Good for you as they are for the planet - Freshfield
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey by launching a health & wellness business but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Mazur, co-founder, and president of Freshfield, based in British Columbia, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a certified plastic negative, plant-based health, and wellness company. We make products and tell stories that help people be more active and live more adventurously, all while doing our best to reduce our collective environmental impact.
Tell us about yourself
I've always worked for myself. As many entrepreneurial journeys go, Freshfield saw its beginning during the ending of another startup business my brother and I had worked on for a few years. Our experience from the failed industry led us to success in the next one. My motivation and energy come from the joy I get reading customer emails about how our business is helping them. From the challenge of creating a meaningful interaction in a hyper-competitive industry and from the thrill of pursuing our "North Star," the vision of what we see Freshfield becoming in the future.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Maintaining a good work/life balance. 80+ hours of work per week is not a badge of honor for me. Being able to have time and energy to spend on the people and activities I care about is.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the most challenging things for me right now is to take enough time to think about the vision of the business. When you're a young and growing company, you often take on a lot, if not all, of the roles and responsibilities of your business. It's easy to get caught in the weeds of day-to-day work and feel like you're not getting anywhere. Sometimes you might even have moments where you lose sight of why you're doing what you're doing! This is why it's essential to do things that recharge your mental batteries and to set aside time to let yourself dream about the bigger picture. You'll always come back to the 'why' when you give yourself some space away from the day-to-day grind.
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research. Know your market. Be realistic about the perceived opportunity.
- Take stock of your resources: financial, mental, physical, etc., and ask yourself what you're willing to sacrifice to make that business happen. I heard a quote somewhere regarding the things we prioritize depending on our situation. It went something like, "Health, wealth and family. Pick two."
- Find the best mentors you can. Don't be afraid to shoot your shot with people you think are too busy or high-profile to help you out.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Starting a business is a fantastic experience. Be prepared for extreme highs and lows. Consider meditation to keep you centered (I use the Headspace app).
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://freshfield.life/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshfieldnaturals
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfieldnaturals/
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.