Because True Health Starts in Your Gut

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lee Carson, Co-Founder of Florasophy, located in Portland, OR, USA.

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

Florasophy is a collection of organic, clinician-developed soluble fiber blends that optimizes digestion, enhances detoxification, and promotes overall well-being. Florasophy provides 4 grams of soluble fiber per serving and is a convenient way to maximize fiber intake. Fiber is a critical component of a nutritional diet. U.S. dietary guidelines suggest that adults should be consuming a minimum of 25-38 grams of total fiber per day. However, most Americans fall short, consuming an average of only 16 grams per day. Florasophy co-founder Megan Barnett and I are on a mission to educate people about the preventative health benefits of soluble fiber and how it can be used to improve chronic health and digestive issues.

Tell us about yourself

In addition to co-founding Florasophy, I am a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor, and co-owner of Hyatt Training. Over the years, I’ve been inspired by people who prioritize health and wellness. They motivate me to innovate and offer solutions that enable them to live their best lives. I’ve found, however, that even those who are very health conscious don’t fully comprehend how important fiber is to an optimal diet. Florasophy is helping bridge that gap and offers opportunities for deeper conversations around nutrition and soluble fiber’s role in overall health. I often say you only get one body to live your life in. You can upgrade it, but you can never trade it in. So make the most of the one you’ve got! I have the privilege of helping people do that through my businesses.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating Florasophy from the ground up is one of my biggest accomplishments. Megan and I have developed a successful business quickly based on a gap we recognized in the marketplace. As women entrepreneurs, it’s been an amazing experience to start with an idea and bring a new product to market that will positively impact health outcomes. It was also important to us that the products were organic, could seamlessly integrate into specialized diets (Keto, Paleo, Whole30), and came in eco-friendly packaging. I couldn’t be prouder of our Florasophy blends and overall brand values.

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

As a startup, it can be difficult to balance it all - writing business plans, ensuring product shipments are on-time, conducting marketing activities, etc. - while also responding to the day-to-day needs of customers and the demands of running a business. I try to stay focused on the big picture and be authentic in how I operate. Hopefully, it shows in Florasophy’s brand.

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

Keep your sense of humor - I think it’s important not to take yourself too seriously. I have become comfortable talking about poop. I try to keep our content fun and lighthearted while acknowledging the seriousness of health issues we hope to address with fiber supplementation.
Get clear on your business objectives - Our primary goal at Florasophy is to educate people about the health benefits of soluble fiber. As health and wellness professionals, we remain focused on helping people live and thrive. When I feel like I’m impacting the greater good through my products and services, it propels me to want to grow and evangelize these offerings faster and more effectively.
Rely on your colleague’s strengths - Megan and I have a synergistic relationship, and our combined talents have impacted the running start of Florasophy. Megan is a functional medicine practitioner at BioLounge, a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), and a scientific researcher. I am a NASM-certified personal trainer with experience running and growing businesses. Our backgrounds in health and wellness, along with our areas of expertise, complement each other well as partners.

I believe there is no substitute for spending your days doing something you are wildly passionate about. Just like you only get one body, time is also a precious resource. I think it’s important to be intentional with how you spend it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thinkflorasophy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkFlorasophy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkflorasophy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-carson-5543ab7/

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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