Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jason Cherun, Founder of Hero Ice Cream, from Toronto, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
Hero Ice Cream was founded on the idea of making a guilt-free, high-protein, all-natural ice cream. Too many “frozen desserts” on the market make low-calorie and low sugar claims and encourage you to eat the whole pint. But, at a closer look, they are actually filled with additives and loads of junky ingredients. Our ice creams are high in protein, lower in calories than other conventional brands, and lower in fat and sugar. We didn’t reinvent the most classic dessert; we just modernized it and made it better for you.
What's your background and motivation to grow as an entrepreneur?
I went on a health kick about six years ago and missed eating decadent ice cream after dinner. Tried a bunch of the low-calorie "ice creams" out there and was totally disappointed and quickly learned they weren't even natural ice cream, just frozen desserts. So I said to myself, why not make decadent ice cream with a health-conscious twist. Hero Ice Cream was born, and the rest has been a rollercoaster of a journey.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing my product on the shelves. I'm just a one-person show, even to this day. I have a few brokers and a social media guy, but otherwise, I'm the only one who runs (and pays; lol..) for Hero Ice Cream. I founded Hero Ice Cream on an idea I had, and it's cool to see my vision in freezers across Toronto and hopefully soon across Canada.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?
The financial burden. Loans and lines of credit with no guarantee of return. I've had and continue to have sleepless nights thinking about if I'll ever get my ROI. Hero Ice Cream is my passion, but start-up debts are real and probably the most complex challenge I've faced as a start-up business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know the market you're getting into.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Shit happens!
- Don't get discouraged if someone doesn't take your product or understand your idea initially. Educate them and sell your idea.
Where can people find you?
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.