Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sierra Georgia, Founder and CEO of GELAT’OH!, located in Washington, DC, USA.

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

I am the founder of GELAT’OH! We specialize in manufacturing artisan gelato and sorbet. Our mission is to deliver the unexpected and bring that wow factor to our private events, wholesale, and online customers.

Tell us about yourself

After three years of purchasing gelato wholesale and selling it on my truck, I decided to travel to Italy to study at Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, Italy, to become an artisan gelato master. I saw a huge opening and a need for creating authentic American gelato. I didn’t want to create a replica of the same flavors you see everywhere and push the same narrative around. I wanted to create flavors that celebrated the diversity of flavors we enjoy right here in the good ol’ USA because that in itself is what I believe is a collection of the world’s best flavor profiles.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments was winning two medals in the same year for two flavors I am super proud to have created at Gelato Festival America. Blue Majik earned a bronze against some power players in the industry as not only a sorbet but a no sugar added sorbet. It was a gamble, and it was so well received I was overjoyed people enjoyed it so much.

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

As an entrepreneur, there are high highs and low lows. No matter what phase you are in, you have to keep a steady grind and have the discipline to stay focused. Distractions are often dressed up as potentially good opportunities. Stay focused and keep the main thing the main thing.

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

  1. Be very clear on your mission and write it down.
  2. Know who and where your customer is. Make sure you don’t find yourself where your customer is not.
  3. Make sure you are giving your customers a 5-star experience online and offline. The way you deal with your customers is just as if not more important than whatever you are selling to them.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Trust the timing of your life. Being an entrepreneur does not mean quitting your job and starting from an uncomfortable place. Decide what you are willing to sacrifice for the lifestyle you desire. That may mean putting in hours before or after your 9-5 job. If you want that business bad enough, you’ll put in the work.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.eatgelatoh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatgelatoh

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sierrageorgia/
https://www.instagram.com/eatgelatoh/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eatgelatoh

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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