retailers and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Vitamin Shoppe. We have two flavors named after our two daughters, Aurora and Charlotte. Rory's Cookie Monster and Charley's Famous Carrot Cake are both on the shelf at Vitamin Shoppe next to each other. This is what motivates me. Seeing our business grow so quickly while we are just grinding day in and day out.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As someone with no business background, my proudest and biggest accomplishment is going to these large events and learning so much so quickly. It has been a huge accomplishment overall, going from healthcare as a nurse to the business world. But as a business, growing as quickly as we have and seeing our product become more and more recognizable by people is probably one of my absolute proudest accomplishments.

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

You don't work 8-5 or clock out at the end of your shift. You are constantly working. On weekends, after hours, we are constantly doing things for the business. This has been the biggest transition. No one takes over when we are done or when we are sick. It's simply us working to build this thing. We work closely 60-80 hours a week.

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

Find a great idea and figure out what differentiates you from what else is out there, be ready to work, and utilize all the resources available to you. Reach out to people on LinkedIn, past coworkers, and any connections you may have; hold on to them, and don't be afraid to reach out to them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://fitbutters.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitbutters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitbutters/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FItButters
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fit-butters/

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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